Terrorism in the Modern World

1. Terrorism in the Modern World Roots of Hate

2. Terrorism • Terrorism in the modern world revolves around fundamentalist Islam • To understand the issues, it is important to look at Islam as a religion first.

3. Islam • World religion began by a prophet named Mohammed in the 7th century. • A Muslim is a follower of Islam • Nearly 1 in 7 people in the world are Muslims and Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world • Principles include peace and respect

4. Islam Religion by Continents

5. A Split in Islam • Islam has two divisions (Sunni, Shia) • The split was over leadership of the religion after the death of Mohammed • Today Sunni’s are the larger group and tension continues between the groups (Iraq: Sunni 30%, Shia 65%) • Recently, sub-groups in both the Sunni and Shia sects have become more radical and violent (Al-Qaeda-Sunni)

6. Shia = Blue, Sunni = Green

7. Roots of hate in the Middle East • Two major issues have sparked anger in many Middle Easterners, these are old issues that have come to a head in recent times • 1. The nation of Israel • 2. Oil Issues/ Western Influence

9. Israel • A Jewish nation est. in 1948 after WWII. • Created out of an Arab territory called Palestine • Much has been debated over the ownership of this holy land, which has led to a number of wars between Israel and its Arab neighbors • America has financially and militarily supported Israel from the 1940’s through today, making many Muslims upset with the US.

11. Western Influence • The valuable resource of oil was discovered in massive amount in the 1920’s • Many western companies began building trade relations. • Many, Muslims began to fear changes in their culture and customs

13. Oil Interests

14. Oil Interests • Recently, radical Muslims have begun to preach that their lands and people are being “poisoned” by western ideas and customs • Many radicals became militaristic towards preserving Islam and radical organizations began to form in nations around the world

15. Western/Arab Relations • http://www.npr.org/news/specials/mideast/the_west/

17. Al-Qaeda • -Organization originate during Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan • Goals: 1.To fight a holy war against “infidels” in Muslim areas 2.Remove governments that do not follow forms of extreme Islam (Wahhabism)

18. Soviet – Afghan War1979-1989 • A communist government emerges in the late 70’s • The Mujahedeen is a group of armed militants who oppose the communist government • The communists call on the Soviets for help and the Soviets respond by invading Afghanistan and fighting the Mujahedeen • This is an opportunity for Islamic Fundamentalists to fight a jihad in Afghanistan

19. This creates an opportunity for Bin Laden to become involved in this jihad and fight alongside the Mujahedeen • The United States supports the Mujahedeen by providing weapons, training, and even leading some operations • Soviets realize they will not win, begin withdrawal in 1989 • Fundamentalists view this as a huge victory

20. Various warlords fight for power after communists are defeated • A new group is emerging around 1994, the Taliban • Controls Afghanistan from 1996-2001

21. Al-Qaeda • Bin Laden and other Mujahedeen veterans began constructing training camps throughout the Muslim world to fight in future jihads

22. Al-Qaeda • Al Qaeda is formed in Pakistan in 1996. • Training camps are set up in Afghanistan. • Members of Al-Qaeda have been trained in: • Weapons and explosives • Sabotage and assassination techniques • Torture and interrogation

23. Taliban in Pakistan • http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=2534933n&tag=contentMain;contentBody • March 9, 2007 6:04 AM • http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2009/02/03/sayah.pakistan.taliban.buses.cnn?iref=videosearch • 2-6-09 date shown on CNN

25. Inside 9/11 (Overview)(National Geographic video) • Traces the time line that led up to the deadly attacks, spanning decades and circling the globe to lay bare the roots of al Qaeda. • Capturing the horror and heroism witnessed on September 11, 2001, "Inside 9/11" takes viewers into the last moments of those who died and the thousands of others who survived