1 Introduction to TerrorismAnd Islamic Extremism
2 Learning Objectives: Terrorist distortions of Islam Osama bin Laden What do they want? Networks and how they operate Changes in our military + society
3 Attack on the USA: video clipshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nh28XcnpzX4
4 Terrorist Distortions of IslamTerrorist use the Quran as basis to legitimize their activities, but there a several problems with that: Peaceful Islam Terrorist ideology A religion of peace Killing infidels brings favor from Allah Be fair and just Hatred against a nation is ok (America) Respect other religions (Christianity, Judiaism) Hatred against the western Christians is ok Becoming a martyr is a huge reward Civilians, including women and children are legitimate targets of jihad. “Allahu Akbar!!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1zCb731a1Q
5 Suicide bombers – justified or not? Question: Are suicide bombings justified or condemned under Islam? Answer: Suicide is against Islam. Martyrdom is not. “Suicide bomber is a derogatory term invented in the West to try and describe what in Islam is known as a Fedayeen or Shahid... a martyr. The point of the bomber isn't suicide - it is to kill infidels in battle. This is not just permitted by Muhammad, but encouraged with liberal promises of earthy rewards in heaven, including food and sex.” Respected Muslim scholars have condemned suicide bombings as terrorism that is prohibited in Islam with the perpetrators being destined to hell. So which is it????
6 Suicide bombers – are they crazy?“In most cases, evidence of what we would consider individual insanity or mental illness is not a feature of suicide bombers' profiles.” They are not crazy, just highly motivated by hate, reward, and martyrdom. Martyrdom (definition): the suffering of death on account of adherence to a cause and especially to one's religious faith. What is their cause? Rid the world of infidels to honor Allah Rewards for the Martyr: $25,000 cash for the family Martyrdom = Respect, reverence, enshrinement. 72 Women of Paradise He will be forgiven with the first drop of his blood that is spilt; He will see his place in Paradise (at the time of death); He will be saved from the ‘Great Horror’ (on the Day of Judgment): A Crown of Dignity will be placed on his head And, he will be allowed to intercede for seventy of his family members (who would have otherwise gone to hell).” Source: A party is thrown for the martyr before the act to honor them, say farewell, and begin the enshrinement process
8 Taliban Taliban was an Islamic fundamentalist political movement.It spread into Afghanistan and formed a government. Ruled the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan from September 1996 until December 2001. Enforced its strict interpretation of Sharia law. The Taliban were condemned internationally for their brutal treatment of women. Gave Al Qaeda (Osama bin Laden) freedom to run terrorist training camps in Afghanistan.
9 Terrorists…what do they want??Rid the world of infidels Hate American capitalism Resent American worldwide presence Like bombing targets that get huge media attention Want to honor Allah by martyring themselves by eliminating infidels Want the rewards in heaven promised to them from suicide bombings Jihad: A long struggle to honor Allah
10 Borrrrring…. Preferred Targets Massive media attentionSymbolic against capitalism and infidels Borrrrring…. Symbolizes American military power Symbolizes American capitalism and wealth No symbolism Single targets No shock factor Women and children (high shock factor & Media coverage)
11 Terrorist Networks
12 Terrorists methods and practicesDefinition: Terrorism is the systematic use of terror, often violent, especially as a means of coercion. Do not wear a military uniform Do not represent a country Loosely defined organization that flexes and changes rapidly as people come and go If one person is eliminated, typically another person can step in and perform the role (except for top leaders). Terrorists do not follow the rules of war as set forth by the Geneva Convention (i.e. no torture) Torture, terror, brutality are used to create panic and achieve their goals. The leaders communicate secretly with operators, and fund their efforts to make a hit on a symbolic target. The “old way” wars were fought: War against terrorists: Army vs. Army - Army vs. men hiding in caves Navy vs. Navy in the open ocean - Navy vs. small groups on land Enemy was easy to find, but hard to kill - Enemy is hard to find, but once we do…easy kill. Followed rules: i.e. no torture of prisoners - Torture and rape are their preferred activities
13 Changes forced upon our societyAirport screening (9-11 hijackers) Shoes off (shoe bomber) Compliments of Osama bin Laden
14 Islamic State of Iraq & Syria (ISIS)** Aka: “Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)” ** The Levant: geographical term referring to a large area in the eastern Mediterranean ** Pres Obama uses this term and not ISIS ISIS Caliph Caliph - a person considered a political and religious successor to the Islamic prophet Muhammad and a leader of the entire Muslim community. The Leader. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
15 Islamic State of Iraq & Syria (ISIS)Caliphate: Claims religious, political and military authority over all Muslims worldwide. As of December 2015, the group has control over vast territories in Iraq and Syria with population estimates ranging between 2.8 million and 8 million people, where it enforced Sharia law.
18 5 paths to Islamic RadicalizationThe process of transforming peaceful Muslims into terrorists Religion. Often, the majority of radicalized young men hail from conservative societies in which religion is deeply ingrained. 2. Homegrown Radicalization. Typically driven by personal dissatisfaction, grievances, and a sense of adventure. 3. social contacts and networks play an integral role in radicalism and in effect prop up extremist networks. 4. Societal and political change. Extremists, likewise carry the deep desire to influence change and, at times, so feel this desire so profoundly that they are willing to die for it. 5. Poverty and unemployment. Makes them easy prey for radicalization.
19 Terrorism – discussion questionsDo you believe that terrorists are really following Allah/Quran and will end up in Islamic heaven? Do you believe the heavenly rewards that martyrs have been promised or do you think they have been sold a “bill of goods”? The Japanese had kamikaze’s, the terrorists have suicide bombers. How do people become so passionate about their beliefs that they are willing to die for their cause?
20 Intro to Terrorism and Islamic ExtremsimTestable material The people who terrorists believe need to be killed are called ______________ Suffering death because they believe so strongly in their cause makes them a _____________ T/F Women and children are desirable targets for terrorists? ______________ Name 3 rewards that a martyr gets ___________________________ ____________________________________________ ______________________________________ Who was the founder of the terrorist group Al Qaeda? _________________________ Osama bin Laden was thrown out of his home country of _________________________ The Taliban was governing ____________________ (country) and helped OBL with safe haven. (Short answer) Describe the differences between the “old way” wars were fought versus the “new way” against terrorists. ________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________