Islamic Militarism

and Terrorism in

the Modern

WorldRoots of Hate

1

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.

2

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

3

Islam Religion by

Continents

4

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)

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Shia = Blue, Sunni = Green

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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

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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.

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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

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Oil Interests

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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

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Western/Arab Relations

• http://www.npr.org/news/specials/mideast/the_we

st/

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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)

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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

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• 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

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• Various warlords fight for power after

communists are defeated

• A new group is emerging around 1994, the

Taliban

• Controls Afghanistan from 1996-2001

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Al-Qaeda

• Bin Laden and other Mujahedeen veterans began

constructing training camps throughout the Muslim

world to fight in future jihads

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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

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Taliban in Pakistan

• http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=253493

3n&tag=contentMain;contentBody

• March 9, 2007 6:04 AM

• http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2009/0

2/03/sayah.pakistan.taliban.buses.cnn?iref=videosear

ch

• 2-6-09 date shown on CNN

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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

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