Islamic Militarism
and Terrorism in
the Modern
WorldRoots of Hate
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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.
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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
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Islam Religion by
Continents
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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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