TERRORISM IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Meaning & HistoryThere are many definitions of terrorism –
hard to reach a consensus.This matters for policy makers, citizens,
and the international community.From the 1960s until the late 1980s, the
main motives for terrorism were political.The nature of terrorism changed overtime
with more internationalization, the emergence of religious factors in the 1990s, and the growing acceptance of suicide.
An Alarming Trend1968-2006
Where It’s Happening
How Big Is The Problem?
Country Incidents Injuries Fatalities
Afghanistan
207 328 298
India 272 1051 398
Iraq 2336 9399 6234
Nepal 100 104 33
Pakistan 163 398 160
Russia 102 113 51
West Bank/Gaza
479 302 74
Stats from 2005
Economic CostsCountry Reduce Incidents
per year fromGain in GDP (In millions - $ US)
Egypt 5 to 4 221
India 5 to 4 1,132
France 18 to 17 1,161
Colombia 13 to 12 87
US 3 to 2 40,626
United Kingdom 18 to 17 828
World To ZERO for the year
3,600,000
Political CostsTensions between the West and the
Muslim worldHuman rights concernsWeakening of transparency,
accountability, and democratic rulesEx. = Patriot Act – places limits on
freedomStrengthening of authoritarian regimes
Short-Term SolutionsContainment w/ control measures both here & abroad
Involve police, intelligence, & military
Reduce tension between countriesOpen debate w/ expertsTransparency & accountability within our own gov’t
Medium & Long-Term Solutions
PreventionImprove information gathering & analysisMore diplomacy & foreign aidBetter coordination & cooperation within
the international communityInvolve other countries in our dealings
with Iraq & AfghanistanUN should have more involvementNegotiate with and offer amnesty to some
terrorists?
Who Can Make a Difference?