Terrorism Final

Narcoterrorism

it is a term coined by former president of Peru, Fernando Terry in 1983 to describe terrorist attacks against his anti-narcotics police. It refers to attempts of drug traffickers to influence the policies of a government through violence and to hinder enforcement of anti-drug laws. The term narcoterrorism also refers to terrorist groups that engage in drug trafficking to fund their operations. FARC in Columbia, Taliban and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, ISIS in Iraq and Syria, and PCP-SI in Peru. Drug production relies on child labor in many of these countries.

Sinaloa Cartel (Mexico)

Joaquin Guzman (EL Chapo) – He is a Mexican drug lord who was the head of the Sinaloa Cartel. By 2003, he had became the most powerful drug lord in the world. Guzman shipped cocaine from Columbia through Mexico to the United States

Medellin Cartel(columbia)

Pablo Escobar was born near Medellin and briefly studied at University of Medellin but did not finish his studies and got into criminal activity including drug smuggling and kidnapping for ransom. His drug cartel became known as Medellin Cartel. Escobar’s cartel operated in the mountainous regions of Colombia and exported drugs from Medellin and Rionegro.

plata o plomo

policy by Mexico, bribed by people to take the money. corruption and intimidation characterized Escobar’s dealings with the government and law enforcement. Either they cooperated and were bribed by money/silver or they would get the lead/bullet. Escobar bribed several government and law enforcement officials in Columbia. He killed countless others. In 1989, Escobar was responsible for killing a presidential candidate, Luis Galan. In 1985, he ordered an attack on the Columbian Supreme Court which killed several judges.

Discuss the issue of narcoterrorism in Colombia by providing necessary examples.

-        Pablo Escobar (1949-1993) – Columbian drug lord. His cartel smuggled 80% of the cocaine smuggled into the United States. He was known as the King of Cocaine. He was once known as the wealthiest drug lord with an estimated 20 billion fortune.

-        Escobar was born near Medellin and briefly studied at University of Medellin but did not finish his studies and got into criminal activity including drug smuggling and kidnapping for ransom. His drug cartel became known as Medellin Cartel. Escobar’s cartel operated in the mountainous regions of Colombia and exported drugs from Medellin and Rionegro.

-        Escobar became a member of the Columbian Liberal Party. He was involved in construction of schools, hospitals, and churches in Western Columbia, which ironically gained him popularity with the Catholic Church in Columbia

-        The Columbian government and the United States saw him as an enemy of the state given his criminal activities and murders which turned Columbia into the murder capital of the world. Escobar was eventually killed in 1993 by the Columbian national police in hometown Rionegro.

-        A large portion of Escobar’s drugs entered the US through Mexico. His shipments reached Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Spain, and Europe

-        Plata o plomo- corruption and intimidation characterized Escobar’s dealings with the government and law enforcement. Either they cooperated and were bribed by money/silver or they would get the lead/bullet. Escobar bribed several government and law enforcement officials in Columbia. He killed countless others.

-        In 1989, Escobar was responsible for killing a presidential candidate, Luis Galan. In 1985, he ordered an attack on the Columbian Supreme Court which killed several judges.

-        In 1992, the United States Joint Special Operations Command joined the manhunt for Escobar. They trained a Columbian police task force known as Search Bioc, to locate Escobar

-        A vigilante group composed of Escobar’s opponents called Los Pepes (people persecuted by Escobar) was also formed to hunt him down.

-        The above groups cooperated with each other

-         Escobar was killed by the Columbian national police in 1993.

Discuss the issue of narcoterrorism in Mexico by providing necessary examples.

-        Joaquin Guzman (EL Chapo) – He is a Mexican drug lord who was the head of the Sinaloa Cartel. By 2003, he had became the most powerful drug lord in the world. Guzman shipped cocaine from Columbia through Mexico to the United States,

-        Guzman was first captured in 1993 in Guatemala and sentenced to 20 years in prison. After bribing prison guards, he was able to escape and was wanted by the government of Mexico and the United States. The United States offered a 5 million dollar reward.

-        Guzman was arrested in Mexico in 2014 but escaped prison again in 2015. He was recaptured by Mexican marines following a shootout in 2016. He was extradited to the United States and is serving a life sentence.

Lemkin’s Law

During WW2 (1939-1945), Hitler committed monstrous crimes against the Jews known as the Holocaust. Six million jews were killed in concentration camps. In response, a Polish and Jewish lawyer, Raphael Lemkin, fled to the United States. He worked on a convention to end genocide. Eventually, he continued the UN to pass the Convention on Prevention of Genocide or Lemkin’s law. States, however, have disregarded this law and have continued to persecute their own people. Among these are Pol Pots regime in Cambodia, where the Khmer Rouge killed millions of people and built a pyramid out of their skulls. Raphael Lemkin was responsible for the passing of the convention on the Prevention of Genocide by the UN in 1948.

Define the term genocide and discuss at least two historical cases where acts of ethnic terrorism were committed

-        Rwanda is a small country in central Africa. The Hutus are the majority and the Tutsis the minority. The two groups spoke the same language and shared the same culture, even intermarried.

-        In 1899, the German colonized Rwanda

-        The Germans brought and practiced racism in Rwanda and practiced ethnic separation. They favored the Tutsis (minority) because they thought that the Tutsis were better looking than Hutus, taller and had lighter skin,

-        The Tutsis were 14% of the population, whereas the Hutus constituted 85% of the population. The Tutsis were given better job and education opportunities.

-        The tutsis founded a fighting force called the Rwandan Patriotic Front. Fighting broke out between the Hutus and the RPF throughout the 1980s.

-        In 1993, the 2 sides agreed to stop fighting and share power in what became known as the Arusha Accords.

-        In 1994, the airplane carrying the Hutu president crashed. The Hutus blamed the Tutsis for the crash and began to massacre the Tutsis. This conflict became known as the Rwandan Ethnic Genocide (1994). Nearly 1 million people were killed in 13 weeks. It was not until 1999 that peace between the two sides was restored. Paul Kagame, a tutsi, became president.

Mumbai Attacks (2008) ****

In November 2008, 10 members of the terrorist group, Lash Kar Taiba based in Pakistan had crossed  the border and carried out terrorist attacks in India. This group has ties to Al Qaeda. These attacks became known as Indias 9/11. These attacks consisted of bombings and shootings across Mumbai. 164 people were killed and 308 wounded. Hotels and hospitals were among the sites attacked.  

Paris Attacks (2015)

Charlie Hebedo: satirical weekly magazine in Paris was attacked by Islamic Terrorists. It has published political cartoons mocking Mohammad and the Islamists. Al Qaeda in Yemen claimed responsibility for the attacks. 12 people were killed and 11 injured as a result of the attacks. In November 2015, suicide bombers attacked the Bataclan Theater in Paris as well as cafes and restaurants. 130 people were killed and 89 injured. It was the deadliest attack in France since WW2. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Identify and discuss some of the means and methods used by terrorists by providing necessary examples.

-        Training – there are training camps used by terrorists. The training includes and has both ideological and military aspects to it. For example, in Afghanistan Al Qaeda training camps trained recruits. Al Qaeda also has training camps in Pakistan and a number of different African countries.

-        Cover- terrorist groups conceal themselves and their activities. For example, PLO and HAMAS activities overseas and in Israel hiding in refugee camps, pretend to be refugees or migrants, ISIS or Al-Qaeda.

-        Funding: Money can be raised by legal or illegal means. For example, some organizations claiming to be charities but are not, drug trafficking, kidnapping, and hostage taking, organized crime.

-        Communications – radio, email, fax transmissions, websites, social media, cell phones, satellite phones.

-        Fear- the primary weapon of terrorism is fear, destruction and killing are not an end but a tool to create fear in the minds of people.

-        Tactics/Methods – bombings predominantly, especially car bombs and suicide bombs. PLO and Hamas in Israel were using vehicles as a weapon to run over people, aircraft hijacking, and bioterrorism, use of WMD) Today, there is relative ease of access to chemicals to make explosives/IEDs. Some terrorist and militia groups have posted information on the web.

Cyber terrorism

acts of sabotage online against a given government by either terrorist groups or other states. An example of cyber terrorism is done by Islamic extremist groups such as ISIS such as their doxing o releasing of personal data, propaganda and recruitment with advertising content and masked mainstream branding to recruit members, and more. Hacking and hacktivism are both forms of cyberterrorism as well.

hacktivism

– hacking with political actors, botnet attacks – vast numbers of computers infected with a virus - Hacking – refers to activities online and covertly seek to manipulate vulnerabilities in computer operating systems.

-        Hacktivism – describes hacking with a political activism component, politically motivated.

 

Identify and discuss past and present means of communications by terrorists.

Means of communication: traditional media, new media, social media. Traditional media terrorists rely on media to spread their message and goals. While media does not support terrorists causes, it is their job to report events and issues which is what the terrorists want, to publicize their cause.

1. Radio Stations, 2. News papers and flyers, 3. Commercial and state owned media.

New media: In the 1990s, the new media emerged. Three important tech developments took place.

1. Internet: the internet can circumvent government censorship and messages can be sent anonymously and it is cost effective.

2. Cheap video product

3. Private terrorist owned TV

Social media- refers to interaction among people in which they share information and ideas in virtual networks.

Today 90% of organized terrorism on the internet take place via social media in forms such as Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, etc.

The terrorists use social media to recruit members and gather information.

Identify the main actors involved in cyber attacks and discuss the differences between hacking and hacktivism.

-        There are different actors involved in cyber attacks

-        1. Terrorist groups

-        2. Nation states

-        3. Terrorist sympathizers

-        4. Thrill seekers or cyber joyriders

-        Hacking – refers to activities online and covertly seek to manipulate vulnerabilities in computer operating systems.

-        Hacktivism – describes hacking with a political activism component, politically motivated.

-        There are several reasons behind the appeal of cyberterrorism to modern terrorist :

-        1. Minimal sources required – cyberterrorism is cheaper than traditional terrorist methods. Only a computer and online connection is needed.

-        2. Anonymity – cyber terrorism is more anonymous than traditional terrorist methods with the use of phony names and account numbers.

-        3. Remote attacks- cyberterrorists can be done remotely from different parts of the world.

-        4. Vulnerabilities- the variety of targets and large numbers are huge. Terrorists can target civilians, the government, and individuals

-        5. Scope of damage – a terrorist can attack and control several areas at the same time, land, air, etc

-        6. Greater fear factor- Cyber attacks are more unpredictable. They are more dangerous and have greater fear attached to them.

Sinn Fein

-        In 1917, an Irish Republican Army, had been formed to fighting the war of independence Since Ireland’s independence in 1921 and Northern Ireland falling under British control, the IRA movement went through several splits and changes until the 1960s. It was not until the 1997, that the Ira agreed to a ceasefire especially after Sinn Fein, the political wing of the IRA headed by Gerry adam’s was allowed to participate in the n Ireland peace talks The Sinn Fein is a political party that had emerged following the break up of the official Ira and is the political wing of the IRA. In 1969, the IRA split into two groups: The Official IRA/Sinn Fein (political arm) and the Provisional IRA – responsible for military activities

Bloody Sunday (1972) ****

⁃                IRAS activities further antagonized Catholics (Republicans -independent republic)  and Protestant (Unionists) tensions and led to clashes in Northern Ireland known as the troubles in. The late 1960s. The clashes between the two sides led to Bloody Sunday 1972.  British forces killed several protestors and the British government imposed direct rule on Northern Ireland. The Ira responded by attacking the British military and British economic targets. It was not until 1975 that the Ira agreed to a ceasefire but it only lasted for a year. The Bloody Sunday occurred when the British army shot Catholic protesters in n Ireland during 1972. This led to direct rule of the British over Northern Ireland

Good Friday Agreement (1998)

The Sinn Fein is a political party that had emerged following the break up of the official Ira and is the political wing of the IRA. the us played a great role in the peace talks. Senator George Mitchell dem of Maine became the us special envoy for n Ireland. Mitchell negotiated with the Ira and the British. His efforts led to the Good Friday agreement 1998 in Belfast. The Ira stopped fighting and began to disarm under international supervision. In October of 1997, the US stopped designating the IRA as a terrorist group. While the violence in N Ireland has ended for the most part, it has not ended entirely violence between the Catholics and Protestants erupt from time to time and there have also been periodic explosions.

Discuss the founding of the IRA and its evolution

-        The Irish Republican Army (armed movement) – an armed movement classified as terrorist group, seeks to end British control of Northern Ireland, wants North Ireland to unify with Ireland, the creation of an independent republic.

-        The IRA believed that political violence was necessary to achieve the above goals.

-        While the emergence of the modern IRA is tracked to the 1960s, there were several movements that preceded it.

-        The origins of the IRA can be traced back to the 19^th century and an Irish group called the Fenians Brotherhood/Fenians. The Fenians wanted to free Ireland from British control.

-        Between 1700-1860, the Fenians carried out attacks on British landmarks and towns.

-        The War of Independence took place between 1916-1921. Fighting took place between British and Irish forces.

-        The war resulted in the Anglo-Irish treaty of 1921: the split of Ireland, which became independent and North Ireland which fell under British control. Remained under British control.

-        In 1917, an Irish Republican Army, had been formed to fighting the war of independence

-        Since Ireland’s independence in 1921 and Northern Ireland falling under British control, the IRA movement went through several splits and changes until the 1960s.

-        In 1969, the IRA split into two groups: The Official IRA/Sinn Fein (political arm) and the Provisional IRA – responsible for military activities.

-        It was the provisional IRA that became known and treated as the real IRA.

⁃                the provisional Ira carried out terrorist acts against the British government especially engaging if in several bombing campaigns

⁃                IRAS activities further antagonized Catholics (Republicans -independent republic)  and Protestant (Unionists) tensions and led to clashes in N Ireland known as the troubles in. The late 1960s

⁃                The clashes between the two sides led to Bloody Sunday 1972.  British forces killed several protestors and the British government imposed direct rule on N Ireland

⁃                The Ira responded by attacking the British military and British economic targets.

⁃                It was not until 1975 that the Ira agreed to a ceasefire but it only lasted for a year

 

Discuss IRA’s strategy of the long war against Britain and the events that led to the Good Friday Agreement.

⁃                between 1975-1990, the IRA launched the long war. It launched attacks on the British army in N Ireland, London, and other parts of the United Kingdom

⁃                The IRA was receiving financial and military aid from different countries including Libya - n Africa - during Muamar Ghadafi’s rule

⁃                Ira raised money through criminal activities, robberies, kidnappings, clubs, restaurants, charities……

⁃                The provisional Ira emerged in 1969 following a split in the movement during the troubles

⁃                The troubles 1968, refers to a period during the 1960s when British troops were deployed to n Ireland due to riots and violence

⁃                The Bloody Sunday occurred when the British army shot Catholic protesters in n Ireland during 1972. This led to direct rule of the British over  n. Ireland

⁃                Ira initially had said it would negotiate peace but didn’t. Instead, between 197-1990s it conducted long war against the British to free Ireland.

⁃                It was not until the 1997, that the Ira agreed to a ceasefire especially after Sinn Fein, the political wing of the IRA headed by Gerry adam’s was allowed to participate in the n Ireland peace talks

⁃                The Sinn Fein is a political party that had emerged following the break up of the official Ira and is the political wing of the IRA

⁃                the us played a great role in the peace talks. Senator George Mitchell dem of Maine became the us special envoy for n Ireland. Mitchell negotiated with the Ira and the British. His efforts led to the Good Friday agreement 1998 in Belfast

⁃                The Ira stopped fighting and began to disarm under international supervision

⁃                In October of 1997, the US stopped designating the IRA as a terrorist group

⁃                While the violence in N Ireland has ended for the most part, it has not ended entirely

⁃                violence between the Catholics and Protestants erupt from ti to time and there have also been periodic explosions.

⁃                There are claims that the IRA is still alive and active today and hasn’t given up its aspirations to free N Ireland from British control

⁃                In terms of its structure, the IRA army council is at the very top of the organization. It is headed by the Ira chief of staff. Authority is invested in him.

⁃                The IRA had a northern command which operated in the 9 ulster counties and a southern command which operated in the rest of Ireland

⁃                The Ira was commanded by leadership in Dublin/ireland. But in time it would also be commanded by leadership in n Ireland

⁃                Sinn Fein is the political wing of the Ira. Some of its key leaders have been ivor bell, Gerry adam’s, and Brian Keenan.

ETA

Euskadi Ta Askatasuna – A militant group nationalist group founded in 1959 in the northern Basque region of Spain. It has carried out violent acts against the Spanish government to free the Basque from Spanish rule. ETA also has a base and has been active in Southwestern France. Eta has engaged in assassinations and kidnapping of Spanish officials and the bombings of sites.. Etas head or leading committee is called the Zuba (Directorial Committee). The Zuba consists of 7-10 individuals.

Discuss the founding of ETA and its scope of activities

-        Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) – A militant group nationalist group founded in 1959 in the northern Basque region of Spain. It has carried out violent acts against the Spanish government to free the Basque from Spanish rule. In doing so, it has been designated as a terrorist group.

-        ETA also has a base and has been active in Southwestern France.

-        Eta has engaged in assassinations and kidnapping of Spanish officials and the bombings of sites.

-        ETA declared a cease-fire between 1989-2006 but broke the cease-fire.

-        ETA once again entered into a cease fire.

-        Etas head or leading committee is called the Zuba (Directorial Committee). The Zuba consists of 7-10 individuals.

-        Underneath Zuba, there are the political and armed committees, which provide ideological and military training for ETA members.

-        ETA has been declared illegal due to its activities and for being anti-imperialism/Marxist and anticapitalism

-        ETA held is first assembly in Bayonne France in 1962  at that meeting, ETA issued its Declaration of Principles, which was influenced by Marxism/Socialism.

-        ETA’s operation coincided with General Francisco Franco’s rule of Spain, especially between 1959-1975.

-        In 1973, ETA assassinated Franco’s chosen successor, Admiral Blanco in what became known as Operacion Ogro

-        Following Francos death in 1975, ETA split into two groups

-        1. ETA Political military

-        2. ETA military

-        Both intensified violent acts against the Spanish government.

-        In the 1980s, ETA pm accepted the Spanish government’s offer of individual pardons to all ETA prisoners. ETA m however, continued its fight against the Spanish government.

-        Between 1983-1988, the Spanish government supported the Grupus Antiterroristas de Liberacion (GAL) to crackdown on ETA.

-        GAL killed many members of the ETA, known as the “Dirty war”

-        IN 1992, several ETA leaders were arrested: Francisco Garmendia

-        In 1990s, ETA entered some ceasefires which were broken

-        It was not until 2011, that ETA really ceased its violent activities.

-        ETA has not fully surrendered yet and still wants the Basque to become independent.

-        The Spanish government refuses to let go of the Basque.

-        The Spanish government is also facing violence and separatists tendencies in the Catalonia region (E. Spain)

-        Clashes in Catalonia broke out between the Spanish police and the Catalonian people in 2017 and continue to this day.

-        The future of Spain remains to be seen.

Identify and discuss ETA’s key demands as stated in the Democratic Alternative.

-        ETA’s aspirations and demands were outlind in their democratic alternative publication (1995). Eta pressured that Spanish government for the following:

-        1. Recognition of right to self-determination in the Basque region

-        2. The Basque citizens are their own people who make their own decisions

-        3. Amnesty/Pardon of all ETA prisoners held by the Spanish government

-        4. Respect for democracy in the Basque region

-        5. Complete cease-fire would be achieved once the above points were guaranteed through a political agreement.

-        6. ETA would not engage in drug trafficking in the Basque region

-        7. ETA would fight against and oppose any nuclear facilities at Lemoniz (Biscay)

-        ETA had attacked that site in the 1980s. Eta believed that the facility was harmful to the environment,

-        ETA killed several workers at the facility. As a result, the site was abandoned.

FARC

-        FARC: a guerilla movement founded by Manuel Velez and other members of the Columbian Communist Party (PCC) in 1930.

-        FARC was established as the military wing of the Columbian Communist Party (PCC).

-        FARC was founded after the Columbian government began to attack members of the communist party especially between 1948 and 1958.

-        FARC has been involved in violence and armed conflict against the Colombian government since 1964.

-        FARC claims to be a Marxist group with a political platform that concentrates on agrarianism and anti-imperialism. It claims to represent the interests of peasants and farmers especially in rural areas

-        FARC operations have been financed through kidnappings, ransoms, drug trafficking, and illegal mining.

-        Because of its activities, FARC has been classified as a terrorist group by the Colombian government, the United States, and several European countries.

-        FARC had ties to other terrorist groups such as the IRA.

Plan Lazo

-        It was a counter-insurgency plan put together by the US and the Colombian government to defeat the communists.

-        Plan Lazo involved both civic action programs and military operations in rural areas and areas in Colombia which had experienced violence.

-        The Colombian government attacked many communists and the FARC especially held between the 1960s-1980s.

Uribe Agreement  

-        In the early 1980s, Colombian President Betancur began to negotiate peace with FARC.

-        La Uribe Agreement (1984) was negotiated between the Colombian government and FARC that led to a temporary ceasefire (1984-87)

Discuss the factors and events that led to the funding of the FARC in 1964.

-        FARC: a guerilla movement founded by Manuel Velez and other members of the Columbian Communist Party (PCC) in 1930.

-        FARC was established as the military wing of the Columbian Communist Party (PCC).

-        FARC was founded after the Columbian government began to attack members of the communist party especially between 1948 and 1958.

-        FARC has been involved in violence and armed conflict against the Colombian government since 1964.

-        FARC claims to be a Marxist group with a political platform that concentrates on agrarianism and anti-imperialism. It claims to represent the interests of peasants and farmers especially in rural areas

-        FARC operations have been financed through kidnappings, ransoms, drug trafficking, and illegal mining.

-        Because of its activities, FARC has been classified as a terrorist group by the Colombian government, the United States, and several European countries.

-        FARC had ties to other terrorist groups such as the IRA.

Discuss the evolution of the FARC in terms of its strategies.

-        Communists had become active in Colombia in the after math of WW2.

-        The Partido Comunista Colombiano (PCC)/Colombian Communist Party was recognized as a political party in 1930.

-        The PCC began to recruit its members from among peasants and people primarily in rural areas.

-        The PCC was asking the government to help with basic human needs and improve people’s standard of living especially in southern Colombia

-        Instead, the Colombian government began to crack down on the Communist. 

-        In 1961, one of the PCC leaders, Manuel Velez declared the independent Republic of Marquetalia, which further angered the Colombian Government.

-        The so called Republic of Marquetalia was an enclave in rural Colombia, controlled by the communists.

-        The Republic of Marquetalia was defeated and overran by the Colombian government in 1964.

-        In the 1960s, in order to address agrarian grievances, the Colombian government came up with the Accelerated Economic Development (AED) policy.

-        The Accelerated Economic Plan (AED) was undertaken by the Colombian government to promote industrial farming.

-        The AED plan however, led to small farmers losing their land and getting out of business. Many peasants were evicted.

-        The AED led to poverty among peasants and rural areas, starvation, and malnutrition.

-        Between 1959-1962, US representatives visited Colombia to investigate security related issues and ongoing outbreak of violence.

-        Cold war – 1945 -1991: political/ideological conflict between US and Soviet (capitalism vs communism)

-        Plan Lazo (1962) – It was a counter-insurgency plan put together by the US and the Colombian government to defeat the communists.

-        Plan Lazo involved both civic action programs and military operations in rural areas and areas in Colombia which had experienced violence.

-        The Colombian government attacked many communists and the FARC especially held between the 1960s-1980s.

-        In 1982, FARC held a major conference which called for changes in its tactics in dealing with the Colombian government.

-        FARC sent its fighters to the Soviet Union and Vietnam for advanced military training.

-        It was at the 1982 meeting that FARC added EP to its name FARC-EP

-        FARC wanted its army to get more involved in operations in cities as opposed to just rural areas in Colombia

-        FARC also wanted to get control of areas that were rich in terms of natural resources in Colombia.

-        In the early 1980s, Colombian President Betancur began to negotiate peace with FARC.

-        La Uribe Agreement (1984) was negotiated between the Colombian government and FARC that led to a temporary ceasefire (1984-87)

-        In 1985, FARC and other communists founded a political party called Union Patriotica (Patriotic Union)/UP

-        The UP sought political reform and ran in elections, however its members were killed by the Colombian government.

Shining Path

The Communist Party in Peru is known as the Shining Path (Sendero Luminos). The Shining Path was founded by Abimal Guzman in the 1960s. The Shining Path wanted to replace the government in Peru with “new democracy” or dictatorship of the Proletariat and have a pure form of Communism. The Shining Path has engaged in violence against the government and different groups of people including peasants and trade union workers. The Shining Path became popular especially among students in Peru at San Cristobal University in Ayacucho where Guzman taught. The movement also spread to Lima and its National University

Discuss the founding of the Shining Path and its scope of activities.

-        The Communist Party in Peru is known as the Shining Path (Sendero Luminos)

-        The Shining Path was founded by Abimal Guzman in the 1960s.

-        The Shining Path wanted to replace the government in Peru with “new democracy” or dictatorship of the Proletariat and have a pure form of Communism

-        The Shining Path has engaged in violence against the government and different groups of people including peasants and trade union workers.

-        The Shining Path was founded in Abimal Guzman, a philosophy professor in the 1960s.

-        The Shining Path became popular especially among students in Peru at San Cristobal University in Ayacucho where Guzman taught. The movement also spread to Lima and its National University.

-        In 1980s, the Shining Path forced a Revolutionary Directorate that dealt with political and military issues and ordered its members to lead an armed struggle against the government in different parts of Peru.

-        The Shining Path also established a military training school where its members were given training and how to use weapons.

-        In 1980, the Shining Path carried out major attacks in the Yacucho region of Peru (southern part of the country)

-        In time, the Shining Path began to receive support from peasants in rural areas.

FATAH

The FATAH or the Palestinian National Liberation Movement is a Sunni Political party and branch of the PLO or Palestine Liberation Organization. The FATAH was founded by Yasser Arafat in 1959. Since Arafat’s death in 2004, FATAH is being led by Mahmood Abbas and its headquarters is located in Ramallah, West Bank. FATAH has 2 decision making bodies: Central Committee (executive functions) and the Revolutionary Council (legislative function). While members of FATAH are predominately Sunni Muslim, the group itself is socialist in terms of ideology, FATAH claims that it seeks to help Palestinian refugees worldwide and address their grievances

PLO - Palestinian Liberation Organization

The PLO was founded in Cairo in 1964 by the Arab League. The purpose of the PLO was to help Palestinian refugees and liberate Palestine following the creation of Israel in 1948. The PLO engaged in several assassinations, airplane hijacking hostage taking, and attacks against Israel. Given its violent activities, the PLO was designed as a terrorist group by the international community

HAMAS

HAMAS or the Islamic Resistance Movement was founded in 1987 and is a Sunni militant branch of the PLO and a terrorist organization. The HAMAS has been controlling the Gaza strip since 2006. It continues to fire rockets and carry out terrorist acts against Israel. But HAMAS is in competition with FATAH as well. The 2 branches of PLO don’t get along. In 2006, the 2 sides got into armed conflict following elections that led to victory for HAMAS, which took over Gaza Strip. The FATAH’s base activity remained in Ramallah and the West Bank. HAMAS wants to destroy Israel and take all the land back for Palestinians. It has been involved in several attacks and suicide bombing as manifested during October 7^th, 2023 attacks on Israel.

First Intifada

In 1968, Israeli forces attacked the Jordanian village of Karamah where the FATAH headquarters were located. Several FATAH members were killed as a result. The Jordanian military also got involved. As a result, Israeli forces withdrew from Jordan. Between 1970-1971, King Hussein of Jordan also ordered his forces to move against PLO fighters in Jordan. The PLO had become a threat to King Hussein’s rule as they were criticizing his rule and the monarchy. The PLO in Jordan was crushed by the Jordanian military. The Palestinians referred to their defeat as the Black September

Second Intifada

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade: It is an armed Palestinian group, which identifies itself as the military wing of FATAH. Arafat used to lead this group. This group has been active from 2003- present. It based in West Bank. FATAH supports the Al-Aqsa financially and provides weapons for it. Al-Aqsa has carried out several suicide bombings inside Israel on both civilian and military targets. In 2007, Israel and the PLO reached an agreement for Al-Aqsa to disarm renounce violence toward Israel. Al-Aqsa has not been much active since. Another violent group HAMAS has filled in the void.

Discuss the founding of the PLO, its ideology, and scope of activities.

-        The PLO was founded in Cairo in 1964 by the Arab League. The purpose of the PLO was to help Palestinian refugees and liberate Palestine following the creation of Israel in 1948.

-        The PLO engaged in several assassinations, airplane hijacking hostage taking, and attacks against Israel. Given its violent activities, the PLO was designed as a terrorist group by the international community

-        In 1993, Israel and the PLO negotiated the Oslo Accords. For the first time, the two sides recognized each other and agreed to negotiate peace.

-        As part of the Oslo Accords, Israel decided to return the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank to the Palestinians which was done.

-        But the main point and source of conflict that has not been addressed is the creation of a Palestinian state. The United States and other countries have supported the idea of a 2-state solution. However, the PLO and its 2 branches FATAH and HAMAS need to stop their terrorist attacks against Israel.

Discuss the founding of HAMAS, its ideology, and scope of activities

-        HAMAS or the Islamic Resistance Movement was founded in 1987 and is a Sunni militant branch of the PLO and a terrorist organization.

-        The HAMAS has been controlling the Gaza strip since 2006. It continues to fire rockets and carry out terrorist acts against Israel.

-        But HAMAS is in competition with FATAH as well. The 2 branches of PLO don’t get along. In 2006, the 2 sides got into armed conflict following elections that led to victory for HAMAS, which took over Gaza Strip. The FATAH’s base activity remained in Ramallah and the West Bank

-        HAMAS wants to destroy Israel and take all the land back for Palestinians. It has been involved in several attacks and suicide bombing as manifested during October 7^th, 2023 attacks on Israel.

-        Israel has responded to HAMAS attacks by use of military force, shutting down the electricity, and the borders between Gaza and the rest of Israel.

-        To gain popularity among Palestinians, HAMAS had engaged in and emphasized social services and charity work.

-        The political leader of HAMAS was Ismail Hania. He was killed in an explosion in Iran during a visit in 2024. Israel later claimed responsibility for the assassination.

-        The governing body of HAMAS is the Shura Council. It was later renamed as the General Consultative Council, elected by local councils.

-        HAMAS also has a military wing, the Izz ad-din al-Qassam Brigades

-        HAMAS receives funding from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Turky, and others. It has its own TV channel and radio station

-        It remains to be seen whether the cease-fire between Israel and HAMAS negotiated in October 2025 by the Trump administration will hold. HAMAS handed back the living Israeli hostages but not all of the deceased hostages. It remains to be seen whether HAMAS will disarm and move out of Gaza.

Islamic Jihad

In 1983, an unknown group, the Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attacks on US and French marines in Lebanon. Many in the international community speculated that the Islamic Jihad was Hezbollah using a different name to conceal its activities. The Hezbollah also began to kidnap American and western hostages in Lebanon. It demanded ransoms for their release. It has used kidnapping and ransoms as a major source for its funding. Some hostages were killed by the Hezbollah as well.

Hezbollah

Hezbollah or the party of Allah is a Shia terrorist group founded in Lebanon in the early 1980s. It is funded by Shia states such as Iran and Syria. Hezbollahs political wing is called loyalty to resistance party had won seats in lebanon parliament. It’s military wing is called the Jihad council. Hasan Nasrollah had been the leader of Hezbollah since 1992. He was killed by an israeli air strike in Lebanon in 2004. Hezbollah has waged war and numerous attacks in Israel  since 1982

Discuss the founding of the Hezbollah, structure, and scope of activities.

-        Hezbollah or the party ofAllah is a Shia terrorist group founded in Lebanon in the early 1980s

-        It is funded by Shia states such as Iran and Syria

-        Hezbollahs political wing is called loyalty to resistance party erich had won seats in lebanon parliament

-        It’s military wing is called the Jihad council

-        Hasan Nasrollah had been the leader of Hezbollah since 1992. He was killed by an israeli air strike in Lebanon in 2004

-        Hezbollah has waged war and numerous attacks in Israel  since 1982

-        In 1983, an unknown group, the Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attacks on US and French marines in Lebanon. Many in the international community speculated that the Islamic Jihad was Hezbollah using a different name to conceal its activities

-        The Hezbollah also began to kidnap American and western hostages in Lebanon. It demanded ransoms for their release. It has used kidnapping and ransoms as a major source for its funding. Some hostages were killed by the Hezbollah as well.

-        Hezbollah has its own TV and radio stations in Lebanon.

-         The Hezbollah does not want the Americans or the French getting involved in Lebanon

-        Lebanon used to be a French mandate/colony before 1945. The US was not really involved in Lebanon until the 1980s. US and French marines had been sent to Lebanon as part of a peace keeping mission to oversee the withdrawal of PLO forces from Lebanon during the Lebanese civil war.

-        Hezbollah is also against Israel and supports the Palestine cause. Hezbollah continues to attack Israel with rockets from Lebanon. 

-        In 1985, Hezbollah issues a Manifesto which contains its goals especially as it pertains to anti-imperialism and anti-Zionist activities of major global powers

-        Hezbollah has a consultative council which consists of 12 senior clergy who make key decisions.

Hezbollah also has a defense council which consists of 11 clergy focused on defense related and strategic issues.

Muslim Brotherhood

The Muslim Brotherhood is a Sunni radical fundamentalist group founded in Egypt in 1928 by Hasan al Ban, who was a school teacher. The radical ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood spread to other Arab countries in the Middle East. Terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and HAMAS have looked up to the Muslim brotherhood and incorporated its ideology and teachings into its own. The goal of the Muslim Brotherhood is to carry out a jihad/holy war against all infidels/different religions and establish Sharia or Islamic Law not only in Egypt, but in all Islamic countries.

Al-Qaeda

founded by bin laden from Saudi Arabia, based in Afganistan, did 9/11. Saudi gov threw out his citizenship. Homeless and looked for a base for terrorism, found it in the Taliban. Al-Qaeda means “the base”, Sunni have looked up to the Muslim brotherhood and incorporated its ideology and teachings into its own

ISIS

ISLAMIC STATE OF IRAQ AND SYRIA bvased there, founded by members of Al-Quada, ISIS has emerged as more powerful and active then al qaeda, Sunni. have looked up to the Muslim brotherhood and incorporated its ideology and teachings into its own

Discuss the founding of the Muslim Brotherhood, its ideology, and scope of activities.

-        The Muslim Brotherhood is a Sunni radical fundamentalist group founded in Egypt in 1928 by Hasan al Ban, who was a school teacher.

-        The radical ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood spread to other Arab counties in the Middle East.

-        Terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and HAMAS have looked up to the Muslim brotherhood and incorporated its ideology and teachings into its own

-        The goal of the Muslim Brotherhood is to carry out a jihad/holy war against all infidels/different religions and establish Sharia or  mic Law not only in Egypt, but in all Islamic countries.

-        Al Bana claimed to represent the interests of the working-class family and the poor in Egypt.

-        Al-Bana opposed equal rights for women in Egypt.

-        The Muslim Brotherhood engaged into different terrorist acts against the Egyptian government. These acts ranged from assassination attempts on government officials to bombings inside the country.

-        In 1936, the Muslim Brotherhood assassinated the Egyptian Prime Minister.

-        In 1948, major crackdown on Muslim brotherhood

-        In 1948, following several bombings, the government arrested several members og the Muslim brotherhood and banned it.

-        The Muslim brotherhood especially wanted to punish the British since they had controlled and influenced Egypt since the 19^th century. The British had established a protectorate over Egypt, helped build and controlled the Suez Canal, and set up a monarchy in the 1920s.

-        For these reasons, the Muslim Brotherhood began to target westerners in Egypt, especially the British.

-        In 1952, members of the Muslim Brotherhood carried out the Cairo Fire that led to over 700 buildings destroyed. Several hotels, restaurants, and clubs which were visited by the British and other foreigners were destroyed.

-        The Egyptian government responded by once against cracking down on the Muslim Brotherhood and declared the group illegal. The group went underground and continued its activities in secrecy.

-        The Muslim Brotherhood has been funded by a number of Sunni Arab countries including Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

-        A key leader and member of the Muslim Brotherhood was Sayyid Qutb. HE wrote a book called Milestones, where he argued for Islamic supremacy. Qutub was antisemitic and advocated for jihad against infidels.

-        The Muslim Brotherhood has an executive office also known as the guidance council. This group is composed of 10-15 top members who ae led by a Supreme Guide. Orders are passed down from the Executive office to the Shura council. The members of the executive office are elected and chosen by the Shura council.

-        The Shura council is responsible for planning and carrying out events based on policies and orders from the Executive Office. The council has nearly 100 members. These individuals then seek to recruit membership not only in Egypt, but other Arab and primarily Sunni Islamic countries. However, Muslim Brother also established a base in Syria, which is a Shia country.

-        In 1952, the Muslim Brotherhood attempted to assassinate President Nasser of Egypt. Nasser responded by executing members of the group. Other members fled to countries such as Saudi Arabia.

-        Following Nasser’s death in 1970, the new president Anwar Sadat, allowed for members of the Muslim Brotherhood to return to Egypt.

-        However, Sadat was assassinated at a military parade by a member of the Muslim Brotherhood when he made peace in 1978 with Israel following the Camp David Accords.

-        Sadat was succeeded by Husni Mubarak who would rule Egypt until 2011.

-        In 2011, Mubarak was overthrown by the Egyptian Revolution. Mubarak was arrested for corruption and his dictatorial rule.

-        In 2012, many were shocked, when a member of the Muslim brotherhood, Mohamad Morsi won the presidential elections

-        Morsi however served as president for a year and was overthrown by a military coup in 2013. He was arrested and put on trial for corruption and persecution of people during demonstrations and periods of unrest against him

-        Morsi was sentenced to death in 2015 along with 120 other members.

Taliban

The Taliban is a Sunni Fundamentalist terrorist group that took control of the Afghanistan from 1996-2001. The Taliban are Pashtun tribesman. Mullah Mohammad Omar was the leader of the Taliban from 1996. In 2013. Mullah Akhtar Mansour served as a key leader. Prior to coming to power in Afghanistan and during the soviet invasion, Many taliban members had trained and studied at Madrasas (special schools) in Pakistan. For these reasons, many Pakistanis joined the Taliban as members. The Taliban were also supported by Pakistan’s intelligence services. ISI. The Taliban took the city of Kandahar in 1994, followed by the south, and the res5 of Afghanistan. The Taliban committed crimes of humanity against the Afghan people especially the women. They destroyed historical sites, fertile land, and controlled the opium trade. During the time, the Taliban was in power, starvation and disease began to spread in Afghanistan. The Taliban turned away UN aid and food supply to nearly 200,000 starving people. A freedom fighter group called the Northern Alliance was formed in 1998 in Afghanistan to fight against the Taliban.

Madrasas

Prior to coming to power in Afghanistan and during the soviet invasion, Many taliban members had trained and studied at Madrasas (special schools) in Pakistan. For these reasons, many Pakistanis joined the Taliban as members.

Osama Bin Laden

Prior to the 9/11 attacks, the Taliban had granted a in Laden refuge in the mid 1990s. Bin Laden has established his terrorist group Al-Qaddafi in Afghanistan. Following the 9/11 attacks, the United States engaged in Operation Enduring Freedom, where US forces were sent to Afghanistan to defeat Al-Qaddafi, the Taliban, and hunt down Osama Bin Laden. Not found til 2011. The US forces were aided by an Afghan group of fighters, the Northern Alliance. The US. Bombed Taliban and Al-Qaddafi camp throughout Afghanistan. Both groups were defeated and many of their members fled across the border into Waziristan, Pakistan. The Pakistani government did nothing to stop the Al-Qaeda or the Taliban who fled across the borders instead, they were granted refuge. Bin laden however, had escaped and was not found until 2011 hiding in Pakistan. He was killed by US Special OP Forces. In US forces left Afghanistan after 20 years (2001-2021) of having been stationed there. The Taliban once again came to power and remain in power to this day

Discuss the founding of Taliban, its ideology, and scope of activities.

-        The Taliban is a Sunni Fundamentalist terrorist group that took control of the Afghanistan from 1996-2001. The Taliban are Pashtun tribesman.

-        Mullah Mohammad Omar was the leader of the Taliban from 1996

-        -2013. Mullah Akhtar Mansour served as a key leader.

-        Prior to coming to power in Afghanistan and during the soviet invasion, Many taliban members had trained and studied at Madrasas (special schools) in Pakistan. For these reasons, many Pakistanis joined the Taliban as members.

-        The Taliban were also supported by Pakistan’s intelligence services. ISI

-        The Taliban took the city of Kandahar in 1994, followed by the south, and the res5 of Afghanistan.

-        The Taliban committed crimes of humanity against the Afghan people especially the women. They destroyed historical sites, fertile land, and controlled the opium trade

-        During the time, the Taliban was in power, starvation and disease began to spread in Afghanistan. The Taliban turned away UN aid and food supply to nearly 200,000 starving people.

-        A freedom fighter group called the Northern Alliance was formed in 1998 in Afghanistan to fight against the Taliban.

Discuss the events that led to the overthrow of the Taliban and the end results.

-        A freedom fighter group called the Northern Alliance was formed in 1998 in Afghanistan to fight against the Taliban.

-        Prior to the 9/11 attacks, the leader of the northern alliance, Ahmad Shah Massoud was assassinated by two Arabs posing as journalists

-        Saudi Arabia and other sunni fundamentalist countries supported the Taliban and wanted to defeat the Northern Alliance

-        Prior to the 9/11 attacks, the Taliban had granted a in Laden refuge in the mid 1990s. Bin Laden has established his terrorist group Al-Qaddafi in Afghanistan

-        Following the 9/11 attacks, the United States engaged in Operation Enduring Freedom, where US forces were sent to Afghanistan to defeat Al-Qaddafi, the Taliban, and hunt down Osama Bin Laden. Not found til 2011

-        The US forces were aided by an Afghan group of fighters, the Northern Alliance. The US. Bombed Taliban and Al-Qaddafi camp throughout Afghanistan. Both groups were defeated and many of their members fled across the border into Waziristan, Pakistan

-        The Pakistani government did nothing to stop the Al-Qaeda or the Taliban who fled across the borders instead, they were granted refuge

-        Bin laden however, had escaped and was not found until 2011 hiding in Pakistan. He was killed by US Special OP Forces.

-        In US forces left Afghanistan after 20 years (2001-2021) of having been stationed there

-        The Taliban once again came to power and remain in power to this day

-        The Taliban once again imposed the veil on women. Young girls and women are not allowed to pursue an education and a career.

-        Men and women are strictly segregated in society.

Al-Shabab

The Al Shabab (Youth) is a Sunni Jihadi terrorist group founded in 2006 in Somalia, East Africa. Al Shabab used to be a branch of a militant group called the Islamic Courts Union (ICU). The ICU was defeated by Somali government forces. Al-Shabab emerged following the demise of the ICU. Al-Shabab’s ideology and mission is to carry out a jihad against the Somali government, the west, and anyone that opposes Islam. The United States has been involved in bombing campaigns and drone strikes against Al-Shabab since 2014. Al-Shabab’s fighters have been trained in countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iraq Al-Shabab has weakened over time due to competition and infighting among its members. Al-Shabab has attempted to recruit members from not only Islamic countries, but also those who have immigrated abroad to the west. Many young Somalis who live in Mid-West US have been brainwashed and joined the Al-Shabab. In 2012, Al-Shabab pledged allegiance to Al-Qaeda. It has also reached out to ISIS (Iraq and Syria) and BoKo Haram (Nigeria)Countries such as Yemen, Sudan, Pakistan, Libya, and Egypt have sent fights to join the Al-Shabab.

Boko Haram

Boko Haram is a Sunni terrorist group founded in NE Nigeria in 2002. Boko Haram advocates Saudi Arabia’s Wahabism (puritanical sector of Islam). It seeks to establish an Islamic State in Nigeria and spread the Sharia or Islamic law as law of the land. Boko Haram’s name means Western education is forbidden or Western influence is forbidden/considered a sin.

Chibok Kidnapping (2014)

Boko Haram has become best known for its kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls in 2014 from Chibok. This incident became known as the Chibok Kidnapping. Most girls are still in captivity and have been forced into marriage with Boko Haram fighters. Former First Lady Michelle Obama condemned the kidnapping and publicized the plight of the young girls kidnapped asking for their release.

Discuss the founding of Al-Shabab, its ideology, and scope of activities.

-        The Al Shabab (Youth) is a Sunni Jihadi terrorist group founded in 2006 in Somalia, East Africa

-        Al Shabab used to be a branch of a militant group called the Islamic Courts Union (ICU). The ICU was defeated by Somali government forces. Al-Shabab emerged following the demise of the ICU.

-        Al-Shabab’s ideology and mission is to carry out a jihad against the Somali government, the west, and anyone that opposes Islam.

-        The United States has been involved in bombing campaigns and drone strikes against Al-Shabab since 2014.

-        Al-Shabab’s fighters have been trained in countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iraq

-        Al-Shabab has weakened over time due to competition and infighting among its members. Al-Shabab has attempted to recruit members from not only Islamic countries, but also those who have immigrated abroad to the west. Many young Somalis who live in Mid-West US have been brainwashed and joined the Al-Shabab.

-        In 2012, Al-Shabab pledged allegiance to Al-Qaeda. It has also reached out to ISIS (Iraq and Syria) and BoKo Haram (Nigeria)

-        Countries such as Yemen, Sudan, Pakistan, Libya, and Egypt have sent fights to join the Al-Shabab.

-        The members of Al-Shabab have carried out terrorist acts against the Somali government and Westerners. This group has also persecuted many Christian minorities as well as Sufi mystics/Muslims.

-        Since 2009, however, Al-Shabab’s membership has started to decrease. Many of its fighters have defected and instead joined the Somali government forces.

-        Al-Shabab operates its own radio, Radio Andalus, which broadcasts in Somali, English, and Swahili.

-        In 2014, the Somali government carried out Operation Indian Ocean against Al-Shabab in Southern Somalia, especially in rural areas where the group has influence among the poor.

-        In 2014, a US drone strike killed Al-Shabab leader, Muktar Ali Zuber (Godane)

-        Ahmad Umar has been the new leader of Al-Shabab since 2014. The headquarters of Al-Shabab is in Kismayo in southern Somalia.

-        In 2015, Al-Shabab produces a video encouraging young Somalis in the West to attack public sites such as shopping malls.

Discuss the founding of Boko Haram, its ideology and scope of activities.

-        Boko Haram is a Sunni terrorist group founded in NE Nigeria in 2002,

-        Boko Haram advocates Saudi Arabia’s Wahabism (puritanical sector of Islam). It seeks to establish an Islamic State in Nigeria and spread the Sharia or Islamic law as law of the land

-        Boko Haram’s name means Western education is forbidden or Western influence is forbidden/considered a sin.

-        Nigeria is rich in oil, and the country has the largest economy in Africa. The fear among many is for Boko Haram to come to power and control the oil industry. It will provide huge sources of income to fund this terrorist group.

-        Boko Haram was founded in 2002 by Mohammad Yusuf in NE Nigeria

-        Nigerian forces began to crack down on Boko Haram in 2009 as part of Operation Flush. Yusuf and many members of the group were arrested. Yusuf later died in custody.

-        In 2010, many Boko Haram fighters escaped following a prison break in Bauchi (NE Nigeria)

-        Boko Haram has funded its terrorist activities through bank robberies, kidnappings, and hostage taking, drug trafficking and state sponsors such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait.

-        In 2011, Boko Haram attacked the UN office in Abuja.

-        In 2012, the Nigerian government declared a state of emergency due to Boko Haram’s terrorist activities.

-        Boko Haram has become best known for its kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls in 2014 from Chibok. This incident became known as the Chibok Kidnapping. Most girls are still in captivity and have been forced into marriage with Boko Haram fighters.

-        Former First Lady Michelle Obama condemned the kidnapping and publicized the plight of the young girls kidnapped asking for their release.

-        Boko Haram’s leader is Abubakr Shekau. Boko Haram had initially pledged its allegiance to Al-Qaeda but in 2015, it also pledged allegiance to ISIS.

-        Boko Haram has carried out several attacks against the Nigerian government and any Westerners inside Nigeria. Its terrorist activities have led to the displacement of nearly 2 millions Nigerians from their homes. The Boko Haram remains active in Nigeria and has also spread its influence in other countries such as Chad and Libya.

Aum Shinrikyo

Aum Shinrikyo was founded as a Japanese cult in 1984 by Chizuo Matsumoto, who later in 1992 changed his name to Shoko Asahara. Aum Shinrikyo began as an exercise and meditation class in 1984 before it transformed into a cult. While its members maintained a simple lifestyle, the group was funded by wealthy Japanese. Aum Shinrikyo means the supreme truth. It is a Buddhist sector mixed with elements of Hinduism and Christian Millennial ideas as noted in the Book of Revelation. Asahara wrote a book where he referred to himself as a prophet/Christ like figure who would cleanse people of their sins. Asahara prophesized an end of the world scenario leading to WW3, where the United States was engaged in Armageddon.

Buddhism

An ancient Indian religion practiced by Japan. Aum Shinrikyo means the supreme truth. It is a Buddhist sector mixed with elements of Hinduism and Christian Millennial ideas as noted in the Book of Revelation. Asahara wrote a book where he referred to himself as a prophet/Christ like figure who would cleanse people of their sins.

Abu Sayyaf

Abu Sayaf is a Sunni terrorist group founded in 1991 by Abdurajik Janjalani in the Basilan Islands in southern Philippines. It received financial and military aid from Sunni countries such as Saudi Arabia and Libya. Both countries had built schools and mosques in the area to win the hearts and minds of the people. Abu Sayyaf’s fighter were trained in Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan. Abu Sayyaf began to carry out violent attacks against the government in Philippines. Its first major attack was in 1995 on the town of Ipil in Mindanao. Abu Sayyaf has kidnapped several foreigners as well as Christian missionaries demanding ransom. They use the money from kidnappings and drug dealings to finance their operations. Abu Sayyaf has also expanded its activities into nearby countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. Abu Sayyaf’s goal is to create an Islamic State in Philippines.

Discuss the founding of Aum Shinrikyo, its ideology and scope of activities

-        Aum Shinrikyo was founded as a Japanese cult in 1984 by Chizuo Matsumoto, who later in 1992 changed his name to Shoko Asahara.

-        Aum Shinrikyo began as an exercise and meditation class in 1984 before it transformed into a cult. While its members maintained a simple lifestyle, the group was funded by wealthy Japanese.

-        Aum Shinrikyo means the supreme truth. It is a Buddhist sector mixed with elements of Hinduism and Christian Millennial ideas as noted in the Book of Revelation.

-        Asahara wrote a book where he referred to himself as a prophet/Christ like figure who would cleanse people of their sins.

-        Asahara prophesized an end of the world scenario leading to WW3, where the United States was engaged in Armageddon.

-        In time, the cult members engaged in kidnappings for ransom and murder of Japanese government officials especially judges.

-        The cult would even murder any of its members who tired to leave or abandon the group.

-        On June 27^th 1994, using a truck, the members of the cult released sarin near the homes of judges in Matsumoto overseeing a lawsuit regarding the cult. Seven people died and several hundred were injured

-        On March 20^th, 1995, this group carried out a terrorist act in the Tokyo subway by releasing sarin gas on 5 trains killing 57 and injuring 900

-        The police raided the groups headquarters near Mt. Fuji and arrested several members. Asahara was arrested, put on trial and given the death sentence. Many other members of the group fled overseas and sought refuge in countries such as Russia.

-        Since then, it has been designated as a terrorist group. Yet the group was not outlawed due to the Japan’s Constitution Freedom of Religion clause. The group, however, remains under constant watch by the Japanese government.

-        Due to infighting among its members, Aum Shinrikyo split into two branches in 2007. Aleph and Hikari no wa.

-        These two branches have tried to recruit membership among young people on University campuses especially using social media.

-        In 2016, the Russian government conducted a raid on exiled members of Aum Shinrikyo for suspicious activities and confiscated any available information.

Discuss the founding of Abu Sayyaf, its ideology and scope of activities.

-        Abu Sayaf is a Sunni terrorist group founded in 1991 by Abdurajik Janjalani in the Basilan Islands in southern Philippines.

-        Janjalani received financial and military aid from Sunni countries such as Saudi Arabia and Libya. Both countries had built schools and mosques in the area to win the hearts and minds of the people.

-        Abu Sayyaf’s fighter were trained in Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan.

-        Abu Sayyaf began to carry out violent attacks against the government in Philippines. Its first major attack was in 1995 on the town of Ipil in Mindanao. 

-        Abu Sayyaf has kidnapped several foreigners as well as Christian missionaries demanding ransom. They use the money from kidnappings and drug dealings to finance their operations.

-        Abu Sayyaf has also expanded its activities into nearby countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia.

-        Abu Sayyaf’s goal is to create an Islamic State in Philippines.

-        In 1998, Janjalani was killed by government forces. He was succeeded by his brother, Khadafy Janjalani who provided leadership until 2007. Khadafy himself was killed by government forces in 2007.

-        Khadafy Janjalani was succeeded by Isnilon Hapilon, who has declared his allegiance to ISIS.

-        The irony is that most members of Abu Sayyaf don’t know much about Islam and are unfamiliar with the Koran.

-        The followers of Abu Sayyaf are poor and from broken homes. They blame the government for their problems.

-        Abu Sayyafs worst attack was the bombing of Super Ferry 14 in 2004, which led to 116 people getting killed. It was the worst terrorist attack in Philippines.

Patriot Act (2001)

result of 9/11 attacks, law enforcement had a free hand in monitoring communications, pint was to maintain security, lack of privacy renewed over the years, an act to deter and punish terrorist acts in the United States and around the world and to enhance law enforcement investigations and around the world, and to enhance law enforcement investigations and activities to counter terrorism. It was signed by President George W Bush as a result of the 9/11 attacks. After the tragic events of 9/11, the US government passed the Patriot act which gave the government powers to monitor financial institutions in order counter any money laundering activities.

havala

Havala (transfer): it is an informal transfer system of money through friends and acquaintances done in the middle east, Africa, India, and different parts of Asia. Sometimes the money is paid to a broker or middleman before hand, or thereafter. The ter refers to the transfer of money from one place to another. Terrorist have used the Havala to finance their operations worldwide.

state sponsorship of terrorism

- refers to a given states support of a terrorist group by providing financial and military aid

-Sunni countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait continue to finance Sunni terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda, ISIS, HAMAS, Boko Haram, and others.

- Shia countries such as Iran and Syria have primarily financed Shia terrorist groups such as Saudi the Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, both states have also been aiding some Sunni groups such as the HAMAS as a part of its attacks against Israel

Operation Green Quest (2001)

– multi agency task for responsible for tracking sources funding terrorism. On May 26, 2011, President Obama signed an Extension Act, which led to a 4 year extension of 3 key provisions of the Act: wiretaps, search of business records and conducting surveillance on lone wolves suspected of terrorist activities.

-        Some indicators of collection and movement of funds associated with terrorism:

-        1. Account transactions which are inconsistent with past activities.

-        2. Wire transfers from charitable organizations

-        3. Having and using multiple accounts

-        4. Deposits in foreign accounts.

-        5. Money laundering activities

-        The above activities were mentioned in Operation Green Quest, a US agency task force established in 2001 with the purpose of countering terrorism financing.

-        The United Sates has collaborated with the UN to create the terrorist finance tracking program.