Concise Summary on Ethno-Nationalist Terrorism

Ethno-Nationalist Terrorism 1960s to Present

  • Palestinian Liberation and Arafat's Role

    • Arafat condemned terrorism publicly in a 1988 press conference.
    • Struggled to maintain control over the PLO amid shifting public opinion and competition from groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
    • Arafat's failure to support the Gulf War led to a loss of Arab financial support.

  • Impact of the Gulf War

    • Significant decline in Arab unity post-war; Arafat’s popularity suffered.
    • Hamas gained influence due to its non-corrupt image and emphasis on social services.

  • The Irish Republican Army (IRA)

    • Emerged as a key terrorist organization, second only to the PLO pre-9/11.
    • Transitioned from socialist roots to militancy; had periods of inactivity but revived with violence in the late 1950s.

  • Civil Rights Movement in Northern Ireland

    • Catholic civil rights agitation for equality faced violent opposition from unionist groups like the UVF.
    • August 1969 riots led to British military intervention.

  • Emergence of the Provisional IRA

    • Dissent within IRA led to formation of the Provisional IRA focusing on armed struggle rather than political solutions.
    • The group became more militant and committed to violence.

  • Key Events in the Troubles

    • British policies such as internment and military violence fostered IRA support.
    • "Bloody Sunday" (1972) further galvanized support for the IRA among Catholics.

  • IRA's Tactics

    • Used guerrilla warfare and terror tactics, including bombings and sniping, directed largely at British forces and unionist paramilitaries.
    • Shifted to targeting civilians in some attacks, which increased public support backfiring.

  • Attempts at Peace and Negotiation

    • Growth of Sinn Féin and electoral politics shifted focus from armed struggle to negotiation.
    • The 1994 ceasefire marked a significant turn towards peace talks.

  • The Good Friday Agreement (1998)

    • Established a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland, crucial for peace.
    • Resurgence of IRA violence before and after the agreement highlighted ongoing tensions.

  • Post-Agreement Violence

    • The Real IRA and Continuity IRA emerged as splinter groups.
    • Omagh bombing (1998) led to renewed calls for commitment to peace.

  • Tamil Tigers and their Struggle

    • Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) became key to Sri Lankan Tamil nationalism.
    • Known for their tactics such as suicide bombings and piracy, responding to ethnic marginalization.
    • Their adaptability in strategy serves as a significant case in terrorism history.