9/11: The Background

RELIGION and EMPIRES

RELIGION and EMPIRES

Israel: The Holy Land

Question???? What do the “big three” religions have in common?

Old Testament, and Monotheism! All three religions have the same origin, in the Old Testament. All three religions are monotheistic, meaning the belief in one God. All three religions have the same origin, in the Old Testament. All three religions are monotheistic, meaning the belief in one God.

Judaism The oldest of Monotheistic religions. View Canaan, the Holy land, Palestine/Israel as their homeland. The oldest of Monotheistic religions. View Canaan, the Holy land, Palestine/Israel as their homeland.

Beliefs There is one God. Their book is the “Torah,” or Old Testament. A “messiah”, or “annointed one” will lead Israel/Jews into a new world in the end of days. Jesus was a prophet, not the messiah. There is one God. Their book is the “Torah,” or Old Testament. A “messiah”, or “annointed one” will lead Israel/Jews into a new world in the end of days. Jesus was a prophet, not the messiah.

Christianity Belief in one God. Jesus was the son of God, and died for humanity’s sins. Their book, the Bible, is combination of Old Testament and New Testament. Belief in one God. Jesus was the son of God, and died for humanity’s sins. Their book, the Bible, is combination of Old Testament and New Testament.

Islam Other Prophets, were prophets. Muhammad is also a prophet who speaks of the one God, Allah. Do not worship false idols (idolatry). Other Prophets, were prophets. Muhammad is also a prophet who speaks of the one God, Allah. Do not worship false idols (idolatry).

Muhammad The prophet. Upon his death, a schism, or split between two major factions would happen.

Shia Islam: Shiite/Shias Muslims Believe only Allah can choose a new leader, or prophet. Basic Muslims do not have the power to choose rulers/leaders/or Imams. They chose Ali after Muhammad’s death. Believe only Allah can choose a new leader, or prophet. Basic Muslims do not have the power to choose rulers/leaders/or Imams. They chose Ali after Muhammad’s death.

Sunni Islam: Sunni Muslims Believe many people are capable of leading Islamic people. Followed Muhammad’s friends/companions. Believe many people are capable of leading Islamic people. Followed Muhammad’s friends/companions.

Islamic befliefs: In General Shar’ia (Sharia)--Islamic law. Strict interpretations that some Muslims follow. Islamic theocracies (government ruled by religion) base their constitutions on this. Pilgrimmage, praying 5 times daily. Shar’ia (Sharia)--Islamic law. Strict interpretations that some Muslims follow. Islamic theocracies (government ruled by religion) base their constitutions on this. Pilgrimmage, praying 5 times daily.

Terrorism Unofficial definition: 1) Violent acts which are intended to create fear (terror); 2) are intended for religious, political or ideological goal; 3) and deliberately target non military combatantss. Unofficial definition: 1) Violent acts which are intended to create fear (terror); 2) are intended for religious, political or ideological goal; 3) and deliberately target non military combatantss.

Muslim Brotherhood Established 1928 to unite Muslims in Arabic world. Violent?? Established 1928 to unite Muslims in Arabic world. Violent??

Hamas (Sunni) Started in opposition of the establishment of the Jewish Homeland. Gaza Strip is their home. Started in opposition of the establishment of the Jewish Homeland. Gaza Strip is their home.

Hezbollah (Shia): The “resistance movement” Backed by Iran and Syria. Head of Lebanon’s government after assassination of Rafic Hariri. Leader : Hassan Nasrallah Backed by Iran and Syria. Head of Lebanon’s government after assassination of Rafic Hariri. Leader : Hassan Nasrallah

Al Qaeda (Sunni) Founded by Osama Bin Laden: Literally means “the base.” Origins from Soviet--Afghanistan war. Founded by Osama Bin Laden: Literally means “the base.” Origins from Soviet--Afghanistan war.

Other important vocabulary Mujahideen Jihad Wahhabism Mujahideen Jihad Wahhabism

Mujahideen “Freedom fighters.” Fighters for Islam, Muslims. As old as Muhammad. “Freedom fighters.” Fighters for Islam, Muslims. As old as Muhammad.

Jihad (mu- -jihad --een) Means “struggle.” Various interpretations from there…. Basically, Muslims should unite in Jihad in order to fight offensively/defensively against the enemy/”infidels” Means “struggle.” Various interpretations from there…. Basically, Muslims should unite in Jihad in order to fight offensively/defensively against the enemy/”infidels”

Wahhabism Founded by Abdul Al-Wahhab. Radical. Purge Islam of all “impurities.” Founded by Abdul Al-Wahhab. Radical. Purge Islam of all “impurities.”

Israel/Palestine/”Imperialism”

Establishment of Israel: 1947

Arab-Israeli War Jews call “Independence.” Muslims call “Catasrophe.” After UN mandate, war breaks out over territory. Jews call for independence and gain UN acceptance. Jews call “Independence.” Muslims call “Catasrophe.” After UN mandate, war breaks out over territory. Jews call for independence and gain UN acceptance.

6 days war Israeli territory expands

PLO and Intifadas Palestinian Liberation Organization Intifadas: “uprising”, “revolution”. LITERALLY MEANS TO SHAKE OFF. Palestinian Liberation Organization Intifadas: “uprising”, “revolution”. LITERALLY MEANS TO SHAKE OFF.

THE ARAB SPRING

TUNISIA Young, educated youth (18-30) Unemployment 20% + No food, no money No civil rights Young, educated youth (18-30) Unemployment 20% + No food, no money No civil rights

RESULT: Tunisia sparks the Arab Spring

“INFIDELITY SPREADS”

EGYPT

LIBYA

SAUDI ARRABIA

JORDAN

SYRIA

IRAN

BAHRAIN

YEMEN