Terrorism Around the World

 In 2001, President Bush declared a war on terrorism after a group of Islamic extremists carried out attacks on the United States.  Terrorism comes in many forms and can strike at any time and any place.  Groups have used terror in Northern Ireland, the Middle East, northern Spain, Sri Lanka, Japan, Peru, and many other parts of the world.

 Conficts between existing governments and groups that seek more power or control exist in many parts of the world.  Examples include the continuing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians and conflict between Israelis and Palestinians and conflict between governments in Latin America and rebel groups.  Terrorism is most likely to occur when groups feel that they have been unjustly deprived of power, opportunity, rights, or freedom by other, more powerful groups, such as governments or nations.

 Most terrorist attacks are intended to kill some people and scare other people.  These attacks are carried out by people who are angry about something and want to make a statement.  Terrorists hope that their attacks will help them get what they want.  For the most part, terrorists tend to be young and male.