Terrorism AP Human Geography

Terrorism O The systematic use of violence by a group in order to: O Intimidate a population O Coerce a government into granting demands O Make grievances known to a larger audience. O Terrorist acts may include: O Bombings O Hostage-taking O Assassination

Why terrorism? O Individuals/ group resort to terrorism because O They have been mistreated and feel terror is fair retaliation O A need for immediate action. O They are out numbed and out armed…no way of winning an official war. O They feel their opinions have been ignored by national and/or international governments. O Formal methods have failed.

Terrorism Against America O As the wealthiest and most powerful nation in the world, America has been the target of terrorist attacks. O America’s foreign policy decisions have also angered individuals, groups, and governments. O Many terrorist attacks occurred against American interests between 1990 and 2000 but few paid attention.

Oklahoma City, USS Cole

1993 WTC Attack

9/11 O World Trade Center (NYC), Pentagon (DC), 4 th plane crashed in Penn. O Carried out by Al Qaeda (led by Osama bin Laden) O 3,000 killed O Caught the attention of people worldwide. O Wars in Afghanistan, Iraq a result

9/11

Al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden O Terrorist organization led by Bin Laden (Saudi) O Global terrorist organization (cells) O Jihad= holy war O Supported by the U.S. when he was fighting Soviet Union (“enemy of my enemy is my friend”) O Responsible for major, well-organized attacks (9/11, embassies, subways, hotels, etc.)

Osama bin Laden

State Sponsored Terrorism O Terrorism can be supported or sponsored by the government of a state. O Level 1: Sanctuary for Terrorists (Afghanistan) O Level 2: Supplying money, weapons, intelligence (Iraq, Iran?) O Level 3: Attacks using terrorists (Libya)