Organization in Lebanon

This Economist article discusses three problems in Lebanon threatening its "peace." One, predictably, is the car bomb that killed Wissam Eid in late January. The article, referring to Eid's position as an intelligence officer investigating assassinations for the UN says, "his death sent the chilling message that someone will stop at nothing to wreck the case before it comes before a special international tribunal due to be set up in the Hague." This is interesting to me because of the obvious organization required to plan the sabotage of the UN's investigation. In class on Friday, Group C presented on the Irgun and different components of the organization (the Sea, Delek, HATAM, HAT...you can see this on the powerpoint presentation they emailed everyone). This was the first discussion we've had on organizational structures (other than the existence of recruiters) within terrorist organizations, and it got me thinking about the division of labor: only some terrorists are actual militant fighters, others plan, others gather intelligence, etc. So Wissam Eid's murder was more than a car bomb fatality and more than an assassination; it involved lots of strategic planning from people with different assignments within the same organization. Furthermore, it was only part of a larger strategy to botch a UN investigation. When you think beyond the headlines, you can see how much organization and effort actually go into successful attacks.

Terrorist Television Programs

I read this story a while back; it relates directly to the discussion that we had in class about the attempts of terrorist organizations to indoctrinate youth through media programs. Not only does this Hamas channel have children's programs, they also have "MTV-type" programming, which would most likely target the teen demographic. I think it is interesting that this program is part of a "new strategy" for Hamas, as they try to use a more passive approach with which to penetrate Palestinian political and social systems. The members of Hamas definitely realize the importance that public support plays in their cause, and this program is their attempt to garner positive public opinion.

Humor

Jihadomerate

Following a story by the NYT in one of my previous posts about a 21-year old in North Carolina, I found a really interesting website called The Ignored Puzzle Pieces of Knowledge thats main purpose is to expose readers to the happenings in the lands of jihad. I did not find a specific affiliation for this website, from what I understand it is basically just trying to expose all us "hypocrites and infidels." The story on the main page was very interesting to me. They talk about how the U.S. got all bent out of shape over an Al-Qaeda video of a young boy with lots of guns dressed as Mujaahideen. They call us hypocrites by displaying a picture of a row of American boys holding and aiming rifles. Sure, in boy scouts I learned how to shoot and was extremely happy when one of my leaders had an automatic rifle for us to play with, but I think they are comparing apples and oranges. I believe that the firearm education and exposure are meant to ultimately lead to different ends.

A few terrorist websites

Here are some English-language terrorist websites I found. Enjoy!

Hizbollah

Islamic Army in Iraq

Some guy known as the "Baghdad Sniper"

There are some videos on those sites, so you may see things you wish you hadn't. But I noticed something interesting about those videos. Often, they'll launch a rocket somewhere, and no matter where it hits, it's considered a success. It's almost funny to see a rocket miss a Hummer, then hear the terrorists celebrating like they actually hit it. Oh well.

Another contest

Seeing that no one has posted anything today, I thought it might be fun to have another little contest. So, I am asking some questions about the individual pictured here.

Here are the contest rules: The first student with a correct answer to any of these questions gets a brownie point. Students answering more than one question are disqualified from the contest. All answers must come in comments appended to this post. Good luck!

Questions:

1. What is the name this man was born with?

2. What was the name he took when he converted to Islam?

3. What is he usually called in the press?

4. What is his ethnic background?

5. When he performed his attack, what country was he a citizen of?

6. What was the explosive he used in his operation?

Abu Hamza al-Masri to be extradited to US

British courts have just ruled the al-Masri can be extradited to stand trial in the US. He is currently serving a prison sentence in England for "inciting racial hatred". In America he will be tried for a variety of crimes, including conspiracy to build a terrorist training camp in rural Oregon. I think this is very interesting. It shows that now, more than ever, western governments are willing to prosecute Muslim clerics who are outspoken extremists. I believe this is a good step in fighting terrorism. It seems like much of the hatred the radical Muslims have comes from their religious leaders. I think this sends a message to other Muslims leaders that they need to watch what they say. I'm wondering what the class thinks on this. Do you think that prosecutions like this can make a significant difference?

Al Qaeda seen planning attack on U.S.

This was just posted at the Washington Times - Story

From the story:

"Senior al Qaeda leaders have diverted operatives from Iraq across the globe and are increasing preparations to strike the United States, senior intelligence officials told the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence yesterday. They said the terrorists had plans to attack the White House as recently as 2006.

"'Al Qaeda is improving the last key aspect of its ability to attack the U.S. — the identification, training and positioning of operatives for an attack in the homeland,' said Michael McConnell, director of national intelligence, which oversees all 16 U.S. intelligence agencies."

Greg

Globalization bleeds into Training Movies

Many people are going to be digusted by this type of video that shows Al queda training children as soldiers. Article on Video. Something that I couldn't help noticing about the video was that the boys were all running around in nice jerseys and training pants with what logo on them Addiads and Nike both American companies. It is intresting that these organizations say that they are motivated by the desire to resist the influences of western culture show the boys in so blatantly american clothes which no doubt are popular. Is it a good recruitment method to give recruits nice american clothes to join the war against america ?

Tamil Tigers Website

After discussing and reading so much about the media and its influence on terrorism and the different terrorist groups throughout the world I thought it would be interesting to take a look at what is considered to be, according to Hoffman, one of the most media savvy terrorist groups, the Tamil Tigers. They have several different websites, including this one. The book discusses the fact that there is little if any attention focused on the terrorist acts that they commit, but rather the websites are dedicated to discussing matters of freedom and the origins, etc. of the group. Looking at the homepage alone of this website I find it to be very interesting. This is the opening statement given on the homepage, just a glimpse of what the entire site is about, "Our organisation, as well as our people do not want war. We want peace and we want to resolve our problems through peaceful means. We are deeply committed to the peace process. It is because of our sincere commitment to peace that we are firmly and rigidly observing ceasefire. It is our organisation that took the initiative of declaring the cessation of hostilities unilaterally and observing peace for the last two years tolerating the provocative actions of the state's armed forces. . "This is something that I thought might be interesting to have posted on the blog.

Suicide Bombings in Israel

Israel Hit by Suicide Attack

Fatah, the PFLP, and a previously unknown 'United Popular Brigade' are all claiming some responsibility for the suicide attacks this morning. The attackers used the weakened separation barrier to conduct the attacks, reportedly crossing into Egypt before entering Israel.

Initially Palestinians seemed to be using the Hamas-induced barrier breach to buy food and supplies to offset the scarcity created by Israeli counter-terror measures that at varying times left impoverished Gazans without electricity or access to markets. In doing so, Hamas has once again established itself as the champion of the people.

As a result of the suicide bombing and due to Israeli suspicion concerning the nature of Palestinian purchases, however, the barrier breach will no doubt lead to harsh counter measures by Israeli forces that tend to punish the Gazan population just as much as the terrorists responsible.

Even though Israel's separation barrier has received international criticism for violating Palestinian human rights, it still seems to be the best way to prevent suicide bombings in Israel. Despite the suffering of the Palestinians in Gaza, the suicide bombings that took place Monday provide further justification for the need of a separation barrier.

Egypt-Gaza border resealed

Egypt-Gaza border resealed

This article highlights the governmental structure/integration with Hamas and their demanding to be recognized internationally.

"Gaza's Hamas rulers are demanding new border arrangements that would give it a say in administration. But that looks doubtful with the international community opposed to any role for the Islamic militant group in running the crossing."

"Bearded Hamas police worked in tandem with the Egyptians, trying to keep the crowd back. It was a marked change from several days ago, when uniformed Hamas men thwarted Egyptian attempts to reseal the border."

Not fully understanding the reasons for the breach, but I see it as a stunt to try to legitimize or put the spotlight on Hamas as a legit governmental organization. These attempts to "give it a say in the administration" and "working in tandem with the Egyptians," brings focus to them and seems to make them more credible as a governmental organization.

Greg

Interesting article

I just came across this interesting article that states that engineers are more prone to terrorism then other academic backgrounds, because "such people are high achievers and often get sucked into radicalism out of frustration with their corrupt bureaucracies." You can find the article here
The sociologist in this study surveyed 404 militants in 31 countries and found that out of the 178 who had academic backgrounds, the results fell into the following categories:

Engineering: 78
Islamic Studies: 34
Medicine: 14
Economics/Business: 12

The authors said that engineers are typically high achievers who advance by merit, and this could make them more frustrated with the establishment.

I think it is interesting that the sociologists came to this conclusion, but it is important to keep in mind that, according to the article, they defined "engineering" as architecture, all computer related areas, town planning, etc. They have a broader definition of terrorism then the standard "civil, mechanical and electronic engineering" definition that you or I might have.

Interesting study though. I would encourage you to read this article.

US Kills al-Qaeda Commander

Last week, a UAV killed a top al-Qaeda commander in Pakistan. He is apparently responsible for much of the violence in Afghanistan. The fact that he was killed in Pakistan is very interesting, because the president of Pakistan has repeatedly said that he will not allow the US to strike within his country. I think this poses an interesting question. To what degree can a country violate the sovereignty of another government in the name of fighting terrorism. I think it's interesting to imagine what it would be like if someone did that to America. Like if Spain killed a Basque leader somewhere in America. Obviously, the government would be upset. Of course, I whole-heartedly approve of killing terrorists. But shouldn't we also be careful to not step on the toes of friendly governments? I'm wondering what everyone else thinks about this. Do you think it's okay to disregard a government's sovereignty in the name of the global war on terror?

Capitulation is not the answer.

I just had to write a little rebuttal to a comment made last class about the reading. In the reading, there is a quote from an Israeli policemen saying that he's scared, doesn't bring his family to the city of Jerusalem anymore and would give up his bank account and capitulate to the terrorists demands to have peace. Well, while this might seem like a sensible solution, there is absolutely no guarantee that suicide terror would discontinue or decline as a result of Israeli capitulation. In fact, quite to the contrary. The object of the terrorists is to create this fear, mistrust, and anxiety that paralyses the social infrastructure. Giving in to their demands and giving them what they want proves that their method is a good one. And, what would you do if you found a successful method to get what you want? Do it again and get more. Hamas does not recognize Israel as a sovereign nation. Giving in to them would allow them to up the ante, giving them legitimacy and encouragement to take all of Israel. Similar things can be said about the PIJ and PLO/PA even though the PLO/PA have already recognized Israel's legitimacy.

A comment was made in support to capitulation last class. That is the last thing that Israel should do. Let's look at the big picture.