Tuesday, February 5, 2008
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.
Monday, February 4, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
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
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.
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.
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.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Baghdad Suicide Bombings
The article here discusses the suicide bombing that we talked about in class today. As it states, two female bombers detonated explosives in pet markets in Baghdad, killing a total of 72 people and injuring many others.
It is incredible to see the amount of damage that can be done by two people. Not only were 72 people killed, but the marketplace was destroyed. The emotional and psychological damage of such a tragedy is also evident in the statements made by witnesses of the event, who were beginning to hope that security in the nation's capital was improving. Additionally, the article notes that the city was ill-equipped for such a catastrophe. Bodies were carried out in pickup trucks and wheelbarrows, and the hospital was unable to adequately treat all the victims.
Overall, this article demonstrates the efficiency of suicide bombing. Terrorists were able to do a great deal of damage, with very few costs of their own.
Not only did this attack result in immediate physical and emotional damage, but it also revealed inefficiencies, as were demonstrated by the city's incapability to deal with the event.
It is incredible to see the amount of damage that can be done by two people. Not only were 72 people killed, but the marketplace was destroyed. The emotional and psychological damage of such a tragedy is also evident in the statements made by witnesses of the event, who were beginning to hope that security in the nation's capital was improving. Additionally, the article notes that the city was ill-equipped for such a catastrophe. Bodies were carried out in pickup trucks and wheelbarrows, and the hospital was unable to adequately treat all the victims.
Overall, this article demonstrates the efficiency of suicide bombing. Terrorists were able to do a great deal of damage, with very few costs of their own.
Not only did this attack result in immediate physical and emotional damage, but it also revealed inefficiencies, as were demonstrated by the city's incapability to deal with the event.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
New header
Good morning, everyone. Today we bid farewell, to our old pal Osama, because we have a new terrorist to head up our blog. As a reward for faithful blog participants, I offer one brownie point to the first student to post a comment correctly identifying the nom de guerre of the terrorist pictured in this FBI composite sketch. A second brownie point goes to the first student to give this terrorist's real name (spelling counts). A third brownie point will be awarded to the first student who posts a photograph (1994 or later) of this terrorist. No student will be awarded more than one brownie point, so don't post comments angling for all three.
Good luck!
--PROF. PAYNE
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Taliban is again on the rise
Taliban is again on the rise
This article shows a good example of the social control that terrorists exercise over the areas around them. "The assault on one of the city's best-protected landmarks was the latest — and most dramatic — sign that the Taliban may be gaining strength more than six years after U.S.-led forces invaded to drive the Islamist militant movement from power." With the attack of these high profile targets in the local community the locals are scared of what could happen to them so even though we may be beating them back they have the social control still to the point where even beggars are distrusted "security fears have become so intense that he even shoos away beggars out of fear they could be wearing suicide vests". This leads to an open question after six years of battling the Taliban we apparently have not completely succeeded so What does it take to completely eliminate or beat a terrorist organization ?
This article shows a good example of the social control that terrorists exercise over the areas around them. "The assault on one of the city's best-protected landmarks was the latest — and most dramatic — sign that the Taliban may be gaining strength more than six years after U.S.-led forces invaded to drive the Islamist militant movement from power." With the attack of these high profile targets in the local community the locals are scared of what could happen to them so even though we may be beating them back they have the social control still to the point where even beggars are distrusted "security fears have become so intense that he even shoos away beggars out of fear they could be wearing suicide vests". This leads to an open question after six years of battling the Taliban we apparently have not completely succeeded so What does it take to completely eliminate or beat a terrorist organization ?
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Internet Use by Terrorist Organizations
I recently read a very interesting article which addresses the topic we will be discussing in class tomorrow. In the article, a 21-year-old American is spreading propaganda of violent Islamic groups from his parents' home in North Carolina. Although the article states that there is no evidence that he is doing anything illegal, it is alarming to think that there could be many people with similar views close to home. We have no way of knowing if any such activists will one day commit an act of terrorism to further spread their message. The fact that he is a U.S. citizen proposes new threats to domestic security. As terrorist groups successfully recruit using new tools like the internet, their efforts to spread their message are facilitated. These new recruits do not have to worry about traveling into the United States, passports, papers, etc. Another interesting note in the article about terrorists using the internet is that "Since the beginning of the year, Al Qaeda’s media operation, Al Sahab, has issued new videotapes as often as every three days. Even more come from Iraq, where insurgents are pumping them out daily." Terrorists are using sophisticated techniques to indoctrinate and recruit, and I believe that they will be more successful as these technological tools provide avenues to "new fields" of recruitment.
Interesting Source for Suicide Terror Paper
I found this article at UT Austin, about a professor who has specialized in the study of terrorism. He brings up some interesting points about the recruitment of terrorists. In his book about Suicide terrorism he develops the idea that many suicide bombers are not poor illiterate souls who have a death wish. Nor do they even know who they are really killing themselves for. Instead they just think they are serving the people of their community and assume that this is the only way to establish change.
This is contrary to what I have heard about suicide terrorists, I have always assumed it was one of the down trodden society who were brainwashed into believing in the cause. But many of the people recruited are making conscious decisions to blow themselves up, usually because of some feeling or desire to improve the lives of their neighbors. It was also noted that the people believe they are sacrificing for the cause, suicide is not in the job description when being recruited. It's kinda funny how if you change the name of something it suddenly becomes not only acceptable but desirable.
This is contrary to what I have heard about suicide terrorists, I have always assumed it was one of the down trodden society who were brainwashed into believing in the cause. But many of the people recruited are making conscious decisions to blow themselves up, usually because of some feeling or desire to improve the lives of their neighbors. It was also noted that the people believe they are sacrificing for the cause, suicide is not in the job description when being recruited. It's kinda funny how if you change the name of something it suddenly becomes not only acceptable but desirable.
We're not the only ones....
The Article
Interestingly enough, the head of Australia's Federal Police has been under fire recently for using pre-emptive counter terrorist methods, similar to parts of the American public's recent disdain for some aspects of the Patriot Act such as wiretapping. The controversy in Australia stems from what Keelty, the chief of the AFP, calls the "tension, real or perceived, between the right to silence and a fair trial and the right of the community to access information." In the Australian case, the AFP recently brought to trial an Indian doctor whose case they ultimately had to dismiss. The press has called Keelty's anti-terrorism methods bad because he didn't have enough evidence beforehand to convict him. Keelty condemned the press for misleading the public and misrepresenting his agency and their counter terrorist tactics as poor. This article highlights the difficulties that governments face when fighting terrorism. Do they crack down hard and risk civil liberties groups complaints? Or do they ease up and risk terrorist attacks? There seems to be a very fine line that no government has been able to find yet. Where does that line exist? It is interesting that other countries are facing the same difficulties that the US is in fighting terrorists effectively while at the same time respecting the rights of their citizens.
Interestingly enough, the head of Australia's Federal Police has been under fire recently for using pre-emptive counter terrorist methods, similar to parts of the American public's recent disdain for some aspects of the Patriot Act such as wiretapping. The controversy in Australia stems from what Keelty, the chief of the AFP, calls the "tension, real or perceived, between the right to silence and a fair trial and the right of the community to access information." In the Australian case, the AFP recently brought to trial an Indian doctor whose case they ultimately had to dismiss. The press has called Keelty's anti-terrorism methods bad because he didn't have enough evidence beforehand to convict him. Keelty condemned the press for misleading the public and misrepresenting his agency and their counter terrorist tactics as poor. This article highlights the difficulties that governments face when fighting terrorism. Do they crack down hard and risk civil liberties groups complaints? Or do they ease up and risk terrorist attacks? There seems to be a very fine line that no government has been able to find yet. Where does that line exist? It is interesting that other countries are facing the same difficulties that the US is in fighting terrorists effectively while at the same time respecting the rights of their citizens.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Collective Punishment
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7211966.stm
Whether a stated strategy of Hamas, the groups actions have elicited the kind of response from Israel that could be classified as part of the Indirect Strategy or Outside Intervention Strategy. This article discusses the most recent actions taken by the Israeli government to stop terrorist action against their citizens. These actions have been heavy-handed and have allowed Hamas to gain more support within the Gaza strip and has outraged members of the international community against Israel. In particular, the Israeli government has made it difficult for the Gazans to acquire fuel. This has contributed to a burgeoning humanitarian crisis, in which hospitals do not have the fuel necessary to run their facilities. Hamas, perhaps in an effort to attenuate the crisis and appear as the heros, broke down parts of the Egyptian border so that Gazans could cross into Egypt and gather supplies. Thousands crossed the border into Egypt in pursuit of food.
The international community has put pressure on Israel to allow fuel back into Gaza. Israel has agreed for now. However, they say the withholding of fuel from the Gazans is part of a overarching strategy to combat terror through what can be described as "collective punishment". If the Gazans feel enough pressure, they will turn on their own community and root out potential terrorists. This policy, perhaps, is not working as well as Israel hopes. It might, in fact only perpetuat the problem. If Israel resorts to tactics that hurt the civilian population, they will increase its enemies and those who might have considered peaceful means of protest have no choice but to fight back violently in order to protect themselves and their families. They might want to reconsider their plan.
Whether a stated strategy of Hamas, the groups actions have elicited the kind of response from Israel that could be classified as part of the Indirect Strategy or Outside Intervention Strategy. This article discusses the most recent actions taken by the Israeli government to stop terrorist action against their citizens. These actions have been heavy-handed and have allowed Hamas to gain more support within the Gaza strip and has outraged members of the international community against Israel. In particular, the Israeli government has made it difficult for the Gazans to acquire fuel. This has contributed to a burgeoning humanitarian crisis, in which hospitals do not have the fuel necessary to run their facilities. Hamas, perhaps in an effort to attenuate the crisis and appear as the heros, broke down parts of the Egyptian border so that Gazans could cross into Egypt and gather supplies. Thousands crossed the border into Egypt in pursuit of food.
The international community has put pressure on Israel to allow fuel back into Gaza. Israel has agreed for now. However, they say the withholding of fuel from the Gazans is part of a overarching strategy to combat terror through what can be described as "collective punishment". If the Gazans feel enough pressure, they will turn on their own community and root out potential terrorists. This policy, perhaps, is not working as well as Israel hopes. It might, in fact only perpetuat the problem. If Israel resorts to tactics that hurt the civilian population, they will increase its enemies and those who might have considered peaceful means of protest have no choice but to fight back violently in order to protect themselves and their families. They might want to reconsider their plan.
Suicide Terror...
I am working on the paper that is due next Monday, and I found an article written by Ellen Townsend in which suicide terrorists are compared to suicidal individuals that are not connected with terrorist organizations. She found that suicide terrorists are not "suicidal" in the conventional sense. She then gives her opinion about what motivates people to be suicide terrorists. I hope people find this article useful if they are writing the second paper. If anyone has any other articles they found useful, please post them.
LINKS
To the left you will see a new set of "terrorism links." I took these from some of your posts. If any of you know of other useful websites on terrorism/counterterrorism/bioterrorism, etc., put the links in as comments with a little explanation of the site's importance.
US Must Increase Pressure On Pakistan To Control Terrorism In Tribal Areas
http://www.opednews.com/maxwrite/diarypage.php?did=5809
This article is on how the United States have attacked tribal areas in Pakistan. It talks about how Pakistan is a main Ally in fighting terrorism but how the United states still fears that terrorist are coming out of the tribal region. However, in the articel it said, "Most of the tribesmen think that US has made a bad deal with Pakistan. Why they have been opposing US presence in tribal areas? Actually Pakistani leaders have been using tribal areas for their game through which they have been earning dollars."
This caused Davos President Musharraf to say that he thinks the United States should worry on Iraq and Afganistan instead of involving itself in other areas.
The main question that I have from this article ishow will this affect the US, Pakistany relationships?
If anyone can help that would be great.
Thanks
Austin
This article is on how the United States have attacked tribal areas in Pakistan. It talks about how Pakistan is a main Ally in fighting terrorism but how the United states still fears that terrorist are coming out of the tribal region. However, in the articel it said, "Most of the tribesmen think that US has made a bad deal with Pakistan. Why they have been opposing US presence in tribal areas? Actually Pakistani leaders have been using tribal areas for their game through which they have been earning dollars."
This caused Davos President Musharraf to say that he thinks the United States should worry on Iraq and Afganistan instead of involving itself in other areas.
The main question that I have from this article ishow will this affect the US, Pakistany relationships?
If anyone can help that would be great.
Thanks
Austin
Sunday, January 27, 2008
France-India cooperation
I found this interesting article online about France and India cooperating to fight terrorism. You can find the here
At first I thought it was interesting to see cooperation between France and India, but then I read in the article that they actually have very similar goals and concerns as far as terrorism is concerned. For instance, they are both concerned with the issues of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, and weapons of mass destruction. France is also worried that an increase in terrorism in Pakistan and Central Asia, could increase the number of terror-related incidences in Western Europe. The article stated: "Mr Sarkozy said extremism in one region has repercussions elsewhere too. "
I think it good to see such cooperation between countries that are so geographically distant from each other. It just goes to show us that countries are recognizing that globalization is weakening borders and the terrorist links between India and Pakistan, and Western Europe are growing stronger.
I would encourage you guys to read this article.
At first I thought it was interesting to see cooperation between France and India, but then I read in the article that they actually have very similar goals and concerns as far as terrorism is concerned. For instance, they are both concerned with the issues of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, and weapons of mass destruction. France is also worried that an increase in terrorism in Pakistan and Central Asia, could increase the number of terror-related incidences in Western Europe. The article stated: "Mr Sarkozy said extremism in one region has repercussions elsewhere too. "
I think it good to see such cooperation between countries that are so geographically distant from each other. It just goes to show us that countries are recognizing that globalization is weakening borders and the terrorist links between India and Pakistan, and Western Europe are growing stronger.
I would encourage you guys to read this article.
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