Is Terrorism Ever Justified?Is Terrorism Ever Justified?

Angela DavidsonAngela Davidson

Tara GraceyTara Gracey

Allison HobergAllison Hoberg

Kathryn O’BrienKathryn O’Brien

TerrorismTerrorism

““The unlawful use or threatened use of force or The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons.”often for ideological or political reasons.”

Main cause of terrorismMain cause of terrorism “ “Dissatisfaction with a political or social system or Dissatisfaction with a political or social system or policy, and an inability to change it through ‘mainstream’ policy, and an inability to change it through ‘mainstream’ or non-violent means” or non-violent means”

Breaking it downBreaking it down

Paul Wilkinson from the Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Paul Wilkinson from the Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence, University of St. Andrew, defines qualifications of Political Violence, University of St. Andrew, defines qualifications of terrorism.terrorism.““[Terrorism] denotes a particular type of violence. It is not employed [Terrorism] denotes a particular type of violence. It is not employed as a synonym for politically motivated violence in generalas a synonym for politically motivated violence in general

1.1. It is premeditated and designed to create a climate of It is premeditated and designed to create a climate of extreme fear;extreme fear;

2.2. It is directed at a wider target than the immediate victims;It is directed at a wider target than the immediate victims;3.3. It inherently involves attacks on random or symbolic targets, It inherently involves attacks on random or symbolic targets,

including civilians;including civilians;4.4. It is considered by the society in which it occurs as ‘extra-It is considered by the society in which it occurs as ‘extra-

normal’, that is in the literal sense that it violates the norms normal’, that is in the literal sense that it violates the norms regulating disputes, protest and dissent; andregulating disputes, protest and dissent; and

5.5. It is used primarily, though not exclusively, to influence the It is used primarily, though not exclusively, to influence the political behavior of governments, communities or specific political behavior of governments, communities or specific social groups.”social groups.”

Examples of Terrorist AttacksExamples of Terrorist Attacks

HostagesHostages

Car bombsCar bombs

AssassinationsAssassinations

Shootings and Shootings and other assaultsother assaults

Hijacking of Hijacking of aircraftsaircrafts

KidnappingsKidnappings

Mail/package Mail/package bombsbombs

Suicide bombers Suicide bombers

Timeline of Global Terrorism Timeline of Global Terrorism 60s and 70s60s and 70s

July 21, 1972- “Bloody Friday”July 21, 1972- “Bloody Friday” IRA attacks killed 11, injured 130 in BelfastIRA attacks killed 11, injured 130 in Belfast

September 5, 1972- Munich Olympic September 5, 1972- Munich Olympic MassacreMassacre

9 Israeli athletes and 5 terrorists killed9 Israeli athletes and 5 terrorists killed

December 17, 1973-Attacking and December 17, 1973-Attacking and Hijacking at the Rome AirportHijacking at the Rome Airport

33 Americans, Italians, and Moroccans killed33 Americans, Italians, and Moroccans killed

Timeline of Global TerrorismTimeline of Global Terrorism80s80s

1985- TWA hijacking and Achille Laura 1985- TWA hijacking and Achille Laura hijackinghijacking 145 passengers, 8 crew members held for 17 145 passengers, 8 crew members held for 17

daysdays Italian cruise liner- 700 hostages Italian cruise liner- 700 hostages

1988- Pan Am Bombing1988- Pan Am Bombing 259 killed when bomb went off while flying over 259 killed when bomb went off while flying over

ScotlandScotland Believed to have been Libyan terroristsBelieved to have been Libyan terrorists

Timeline of Global TerrorismTimeline of Global Terrorism90s90s

February 24, 1994- Hebron MassacreFebruary 24, 1994- Hebron Massacre Right-wing Jews and US citizen gunned Muslims at a Right-wing Jews and US citizen gunned Muslims at a

mosque, killing 29 and wounding 150mosque, killing 29 and wounding 150

1995-1998- Various kidnappings, bombings, and 1995-1998- Various kidnappings, bombings, and attacks by rebel, guerrilla, and military groups attacks by rebel, guerrilla, and military groups around the worldaround the world

1999- Armed attacks by ELN (National 1999- Armed attacks by ELN (National Liberation Army) and Burmese Embassy SeizureLiberation Army) and Burmese Embassy Seizure 89 people taken hostage, including a US citizen in 89 people taken hostage, including a US citizen in

Bangkok, ThailandBangkok, Thailand

Timeline of Global TerrorismTimeline of Global Terrorism2000-present2000-present

May 1, 2001-Attacks on UN PersonnelMay 1, 2001-Attacks on UN Personnel 320 kidnapped, 5 killed320 kidnapped, 5 killed

January-June 2002-Various suicide bombings in January-June 2002-Various suicide bombings in JerusalemJerusalemMay 12, 2003- Truck bombs in Saudi ArabiaMay 12, 2003- Truck bombs in Saudi Arabia 34 killed (9 US citizens)34 killed (9 US citizens) Al-Qaida suspects arrestedAl-Qaida suspects arrested

December 31, 2003- Restaurant bombing in December 31, 2003- Restaurant bombing in BaghdadBaghdad Car bomb killed 8, injured 35 (including 3 LA Times Car bomb killed 8, injured 35 (including 3 LA Times

reporters)reporters)

Prominent Acts of Terrorism Prominent Acts of Terrorism on Americanson Americans

Oklahoma City BombingOklahoma City Bombing Was the worst terrorist attack on Was the worst terrorist attack on

United States soil before 9/11.United States soil before 9/11.

September 11, 2001- Attack on September 11, 2001- Attack on US HomelandUS Homeland Pentagon, WTC, and hijacked Pentagon, WTC, and hijacked

plane killed 3,025 US citizens and plane killed 3,025 US citizens and other nationalsother nationals

Declared Usama Bin laden prime Declared Usama Bin laden prime suspect, Global Coalition Against suspect, Global Coalition Against Terrorism formedTerrorism formed

Prominent Acts of Terrorism on Prominent Acts of Terrorism on AmericansAmericans

May 1, 1961- First US Aircraft HijackedMay 1, 1961- First US Aircraft Hijacked1968 and 1969- Two US Ambassadors attacked, one killed 1968 and 1969- Two US Ambassadors attacked, one killed in Guatemalain Guatemala1979- US Ambassador to Afghanistan killed and Iran 1979- US Ambassador to Afghanistan killed and Iran Hostage CrisisHostage Crisis1983-US Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon bombed followed by 1983-US Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon bombed followed by Marine barrack attack in BeirutMarine barrack attack in Beirut

63 people, CIA’s Middle East Director killed63 people, CIA’s Middle East Director killed 242 Americans (Marines and bystanders) killed, 58 French troops 242 Americans (Marines and bystanders) killed, 58 French troops

killedkilled

1986-1989- Many U.S servicemen killed in bombings and 1986-1989- Many U.S servicemen killed in bombings and assassinations assassinations February 26, 1993- World Trade Center BombingFebruary 26, 1993- World Trade Center Bombing

Islamic terrorists-car bomb in underground garageIslamic terrorists-car bomb in underground garage 1000 injured, 6 dead1000 injured, 6 dead

0100200300400500600700800900

Africa Asia

Eurasia

Latin

Am

erica

Mid

dle Eas

t

North

Am

erica

Wes

tern E

urope

# of terroristincidents from1995-2001

Terrorism Incidents WorldwideTerrorism Incidents Worldwide

From 1995-2001, North From 1995-2001, North America, by far, had the America, by far, had the fewest number of fewest number of international terrorist international terrorist attacks and terrorist attacks and terrorist related casualties in related casualties in comparison to other comparison to other continents.continents.

Terrorism IS JustifiedTerrorism IS Justified

Motivation for TerrorismMotivation for TerrorismRationalRational Rational Choice TheoryRational Choice Theory

When an individual makes a choice after weighing the When an individual makes a choice after weighing the consequences and rewards of an action or behavior.consequences and rewards of an action or behavior.For example, a terrorist thinks like a business person. The For example, a terrorist thinks like a business person. The terrorist looks at all options and takes action on the choice that terrorist looks at all options and takes action on the choice that is most cost effective and beneficial to his/her cause. is most cost effective and beneficial to his/her cause.

Psychological Psychological Arises from the individual terrorist's personal Arises from the individual terrorist's personal

dissatisfaction with a government or political systemdissatisfaction with a government or political system Antisocial behaviors create “US” vs. “THEM”Antisocial behaviors create “US” vs. “THEM” Believe that everyone outside their own group is EVIL Believe that everyone outside their own group is EVIL

Cultural Cultural Cultures shape values and motivate people to take Cultures shape values and motivate people to take

action action

Can Terrorism Be Justified?Can Terrorism Be Justified?

What is considered justifiable by one What is considered justifiable by one person or group may not be to another. person or group may not be to another.

““In the U.S., the general consensus sees In the U.S., the general consensus sees the terroristic actions of abolitionists and the terroristic actions of abolitionists and American revolutionists as justifiable.” American revolutionists as justifiable.”

Could also be considered terroristic.Could also be considered terroristic.Example: John Brown’s raidExample: John Brown’s raid

Reasons for TerrorismReasons for Terrorism

PoliticalPolitical Red Army FactionRed Army Faction

ReligiousReligious Islamic extremismIslamic extremism

EthnicEthnic Hate crimes (KKK)Hate crimes (KKK)

SocialSocial Individual issues such as anti-abortionIndividual issues such as anti-abortion

Example: “Atomic Dog” – James KoppExample: “Atomic Dog” – James Kopp

Political Oppression as Reason for Political Oppression as Reason for TerrorismTerrorism

Terrorists reason an opposing government will Terrorists reason an opposing government will not respond to their demands for political change not respond to their demands for political change and they have no other choice than to attack.and they have no other choice than to attack.Terrorists claim the government is no longer Terrorists claim the government is no longer responding to the needs of the population.responding to the needs of the population.Seek to motivate the population to rise up Seek to motivate the population to rise up against the government.against the government. Claim that sometimes citizens can only achieve self-Claim that sometimes citizens can only achieve self-

rule/independence through the use of revolutionary rule/independence through the use of revolutionary forcesforces

FMLN AttackFMLN Attack

Religion as Justification for Religion as Justification for TerrorismTerrorism

Religious Extremists Religious Extremists Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, CrusadersAl-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Crusaders Al-Qaeda & Hezbollah’s interpretation of the Al-Qaeda & Hezbollah’s interpretation of the

Qu’ran has convinced many in their groups Qu’ran has convinced many in their groups that it is a necessity to kill Jews and that it is a necessity to kill Jews and Americans due to a “religious war” against the Americans due to a “religious war” against the West. West.

Emphasize religious duty or the approach Emphasize religious duty or the approach of the end of the worldof the end of the world Aum Shinrikyo Aum Shinrikyo

Ethnic Differences as a Justification Ethnic Differences as a Justification for Terrorismfor Terrorism

Races often blame the minority group for taking Races often blame the minority group for taking jobs or other economic opportunities.jobs or other economic opportunities.

Feel discriminated against because of their raceFeel discriminated against because of their race

Examples:Examples: KKKKKK NazisNazis ““Ethnic cleansing” in BosniaEthnic cleansing” in Bosnia Genocide in RwandaGenocide in Rwanda

Social/Societal Reason as Social/Societal Reason as Justification for TerrorismJustification for Terrorism

Individual issues lead to “terrorist attacks”.Individual issues lead to “terrorist attacks”.Examples:Examples: Anti-abortionist attacksAnti-abortionist attacks Timothy McVeigh bombing of Murrah building Timothy McVeigh bombing of Murrah building

in Oklahoma City (1995)in Oklahoma City (1995)He believed the government no longer represented He believed the government no longer represented a majority of its citizens & wanted to initiate a mass a majority of its citizens & wanted to initiate a mass public uprising.public uprising.Wanted to restore America to an all white Wanted to restore America to an all white government.government.

Self DefenseSelf Defense

Terrorism is justified in terms of self Terrorism is justified in terms of self defense.defense.

If a group is oppressed, then they believe If a group is oppressed, then they believe it is their right to retaliate.it is their right to retaliate. Means of retaliation may be seen as terrorism Means of retaliation may be seen as terrorism

by outside groups.by outside groups.

International Acts of TerrorismInternational Acts of TerrorismIsraeli/Palestinian conflict Israeli/Palestinian conflict Jewish immigration into Palestine began at about the Jewish immigration into Palestine began at about the

turn of the 20turn of the 20thth century. century. Arabs opposed the division of land by European Arabs opposed the division of land by European

powers, and they thought that they were being powers, and they thought that they were being marginalized.marginalized.

Since then, there have been innumerable conflicts and Since then, there have been innumerable conflicts and acts of terrorism between the two sides.acts of terrorism between the two sides.

Terrorism justifiable for the Palestinians because they Terrorism justifiable for the Palestinians because they have been given no other choice. have been given no other choice.

Palestinian children armed only with stones shot at by Palestinian children armed only with stones shot at by Israelis.Israelis.

International Acts of Terrorism International Acts of Terrorism Con’tCon’t

Chechnya rebelsChechnya rebels Chechnya not allowed to separate from Chechnya not allowed to separate from

Russia despite differences in religion and Russia despite differences in religion and culture.culture.

Chechens predominantly Sunni MuslimsChechens predominantly Sunni Muslims Have been subdued by Russia for over a Have been subdued by Russia for over a

century.century.Economic reasons -- oilEconomic reasons -- oil

Rebels commit acts of terrorism to gain their Rebels commit acts of terrorism to gain their independence.independence.

Terrorist vs. Freedom FighterTerrorist vs. Freedom Fighter

Group being attacked calls the acts Group being attacked calls the acts terrorism. terrorism.

Group attacking calls the acts rebellion.Group attacking calls the acts rebellion. Freedom Fighter- “One engaged in armed Freedom Fighter- “One engaged in armed

rebellion or resistance against an oppressive rebellion or resistance against an oppressive government.”government.”

Terrorism IS NOT Terrorism IS NOT JustifiedJustified

Terrorism according to PowellTerrorism according to Powell

““Terrorists reject democracy, reject Terrorists reject democracy, reject openness and have "abandoned civilized openness and have "abandoned civilized means" of making their opinions known means" of making their opinions known through the killing of innocent people,” through the killing of innocent people,” according to Secretary of State Colin according to Secretary of State Colin Powell. Powell. There can be no political justification and no There can be no political justification and no

religious justification for the terrorist attack on religious justification for the terrorist attack on a school in Beslan in the North Ossetia region a school in Beslan in the North Ossetia region of the Russian Federation. of the Russian Federation.

Terrorism Unjustified…According to Terrorism Unjustified…According to most major religionsmost major religions

The Christian faith condemns terrorismThe Christian faith condemns terrorism Psalm 37:8,10-11Psalm 37:8,10-11 Let anger alone and leave rage. Let anger alone and leave rage.

Do not show yourself heated up only to do evil…But Do not show yourself heated up only to do evil…But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth and the meek ones themselves will possess the earth and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.abundance of peace.

Neutralizing Terrorism- Rev. Bill McGinnis (Christian Neutralizing Terrorism- Rev. Bill McGinnis (Christian Universalism)Universalism)

““The moral and religious theories which support The moral and religious theories which support terrorism are quite faulty and erroneous.terrorism are quite faulty and erroneous. They need to be They need to be identified and attacked.”identified and attacked.”

Major Religions cont’dMajor Religions cont’d

Catholicism does not support terrorismCatholicism does not support terrorism Cardinal John J. Conner Cardinal John J. Conner “…causing innocent “…causing innocent

civilians to live in daily fear-these are tactics we find civilians to live in daily fear-these are tactics we find morally loathsome; we condemn them with all our morally loathsome; we condemn them with all our being.”being.”

Catholics believe that terrorists are immoral and Catholics believe that terrorists are immoral and should be responded to by force only if it is just.should be responded to by force only if it is just.

Just-War Theory- sets certain conditions that permit the use Just-War Theory- sets certain conditions that permit the use of war to confront "a real and certain danger" of war to confront "a real and certain danger"

For example, “to protect innocent life, to preserve conditions For example, “to protect innocent life, to preserve conditions necessary for decent human existence and to secure basic necessary for decent human existence and to secure basic human rights. “human rights. “

Major Religions cont’dMajor Religions cont’d

Islam does NOT promote, nor justify terrorismIslam does NOT promote, nor justify terrorism Islam which means submission promotes peace.Islam which means submission promotes peace. The Quran states that the religion of Islam forbids the The Quran states that the religion of Islam forbids the

killing of innocent people. killing of innocent people. ““Fight in the cause of Allah Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight youthose who fight you, but , but

do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not the do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not the transgressors" (2:190). transgressors" (2:190).

Verses such as these are construed to fit the ideals of Verses such as these are construed to fit the ideals of terrorists and are often taken out of their context.terrorists and are often taken out of their context.When the Qur’an was presented to Muslims, it was in a time When the Qur’an was presented to Muslims, it was in a time of inter-tribal violence. It warned its followers to be prepared of inter-tribal violence. It warned its followers to be prepared to fight only if attacked, and to act with “forgiveness and to fight only if attacked, and to act with “forgiveness and restraint.”restraint.”

Terrorism Unjustified…According to Terrorism Unjustified…According to Bahram SoroushBahram Soroush

Bahram Soroush is an Iranian leftist and Bahram Soroush is an Iranian leftist and civil rights activist. He is often called upon civil rights activist. He is often called upon to interpret the Qu’ran in interviews for to interpret the Qu’ran in interviews for international magazines.international magazines. ““Terrorism is an act of violence which is Terrorism is an act of violence which is

indiscriminate”indiscriminate” NO justification for killing innocent civilians NO justification for killing innocent civilians Terrorism is no excuse for rising against Terrorism is no excuse for rising against

government oppression government oppression The ideology of terrorism is to promote hatredThe ideology of terrorism is to promote hatred

Terrorism and US Law Terrorism and US Law Terrorism is unacceptable according to recent Terrorism is unacceptable according to recent amendments to US lawamendments to US lawNew laws and amendments are being passed to counter New laws and amendments are being passed to counter and prevent terrorism for the safety of US citizensand prevent terrorism for the safety of US citizensAntiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996

Title II – Foreign Governments supporting terrorism can be sued Title II – Foreign Governments supporting terrorism can be sued and victims of terrorism get increased aid and assistanceand victims of terrorism get increased aid and assistance

Title III – Ensures that terrorist organizations that are fundraising Title III – Ensures that terrorist organizations that are fundraising or receiving financial support are severed from their resourcesor receiving financial support are severed from their resources

Title IV – “addresses immigration-related terrorism issues”Title IV – “addresses immigration-related terrorism issues” Title V – changes regulations concerning materials owned and Title V – changes regulations concerning materials owned and

used by terrorists that cause “catastrophic damage”used by terrorists that cause “catastrophic damage” Title VI – plastic explosives must have pre-explosion detection Title VI – plastic explosives must have pre-explosion detection

devicesdevices

Terrorism and US Law cont’dTerrorism and US Law cont’d

Air Commerce and Safety – Security -Title 49, Air Commerce and Safety – Security -Title 49, Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Chapter 449 Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Chapter 449 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance - Title 50, Foreign Intelligence Surveillance - Title 50, Chapter 36 Chapter 36 Rewards for Information Concerning Terrorist Rewards for Information Concerning Terrorist Acts and Espionage – Title 18, Part II, Chapter Acts and Espionage – Title 18, Part II, Chapter 204204Terrorism- Title 18, Part I, Chapter 113BTerrorism- Title 18, Part I, Chapter 113BThese laws show that the US will not tolerate These laws show that the US will not tolerate any form of terrorism and will punish those who any form of terrorism and will punish those who engage in itengage in it

Group ConclusionGroup Conclusion

Terrorism is justified because, according Terrorism is justified because, according to our definitions, every terrorist is also a to our definitions, every terrorist is also a freedom fighter. Freedom fighting can be freedom fighter. Freedom fighting can be justified as a means of evoking social or justified as a means of evoking social or political change.political change.

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