Domestic versus Transnational Terrorism - Assignment Example

Domestic versus Transnational Terrorism Terrorism is a word that emerged during the French revolution at the reign of terror. This was from 1793 to 1794. At the reign of terror, this term reflected the actions of groups such as Le Gouvernement de le Terreur and the Jacobins. This was a time when violence was at its peak in French state and killed approximately 40,000 people in less than one year. Maximilien Robespierre, who was a frontrunner during French revolution, explained terror to be a justice prompt that is severe and inflexible (Imre, 2008). Terror reign was a French government product. Russian radicals in 1870s explained that in modern times terrorism define massive killings of humans through a statement issued politically by nongovernmental political actors. Pacific Tibetan Buddhists between the Chinese are vicious terrorists. Terrorism is the increasing conditions of war, murder, and torture of human beings. This paper will cover the causes of terrorism, terrorist groups, a comparison of the domestic terrorist group ISIS, their origins, goals, methodologies, tactics, and ideologies. Since the taking over of Mosul by the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a state of confusion has increased in the whole world regarding its origin, goals, tactics, objectives, and their nature of attacks. These extreme terrorist attacks have posed a serious threat to peace and security in the whole world. Ongoing recruitments of the young people to these terror groups have threatened the growth and development of many nations (Idachaba, 2015). Terror groups are common in their attacks since they are involved in high jacking of air-lines, bombing government buildings, taking over some communities, abducting and kidnapping school children, beheading people among other terror attacks. Causes of Terrorism Terrorism occurs because of religious differences, oppression, grievances that are historical, disobeying international laws, and extreme deprivations of country’s resources resulting in poverty. Expressions of hate in the economic hegemony, profits, frightening, discrimination against the race of people, guilt from certain associations, high and increasing levels of mortality, and extreme anger also cause terrorism in a country (Imre, 2008). The above actions when practiced by terror groups cause fear, trembling, panic, and mass deaths among victims. Nongovernmental political actors affect these terrorist practices on human beings. Terrorist Groups Terrorist groups are divided into foreign terrorist organizations and domestic terrorist organizations. Examples of foreign terrorist groups include Abe Nidal Organisations, Al-Shabaab, Army of Islam, and Palestine Liberation Front among others. Domestic terrorist organizations include Alpha 66, Army of God, Greenpeace, Jamaal ul-Fuqra among others. Muslims believe that they have a duty to fight their enemies on behalf of their friends and families (Imre, 2008). They also invade territories inhabited by non-Muslims, slaughtering them. They also aim at removing the Kafir (those who do not believe in Allah); they do this according to Jihad, which means struggle. The struggle to remove all groups of Non-Islam in the whole world has caused some people to form terrorist groups such as AlQaeda. According to Bjelopera (2013), terrorism acts are classified according to their activity levels, applications of modern tactics, internet exploitation, decentralized threats, and radicalizations in prisons. A manifestation of repeated violent attacks and antigovernment extraordinary negative activities reported by watchdog groups reveal the existence of terror groups in the country. Occurrence of activities such as trespassing, vandalism, and tax fraud exempting tactics such as bombings indicate presence of domestic terror groups. Increased use of the internet by these groups to effect their daily operations is also a clear indicator of domestic terrorist groups in a country. Leadership groups discover later that some terror groups use underground militants to carry out illegal activities. Some other groups dwell on country propagandas and participate in protected speeches (Bjelopera, 2013). Most criminal activities thrive well among prison walls. The radicalization of terrorists also occurs in prisons. Actions of the gangs in prisons at times motivate terrorists who are domestic and assist in forming cohesive groups. Drug traffickers are also terrorist groups since they also transfer weapons to members of these groups. Domestic versus Transnational Terrorism Domestic Terrorism Origins of Domestic Terrorism Bjelopera (2013) observes that domestic terrorists commit crimes within their country, while accessing support from U.S based movements and ideologies (Bjelopera, 2013). According to Bjelopera (2013), the groups kill their own citizens and damage property. These individuals commit these crimes since they support rights of human beings, animals, environment, anti-government ideals, anti-abortion beliefs, white supremacy, and anarchism. They also focus on national wide propagandas and ideology dissemination. Most of the participants of domestic terrorists stay within prison walls. Domestic terrorism allows growth and practice of illegal activities in their home countries. Domestic attackers and audience hail at their countries of origin. Examples of attacks carried out by domestic attackers include bombing of federal building in Oklahoma city by timothy McVeigh, anti-abortionist bombing of centennial Olympic park based in Atlanta and civil wars (Sandler, 2014) and the kidnapping of 200 female students that involved perpetrators and victims. Most countries affected by domestic attacks often request foreign assistance. Transnational Attacks Involvement of a terror attack with foreign perpetrators and victims is a transnational attack. Transnational attacks involve cases where one of the victims is a non-citizen. The attacks involve kidnappings, bombings, and foreign embassies attacks. They use liquid explosives and skyjacking aimed at attacking another country mainly for political purposes (Sandler, 2014). Hijacking of planes that carry foreign passengers and kidnapping involving US journalists are also foreign attacks. Origin of ISIS Islamic State terrorist group (ISIS) began as al-Qaeda based in Iraq (AQI). AL-Baghdadi group rose to leadership in AQI. Islamic Jihad founder Ayman al-Zawahiri and Osama bin Laden criticized the two groups earlier on before the leadership of al-Baghdadi to AQI (Idachaba, 2014). In Iraq, ISIS was originally known as AL Qaeda. U.S troop based in Iraq destroyed these terrorist attackers. Later on, ISIS began to reorganize and strengthen them. The ISIS group members have recently increased in number and have engaged in world fighting. For example, in 2013, ISIS merged with Jab hat al-Nusra, an affiliate of Syrian al-Qaeda. Zawahiri later limited that merger to Iraq. Al-Baghdadi later on rejected the ruling of al-Baghdadi since his authority was questionable. Idachaba (2015) argues that in April 2013, Iraq al-Qaida leader (Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi) announced a merger between Islamic State of Iraq, and Jabhat al-Nusra and formed a new group named Jamaat al-Tawhid wa-l-Jihad (JTWJ). By 2004, it had been renamed al-Qaeda (AQI). Come 2006, it obtained a name Majlis Shura al-Mujahedin (MSM). This later turned to Islamc State of Iraq (ISI), which later reformed to Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). Goals of ISIS ISIS aims at creating Sunni Islamic State (Caliphate) through affecting increased violence against their enemies. Their target is Iraq government and American forces based in Iraq. They also target Shia Muslims, all faith civilians, and Christians (Idachaba, 2015). They practice suicide bombings and violent attacks among them. ISIS aims at creating Islamic Emirate to overcome the Iraq and Syria modern states. ISIS destabilized Syrian state in the middle of the Syrian war. Sandler (2014) explains that violence and political motive are the areas of concern by terrorists. Terrorists get involved in beheadings, bombings, downing commercial airlines, armed attacks in public places among other attacks. Terrorists aim at circumventing normal channels to get a change politically through brutal acts so that the government can give in to the demands of the terrorists or use the government funds to support their potential targets. ISIS Methodologies ISIS uses various methodologies to cause violence and havoc among their citizens such as discrimination, excommunication, crucifying of non-citizens, fighting with other groups of jihads, and execution, which involves 1700 soldiers of Iraq based in Tikrit (Centre, 2014). They also behead non-citizens and non-followers of Islam. This group is also involved in hijackings. Gambhir (2015) adds that ISIS terror group is involved with parallel campaigns that include three geographic regions, which are Jordan, Palestine and Israel, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon. It also aims at stretching its attacks on Arab lands, Europe, Southern Asia among others. It launches simultaneous attacks on countries such as Northern Ramadi based in Anbar province. It also involves itself with interior and local campaigns. In addition, it is involved in counter messaging to locations that prove to have strong supporters of ISIS. Examples include Libya. It disrupts allocation of resources, propaganda, fighters, and expertise outside the leadership of ISIS. ISIS avails resources and training concerning military to its new recruits (Willets) who are direct affiliates of ISIS. Groups that respond to messages contain foreign fighters or cells that stay far away from their headquarters later go back to Iraq and Syria (Gambit, 2015). There are also long-term members of this group situated in different locations to commit individual attacks on their behalf. They are inspired by social movements of jihad, which assist them to advertise the groups as successful and strong. All these groups assist in polarization and radicalization of the terror group. Byman (2008) postulates that some states sponsor terrorism groups. Examples of states funded by their governments to commit terror attacks include Cuba, North Korea, Syria, and Iran among others. The sponsors train the groups, arm them with weapons, and even train them on war tactics. Some states are also unwilling to stop recruitment of terrorists and their funding. Other states provide a haven for their terrorist groups added with their own media. They coordinate them by providing money, control, training, weapons, agendas, and targets. They also maintain their contacts with their terrorist groups by opening their channels for better communication and availability (Byman, 2008). In some countries, there are policies made as not to interfere with any of the country’s terrorist group. Some leaders deliberately ignore the presence of terrorist groups in their countries since they believe that they do not affect their interests as a government. U.S.A has sold hellfire missiles that are air-to-surface to Baghdad and has delivered approximately six brigades containing weapons and equipments for soldiers, Amor protected vehicles, F-16s, and multi-purpose wheeled vehicles having tanks of spare parts, ammunitions, and communication gadgets. Apache attack helicopters and vehicle bombs are given to terror groups (Blanchard et al., 2015). Tactics Migration of some Muslims to Middle East to join terror groups in Islamic states has continuously increased at alarming rates in the West. The fight against increasing numbers of young people who are turning to radical Islam is high. The terrorists attract people through their tactics such as vandalism, tax fraud, and trespassing (U.S. Department of state, 2007). Domestic terrorists use internet practical understanding to update themselves on how to carry out their operations effectively. These groups operate with no help of any organization that has traditional leaders or rosters. They also focus on national wide propagandas and ideology dissemination. People who desire to join such groups respond to invitations made through twitter and other social media by terror groups such as ISIS. According to the Department of U.S. State (2007), the group uses the internet to advertise what it does and recruit some people in their groups as well as issue out their propagandas to the public. ISIS group advert on Westerners also acts as forms of attracting avenues. Issues regarding Jihad John, who beheaded western journalists, have been a major occurrence to make ISIS known to the world. They also use phones, computers, and tablets to all ordinary people who may be online to attract their attention. They offer luxurious lifestyles to their followers through attractive wages and allowances. ISIS also has media channels that have recently announced a reopening of a lavish hotel in Mosul. The hotel advert also has photos of their facilities. Propaganda videos featuring western people and encouraging them to visit Syria and assist the captives are as well availed to the public. Most ISIS recruiters are women who update their followers about their day-to-day lives on twitter and tumblr as well as displaying the territory of ISIS on social media. They also use message apps such as Kik as a means of communication to those who may desire to cross Syria and even create brochures on ISIS propagandas (U.S. Department, 2007). The brochures give directions on how to get to Syria, and what to carry. They also communicate with recruits on how to get to Turkey and Syria. These groups also use financial institutions that are worldwide, clandestine cells situated in many hemispheres, satellite headquarters, and cyberspace. Ideologies of ISIS Terrorism Group The identified characteristics of modern ideologies of jihad include jihad requirement, total occupation of Muslim lands, martyrdom that involves dying and suffering like a hero. Martyrdom is associated with jihad, full reign of Allah by all laws of the land, nations and states (Hakimiyya), supporting hisba and the Islamic society. This involves avoiding evil deeds and praising good actions. These terror groups also believe in Takfir (targeting those sectors that do not believe in Allah such as non-Muslim governments) (Imre et al., 2008). ISIS group has been able to manifest itself among Islam countries since it is a universal religion. Islam believes in one political Ummah concept, which states that Muslim community is united by a common faith that covers their political, geographical, and national boundaries. As a result, they share their fate (Idachaba, 2015). Their strong belief in Allah and Prophet Mohammad strengthens their acts. Allah, through Prophet Mohammad, gave out laws regarding their secular and religious matters. All these divine laws (sharia) govern Ummah. Sharia is accepted anytime and anyplace, which makes it surpass geographical boundaries. Islam separates the whole world into two, Islamic house (dar-al-islam) and (dar-al-harb) house of war. Sharia law is at its highest authority where Muslims control nations, countries, and terrorists. House of war involves those countries that are not controlled by sharia and do not obey their laws. According to Idachaba (2015), this separation has brought an endless conflict between the two houses (house of war and house of Islam). According to the terrorists, the attacks will not end until the house of war turns into house of Islam. The terrorists believe that at this time the whole world will be conquered for Allah. As a result, there will be establishment of a single and global Islamic state (Caliphate). Caliphate is a united government that rules the whole Ummah community. Caliph is the leader and governor of this Ummah community. Since Allah is the only lawgiver, legislators are not required; however, the government strengthens Allah’s laws together with Caliph their leader (Idachaba, 2015). Caliph is also defined as the “Vicegerent of Allah upon the earth” since he is responsible for judging righteously. Subjects of Caliphate absolutely obey the laws and ordinances since it is the highest political organization on earth. Despite this Muslim government being highly followed, other groups that state that their rules are unjust criticize it. Sharia law is based on the Quran, consensus of Muslim community, Sunna, Qiyas, and scholars or analogies. Right answers are obtained from scriptural sources that are original (Idachaba, 2015). Sharia is a picture of ideal societies ruled by divine laws, which explain their moral and religious behaviors. Secular laws control Muslim society instead of divine ones since they are irrelevant among religious communities (Idachaba, 2015). This ideology forms the base for terrorist attacks since Muslims are in almost all countries and most terrorist organizations are global enemies of security and peace. Religious terrorists believe in martyrdom, which makes them not afraid of death and believe that they become winners and succeed when they die. Conclusion Terrorist acts are active in Muslim countries who believe that through jihad they should struggle to make everybody on earth believe the laws of Mohammad and Allah. They practice martyrdom, which includes dying for their citizens. With their goals of turning all people into Muslims, they fight against all non-Muslims. Governments support most terrorist groups through funding, training, motivating, offering attractive wages and availing weapons such as ammunitions and guns. Terrorist groups raise the levels of insecurities within the individuals. They cause harm to individuals, destroy their properties as well as the property of the government seeking for their rights and governments. They are involved in acts such as kidnappings, hijackings of vehicles and airplanes, beheading people and executing non-Muslims. They use websites, internet, and social media, such as twitter, in advertising their luxurious enterprises such as hotels to attract members in their groups. Some groups avail brochures that give directions to Iraq and even offer to direct them to their camps. Religion, race, political influence, economic status of a country and increasing level of profits are among the causes of terrorism acts in a country. To achieve peace internationally, the two governments of Iraq and Syria should seek to stop crimes related to war and abuse of human rights. They should stop transfer of arms from one country to another. References Bjelopera, J. P. (2013). The domestic terrorist threat: background and issues for congress. Congressional Research Service, 7(5700), 1-69. Blanchard, C. M., Humud, C.E., Kazman, K., & Weed, M.C. (2015). “The Islamic state” Crisis and U.S. Policy. Congressional Research Service, 7(5700), 1-46. Byman, D, L. (2008). The changing nature of state sponsorship of terrorism. The saban center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings institution. Analysis Paper, 16(5), 1-58. Center, E. (2014). The Islamic state origins, goals, and future implications. The Eurasia Brief, 1(1), 1-10. Gambit, H. (2015). ISIS global intelligence summary. Institute for the Study of War, 1-15. Idachaba, E. (2015). Islamic state terrorist organization: a critical study of the movement’s ideological posture and implications to global peace. Afro Asian Journal of social Sciences, 1 (6), 1-17. Imre, R. M, Brian, T. & Clarke, B. (2008).What is terrorism? Chapter 1, 1-32. U.S. Department of state. (2007). Terror motivations and behaviors. Chapter 2. A military guide to terrorism in the twenty-first century, 1-17. Sandler, T. (2014). Terrorism and counterterrorism: An overview. Retrieved from http://oep.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2014/11/05/oep.gpu039.full Read More