AP Human Geography Political Organization of Space Unit Terrorism AP Human Geography Political Organization of Space Unit

For today, 02/02 Turn in your Flashback Friday, Weather Channel Style assignmentUsing Socrative (ROOM 262479), respond to the info below: (1.) Over a nine-month period in 1941-42, the German Luftwaffe (air force) bombed London, destroying more than 1 million houses and killing approximately 43,000 people. (2.) Over a period of two nights (February 13-15) in 1944, the U.S. and British air forces dropped approximately 3,900 tons of high explosive and incendiary (fire-causing) bombs on Dresden, Germany. Their objective was to destroy Dresden’s rail yard, but they dropped so many bombs all around the city that the resulting firestorm killed about 30,000 people, most of whom burned alive. Except for the fact that these acts were carried out by a state, does it meet your definition of terrorism? Should we draw a distinction between “terrorism” and “war” as separate concepts? Explain your reasoning.

Terrorism Is the systematic use of violence by a group in order to intimidate a population or coerce a government into granting its demands. Attempt to achieve their objectives through organized acts that spread fear, such as: Bombing Kidnapping Hijacking Hostages Assassination Applied to actions by groups operating outside government rather than to those of official government agencies. Victims are usually citizens. Consider violence as necessary to bring publicity to goals and grievances

Terrorism Against Americans Major events during the late 20th Century: 12/21/88 – Pan Am Flight, Lockerbie, Scotland 2/26/93 – Car bomb, World Trade Center 4/19/95 – OKC Bombings 10/12/00 – The USS Cole – Yemen 17 year period – Theodore J. Kaczynski aka Unabomber Some committed by Americans, some by outside forces Click here for a more extensive list

9/11 September 11, 2001 World Trade Center – NYC Pentagon – DC Al-Qaeda responsible for the hijacking of 4 planes 2,977 victims; over 6,000 injuries

Al-Qaeda Is not a single unified organization; number involved in unknown Number involved is unknown Also encompasses local franchises concerned with country specific issues Responsible or implicated in most of the anti-US terrorism during the last two decades. Osama bin Laden One of 50 children to billionaire Mohammed bin Laden Used inheritance to set up Al-Qaeda “The Foundation” or “the base” Around 1990 to unite jihad fighters in Afghanistan, as well as other parts of the Middle East Issued a declaration of war against the US in 1996 because of US support for Saudi Arabia and Israel. Destruction of the Saudi monarchy and the Jewish state of Israel would liberate from their control the 3 holiest sites for Muslims: Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem Use of religion to justify attacks has posed challenges to Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Why Has Terrorism Increased? Terrorism initiated by individuals, organizations, and states has increased, especially against the US. Some terrorists consider all US citizens justifiable targets because they hold all US citizens responsible for US government policies and cultural practices. Tactics of the terrorist groups Manipulating young teenagers by saying that their suicidal acts will lead them to a great paradise Brainwashing the uneducated people in extreme poverty by providing them provisions and money Displaced population: High numbers of refugees who are in an extremely desperate situations Development of technology Limitless amount of funding on their terrorist actions Easier traveling from continent to continent Nation’s governmental performance factor (nations with higher risk of corruptions, weaker rules of law, and lower levels of national security allows extreme groups to accumulate wealth and expand)

State Support for Terrorism Several states in the Middle East have provided support for terrorism: Libya, Afghanistan, Yemen, Pakistan, etc. Providing sanctuary for terrorists wanted by other countries Supplying weapons, money, and intelligence to terrorists Planning attacks using terrorists Currently, the U.S. governments classifies 4 states as “State Sponsors of Terrorism” Cuba Sudan Syria Iran Click here to find out how the U.S. classifies countries as “State Sponsors of Terrorism” and see why these four qualify