Lesson 3

 Identify origins and beliefs of fundamentalist movements.  Research major fundamentalist groups.  Articulate arguments for and against the issue of Islamic fundamentalism as a threat.

 What are the 5 pillars of Islam?

 Political & social movement promoting a return to traditional, or fundamental, interpretation of any religion.  Islamic Fundamentalism or “Political Islam”  Est. Shari’a law as foundation of government  Rid society of non-Islamic influence

 Islamic empire eclipsed, dominated, and exploited by West. Frustrated w/politics.  Frustration with rapid social & economic changes.  Contempt for decadence & corruption of Western culture.  Western presence in Holy Lands, ME politics, perceived attack on Islam

 World Gone Wrong  Religion to cope & guide  Tool for social activism & poly change  Motivate & justify purpose  No Other Option  Tried traditional channels for change, failed  Lack power, voice  Hopeless & frustrated  Cosmic War Against Enemy  Good vs Evil (God/Devil)  Stakes so high, cause so virtuous = any means justify ends  Symbolism & Violence  Value to target & timing  “Four Cases” Read From “Responding to Terrorism: Challenges for Democracy”

 Most DO NOT ADVOCATE violence!  Terrorism as form of jihad  Downtrodden drawn to promises  Seek to overthrow secular regimes & rulers they regard as un-Islamic  Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and Kuwait as well as US

 US Concerns  Poly & econ stability  US-friendly  Terror attacks against Western interests  “Islamaphobia”  Anti-Muslim, Anti-Arab sentiment born out of fear & ignorance  Ground Zero Mosque  Reading Reading  Opened Sept 22, 2011

 Al Qaeda  The Taliban  Hezbollah  Hamas  The Muslim Brotherhood  Islamic Jihad  Wahhabism  Lashkar-e-Taiba  Jaish-e-Mohammed  Beliefs of group?  Countries group is active in?  Is the group allowed to participate in govt? Do they hold power?  Typical activities?  Outside opinions of group? ~175 Groups…32 are Shiite, others are Sunni-based

 Do you consider Islamic fundamentalism a threat to US security? Why or why not?

 Wiki Post Middle East Discussion Tab  “Why is it important to study Islam and fundamentalism and its many meanings?”