Defining Terrorism and its Goals

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Questions and Answers

In what year did Osama bin Laden found Al-Qaeda?

1988

What event occurred in May of 1996?

Osama bin Laden had been living in Afghanistan along with other members of Al-Qaeda.

What was the outcome of the US military's attack on terrorist training camps in 1998?

Limited effect

What sanctions were imposed on the Taliban by the UN Security Council in 1999 and 2000?

Turn over Osama bin Laden for trial in the embassy bombings Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979?

Mujahideen fought against the Soviets with US support Signup and view all the answers

What happened in Afghanistan after the Soviet withdrawal in 1989?

America lost interest in Afghanistan and did not influence the new government, leading to a bitter civil war. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of terrorism, and what are the goals of terrorists?

The definition of terrorism is the use of violence or the threat of violence to achieve a political goal. The goals of terrorists may include changing or overthrowing a government, gaining independence, seeking justice for a wronged group, obtaining concessions from a government, or getting national or international attention. Signup and view all the answers

Is terrorism a new phenomenon, and is it limited to the Middle East or Islam?

No, terrorism is not a new phenomenon, and it is not limited to the Middle East or Islam. Signup and view all the answers

What was the US response to terrorist attacks before 9/11?

Before 9/11, the US responded to terrorist attacks with occasional military responses, such as the 1986 air strikes against Libya and the 1998 bombing campaign in Sudan and Afghanistan. Signup and view all the answers

What were some of the notable terrorist attacks against the US before 9/11?

Some of the notable terrorist attacks against the US before 9/11 include the 1986 Berlin disco bombing, the 1998 embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania, and the attack on the USS Cole. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the 1986 air strikes against Libya?

The 1986 air strikes against Libya were in response to Libya's involvement in the Berlin disco bombing that killed 2 Americans. Signup and view all the answers

What was the US response to the 1998 embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania?

In response to the 1998 embassy bombings, President Clinton launched a bombing campaign in Sudan and Afghanistan against targets associated with al-Qaeda. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Terrorism Definition and Goals

Terrorism is the use of violence or the threat of violence to achieve a political goal.
Goals of terrorism:
Change or overthrow a government
Gain independence
Seek justice for a wronged group
Obtain concessions from a government
Get national or international attention

History of Terrorism Against the US

1986: President Reagan ordered air strikes against Libya due to its involvement in a Berlin disco bombing that killed 2 Americans.
1998: Embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania, President Clinton launched a bombing campaign in Sudan and Afghanistan against targets associated with Al-Qaeda.
2000: Attack on USS Cole while docked in Yemen.

9/11 and the War on Terror

9/11, 2001: A turning point in the War on Terror.
Osama bin Laden had been living in Afghanistan since May 1996.
Al-Qaeda was founded in 1988, an international alliance of Islamic terrorist organizations led by Osama bin Laden.

Afghanistan and the Rise of the Taliban

1979: Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Mujahideen (Islamic warriors) fought against the Soviets with US support.
Following Soviet withdrawal, America lost interest in Afghanistan, and a bitter civil war ensued.
Taliban emerges as a religious and political force, taking control of Afghanistan by 2000.
Taliban operated terrorist training camps in a loose alliance with Al-Qaeda.

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Description

Identify the definition of terrorism, its objectives, and the reasons behind its use. Explore the various goals of terrorism, including changing or overthrowing a government, seeking justice, and obtaining concessions. Discover the complexity of terrorism beyond its common associations.