8. Definitions of Terrorism : “Premeditated and politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncom- batant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to influence an audience. -U.S. State Department “The deliberate use of violence against civilians for political or religious ends.” -Council of Foreign Relations “Illegal attacks and threats against people or property by a group for the purpose of weakening a hated political authority. - IR text
9. There is no universally accepted definition of terrorism. Why not? UN tried to draft definition of terrorism in 2002, but failed because of disagreements over which groups should be treated as terrorists. Some would exempt “national liberation movements” or those “resisting occupation.” “One Man’s Terrorist is Another Man’s Freedom Fighter””
10. International Terrorism What is it? When the victims, targets, terrorists, means, or location of the terrorist attack involve more than one country.
23. Beliefs / Goals of Islamic Fundamentalism 1. Wants to return to a strict, conservative, “pure” Islam as practiced in the 7th century by the Prophet Mohammad. 2. Rejects Western ideas and practices. Wants to rid Muslim world of all Western influences. Views Western culture as corrupting, immoral, and materialistic. 3. Wants to establish Islamic governments based on Islamic law (Shari’a) throughout the Muslim world.
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25. 5. Opposed to democracy because it puts the will of the people and man-made law ahead of God’s commandments.
41. Bush’s Response Characterized attacks as “more than acts of terror, they were acts of war”. “We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.” Viewed war on terrorism with “moral clarity” - as a war between good and evil. Bush's speech to nation on 9-11 Bush speech to Congress on 9-20
42. Bush’s Response “Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make: Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.” Recruited worldwide coalition to fight a “war on terrorism.”
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46. Preemption vs. Prevention Sounded more like preventive war, not preemption. What’s the difference? Preemption involves the use of force to stop an imminent threat. Prevention involves the use of force to stop potential or future threats.