Internationalization of Terrorism

Internationalization of Terrorism

Introduction

The era of international terrorism is cited to have started in 1968 with the hijacking carried out by Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PLFP). The terrorist organization hijacked an El Al airline en route from Tel Aviv to Rome. Although, hijackings have been carried out even before, this was the first event when nationality of the carrier i.e. Israel and its particular operational aim was specified. Also it was the first time that passengers were deliberately used as hostages for the demands publicly made against the government of Israel. The composition of such unique events triggered the international scope of terror operations and also gained much media attention.

However, history of terrorism does not start solely with the foundation of PLFP. Ottoman Empire also contributed in setting the stage for internationalization of terrorism. Increasing terrorist activities by the fall of Ottoman Empire inspired Middle East terrorists groups that have made their activities international. Terrorism is no more a matter of single state but it has affected every part of the world and most of the terrorist organizations emerged from Middle East. These activities not only claim lives but also attract media to play their role and urge countries to learn lessons and device counter-terrorism strategies.

Discussion

The Ottoman Empire Origins

The fall of Ottoman Empire contributed in setting up the stage for international terrorism. For example, at the time of decline of Ottoman Empire, world saw the independence of Serbia in 1885. On the other hand, the uprising of nationalism in Balkans also terrorized the Austria-Hungary stability that has large ethnic minority groups. Russia had an eye on the territories of the Russian Empire for which they backed the claims of Balkan Slavs for freedom while putting them into clash with Austria-Hungary. However, Russia had to face embarrassment when Austria-Hungary, in 1908, took over Bosnia-Herzegovina. This occupation quashed any hopes for Bosnian Serbs of restored nationhood. On the other hand, France and England also carved up the leftovers of the Ottoman Empire after the First World War the remaining country was turkey. Islamic Turks slaughtered more than 1.5 million Armenian Christians. This slaughter is now known as the first genocide, which was carried out by Turks who believed Armenian Christians assisted Islam's fall of power.

The Ottoman Empire and the Caliphate was over by 1924, initiating an inner battle for Islam. In result, Middle East came under the influence of western culture. Secular Arab governments accepted the western modernization and dive the followers of True Islam into a fatal wrath. Hence, the terrorist movement of today' era was started in 1928 when Ikhwan al-Muslimn , The Muslim Brotherhood was founded in Egypt. It was responsible for the attempted murder of Gamal Abdel Nasser, who later became the President of Egypt in 1954.

Middle East Origins

The first dramatic expression of international terrorism emanating from the Middle East was the Palestinian organizations and started in the late 60s with the diversion of several Israeli civilian aircraft and early 70s ...