From Arab Nationalism to Islamic fundamentalism

Question 1

In 1978 what did Afghan Communists do?

Answer 1

Supported by Soviet Union they seized control of the government of their country

Question 2

What did Soviets do in December 1979?

Answer 2

Sent troops to assist government who were facing rebellion from Islamist groups who resented foreign, communist influence in their country

Question 3

Who were the Mujahideen?

Answer 3

Those who fought the Soviets in Afgahnistan

Question 4

Give an example of Islamic terrorist activities in Egypt

Answer 4

Egypt - mid 1990’s - made an increasing number of attacks mostly on police officers and government officials but also on western tourists

Attacks led to a clampdown by government in which areas suspected of protecting perpetrators were attacked by helicopters and troops

Led to several assassination attempts of Mubarak

Killing of 58 tourists in 1997 led to execution of 60 ringleaders and the detention without trial of 20,000 people

Question 5

What did Osama Bin Laden do in 1998?

Answer 5

Called on Muslims to fulfil their duty to kill Americans and their allies to liberate the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem and the Holy Mosque

Question 6

What were the 3 reasons for Osama’s Jihad?

Answer 6

Presence of US military bases in the Arabian peninsula

Destruction of Iraq by USA

US backing for Israel

Question 7

Give 3 examples of al-Qaida attacks on US targets

Answer 7

1996 truck bomb targeted US military barracks in Saudi Arabia - killing or injuring dealt 400 Americans

1998 - 19 suicide martyrs bombed US embassies in Kenya, killing 12 US diplomats and 200 Africans

2000 boat packed with explosives rammed side of USS Cole off the coast of Yemen, killing 17

Question 8

What happened on September 11th 2001?

Answer 8

19 men hijecked 4 US passenger planes - over 3000 were killed