Unit 3: Terrorism

Question 1

What is terrorism?

Answer 1

Terrorism is the illegal use of violence to cause fear and intimidation for political aims.

Question 2

Why do some people take terrorist action?

Answer 2

• Feel they have no alternative
• Their actions have the potential to force change
• Use of terror is an appropriate response to the given situation or opposition

Question 3

What does Jihad mean?

Answer 3

The inner struggle.

Question 4

What is Lesser Jihad?

Answer 4

The external, physical effort, often implying fighting.

Question 5

What is Greater Jihad?

Answer 5

The struggle against internal influences which might affect one’s soul.

Question 6

Zionist groups

Answer 6

• In the 1930s Zionist groups, who were campaigning for a Jewish state to be established, bombed British targets in Palestine.
• The group believed that doing this would force the British community to work to create an independent Jewish state

Question 7

How do terrorist groups develop?

Answer 7

• Social reasons like the marginalisation of minority groups
• Some groups may receive fewer rights or feel that their culture is being attacked
• Some terrorist organisations use violence in their fight for independence or for international recognition and land
• Extremists may choose to use violence when religious freedoms are violated

Question 8

Islamic extremism

Answer 8

• Some Islamic groups have an extremist take on Jihad
• E.g. ISIS
• The majority of Muslims say that these groups have distorted the Islamic teaching on jihad
• Justify the use of violence, terror tactics, suicide bombings

Question 9

What is radicalisation?

Answer 9

Radicalisation happens when a person’s thinking becomes significantly altered from that of the majority of people within their society or community.

Question 10

What does the Catholic Church believe about terrorism?

Answer 10

• Opposed to terrorism
• Even if the motivation behind the terrorist activity is to make a better society, it’s never justifiable
• The use of hatred, terror and violence by Christians isn’t an appropriate way to find solutions in any situation
• After 9/11, the Catholic Church called on America to seek a peaceful resolution to the problem, not to retaliate violently
• Catholic Church accepts that responding to terrorism may require an act of just war
• This means that an act of aggression is acceptable if it’s the final resort to preserve innocent lives

Question 11

What does the COE believe about terrorism?

Answer 11

• Also opposes it like the RCC
• Accepts the use of lethal (deadly) force as a last resort in dealing with terrorists
• Anglicans ought to promote greater understanding, reconciliation and respect within their local communities, especially where there are large numbers of other faith traditions
• Teaches that creating stronger communities will help to combat some of the causes of terrorism

Question 12

What happened in the Rwandan civil war?

Answer 12

• Genocide took place
• Many were murdered
• Women raped
• Child soldiers