American Jihad: Homegrown Terrorists
analytical Essay
1712 words
Living in America, we are given the freedom to practice the faith of our choice, but at the same time it does not give us the right to violate our laws or to organize, finance or develop a group whose motives are to attack and destroy the country they claim to be a citizen of, while practicing that faith or religion. We are now in the midst of a movement where homegrown American jihad will be the destruction of the United States.
In the United States, we have Americans that are waiting and wanting to destroy anything that has to do with our country and our western way of life, all in the name of “jihad” or holy war. Just in the past year and almost 10 years after September 11, 2001, there has been upsurge in jihadist recruitment and incidents within the United States. This seems to be a call out to all the homegrown jihadist sympathizers that were waiting to come into action. According a RAND Corporation report, “there were 46 reported cases of radicalization and recruitment to jihadist terrorism in the United States between 9/11 and the end of 2009” (Jenkins). Young men and women are being charged with the intention to harm innocent American citizens, and destroy the United States, all of them with the proclamation of being an Islamic soldier and dying for Islam as a martyr. Faisal Shahzad, the unsuccessful Times Square bomber from Connecticut who pleaded guilty June 21, said in front of a judge, “I am part of the answer to the US terrorizing the Muslim nations and the Muslim people, and on behalf of that, I'm avenging the attacks" (Scherer).
The United States is still Al Qaeda’s primary target and is under pressure to demonstrate that it is capable of assaulting the U.S. again in order to keep its credentials as the foreru...
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Scherer, Ron. "Terrorism Cases Force More Muslim Americans to Grapple with Homegrown Jihad - CSMonitor.com." 7 July 2010. Web. 4 October 2010. .
Sageman, Marc. "The Journal of International Security Affairs The Normality of Global Jihadi Terrorism 2005th ser. Spring.9 (2005). .
United States vs. Colleen R. LaRose, Grand Jury Indictment in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, filed Mar. 4, 2010, Web
White Supremacist Recruitment of Military Personnel since 9/11."Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Cryptome.org. 7 July 2008. Web..
In this essay, the author
- Explains the difference between domestic and homegrown terrorism. white supremacist extremists hope to revitalize white supremacy by exploiting antigovernment sentiment among opponents of the overseas conflicts in iraq and afghanistan.
- Opines that americans are more than ever willing to commit destructive terrorist acts against their own country. the fbi director robert s. mueller iii said the rise in current terrorism cases is evidence of the growing danger to the safety of america.
- Opines that the united states is still al qaeda's primary target and is under pressure to demonstrate that it is capable of assaulting the u.s.
- Argues that al qaeda is recruiting americans for their terrorism because they can travel easily between the united states and foreign countries.
- Cites bruno, greg, and devlin barrett's "recent cases show challenge of u.s. terrorists."
- Analyzes obama's "visual aid" for white supremacist recruiting.
Related
- analytical
- explanatory
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- Muslim Terrorism in the United Statesanalytical essayIt is necessary to examine the historical context of Muslim terrorism in the United States to understand the evolvement of Muslim extremism today. Juergensmeyer (2003) supports this stance by stating that contemporary acts of violence are influenced by historical violence perpetrated in the religious past. The assumption could be made that Muslim extremism in the United States is a more recent phenomenon; on the contrary, this is not true. By understanding history enlightens to where foundations and structures were built to support Muslim extremism and terrorism activities that exist in the United States today.
In this essay, the author
- Argues that juergensmeyer (2003) supports this stance by stating that contemporary acts of violence are influenced by historical violence perpetrated in the religious past.
- Explains that noble drew ali's interpretation of islam mixed christianity, buddhism, zoroaster and confucius. in 1929, ali was charged with murdering claude greene an opponent within the organization.
- Explains that the nation of islam was founded in 1930 by wallace farad in detroit, who claimed he was a prophet to "awaken the dead nation in the west" and was replaced by elijah mohammed.
- Analyzes how the moors and the nation of islam took on political tones to form a black separatist movement. though the religious influence had positive aspects for african americans, the sects were marred by episodes of violence and crime.
- Explains how malcolm little emerged as a new leader with the nation of islam, which influenced the muslim activism in the 1960s. little targeted the ghetto and prisons for his followers.
- Explains that the 1960s brought the transition from a racial emphasis to the truest form of muslim ideology as seen today in extremist groups.
- Analyzes how bruce hoffman argues that islamic terrorists reject contemporary ideologies, and its actors view islamic terrorism as a holy war and rightful duty of the islamic state.
- Explains that an incident in march 1977 may be an indicator of this extremism opposing westernization of islamic culture.
- Explains that ali akbar tabatabai, a former attaché at the iranian embassy in washington d.c., was found shot dead at his doorstep of his bethesda home.
- Explains that the 1980s and 1990s were the continuance of efforts to resource muslim extremism and acts of terrorism. the fbi attempted to wiretap the al-farooq mosque but was denied because of lack of criminal conspiracy.
- Explains that the 1990s brought about active participation of american citizens supporting the jihad internationally.
- Explains that muslim violence continued in the 1990s as a pre-cursor to the attacks of september 11, 2001 but was mostly committed by non-citizens.
- Explains that rashid bas opened fire on a bus carrying hasidic jews crossing the brooklyn bridge killing one and injuring three persons.
- Suggests that the muslim ideology has become more exposed and transfixed because it occurred on u.s. soil. the physical nature of the terroristic act or statement of violence may have supported a strategic message to the future homegrown terrorists
- Explains that evolution of islam in the united states impacts the world today in battle with muslim extremism and radicalization. the majority of american mosques are funded by saudi arabia.
- Analyzes how a poll conducted by the pew research center in 2006 found that 68 percent of american muslims expressed an unfavorable opinion of al qaeda.
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In this essay, the author
- Explains that jihad is a religious duty of muslims, the word jihad means "struggle".
- Opines that jihad is unethical because it causes loss of people's lives. jihad is an islamic principle mentioned in the quran.
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- Explains that utilitarianism is a life stance, with happiness or pleasure being of ultimate importance. jihad led muslims to happiness during mohammad's and calpis' regime.
- Explains that the categorical imperative is the standard of rationality from which all moral requirements are derived. the caliphs used to announce jihad against other territories to capture more land in the name of god.
- Explains that jihad is unethical because it treats people as means for an end and fights the western countries because they are not muslims.
- Concludes that the idea of jihad is one of the controversies that had been unsolved for many years.
- Explains gerges, fawaz, the far enemy: why jihad went global.
- Explains kepel, gilles, jihad: the trail of political islam.
- Analyzes krueger, alan b., and jitka maleckova. education, poverty and terrorism: is there a causal connection?
- Explains that islamic religious parties and militias like al qaida feel that jihad is a priority in the modern era.
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2649 wordsRead More - Muslims in America: The Fight For Freedomanalytical essayChristianity has been in America since the Colonial Era (1600’s - 1700’s), and for over three centuries has dominated and deeply engrained itself into American Society . Islam, however, has only been introduced recently, and this has caused Islamic Believers (or Muslims) residing in America to be misinterpreted. After the September 11 bombings in 2001, there was a huge hatred for Muslims as they were interpreted as a religion that promotes destruction in the name of ‘Jihad’, or as it is often mistranslated as ‘Holy war’ . Although, the meaning of ‘Jihad’ is much wider than just ‘Holy war’, it is an internal struggle, within each Muslim, “…to be a good Muslim as well as advance the cause of Islam.” The Western understanding of ‘jihad’ however has been twisted to become related to terrorism. Whereas, Christians claim to promote the qualities of hard-work, honesty and moderation, and are therefore highly thought of in American Society, not only because of their supposed all encompassing teachings, but also because of their dominance as a religion in the Western World.
In this essay, the author
- Explains the bill of rights - 1st and 6th amendments.
- Cites mujahid, a. m. (n.d.). in a virtual internment camp: muslim americans since 9/11.
- Analyzes the relationship between religion and state in the united states of america.
- Analyzes hellfire nation: the politics of sin in american history.
- Cites robinson, b. a. and sacirbey, o. on the u.s. government vs individual religious freedom in the us.
1238 wordsRead More - Death of Osama Bin Laden: Effect on Al-Qaedaanalytical essayJenkins, B. (2012). Al Qaeda in its third decade irreversible decline or imminent victory? Santa Monica: CA: RAND.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes the impact of osama bin laden's death on the al-qaeda terrorist group he found.
- Analyzes how jenkins argues that the death of obl dealt a strong blow to the group's influence and operational activities, while kitfields posits that although ubl, and subsequent assassinations of other leaders like atiyah abd al-rahman and anwar
- Explains that the defecation of key leaders has led to weakening of the group’s central leadership and as a result, its strategies and alliances have also changed.
- Explains that since the death of obl, other extremist islamic terror networks affiliated to the al-qaeda have stemmed up.
- Opines that although osama bin laden's death has uprooted al-qaeda, the fight against terrorism is far from over. his ideologies of global jihad against local and far enemies continue to spread.
- Analyzes how the death of osama bin laden dealt a major blow to the al-qaeda as they lost their number one man who inspired, advised and guided the group's operational activities.
- Analyzes how the killing of bin laden has crippled al qaeda.
- Opines that al-qaeda at the crossroads: how the terror group is responding to the loss of its leaders & the arab spring.
744 wordsRead More - The Rhetoric of Terroranalytical essayShomar, David. "United States and the Muslim World: How We See Each Other." The University Forum: The Global Response to Terrorism. Byrd Library, Syracuse. 18 October 2001.
In this essay, the author
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- Analyzes how lippmann's public opinion theory has become the basis for modern propaganda and propaganda warfare.
- Quotes professor lynette finch from the university of the sunshine coast in australia on modern warfare and how propagandists must convince the masses that the war is the enemy's fault.
- Analyzes how osama bin laden is a manifestation of these propaganda theories.
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- Analyzes how bin laden has released video-taped statements on the destruction of the west and a call for muslims to take up the fight.
- Explains walter lippmann's theory of the pseudo-environment and the hardships faced by would-be terrorists in their home countries.
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- Analyzes how osama bin laden's attempt to build a pseudo-environment is evident in his recruiting video. arab governments have betrayed allah and allowed "crusaders and jews" to enter the holy lands of islam.
- Analyzes how the ciao responds to the terrorist attacks against the united states.
- Analyzes how joshua lax's essay reveals why america has become a target for war through the power of an outspoken, persuasive leader.
- Analyzes how osama bin laden, alleged leader of the al qaeda network, became something of a new age hitler.
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- Analyzes how bin laden constructs his pseudo-environment by accusing the jews of manipulating the american government for their own benefit.
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3029 wordsRead More - The Pitfalls of American Interventionismanalytical essayMany people argue that terrorist activity was not caused by US intervention, that it was merely a by-product of a clash between two divided cultures (Eland 3). Indeed, President Bill Clinton even addressed this in a speech to the United Nations, “Some people believe that terrorism’s principal fault line centers on what they see as an inevitable clash of civilizations…Western civilization and Western values, and Islamic civilizations and values”(4). A common argument is that terrorists, Islamic terrorists especially, attack America because they are jealous of what it is; they are unable to accept the happiness of others. ...
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the united states has been feeling the effects of middle eastern terrorism since 1968, when sirhan, a palestinian acting alone, shot and killed senator robert f. kennedy in response to pro-israeli statements.
- Argues that terrorists attack america because they are jealous of what it is, and that bank failures and the government’s inability to properly regulate certain industries led to economic downturns.
- Explains that the gulf wars had a large economic impact on the united states and was the primary cause of the economic downturn during both bush administrations.
- Argues that american interventionism created terrorist cells, antagonized them, and continued illegal and immoral activities in the region.
- Analyzes how american attacks during both gulf wars antagonized mujahideen groups in afghanistan and the rest of the middle east. the correlation between american intervention and an increase in military action is clear.
- Analyzes how the united states morphed into a self-proclaimed global police force, antagonizing close allies and turning american-trained assets against us.
- Explains altunbas, yener, and thornton's "are homegrown islamic terrorists different?" southern economic journal 2011.
1480 wordsRead More - Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaedaanalytical essayMoyer, Bill. "Brief History of Al Qaeda." PBS. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Oct. 2013. .
In this essay, the author
- Explains that al qaeda is a global islamic militant organization, and its location cannot be determined because of its secrecy.
- Analyzes how osama bin laden's experiences in afghanistan were critical to his development as a terrorist.
- Describes currie, stephen, and moyer, bill. "brief history of al qaeda."
- Analyzes rawlings, nate. "a tale of two jihadis." issues and controversies on file.
1111 wordsRead More - Osama Bin Laden Biographyexplanatory essayEvents that capture the entire world’s attention are few and far between. Fighting wars normally occurs between acknowledged enemies. In the war against terrorism, most notably, the war against Al-Qaeda, the enemy is unknown. One is not the enemy of the United States of America by virtue of one’s ethnic heritage. A Muslim is not a hidden enemy simply because he is Muslim. A Muslim does however become the enemy when he targets the world as a member of Al-Qaeda, the vision of one man. He was an intelligent and educated man who came from wealth and high esteem, who, guided by his faith, through radicalization, exile from homeland, and anti-western sentiments, built the terrorist organization known as Al- Qaeda. His name was Osama bin Laden.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that osama bin laden was perceived to be a brave, intelligent, and independent man who held high standards for himself and the muslim world. the christian west is considered islam’s main enemy due to the perceived belief that they oppose muslims and their culture.
- Explains that osama bin laden's family upbringing and financial status helped shape his early years.
- Explains that osama bin laden's interest in afghanistan and pakistan led to too much suspicion, causing him to be exiled.
- Opines that the differences in faith in the middle east, becomes the bases for much of the conflict that will ensue in that region throughout history.
- Explains that osama bin laden's history is fascinating as it is compelling. he was expelled from sudan for fear of his intentions, entered afghanistan after the soviets invaded afghanistan because he wanted to support his people.
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- Explains that bin laden inspired afghan fighters to follow him and formed an alliance against the united states of america. in 1998, he announced the formation of the international front.
- Explains how the cia and isi dealt with osama's actions before the formation of al-qaeda. the power of pakistani and saudi spies allowed bin laden to gain more power with islamic radicals.
- Explains that osama bin laden's opposition to the invasion of the united states led to al-qaeda joining with other muslim groups to target the enemy.
- Explains that osama bin laden's first call for jihad against the united states of america was the declaration of jihad on the americans occupying the country of the two sacred places.
- Analyzes how the attacks of sept. 11, 2001 shocked the entire world and made osama bin laden known to everyone in the united states and the world.
- Explains that the u.s. navy seals captured a compound in abbottabad, pakistan, killing osama bin laden and three other military men. since 9/11, al-qaeda attacks have continued.
- Explains that in the war against terrorism, osama bin laden targets the world as a member of al-qaeda, the vision of one man.
1741 wordsRead More - Islamophobiaopinionated essayI think it is very important that we recognize that there is a very small minority of people, who that believe that they are committing such horrendous acts of terror in the name of god. The post 9/11 clip of Osama bin Laden clearly states him taking responsibility of this act of ‘jihad’. Now, this begs to question as what actually is Jihad and what is its religious connotation? ‘Jihad’ is a word which means struggle or effort in Arabic, and according to Springer, Devin R., and James L. Regens (2009) at the Georgetown University, it has 3 religious connotations, first involving the struggle to follow Islam to the best of their ability, the effort to build a Muslim society based on the values of mercy, peace and forgiveness and lastly the struggle to defend Islam. These values seem like...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that minority people are trying to commit horrendous acts in the name of jihad. the 113 out of 114 chapters of the quran introduce allah as god of mercy and compassion.
- Concludes that there is little relation between religious fundamentalism and suicide bombings and that terrorist attacks have a specific secular and strategic goal to remove forces, of other nations, from the land that they think is their homeland.
- Opines that the media has been an important cause for islamophobia, and that fox news has publicly accepted to a right-wing agenda, which makes them lose their credibility.
- Analyzes the impact of the patriot act in the united states on islamophobia.
- Explains that they confronted the idea of islamophobia 7 years ago, when on their flight to new york from dubai. the post 9/11 clip of osama bin laden clearly states him taking responsibility of this act of 'jihad'.
- Opines that islamophobia is a threat to society, citing president obama's 2008 decision to close guantanamo bay and the conservative prime minister david cameroon.
1136 wordsRead More - ISIS and Lone-Wolf Terrorismanalytical essayContrary to many people’s hopes, the rise of ISIS confirms that the war on terror isn’t over. In the post 9/11 era, stricter security measures, technological advancements, and anti-terror campaigns impede large-scale terrorist attacks. Consequently, terrorist organizations are utilizing a new, more elusive modus operandi, developed by AL-Queida, to harm civilians: lone wolf terrorism.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the rise of isis confirms that the war on terror isn't over, since stricter security measures, technological advances, and anti-terror campaigns impede large-scale terrorist attacks.
- Explains that isis' new strategy is "terrorizing the west asymmetrically through individuals inside of western countries." this game-changing strategy disguises terror among average citizens, enabling it to be everywhere, anywhere, and nowhere all at once.
- Quotes matthew francis, a researcher on radicalization and extremism, who affirms that lone wolves' ominous threat of attack creates tension and polarization in society.
- Opines that justice will be served — the american people are stronger, more resolved than any enemy can fully understand. when people harm americans, they don't retreat, and follow them to the gates of hell.
- Explains that obama warns of extended campaign against isis.
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