My deepest sympathy goes out to USA.

Blood shortages. Chaos. Dead, charred bodies. Bloody bodies. Depravity. These are the scenes on this most traumatic of days...my deepest condolences to to American residents.
terrorism is a must in our world...Marxism is always going to exist destructively.

The American government is ugly and dirty...but doesn't quite deserve this. Heartbreaking.

Want to know why this happens? Just look at the first line of my signature.

Ankit, welcome to Sciforums.

I think your second line will also hit close to the truth....for someone.

I told all of you guys. I told everyone the Palestinians were mostly wrong and they hated you guys. Did you hear about how they were celebrating. Incase you guys dont yet know, osama bin laden was the culprit, but they all hate you the same. They want war to destroy the USA. Although I highly doubt the US could be destroyed. Like the others, My condolences go out to all of you Americans, and I hope you catch those guys. Everytime I watch that scene of the explosion it makes me sick. I still cant believe it actually happened. Sounds like something out of a story.

"The American government is ugly and dirty..." -Ankit

||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

oh yeah? compared to what?

- js.

why would people kill for kic's what did the people do? To whoever did this to them ? What is it beacuse the amercain people live a better life than thay do ???

did thay get up on the wrong side of the bed ? and think" hay lets kill someone"?

it's murder plain and simple?

Sorry, but I'm not quite getting this, maybe someone can help me out. But under what circumstances is terrorism a necessity?

Terrorism is a necessity only when the chickensh*t terrorists are afraid to address their issues like civilized human beings. Whoever did this, be they foreign or domestic, should be hunted down and killed without mercy. I know someone is bound to argue that all that will acocmplish is to get somebody else to retaliate. They should be hunted down and killed without mercy too. This cycle should continue until these little bastards are eradicated. They don't want to behave like civilized human beings, and we should not treat them like civilized human beings. I heard a voice on the radio today say that to feel angry, even furious, and to want gratuitous amounts of bloodshed from those responsible is a perfectly normal response, and it was therefore a good thing that we, the angry listening audience, weren't in charge. I agree. I am at least still in control of my actions, if not my emotions.

I saw three survivors of Pearl Harbor break down in tears. They weren't having flashbacks. They were in tears because they considered this attack to be much worse than Pearl Harbor.

It's up to us, at the top of the 21st century, to decide whether or not terrorism is going to be tolerated. Negotiations didn't work in the 20th century. I think we have to talk to these punks in the only language they seem to understand.

Let's hit 'em. "Damn the torpedoes."

Oxygen, <img src = "http://www.sciforums.com/t3893/s1b968ad4a02e03e3e5ba14c9fcfc102f/images/icons/icon14.gif">

I think it is important to see what comes of the investigation first; but once we are certain, an ugly reply should be given. And while we are at it, we should further our efforts to eliminate all other sources of potential terrorism.

In short, let's get the bastards. All of 'em.

This is a terrible thing to happen for so many reasons, it's hard to contemplate the consequences of what has occurred. I think the shock in London is almost as great as in the US - London and New York are like twins - I think we all know someone who was affected. The world is now a different place.

As a middle east analyst, you can imagine that this has been a busy and difficult time for me. As a human being perhaps harder still. Clearly, whoever is responsible needs to be punished, but there are other concerns.

I understand the natural inclination to blame all Arabs or blame muslims - but that would be a gross mistake. Whoever did this must have levels of fanaticsm we can barely comprehend, but this is not common in the middle east. The Palestinian celebration was bad - insensitive, ill-judged and, I have to say, somewhat overplayed. It was isolated. My contacts in the region tell me that there is a remarkable sense of sympathy - and let's not pretend, the US is generally disliked in the region.

But we all know after Oklahoma that no one people have a monopoly on evil.

I hope a response is well targeted and restrained. There is a real possibility of escalation.

Bin Laden, who I must say is almost certain to have done this, is not a country. The Taliban allow him refuge - partly through choice, partly through fear. This makes it difficult to find an appropriate target to focus US anger.

This really is a new kind of enemy (the hype is true), though one who has been around a while. He has no cause as such (no country he wants, no prisoners he wants released, no pronouncement he wants heard) - he simply wants to destroy the US. It's almost impossible to deal with this sort of fanaticism, but remember he is not representative of the entire Arab or Muslim world.

Justice? Yes. Revenge? Perhaps. These should be sought, but there is a deeper problem that will require addressing in the future. Now is still the time to mourn.

http://www.sciforums.com/t3909/s/thread.html

Hi all,

Oxygen, Bowser,

Whoever did this, be they foreign or domestic, should be hunted down and killed without mercy.

In short, let's get the bastards. All of 'em.

Could somebody please tell me *why* the US is screaming for blood ? Yes, it is horrible what happened in NY and Washington, but do you really think a war will undo anything ? The US has already declared its intention to go to war, not only to the people behind the attack, but also to the country that harbours them.

This makes me wonder who is the monster in the discussion, a terrorist that attacks innocent citizens for what he believes to be a just cause, or a country that attacks a hundred times more people because of ... revenge ? Can you think of a more ridicilous reason ?

The NATO has decided that this incident can be classified as an act of war on the US allies. I disagree, this is an act of terrorism. An act of war can only be commited by an entire country, not by some dissident group of terrorists. I think, and I hope, that most European allies share this opinion and will NOT agree to join the US in their causeless battle for revenge.

I urge everybody who screams for war to reconsider his opinion. Yes, it will be good for the US - this will sound sarcastic and offensive, however it is not meant to be in any way, sorry - but this incident couldn't have happened at a better time for the US: the economy is slowing, unemployment rates are skyrocketing. No business like war, right ?

Pilots trained inside the US ? Has anybody ever considered this to be an attack from inside the US, with US citizens as terrorists ? Will the US declare war on itself if it turns out to be this way - after all, war has been promised so war is what the public gets. The media is screaming that Bin Laden and his group are responsible - something I find very hard to believe. To me it seems that the media is only trying to justify the need of a war to the general public. Bin Laden isn't suicidal and I think he is rational enough to see that this kind of attack would eradicate his movement entirely (and hence it cannot fullfill what they believe to be their cause). Why do you think he took refuge in Afghanistan ? Could it be because he doesn't want American cruise missiles dropped on his head for the 1993 bombing of the WTC ?

Just think about it rationally and you will see that a lot of the stuff in the media just doesn't make sense. Think twice before believing it and supporting the US governement for war. I know I will.

Bye!

Crisp

Hi Crisp:

At times like this, you expect our leaders to have cool heads when media is running the whole episode 24 hours a day? Judging from postings in Sciforums whose members are less venomous than any other forums, I can say that we are screwed.

US is definitely retaliate due to public pressure. Then the enemy will attack. We will retaliate. It will continue until a new president comes in and makes peace. By then, we have lost our freedom and be under bunkers.

Patriotism has its price. And we will pay them with the lives of our fellow men, women and children. Anything else is unthinakble and unpatriotic. We have 226 million and they have one billion souls.

And the game has just started....

Hi kmguru,


At times like this, you expect our leaders to have cool heads when media is running the whole episode 24 hours a day?

Indeed I do! The US government is probably the most powerful government of the entire world, so they especially should keep their heads cool. When you see Powell and Bush saying that the incident is an act of war, I seriously question the integrity of your leaders. They want to shed more innocent blood because some war-eager people (surely also in the government) ask for it ?


US is definitely retaliate due to public pressure.

Yes, unfortunately they will. And the ONLY reason will be because of public pressure. To me this is a sign of weakness. A government should keep its head cool, and calm down agitated voices in situations like these. Yes, there were people behind the attack, and yes, they should be brought to court. Unfortunately people are screaming for public executions, lynching etc etc... If the US is so fond of democracy, they should act like one and ensure that the people responsible get a fair and honest trial. If the US pursues its war-rage for revenge, then the word "democracy" gets a very sour taste indeed.


Patriotism has its price. And we will pay them with the lives of our fellow men, women and children. Anything else is unthinakble and unpatriotic. We have 226 million and they have one billion souls.

Patriotism is not about war. Patriotism is about loving your country and wanting to see it prosper. Patriotism in this time would be to support victims and aid in the reconstruction of NY and Washington. Going to war for revenge, and sacrificing thousands more lives is not patriotic, it's massmurdering. I am under the impression that the US government is driven by pure selfishness and are willing to sacrifice the entire world, just to get revenge. Only you, the people of the US, can change this.

I already hear people saying that a US war will not end in a massmurder. Let me assure you, and I am sure that Captain Canade (as our Middle-East specialist) will agree, if the US invades a Middle-East country, the entire region will destabilize and declare war on either the West or other Middle-East countries.


I can say that we are screwed.

We surely are, all of us!

Bye!

Crisp

1. Jack Spratts - firstly, no offence, but you missed the point by a country mile...I mean no offence to anyone...just that (and I may be digging myself a grave here) the US govt. is not queaky clean and has it conspiracies and skeletons in the closet (Area 51, anyone?)...I'm not sure, but I think America reneged on a pact to back Israel on an issue or something...? I'm really not sure, not that that would be an excuse anyway. What I was simply trying to say is that people may be saying that, politically, the govt. deserved this attack (not counting the lives lost, of course).

2. "Terrorism is a must in our world" - allow me to explain: this is not personal comment as such...but merely a philosophical and sociological reflection on the sorry state of affairs today. Violence occurs so often in modern life that we take it for granted - but the sheer anatomy of such tragedy is superfluously overwhelming...this genre of terrorism is merely a political aggrandisation of violence and power-baying.

Your God Bless.

That is exactly my point. The stupid ones are in power. So what do you think it will happen? Yesterday, CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS all talked about aircraft safety. Everyone suggested - including airport officials that the solution is travel restriction and no carry-on luggage. Only one safety expert said that we should put sky marshalls on the plane and have stewards know Judo. That is what I posted in this forum before the guy said it.

So, what will happen is, we will have long lines at the airport, no carry-on luggage, more missing luggage, and a lot of problems. When dumb people make decisions, cool heads or not - you get dumb results.

The reason this happened could be, some lowly person at CIA or NSA got the information but the information got stuck at some manager's desk. Now that the heads are going to roll, that manager is probably trying to cover up saying we get this type of threat every day.

Just like the airport in US hires minimum wage people that are less trained than people at McDonalds, similarly our middleeast intel probably is run by kids fresh out of school without any field experience. Unless you think like your enemy, it is difficult to decipher what the intent is and why? And if you think like the enemy, it may be unpatriotic because it will be equated with being an enemy sympathizer. And the veterans are all retired, who understand the very nature of the threat.

Using a lot of fancy billion dollar communication gear wont help, if you can not understand the enemy. During the cold war and the second world war, we understood our enemy, so it was easy to counter. This time, it is a whole new ball game.

"Terrorism is a must in our world"

This can be solved. The problem for US is that every 4 years we elect a new president who may not like his ex-presidents policies. On top of that we have two anatgonist parties. So if one takes credit, the other one will sabotage the effort. How can you make a policy that is good for 20, 30, or 50 years?

If you can come up with a solution to this, I will recommend your name to the Nobel Prize...

I'm thinking of the stewards who were hacked with utility knives, their screams of terror and their lives used for the purpose of drawing the pilots out of a plane cockpit. I'm thinking of a NYC request for 6,000 bodybags--more than 4,000 people are known to be missing. I'm thinking of 200+ firefighters and 40+ police officers who are now gone.

<b><font color = "red">I'M THINKING OF THE INDIVIDUAL, CIVILIAN LIVES THAT HAVE BEEN EXTINGUISHED, NO...USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING A STATEMENT.</font></b>

Excuse me. My compassion is now missing. I cannot forgive such a thing, and I feel it's time to weed the garden. It's time to make a statement of our own. Let's find and destroy those who are responsible and all those who would wage war on us. Let's bomb back to the stone age those countries who harbor and support terrorism. Let's not turn the other cheek this time. Let's return to those who have caused so much pain the weight of our anger. We need to eliminate the threat.

To hell with your rational. Payback is a bitch.

Bowser,
I got on my soap box in free thougths. But I feel the same way. If necessary bomb those countries who aid and support terrorism. Do it until every wanted terrorist group is produced by the very governments that harbor them. If they can not produce such individuals and groups that is ok, too. I would make it continue until not one rock stands against another to form a shelter for any human form. When that country was done I would say "NEXT!". You have x hours to produce. Until moslem countries either understood that it was the big no-no to fool with the US interest or until as a country they no longer existed. They didn't get the message the first time the second time would take care of the problem. It wouldn't be one the third time around. A third time would not be necessary for no blade of grass would stand that was not lead poisoned.

I feel the same way as you do wet1. The only problem is to get rid of evil, you have to become evil. The enemy does not play a civilized game. We did bomb Afganistan after the embassy bombing in Africa. So they waited until people forgot, and then wham. It will either turn into a thousand years war or nuke them and be done with it.

Are you ready to completely wipe out Afganistan, Pakistan, Lebanon, Syria and perhaps Iran....from the face of the earth? That is what it may take.

<b>Let's find and destroy those who are responsible and all those who would wage war on us. Let's bomb back to the stone age those countries who harbor and support terrorism.</b>

My understanding for their cause is gone. It died last tueday. It's time now to raise our fists and start swinging. Let's find and bring harm to the little punks.

My Jewish friend said: "Now you know, how the Israelis feel".

To wish the American people deepest sympathy & offer repose to the souls of those lost in this barbaric action.

"now you know how the Israelites feel"

I can't believe this statement. Have you ever looked into what happened in 1948 when the Americans (and UN - which in my opinion is basically just Americans with a bunch of little followers including my own country) decided to ruin the Palestinians lives?

http://www.cactus48.com/partition.html

It's no wonder the Palestinians hate Americans so much. But the whole point is that this act of terrorism is not Palestinians against Americans, it is some crazy f*cked up people who happened to make a big mistake. The link should not be made between races or religions because that is just falling back to uncivilized society. We are supposed to be better than that. There are individuals responsible for what happened, and those individuals should be dealt with in a just manner.

Destroying an entire country because of a few screwed up individuals in not an acceptable answer. Otherwise when serial killer Joe blow goes on a rampage in Smalltown USA, maybe the entire state should be obliterated because his parents and other family members could conceivably have another child with the same mental condition and poor upbringing. There is no logic behind it. We have the technology, people, and know how, to be able to find people and bring them in without mass destruction. Cris makes some very valid points about it being up to the American people to straighten out there government.

Unfortunately, the majority of the American people will demand an equitable justice--an eye for an eye. Especially with this act. If Bin Laden and his cohorts are to blame, so much the easier for a justification of mass annihilation on Afganistan or the like. The reason being that religion could be involved (it certainly cannot be discounted in this arena).

Consider that whoever perpetrated this would have to have some seriously fundamental beliefs that what they were doing was somehow <i>right</i>, either in their leaders' eyes or their God's. Planning for at least 1-2 years, learning the ropes of flying jumbo jets, studying numerous geographic landmarks to aid in flying, as well as a scalpel-like precision to carry out their heinous deeds. This does not speak of morons. These people were quite intelligent enough to pull this off. Mind you, four planes on the same day were acquired, while three hit vastly strategic targets.

Because this sort of devotion is normally attributed to the religious, it would make sense to paint the perpetrators as religious zealots for the Away team. Even if it is someone within the US that committed the crime, the American public would not allow it. They cry for blood and they will get blood.

With Pearl Harbor, the US decided to drop the Fat Man on Hiroshima. More [supposedly] have perished due to this terrorist attach and, consequently, the American public and Government will require a propensitory compensation.

Although I don't think that entire countries should be leveled to satisfy the bloodthirsty, I do think that those responsible should be punished as severely as is possible. However, if the US decides to NOT bomb the hell out of Afganistan then the likelihood of any justice coming to the assholes that did this will wane. Consider the trial at Nuremburg, where some of the Nazi officials were just locked up, much to the chagrin (most likely) of the countless people that suffered at their hands.

Another thing. The US is the only country (afaik) that has used atomic weaponry against another country. Now that we have nuclear capability, why would someone want to make a suicide run into the WTC towers? Don't they understand that the only country to ever drop an H-Bomb on others is likely to repeat history?

Whoever did this (and those that side with it) are likely to be quite disturbed in the coming weeks. The US will most likely make <b>someone</b> pay heavily.

BTW

peekaboo!

prag

Don't they understand that the only country to ever drop an H-Bomb on others is likely to repeat history?

Threats do not normally work when they are brainwashed into thinking that they will go to heaven if they die for the cause. I am not sure if anybody has won fighting an established religion with bombs.

There must be other ways...to stop this madness before it escalates any further.

Crisp- Pardon my lack of tact in choosing my words, but get your head out of your ass. Will war accomplish anything? Yes. If war accomplished nothing, perhaps Hitler should have been allowed to do whatever he wanted. Is it so inconceivable that something can be genuinely evil and in dire need of eradication? Terrorism is a disease. It's a lethal disease. Sometimes you have to cut off a body part to save the whole organism. Otherwise, why work so hard to eradicate AIDS? Why bother with cancer? Who cares about smallpox? After all, another disease will just come along. Let's all just lay down and die now.

Terrorists don't listen to reason. Embargoes don't work. Words of peace don't work. Sometimes, you just have to hit 'em. Hard to accept? So is piloting a jet full of innocent civilians into a building full of innocent civilians. We just don't put up with that sort of crap around here.

Why are we screaming for blood? You find this sort of act acceptable in some way that we don't understand? If so, I pity you. May it never happen to you or yours.

I'm with oxygen and most other people. If you are going to rid the world of terrorists you simply have to kill them before they kill you. There not going to stop until they are the ones in power.

Look at Sudam Hussein. This is what happens when someone who craves power is in power. Take the word of two Iraqians I know. No Iraqians like him minus the ones who profit out of him. Do you think he is a happy man. I think he will never be happy until he has the world.

I guess hardly any of us could put ourselves in the mind of the terrorist.

Someone in on the US departments said that they were preparing for like a year. And by that time they would think that these people would have had enough time to think about what they were doing and the devastating harm it would cause and not do it. These terrorists are liers, cowards and have no morals and no decency. They use religion to justify their cause. It would be nice if they not only pick up a quarun but read it as well.

This isn't only a disease. It is a virus. It remains dormant for a while and then it strikes. It even uses innocent people in the process.

We will first remove their heads then dismember the body. Terrorism is the target, as are those governments which nurture it. A fellow at work feels that the Middle East should be turned into a sheet of glass. I don't agree with that resolve, but I think it's time for a change, and this just may be the dawn of that change, the change which everyone has been predicting. Keep your eyes open.

A fearful people decide upon a course of action that will ultimately hurt themselves, kill thousands of innocents and defies any sense of comapssion or reason - (perpetrators of the WTC atrocity)



A fearful people decide upon a course of action that will ultimately hurt themselves, kill thousands of innocents and defies any sense of comapssion or reason - (an indiscriminate US assault?)



I'M THINKING OF THE INDIVIDUAL, CIVILIAN LIVES THAT HAVE BEEN EXTINGUISHED, NO...USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING A STATEMENT.

This could also summerise the response you advocate.

Hi all,

Oxygen:


Crisp- Pardon my lack of tact in choosing my words, but get your head out of your ass. Will war accomplish anything? Yes. If war accomplished nothing, perhaps Hitler should have been allowed to do whatever he wanted.

Actually I wonder who has their/his head(s) up their ass(es). War in the Middle-East will destabilize that region. To get to Afghanistan (which seems to be a definite target now), the US needs to pass through Pakistan. I don't immediatelly see Pakistan refusing this passage as they probably don't want to see themselves getting conquered when they refuse passage. Pakistan is, as you are well aware of, a nuclear power. I don't think the opposing nuclear power, India, will be happy with Pakistan interfering in the conflict (Pakistan doesn't really have a choice - if they grant passage, Afghanistan will declare war on Pakistan, if they refuse passage, the US will pass anyway). Merely the passage TO Afghanistan involves two nuclear powers in the conflict. Take your world map and note that Pakistan is the only doable passage to Afghanistan (unless you go through Iraq - haha - or (ex-)Russia - hoho). Do I have to start with Iran, Irak, Syria, .... that are also close to the area ? What about China ? Do you think they will allow two nuclear powers to get involved ? From the very basic poltical knowledge I have I can only come to the conclusion that any form of retaliation will screw the entire world over bigtime. From a human perspective, there's no gain in any form of retaliation. Therefor I suspect the reasons to be more political.

It's funny you mention Hitler here, I was just about to make an analogy. Hitler got full support from the German people by brainwashing them into believing the Jews were the enemy. We all know what this lead to. And what do you think CNN is doing by mentioning Afghanistan and Ibn Laden all the time ? Don't plainly believe everything told in the media, think about it aswel!
PS: I am not suggesting Bush will be Hitler 2, not at all. I am using Hitler because he also had support of an entire people for the start of his actions. (Für die Deutsche leute: ich meine wirklich nur der Start und nicht mehr).

Anyway, without any offense, I think you missed the point of my post completely. What I was trying to say inbetween the lines is that the US should seriously consider the consequences of its actions in the Middle-East. This is not going to be a second Gulf war where enemy soldiers can't wait to surrender. Afghanistan has an extremely fundamentalistic regime, and we all saw in Israel what extreme fundamentalists are up to.

I recently watched "South Park: Bigger, Better, Uncut" again. Apart from low humour, it also carries a strong political message which is very applicable in this case. Only now, we shouldn't "blame Canada" but Afghanistan instead. Anybody who understood the message will surely know what I am talking about.

Bowser,


We will first remove their heads then dismember the body. Terrorism is the target, as are those governments which nurture it.

Everybody seems to assume terrorism is related to governments. They are not. Terrorism as it is today is a matter for dissident groups of individuals that think violence is an answer for their battle. Terrorism does not apply to governments:

By definition. I quote Webster's dictionary, the word "terror" (as "terrorism" refers to it):


Main Entry: ter·ror
4 : violence (as bombing) committed by groups in order to intimidate a population or government into granting their demands (insurrection and revolutionary terror)
Terrorism is directed against governments.
You believe any government is stupid enough to discredit themselves ? The Afghans are willing to hand over Ibn Laden if his involvement is proven. They are willing to cooperate, and yet, the US wants to bomb them to blisters.


Purely politically speaking, I have more respect for terrorists than the US at the moment. At least the terrorists believe they fight for a just cause. The US wants to fight for revenge, which is the weakest excuse imaginable. From a personal viewpoint, I feel sad about the lost lives in New York and Washington, and even sadder for all the blood that is still to be shed in this conflict.

Oh BTW: for the people that wonder what ideology I support: I am not an extreme fundamentalist, not extreme-right, not extreme-left, no fascist, no racist, no nazi, no communist. At the moment I tend to support the liberal party in my country, which is pro-democratic, pro-capitalist. And yes, the Prime Minister of Belgium (which you might have spotted on EU conferences) is indeed a member of the liberal party.

Bye!

Crisp

<i><b>"This could also summerise the response you advocate."</b></i>

<i>"An angry people decide upon a course of action that will ultimately hurt themselves, kill thousands of innocents and defies any sense of comapssion or reason - (an indiscriminate US assault?)"</i>

<b>We will first remove their heads then dismember the body. Terrorism is the target, as are those governments which nurture it.</b>


CC,

Your point is not lost here. How unfortunate those civilian casualties will be. I'm certain that there will be many. Let us hope that we are wrong and that our resolve is focused only on those who have planted the seed.

Excuse me while I stoke the fire which has been brought into my home.


Crisp,

<i>"Purely politically speaking, I have more respect for terrorists than the US at the moment. At least the terrorists believe they fight for a just cause."</i>

Respect for those who fly four planes of innocents into destruction, two of them into towers filled with innocents? That does command respect. What is their politics? Is there just-cause in eliminating that kind of political statement, Crisp?

<i>"The US wants to fight for revenge, which is the weakest excuse imaginable."</i>

Yes, their politics have taken hold. I think revenge is the motivation to take action. Our method, however, will not be as indiscriminate--we won't be aiming for civilians. Also, there is the added benefit of knowing that, when we and our friends are finished, you will be that much more secure. We now have a Just-cause, a cause supplied by those whom you coddle. Personally, I would be more than happy to send them to Allah or help them die for their politics--all that much better for those of us who wish to stay for awhile.

<i>"From a personal viewpoint, I feel sad about the lost lives in New York and Washington, and even sadder for all the blood that is still to be shed in this conflict."</i>

Well, while you are crying, others will be uniting, working, and fighting for change.



To the peoples around the world who have expressed their support, I thank you. Your voices are heard and are not lost on us. Your words of support are heartfelt, and many of us here have gained a new appreciation for our neighbors abroad. It is good to know that we Americans are not alone in this world.

It is time to make change now. Together.

<b>U.S. Counterterrorism Policy</b>

First, make no concessions to terrorists and strike no deals;
Second, bring terrorists to justice for their crimes;
Third, isolate and apply pressure on states that sponsor terrorism to force them to change their behavior; and
Fourth, bolster the counterterrorism capabilities of those countries that work with the U.S. and require assistance.

Where do you live?

http://www.specialoperations.com/Terrorism/SOCGuide/Default.htm

Appendix B: Background Information on Terrorist Groups

Patterns of Global Terrorism -2000
Released by the Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism
April 2001


The following descriptive list of terrorist groups is presented in two sections. The first section lists the 29 groups that currently are designated by the Secretary of State as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended by the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996. The designations carry legal consequences:

It is unlawful to provide funds or other material support to a designated FTO.
Representatives and certain members of a designated FTO can be denied visas or excluded from the United States.
US financial institutions must block funds of designated FTOs and their agents and must report the blockage to the US Department of the Treasury.
The second section includes other terrorist groups that were active during 2000. Terrorist groups whose activities were limited in scope in 2000 are not included.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I. Designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations
Abu Nidal organization (ANO)
a.k.a. Fatah Revolutionary Council, Arab Revolutionary Brigades, Black September, and Revolutionary Organization of Socialist Muslims

Description
International terrorist organization led by Sabri al-Banna. Split from PLO in 1974. Made up of various functional committees, including political, military, and financial.

Activities
Has carried out terrorist attacks in 20 countries, killing or injuring almost 900 persons. Targets include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Israel, moderate Palestinians, the PLO, and various Arab countries. Major attacks included the Rome and Vienna airports in December 1985, the Neve Shalom synagogue in Istanbul and the Pan Am flight 73 hijacking in Karachi in September 1986, and the City of Poros day-excursion ship attack in Greece in July 1988. Suspected of assassinating PLO deputy chief Abu Iyad and PLO security chief Abu Hul in Tunis in January 1991. ANO assassinated a Jordanian diplomat in Lebanon in January 1994 and has been linked to the killing of the PLO representative there. Has not attacked Western targets since the late 1980s.

Strength
A few hundred plus limited overseas support structure.

Location/Area of Operation
Al-Banna relocated to Iraq in December 1998, where the group maintains a presence. Has an operational presence in Lebanon, including in several Palestinian refugee camps. Financial problems and internal disorganization have reduced the group's activities and capabilities. Authorities shut down the ANO's operations in Libya and Egypt in 1999. Has demonstrated ability to operate over wide area, including the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.

External Aid
Has received considerable support, including safehaven, training, logistic assistance, and financial aid from Iraq, Libya, and Syria (until 1987), in addition to close support for selected operations.

Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)

Description
The ASG is the smallest and most radical of the Islamic separatist groups operating in the southern Philippines. Some ASG members have studied or worked in the Middle East and developed ties to mjuahidin while fighting and training in Afghanistan. The group split from the Moro National Liberation Front in 1991 under the leadership of Abdurajik Abubakar Janjalani, who was killed in a clash with Philippine police on 18 December 1998. Press reports place his younger brother, Khadafi Janjalani, as the nominal leader of the group, which is composed of several factions.

Activities
Engages in bombings, assassinations, kidnappings, and extortion to promote an independent Islamic state in western Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, areas in the southern Philippines heavily populated by Muslims. Raided the town of Ipil in Mindanao in April 1995--the group's first large-scale action--and kidnapped more than 30 foreigners, including a US citizen, in 2000.

Strength
Believed to have about 200 core fighters, but more than 2,000 individuals motivated by the prospect of receiving ransom payments for foreign hostages allegedly joined the group in August.

Location/Area of Operation
The ASG primarily operates in the southern Philippines with members occasionally traveling to Manila, but the group expanded its operations to Malaysia this year when it abducted foreigners from two different resorts.

External Aid
Probably receives support from Islamic extremists in the Middle East and South Asia.

Armed Islamic Group (GIA)

Description
An Islamic extremist group, the GIA aims to overthrow the secular Algerian regime and replace it with an Islamic state. The GIA began its violent activities in 1992 after Algiers voided the victory of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS)--the largest Islamic opposition party--in the first round of legislative elections in December 1991.

Activities
Frequent attacks against civilians and government workers. Between 1992 and 1998 the GIA conducted a terrorist campaign of civilian massacres, sometimes wiping out entire villages in its area of operation. Since announcing its campaign against foreigners living in Algeria in 1993, the GIA has killed more than 100 expatriate men and women--mostly Europeans--in the country. The group uses assassinations and bombings, including car bombs, and it is known to favor kidnapping victims and slitting their throats. The GIA hijacked an Air France flight to Algiers in December 1994. In late 1999 several GIA members were convicted by a French court for conducting a series of bombings in France in 1995.

The Salafi Group for Call and Combat (GSPC) splinter faction appears to have eclipsed the GIA since approximately 1998 and is currently assessed to be the most effective remaining armed group inside Algeria. Both the GIA and GSPC leadership continue to proclaim their rejection of President Bouteflika's amnesty, but in contrast to the GIA, the GSPC has stated that it limits attacks on civilians. The GSPC's planned attack against the Paris-Dakar Road Rally in January 2000 demonstrates, however, that the group has not entirely renounced attacks against high-profile civilian targets.

Strength
Unkown; probably several hundred to several thousand.

Location/Area of Operation
Algeria.

External Aid
Algerian expatriates and GSPC members abroad, many of whom reside in Western Europe, provide financial and logistic support. In addition, the Algerian Government has accused Iran and Sudan of supporting Algerian extremists.

Aum Supreme Truth (Aum)
a.k.a. Aum Shinrikyo, Aleph

Description
A cult established in 1987 by Shoko Asahara, the Aum aimed to take over Japan, then the world. Approved as a religious entity in 1989 under Japanese law, the group ran candidates in a Japanese parliamentary election in 1990. Over time the cult began to emphasize the imminence of the end of the world and stated that the United States would initiate Armageddon by starting World War III with Japan. The Japanese Government revoked its recognition of the Aum as a religious organization in October 1995, but in 1997 a government panel decided not to invoke the Anti-Subversive Law against the group, which would have outlawed the cult. In 2000, Fumihiro Joyu took control of the Aum following his three-year jail sentence for perjury. Joyu was previously the group's spokesman and Russia Branch leader. Under Joyu's leadership the Aum changed its name to Aleph and claims to have rejected the violent and apocalyptic teachings of its founder.

Activities
On 20 March 1995, Aum members simultaneously released the chemical nerve agent sarin on several Tokyo subway trains, killing 12 persons and injuring up to 6,000. (Recent studies put the number of persons who suffered actual physical injuries closer to 1,300, with the rest suffering from some form of psychological trauma.) The group was responsible for other mysterious chemical accidents in Japan in 1994. Its efforts to conduct attacks using biological agents have been unsuccessful. Japanese police arrested Asahara in May 1995, and he remained on trial, facing 17 counts of murder at the end of 2000. Since 1997 the cult continued to recruit new members, engage in commercial enterprise, and acquire property, although the cult scaled back these activities significantly in 2000 in response to public outcry. The cult maintains an Internet homepage.

Strength
The Aum's current membership is estimated at 1,500 to 2,000 persons. At the time of the Tokyo subway attack, the group claimed to have 9,000 members in Japan and up to 40,000 worldwide.

Location/Area of Operation
The Aum's principal membership is located only in Japan, but a residual branch comprising an unknown number of followers has surfaced in Russia.

External Aid
None.

Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA)
a.k.a. Euzkadi Ta Askatasuna

Description
Founded in 1959 with the aim of establishing an independent homeland based on
Marxist principles in the northern Spanish provinces of Vizcaya, Guipuzcoa, Alava, and Navarra and the southwestern French departments of Labourd, Basse-Navarra, and Soule.

Activities
Primarily bombings and assassinations of Spanish Government officials, especially security and military forces, politicians, and judicial figures. ETA finances its activities through kidnappings, robberies, and extortion. The group has killed more than 800 persons since it began lethal attacks in the early 1960s. In November 1999, ETA broke its "unilateral and indefinite" cease-fire and began an assassination and bombing campaign that killed 23 individuals and wounded scores more by the end of 2000.

Strength
Unknown; may have hundreds of members, plus supporters.

Location/Area of Operation
Operates primarily in the Basque autonomous regions of northern Spain and southwestern France, but also has bombed Spanish and French interests elsewhere.

External Aid
Has received training at various times in the past in Libya, Lebanon, and Nicaragua. Some ETA members allegedly have received sanctuary in Cuba while others reside in South America. Also appears to have ties to the Irish Republican Army through the two groups' legal political wings.

Al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya
(Islamic Group, IG)

Description
Egypt's largest militant group, active since the late 1970s; appears to be loosely organized. Has an external wing with a worldwide presence. The group issued a cease-fire in March 1999, but its spiritual leader, Shaykh Umar Abd al-Rahman, incarcerated in the United States, rescinded his support for the cease-fire in June 2000. The Gama'a has not conducted an attack inside Egypt since August 1998. Rifa'i Taha Musa-a hardline former senior member of the group-signed Usama Bin Ladin's February 1998 fatwa calling for attacks against US civilians. The IG since has publicly denied that it supports Bin Ladin and frequently differs with public statements made by Taha Musa. Taha Musa has in the last year sought to push the group toward a return to armed operations, but the group, which still is led by Mustafa Hamza, has yet to break the unilaterally declared cease-fire. In late 2000, Taha Musa appeared in an undated video with Bin Ladin and Ayman al-Zawahiri threatening retaliation against the United States for Abd al-Rahman's continued incarceration. The IG's primary goal is to overthrow the Egyptian Government and replace it with an Islamic state, but Taha Musa also may be interested in attacking US and Israeli interests.

Activities
Group specialized in armed attacks against Egyptian security and other government officials, Coptic Christians, and Egyptian opponents of Islamic extremism before the cease-fire. From 1993 until the cease-fire, al-Gama'a launched attacks on tourists in Egypt, most notably the attack in November 1997 at Luxor that killed 58 foreign tourists. Also claimed responsibility for the attempt in June 1995 to assassinate Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Gama'a has never specifically attacked a US citizen or facility but has threatened US interests.

Strength
Unknown. At its peak the IG probably commanded several thousand hard-core members and a like number of sympathizers. The 1998 cease-fire and security crackdowns following the attack in Luxor in 1997 probably have resulted in a substantial decrease in the group's numbers.

Location/Area of Operation
Operates mainly in the Al-Minya, Asyu't, Qina, and Sohaj Governorates of southern Egypt. Also appears to have support in Cairo, Alexandria, and other urban locations, particularly among unemployed graduates and students. Has a worldwide presence, including Sudan, the United Kingdom, Afghanistan, Austria, and Yemen.

External Aid
Unknown. The Egyptian Government believes that Iran, Bin Ladin, and Afghan militant groups support the organization. Also may obtain some funding through various Islamic nongovernmental organizations.

HAMAS (Islamic Resistance Movement)

Description
Formed in late 1987 as an outgrowth of the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood. Various HAMAS elements have used both political and violent means, including terrorism, to pursue the goal of establishing an Islamic Palestinian state in place of Israel. Loosely structured, with some elements working clandestinely and others working openly through mosques and social service institutions to recruit members, raise money, organize activities, and distribute propaganda. HAMAS's strength is concentrated in the Gaza Strip and a few areas of the West Bank. Also has engaged in peaceful political activity, such as running candidates in West Bank Chamber of Commerce elections.

Activities
HAMAS activists, especially those in the Izz el-Din al-Qassam Brigades, have conducted many attacks--including large-scale suicide bombings--against Israeli civilian and military targets. In the early 1990s, they also targeted suspected Palestinian collaborators and Fatah rivals. Claimed several attacks during the unrest in late 2000.

Strength
Unknown number of hard-core members; tens of thousands of supporters and sympathizers.

Location/Area of Operation
Primarily the occupied territories, Israel. In August 1999, Jordanian authorities closed the group's Political Bureau offices in Amman, arrested its leaders, and prohibited the group from operating on Jordanian territory.

External Aid
Receives funding from Palestinian expatriates, Iran, and private benefactors in Saudi Arabia and other moderate Arab states. Some fundraising and propaganda activities take place in Western Europe and North America.

Harakat ul-Mujahidin (HUM)

Description
Formerly known as the Harakat al-Ansar, the HUM is an Islamic militant group based in Pakistan that operates primarily in Kashmir. Long-time leader of the group, Fazlur Rehman Khalil, in mid-February stepped down as HUM emir, turning the reins over to the popular Kashmiri commander and his second-in-command, Farooq Kashmiri. Khalil, who has been linked to Bin Ladin and signed his fatwa in February 1998 calling for attacks on US and Western interests, assumed the position of HUM Secretary General. Continued to operate terrorist training camps in eastern Afghanistan.

Activities
Has conducted a number of operations against Indian troops and civilian targets in Kashmir. Linked to the Kashmiri militant group al-Faran that kidnapped five Western tourists in Kashmir in July 1995; one was killed in August 1995 and the other four reportedly were killed in December of the same year. The new millennium brought significant developments for Pakistani militant groups, particularly the HUM. Most of these sprang from the hijacking of an Indian airliner on 24 December by militants believed to be associated with the HUM. The hijackers negotiated the release of Masood Azhar, an important leader in the former Harakat ul-Ansar imprisoned by the Indians in 1994. Azhar did not, however, return to the HUM, choosing instead to form the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM), a rival militant group expressing a more radical line than the HUM.

Strength
Has several thousand armed supporters located in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, and India's southern Kashmir and Doda regions. Supporters are mostly Pakistanis and Kashmiris and also include Afghans and Arab veterans of the Afghan war. Uses light and heavy machineguns, assault rifles, mortars, explosives, and rockets. HUM lost some of its membership in defections to the JEM.

Location/Area of Operation
Based in Muzaffarabad, Rawalpindi, and several other towns in Pakistan and Afghanistan, but members conduct insurgent and terrorist activities primarily in Kashmir. The HUM trains its militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

External Aid
Collects donations from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf and Islamic states and from Pakistanis and Kashmiris. The sources and amount of HUM's military funding are unknown.

Hizballah (Party of God)
a.k.a. Islamic Jihad, Revolutionary Justice Organization, Organization of the Oppressed on Earth, and Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine

Description
Radical Shia group formed in Lebanon; dedicated to increasing its political power in Lebanon and opposing Israel and the Middle East peace negotiations. Strongly anti-West and anti-Israel. Closely allied with, and often directed by, Iran but may have conducted operations that were not approved by Tehran.

Activities
Known or suspected to have been involved in numerous anti-US terrorist attacks, including the suicide truck bombing of the US Embassy and US Marine barracks in Beirut in October 1983 and the US Embassy annex in Beirut in September 1984. Elements of the group were responsible for the kidnapping and detention of US and other Western hostages in Lebanon. The group also attacked the Israeli Embassy in Argentina in 1992 and is a suspect in the 1994 bombing of the Israeli cultural center in Buenos Aires. In fall 2000, it captured three Israeli soldiers in the Shabaa Farms and kidnapped an Israeli noncombatant whom it may have lured to Lebanon under false pretenses.

Strength
Several thousand supporters and a few hundred terrrorist operatives.

Location/Area of Operation
Operates in the Bekaa Valley, the southern suburbs of Beirut, and southern Lebanon. Has established cells in Europe, Africa, South America, North America, and Asia.

External Aid
Receives substantial amounts of financial, training, weapons, explosives, political, diplomatic, and organizational aid from Iran and Syria.

Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU)

Description
Coalition of Islamic militants from Uzbekistan and other Central Asian states opposed to Uzbekistani President Islom Karimov's secular regime. Goal is the establishment of an Islamic state in Uzbekistan. The group's propaganda also includes anti-Western and anti-Israeli rhetoric.

Activities
Believed to be responsible for five car bombs in Tashkent in February 1999. Took hostages on several occasions in 1999 and 2000, including four US citizens who were mountain climbing in August 2000, and four Japanese geologists and eight Kyrgyzstani soldiers in August 1999.

Strength
Militants probably number in the thousands.

Location/Area of Operation
Militants are based in Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Area of operations includes Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Afghanistan.

External Aid
Support from other Islamic extremist groups in Central and South Asia. IMU leadership broadcasts statements over Iranian radio.

Japanese Red Army (JRA)
a.k.a. Anti-Imperialist International Brigade (AIIB)

Description
An international terrorist group formed around 1970 after breaking away from Japanese Communist League-Red Army Faction. The JRA was led by Fusako Shigenobu until her arrest in Japan in November 2000. The JRA's historical goal has been to overthrow the Japanese Government and monarchy and to help foment world revolution. After her arrest Shigenobu announced she intended to pursue her goals using a legitimate political party rather than revolutionary violence. May control or at least have ties to Anti-Imperialist International Brigade (AIIB); also may have links to Antiwar Democratic Front--an overt leftist political organization--inside Japan. Details released following Shigenobu's arrest indicate that the JRA was organizing cells in Asian cities, such as Manila and Singapore. Has history of close relations with Palestinian terrorist groups--based and operating outside Japan--since its inception, primarily through Shigenobu. The current status of these connections is unknown.

Activities
During the 1970s, the JRA carried out a series of attacks around the world, including the massacre in 1972 at Lod Airport in Israel, two Japanese airliner hijackings, and an attempted takeover of the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. In April 1988, JRA operative Yu Kikumura was arrested with explosives on the New Jersey Turnpike, apparently planning an attack to coincide with the bombing of a USO club in Naples, a suspected JRA operation that killed five, including a US servicewoman. He was convicted of the charges and is serving a lengthy prison sentence in the United States. Tsutomu Shirosaki, captured in 1996, is also jailed in the United States. In 2000, Lebanon deported to Japan four members it arrested in 1997, but granted a fifth operative, Kozo Okamoto, political asylum. Longtime leader Shigenobu was arrested in November 2000 and faces charges of terrorism and passport fraud.

Strength
About six hard-core members; undetermined number of sympathizers.

Location/Area of Operations
Location unknown, but possibly traveling in Asia or Syrian-controlled areas of Lebanon.

External Aid
Unknown.

Al-Jihad
a.k.a. Egyptian Islamic Jihad, Jihad Group, Islamic Jihad

Description
Egyptian Islamic extremist group active since the late 1970s. Close partner of Bin Ladin's al-Qaida organization. Suffered setbacks as a result of numerous arrests of operatives worldwide, most recently in Lebanon and Yemen. Primary goals are to overthrow the Egyptian Government and replace it with an Islamic state and attack US and Israeli interests in Egypt and abroad.

Activities
Specializes in armed attacks against high-level Egyptian Government personnel, including cabinet ministers, and car-bombings against official US and Egyptian facilities. The original Jihad was responsible for the assassination in 1981 of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. Claimed responsibility for the attempted assassinations of Interior Minister Hassan al-Alfi in August 1993 and Prime Minister Atef Sedky in November 1993. Has not conducted an attack inside Egypt since 1993 and has never targeted foreign tourists there. Responsible for Egyptian Embassy bombing in Islamabad in 1995; in 1998, planned attack against US Embassy in Albania was thwarted.

Strength
Not known but probably has several hundred hard-core members.

Location/Area of Operation
Operates in the Cairo area. Has a network outside Egypt, including Yemen, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sudan, Lebanon, and the United Kingdom.

External Aid
Not known. The Egyptian Government claims that both Iran and Bin Ladin support the Jihad. Also may obtain some funding through various Islamic nongovernmental organizations, cover businesses, and criminal acts.

Kach and Kahane Chai

Description
Stated goal is to restore the biblical state of Israel. Kach (founded by radical Israeli-American rabbi Meir Kahane) and its offshoot Kahane Chai, which means "Kahane Lives" (founded by Meir Kahane's son Binyamin following his father's assassination in the United States), were declared to be terrorist organizations in March 1994 by the Israeli Cabinet under the 1948 Terrorism Law. This followed the groups' statements in support of Dr. Baruch Goldstein's attack in February 1994 on the al-Ibrahimi Mosque--Goldstein was affiliated with Kach--and their verbal attacks on the Israeli Government. Palestinian gunmen killed Binyamin Kahane and his wife in a drive-by shooting on 31 December in the West Bank.

Activities
Organize protests against the Israeli Government. Harass and threaten Palestinians in Hebron and the West Bank. Have threatened to attack Arabs, Palestinians, and Israeli Government officials. Have vowed revenge for the death of Binyamin Kahane and his wife.

Strength
Unknown.

Location/Area of Operation
Israel and West Bank settlements, particularly Qiryat Arba' in Hebron.

External Aid
Receives support from sympathizers in the United States and Europe.

Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)

Description
Founded in 1974 as a Marxist-Leninist insurgent group primarily composed of Turkish Kurds. The group's goal has been to establish an independent Kurdish state in southeastern Turkey, where the population is predominantly Kurdish. In the early 1990s, the PKK moved beyond rural-based insurgent activities to include urban terrorism. Turkish authorities captured Chairman Abdullah Ocalan in Kenya in early 1999; the Turkish State Security Court subsequently sentenced him to death. In August 1999, Ocalan announced a "peace initiative," ordering members to refrain from violence and withdraw from Turkey and requesting dialogue with Ankara on Kurdish issues. At a PKK Congress in January 2000, members supported Ocalan's initiative and claimed the group now would use only political means to achieve its new goal, improved rights for Kurds in Turkey.

Activities
Primary targets have been Turkish Government security forces in Turkey. Conducted attacks on Turkish diplomatic and commercial facilities in dozens of West European cities in 1993 and again in spring 1995. In an attempt to damage Turkey's tourist industry, the PKK bombed tourist sites and hotels and kidnapped foreign tourists in the early-to-mid-1990s.

Strength
Approximately 4,000 to 5,000, most of whom currently are located in northern Iraq. Has thousands of sympathizers in Turkey and Europe.

Location/Area of Operation
Operates in Turkey, Europe, and the Middle East.

External Aid
Has received safehaven and modest aid from Syria, Iraq, and Iran. The Syrian Government expelled PKK leader Ocalan and known elements of the group from its territory in October 1998.

Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
Other known front organizations: World Tamil Association (WTA), World Tamil Movement (WTM), the Federation of Associations of Canadian Tamils (FACT), the Ellalan Force, the Sangilian Force.

Description
Founded in 1976, the LTTE is the most powerful Tamil group in Sri Lanka and uses overt and illegal methods to raise funds, acquire weapons, and publicize its cause of establishing an independent Tamil state. The LTTE began its armed conflict with the Sri Lankan Government in 1983 and relies on a guerrilla strategy that includes the use of terrorist tactics.

Activities
The Tigers have integrated a battlefield insurgent strategy with a terrorist program that targets not only key personnel in the countryside but also senior Sri Lankan political and military leaders in Colombo and other urban centers. The Tigers are most notorious for their cadre of suicide bombers, the Black Tigers. Political assassinations and bombings are commonplace. The LTTE has refrained from targeting foreign diplomatic and commercial establishments.

Strength
Exact strength is unknown, but the LTTE is estimated to have 8,000 to 10,000 armed combatants in Sri Lanka, with a core of trained fighters of approximately 3,000 to 6,000. The LTTE also has a significant overseas support structure for fundraising, weapons procurement, and propaganda activities.

Location/Area of Operations
The Tigers control most of the northern and eastern coastal areas of Sri Lanka but have conducted operations throughout the island. Headquartered in northern Sri Lanka, LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran has established an extensive network of checkpoints and informants to keep track of any outsiders who enter the group's area of control.

External Aid
The LTTE's overt organizations support Tamil separatism by lobbying foreign governments and the United Nations. The LTTE also uses its international contacts to procure weapons, communications, and any other equipment and supplies it needs. The LTTE exploits large Tamil communities in North America, Europe, and Asia to obtain funds and supplies for its fighters in Sri Lanka. Information obtained since the mid-1980s indicates that some Tamil communities in Europe are also involved in narcotics smuggling. Tamils historically have served as drug couriers moving narcotics into Europe.

Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK or MKO)
a.k.a. The National Liberation Army of Iran (NLA, the militant wing of the MEK), the People's Mujahidin of Iran (PMOI), National Council of Resistance (NCR), Muslim Iranian Student's Society (front organization used to garner financial support)

Description
Formed in the 1960s by the college-educated children of Iranian merchants, the MEK sought to counter what it perceived as excessive Western influence in the Shah's regime. Following a philosophy that mixes Marxism and Islam, has developed into the largest and most active armed Iranian dissident group. Its history is studded with anti-Western activity, and, most recently, attacks on the interests of the clerical regime in Iran and abroad.

Activities
Worldwide campaign against the Iranian Government stresses propaganda and occasionally uses terrorist violence. During the 1970s the MEK staged terrorist attacks inside Iran and killed several US military personnel and civilians working on defense projects in Tehran. Supported the takeover in 1979 of the US Embassy in Tehran. In April 1992 conducted attacks on Iranian embassies in 13 different countries, demonstrating the group's ability to mount large-scale operations overseas. The normal pace of anti-Iranian operations increased during the "Operation Great Bahman" in February 2000, when the group claimed it launched a dozen attacks against Iran. During the remainder of the year, the MEK regularly claimed that its members were involved in mortar attacks and hit-and-run raids on Iranian military, law enforcement units, and government buildings near the Iran-Iraq border. The MEK also claimed six mortar attacks on civilian government and military buildings in Tehran.

Strength
Several thousand fighters based in Iraq with an extensive overseas support structure. Most of the fighters are organized in the MEK's National Liberation Army (NLA).

Location/Area of Operation
In the 1980s the MEK's leaders were forced by Iranian security forces to flee to France. Most resettled in Iraq by 1987. In the mid-1980s the group did not mount terrorist operations in Iran at a level similar to its activities in the 1970s. In the 1990s, however, the MEK claimed credit for an increasing number of operations in Iran.

External Aid
Beyond support from Iraq, the MEK uses front organizations to solicit contributions from expatriate Iranian communities.

National Liberation Army (ELN)--Colombia

Description
Marxist insurgent group formed in 1965 by urban intellectuals inspired by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. Began a dialogue with Colombian officials in 1999 following a campaign of mass kidnappings--each involving at least one US citizen--to demonstrate its strength and continuing viability and to force the Pastrana administration to negotiate. Bogota and the ELN spent most of 2000 discussing where to establish an ELN safehaven in which to hold peace talks. A proposed location in north central Colombia faces stiff local and paramilitary opposition.

Activities
Kidnapping, hijacking, bombing, extortion, and guerrilla war. Modest conventional military capability. Annually conducts hundreds of kidnappings for ransom, often targeting foreign employees of large corporations, especially in the petroleum industry. Frequently assaults energy infrastructure and has inflicted major damage on pipelines and the electric distribution network.

Strength
Approximately 3,000 to 6,000 armed combatants and an unknown number of active supporters.

Location/Area of Operation
Mostly in rural and mountainous areas of north, northeast, and southwest Colombia and Venezuela border regions.

External Aid
Cuba provides some medical care and political consultation.

The Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ)

Description
Originated among militant Palestinians in the Gaza Strip during the 1970s. Committed to the creation of an Islamic Palestinian state and the destruction of Israel through holy war. Because of its strong support for Israel, the United States has been identified as an enemy of the PIJ, but the group has not specifically conducted attacks against US interests in the past. In July 2000, however, publicly threatened to attack US interests if the US Embassy is moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Also opposes moderate Arab governments that it believes have been tainted by Western secularism.

Activities
Conducted at least three attacks against Israeli interests in late 2000, including one to commemorate the anniversary of former PIJ leader Fathi Shaqaqi's murder in Malta on 26 October 1995. Conducted suicide bombings against Israeli targets in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Israel.

Strength
Unknown.

Location/Area of Operation
Primarily Israel and the occupied territories and other parts of the Middle East, including Jordan and Lebanon. Headquartered in Syria.

External Aid
Receives financial assistance from Iran and limited logistic assistance from Syria.

Palestine Liberation Front (PLF)

Description
Broke away from the PFLP-GC in mid-1970s. Later split again into pro-PLO, pro-Syrian, and pro-Libyan factions. Pro-PLO faction led by Muhammad Abbas (Abu Abbas), who became member of PLO Executive Committee in 1984 but left it in 1991.

Activities
The Abu Abbas-led faction is known for aerial attacks against Israel. Abbas's group also was responsible for the attack in 1985 on the cruise ship Achille Lauro and the murder of US citizen Leon Klinghoffer. A warrant for Abu Abbas's arrest is outstanding in Italy.

Strength
Unknown.

Location/Area of Operation
PLO faction based in Tunisia until Achille Lauro attack. Now based in Iraq.

External Aid
Receives support mainly from Iraq. Has received support from Libya in the past.

Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)

Description
Marxist-Leninist group founded in 1967 by George Habash as a member of the PLO. Joined the Alliance of Palestinian Forces (APF) to oppose the Declaration of Principles signed in 1993 and suspended participation in the PLO. Broke away from the APF, along with the DFLP, in 1996 over ideological differences. Took part in meetings with Arafat's Fatah party and PLO representatives in 1999 to discuss national unity and the reinvigoration of the PLO but continues to oppose current negotiations with Israel.

Activities
Committed numerous international terrorist attacks during the 1970s. Since 1978 has conducted attacks against Israeli or moderate Arab targets, including killing a settler and her son in December 1996.

Strength
Some 800.

Location/Area of Operation
Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and the occupied territories.

External Aid
Receives safehaven and some logistic assistance from Syria.

Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC)

Description
Split from the PFLP in 1968, claiming it wanted to focus more on fighting and less on politics. Violently opposed to Arafat's PLO. Led by Ahmad Jabril, a former captain in the Syrian Army. Closely tied to both Syria and Iran.

Activities
Carried out dozens of attacks in Europe and the Middle East during 1970s-80s. Known for cross-border terrorist attacks into Israel using unusual means, such as hot-air balloons and motorized hang gliders. Primary focus now on guerrilla operations in southern Lebanon, small-scale attacks in Israel, West Bank, and Gaza Strip.

Strength
Several hundred.

Location/Area of Operation
Headquartered in Damascus with bases in Lebanon.

External Aid
Receives logistic and military support from Syria and financial support from Iran.

al-Qaida

Description
Established by Usama Bin Ladin in the late 1980s to bring together Arabs who fought in Afghanistan against the Soviet invasion. Helped finance, recruit, transport, and train Sunni Islamic extremists for the Afghan resistance. Current goal is to establish a pan-Islamic Caliphate throughout the world by working with allied Islamic extremist groups to overthrow regimes it deems "non-Islamic" and expelling Westerners and non-Muslims from Muslim countries. Issued statement under banner of "the World Islamic Front for Jihad Against the Jews and Crusaders" in February 1998, saying it was the duty of all Muslims to kill US citizens--civilian or military--and their allies everywhere.

Activities
Plotted to carry out terrorist operations against US and Israeli tourists visiting Jordan for millennial celebrations. (Jordanian authorities thwarted the planned attacks and put 28 suspects on trial.) Conducted the bombings in August 1998 of the US Embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, that killed at least 301 persons and injured more than 5,000 others. Claims to have shot down US helicopters and killed US servicemen in Somalia in 1993 and to have conducted three bombings that targeted US troops in Aden, Yemen, in December 1992. Linked to the following plans that were not carried out: to assassinate Pope John Paul II during his visit to Manila in late 1994, simultaneous bombings of the US and Israeli Embassies in Manila and other Asian capitals in late 1994, the midair bombing of a dozen US trans-Pacific flights in 1995, and to kill President Clinton during a visit to the Philippines in early 1995. Continues to train, finance, and provide logistic support to terrorist groups in support of these goals.

Strength
May have several hundred to several thousand members. Also serves as a focal point or umbrella organization for a worldwide network that includes many Sunni Islamic extremist groups such as Egyptian Islamic Jihad, some members of al-Gama'at al-Islamiyya, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, and the Harakat ul-Mujahidin.

Location/Area of Operation
Al-Qaida has a worldwide reach, has cells in a number of countries, and is reinforced by its ties to Sunni extremist networks. Bin Ladin and his key lieutenants reside in Afghanistan, and the group maintains terrorist training camps there.

External Aid
Bin Ladin, son of a billionaire Saudi family, is said to have inherited approximately $300 million that he uses to finance the group. Al-Qaida also maintains moneymaking front organizations, solicits donations from like-minded supporters, and illicitly siphons funds from donations to Muslim charitable organizations.

Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)

Description
Established in 1964 as the military wing of the Colombian Communist Party, the FARC is Colombia's oldest, largest, most capable, and best-equipped Marxist insurgency. The FARC is governed by a secretariat, led by septuagenarian Manuel Marulanda, a.k.a. "Tirofijo," and six others, including senior military commander Jorge Briceno, a.k.a. "Mono Jojoy." Organized along military lines and includes several urban fronts. In 2000, the group continued a slow-moving peace negotiation process with the Pastrana Administration, which has gained the group several concessions, including a demilitarized zone used as a venue for negotiations.

Activities
Bombings, murder, kidnapping, extortion, hijacking, as well as guerrilla and conventional military action against Colombian political, military, and economic targets. In March 1999 the FARC executed three US Indian rights activists on Venezuelan territory after it kidnapped them in Colombia. Foreign citizens often are targets of FARC kidnapping for ransom. Has well-documented ties to narcotics traffickers, principally through the provision of armed protection.

Strength
Approximately 9,000 to 12,000 armed combatants and an unknown number of supporters, mostly in rural areas.

Location/Area of Operation
Colombia with some activities--extortion, kidnapping, logistics, and R&R--in Venezuela, Panama, and Ecuador.

External Aid
Cuba provides some medical care and political consultation.

Revolutionary Organization 17 November (17 November)

Description
Radical leftist group established in 1975 and named for the student uprising in Greece in November 1973 that protested the military regime. Anti-Greek establishment, anti-US, anti-Turkey, anti-NATO, and committed to the ouster of US bases, removal of Turkish military presence from Cyprus, and severing of Greece's ties to NATO and the European Union (EU).

Activities
Initial attacks were assassinations of senior US officials and Greek public figures. Added bombings in 1980s. Since 1990 has expanded targets to include EU facilities and foreign firms investing in Greece and has added improvised rocket attacks to its methods. Most recent attack claimed was the murder in June 2000 of British Defense Attache Stephen Saunders.

Strength
Unknown, but presumed to be small.

Location/Area of Operation
Athens, Greece.

Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C)
a.k.a. Devrimci Sol (Revolutionary Left), Dev Sol

Description
Originally formed in 1978 as Devrimci Sol, or Dev Sol, a splinter faction of the Turkish People's Liberation Party/Front. Renamed in 1994 after factional infighting, it espouses a Marxist ideology and is virulently anti-US and anti-NATO. Finances its activities chiefly through armed robberies and extortion.

Activities
Since the late 1980s has concentrated attacks against current and retired Turkish security and military officials. Began a new campaign against foreign interests in 1990. Assassinated two US military contractors and wounded a US Air Force officer to protest the Gulf war. Launched rockets at US Consulate in Istanbul in 1992. Assassinated prominent Turkish businessman and two others in early 1996, its first significant terrorist act as DHKP/C. Turkish authorities thwarted DHKP/C attempt in June 1999 to fire light antitank weapon at US Consulate in Istanbul. Series of safehouse raids, arrests by Turkish police over last two years has weakened group significantly. Turkish security forces stormed prison wards controlled by the DHKP/C in December 2000, transferring militants to cell-type penitentiaries and further undermining DHKP/C cohesion.

Strength
Unknown.

Location/Area of Operation
Conducts attacks in Turkey, primarily in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Adana. Raises funds in Western Europe.

External Aid
Unknown.

Revolutionary People's Struggle (ELA)

Description
Extreme leftist group that developed from opposition to the military junta that ruled Greece from 1967 to 1974. Formed in 1971, ELA is a self-described revolutionary, anti-capitalist, and anti-imperialist group that has declared its opposition to "imperialist domination, exploitation, and oppression." Strongly anti-US and seeks the removal of US military forces from Greece.

Activities
Since 1974 has conducted bombings against Greek Government and economic targets as well as US military and business facilities. In 1986 stepped up attacks on Greek Government and commercial interests. Raid on a safehouse in 1990 revealed a weapons cache and direct contacts with other Greek terrorist groups, including 1 May and Revolutionary Solidarity. In 1991, ELA and 1 May claimed joint responsibility for more than 20 bombings. Greek police believe they have established links between ELA and Revolutionary Organization 17 November. Although ELA has not claimed an attack since January 1995, other groups have emerged with similar modus operandi. Of these, Revolutionary Nuclei (a.k.a. Revolutionary Cells) appears most likely to be the successor group to ELA.

Strength
Unknown.

Location/Area of Operation
Greece.

External Aid
Received weapons and other assistance from international terrorist Carlos during 1980s. Currently no known foreign sponsors.

Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path, or SL)

Description
Former university professor Abimael Guzman formed Sendero Luminoso in the late 1960s, and his teachings created the foundation of SL's militant Maoist doctrine. In the 1980s, SL became one of the most ruthless terrorist groups in the Western Hemisphere-approximately 30,000 persons have died since Shining Path took up arms in 1980. Its stated goal is to destroy existing Peruvian institutions and replace them with a communist peasant revolutionary regime. It also opposes any influence by foreign governments, as well as by other Latin American guerrilla groups, especially the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA).

In 2000, government authorities continued to arrest and prosecute active SL members, including, in April, commander Jose Arcela Chiroque, a.k.a. Ormeno. Counterterrorist operations targeted pockets of terrorist activity in the Upper Huallaga River Valley and the Apurimac/Ene River Valley, where SL columns continued to conduct periodic attacks.

Activities
Conducted indiscriminate bombing campaigns and selective assassinations. Detonated explosives at diplomatic missions of several countries in Peru in 1990, including an attempt to car-bomb the US Embassy in December. SL continued in 2000 to clash with Peruvian authorities and military units in the countryside and conducted periodic raids on villages. Despite numerous threats, the remaining active SL guerrillas were unable to cause any significant disruption to the Peruvian national elections held on 9 April.

Strength
Membership is unknown but estimated to be 100 to 200 armed militants. SL's strength has been vastly diminished by arrests and desertions.

Location/Area of Operation
Peru, with most activity in rural areas.

External Aid
None.

Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA)

Description
Traditional Marxist-Leninist revolutionary movement formed in 1983 from remnants of the Movement of the Revolutionary Left, a Peruvian insurgent group active in the 1960s. Aims to establish a Marxist regime and to rid Peru of all imperialist elements (primarily US and Japanese influence). Peru's counterterrorist program has diminished the group's ability to carry out terrorist attacks, and the MRTA has suffered from infighting, the imprisonment or deaths of senior leaders, and loss of leftist support. Several MRTA members also remain imprisoned in Bolivia.

Activities
Previously conducted bombings, kidnappings, ambushes, and assassinations, but recent activity has fallen drastically. In December 1996, 14 MRTA members occupied the Japanese Ambassador's residence in Lima and held 72 hostages for more than four months. Peruvian forces stormed the residence in April 1997, rescuing all but one of the remaining hostages and killing all 14 group members, including the remaining leaders. The group has not conducted a significant terrorist operation since and appears more focused on obtaining the release of imprisoned MRTA members.

Strength
Believed to be no more than 100 members, consisting largely of young fighters who lack leadership skills and experience.

Location/Area of Operation
Peru with supporters throughout Latin America and Western Europe. Controls no territory.

External Aid
None.

II. Other Terrorist Groups
Alex Boncayao Brigade (ABB)

Description
The ABB, the breakaway urban hit squad of the Communist Party of the Philippines New People's Army, was formed in the mid-1980s.

Activities
Responsible for more than 100 murders and believed to have been involved in the murder in 1989 of US Army Col. James Rowe in the Philippines. In March 1997 the group announced it had formed an alliance with another armed group, the Revolutionary Proletarian Army. In March 2000, the group claimed credit for a rifle grenade attack against the Department of Energy building in Manila and strafed Shell Oil offices in the central Philippines to protest rising oil prices.

Strength
Approximately 500.

Location/Area of Operation
Operates in Manila and central Philippines.

External Aid
Unknown.

Army for the Liberation of Rwanda (ALIR)
a.k.a. Interahamwe, Former Armed Forces (ex-FAR)

Description
The FAR was the army of the Rwandan Hutu regime that carried out the genocide of 500,000 or more Tutsis and regime opponents in 1994. The Interahamwe was the civilian militia force that carried out much of the killing. The groups merged after they were forced from Rwanda into the Democratic Republic of the Congo (then-Zaire) in 1994. They are now often known as the Army for the Liberation of Rwanda (ALIR), which is the armed branch of the PALIR or Party for the Liberation of Rwanda.

Activities
The group seeks to topple Rwanda's Tutsi-dominated government, reinstitute Hutu
control, and, possibly, complete the genocide. In 1996, a message--allegedly from the ALIR--threatened to kill the US Ambassador to Rwanda and other US citizens. In 1999, ALIR guerrillas critical of alleged US-UK support for the Rwandan regime kidnapped and killed eight foreign tourists, including two US citizens, in a game park on the Congo-Uganda border. In the current Congolese war, the ALIR is allied with Kinshasa against the Rwandan invaders.

Strength
Several thousand ALIR regular forces operate alongside the Congolese Army on the front lines of the Congo civil war, while a like number of ALIR guerrillas operate behind Rwanda lines in eastern Congo closer to the Rwandan border and sometimes within Rwanda.

Location/Area of Operation
Mostly Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, but a few may operate in Burundi.

External Support
From the Rwandan invasion of 1998 until his death in early 2001, the Laurent Kabila regime in the Democratic Republic of the Congo provided the ALIR with training, arms, and supplies.

Continuity Irish Republican Army (CIRA)
a.k.a. Continuity Army Council

Description
Radical terrorist splinter group formed in 1994 as the clandestine armed wing of Republican Sinn Fein (RSF), a political organization dedicated to the reunification of Ireland and to forcing British troops from Northern Ireland. RSF formed after the Irish Republican Army announced a cease-fire in September 1994.

Activities
Bombings, assassinations, extortion, and robberies. Targets include British military and Northern Ireland security targets and Northern Ireland Loyalist paramilitary groups. Also has launched bomb attacks against civilian targets in Northern Ireland. Does not have an established presence or capability to launch attacks on the UK mainland.

Strength
Fewer than 50 hard-core activists.

Location/Area of Operation
Northern Ireland, Irish Republic.

External Aid
Suspected of receiving funds and arms from sympathizers in the United States. May have acquired arms and materiel from the Balkans in cooperation with the Real IRA.

First of October Antifascist Resistance Group (GRAPO) Grupo de Resistencia Anti-Fascista Premero de Octubre

Description
Formed in 1975 as the armed wing of the illegal Communist Party of Spain of the Franco era. Advocating the overthrow of the Spanish Government and replacement with a Marxist-Leninist regime, GRAPO is vehemently anti-US, calls for the removal of all US military forces from Spanish territory, and has conducted and attempted several attacks against US targets since 1977.

Activities
GRAPO has killed more than 80 persons and injured more than 200. The group's operations customarily have been designed to cause material damage and gain publicity rather than inflict casualties, but the terrorists have conducted lethal bombings and close-range assassinations. In November 2000, GRAPO operatives shot to death a Spanish policeman in reprisal for the arrest that month in France of several group leaders, while in May, GRAPO operatives murdered two guards during a botched robbery against an armored security van.

Strength
Unknown but likely fewer than a dozen hard-core activists. Numerous GRAPO members also currently are in Spanish prisons.

Location/Area of Operation
Spain.

External Aid
None.

Irish Republican Army (IRA)
a.k.a. Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA), the Provos

Description
Terrorist group formed in 1969 as clandestine armed wing of Sinn Fein, a legal political movement dedicated to removing British forces from Northern Ireland and unifying Ireland. Has a Marxist orientation. Organized into small, tightly knit cells under the leadership of the Army Council.

Activities
Bombings, assassinations, kidnappings, punishment beatings, extortion, smuggling, and robberies. Targets have included senior British Government officials, British military and police in Northern Ireland, and Northern Ireland Loyalist paramilitary groups. Bombing campaigns have been conducted against train and subway stations and shopping areas on mainland Britain, as well as against British and Royal Ulster Constabulary targets in Northern Ireland, and a British military facility on the European Continent. The IRA has been observing a cease-fire since July 1997 and previously observed a cease-fire from 1 September 1994 to February 1996.

Strength
Largely unchanged--several hundred members, plus several thousand sympathizers--despite the defection of some members to the dissident splinter groups.

Local/Area of Operation
Northern Ireland, Irish Republic, Great Britain, Europe.

External Aid
Has in the past received aid from a variety of groups and countries and considerable training and arms from Libya and the PLO. Is suspected of receiving funds, arms, and other terrorist-related materiel from sympathizers in the United States. Similarities in operations suggest links to the ETA.

Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM) (Army of Mohammed)

Description
The Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM) is an Islamist group based in Pakistan that has rapidly expanded in size and capability since Maulana Masood Azhar, a former ultrafundamentalist Harakat ul-Ansar (HUA) leader, announced its formation in February. The group's aim is to unite Kashmir with Pakistan. It is politically aligned with the radical, pro-Taliban, political party, Jamiat-i Ulema-i Islam (JUI-F).

Activities
The JEM's leader, Masood Azhar, was released from Indian imprisonment in December 1999 in exchange for 155 hijacked Indian Airlines hostages in Afghanistan. The 1994 HUA kidnappings of US and British nationals in New Delhi and the July 1995 HUA/Al Faran kidnappings of Westerners in Kashmir were two of several previous HUA efforts to free Azhar. Azhar organized large rallies and recruitment drives across Pakistan throughout 2000. In July, a JEM rocket-grenade attack failed to injure the Chief Minister at his office in Srinagar, India, but wounded four other persons. In December, JEM militants launched grenade attacks at a bus stop in Kupwara, India, injuring 24 persons, and at a marketplace in Chadoura, India, injuring 16 persons. JEM militants also planted two bombs that killed 21 persons in Qamarwari and Srinagar.

Strength
Has several hundred armed supporters located in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, and in India's southern Kashmir and Doda regions. Following Maulana Masood Azhar's release from detention in India, a reported three quarters of Harakat ul-Mujahedin (HUM) members defected to the new organization, which has managed to attract a large number of urban Kashmiri youth. Supporters are mostly Pakistanis and Kashmiris and also include Afghans and Arab veterans of the Afghan war. Uses light and heavy machineguns, assault rifles, mortars, improvised explosive devices, and rocket grenades.

Location/Area of Operation
Based in Peshawar and Muzaffarabad, but members conduct terrorist activities primarily in Kashmir. The JEM maintains training camps in Afghanistan.

External Aid
Most of the JEM's cadre and material resources have been drawn from the militant groups Harakat ul-Jihad al-Islami (HUJI) and the Harakat ul-Mujahedin (HUM). The JEM has close ties to Afghan Arabs and the Taliban. Usama Bin Ladin is suspected of giving funding to the JEM.

Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LT) (Army of the Righteous)

Description
The LT is the armed wing of the Pakistan-based religious organization, Markaz-ud-Dawa-wal-Irshad (MDI)--a Sunni anti-US missionary organization formed in 1989. One of the three largest and best-trained groups fighting in Kashmir against India, it is not connected to a political party. The LT leader is MDI chief, Professor Hafiz Mohammed Saeed.

Activities
Has conducted a number of operations against Indian troops and civilian targets in Kashmir since 1993. The LT is suspected of eight separate attacks in August that killed nearly 100, mostly Hindu Indians. LT militants are suspected of kidnapping six persons in Akhala, India, in November 2000 and killing five of them. The group also operates a chain of religious schools in the Punjab.

Strength
Has several hundred members in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, and in India's southern Kashmir and Doda regions. Almost all LT cadres are foreigners--mostly Pakistanis from seminaries across the country and Afghan veterans of the Afghan wars. Uses assault rifles, light and heavy machineguns, mortars, explosives, and rocket propelled grenades.

Location/Area of Operation
Based in Muridke (near Lahore) and Muzaffarabad. The LT trains its militants in mobile training camps across Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Afghanistan.

External Aid
Collects donations from the Pakistani community in the Persian Gulf and United Kingdom, Islamic NGOs, and Pakistani and Kashmiri businessmen. The amount of LT funding is unknown. The LT maintains ties to religious/military groups around the world, ranging from the Philippines to the Middle East and Chechnya through the MDI fraternal network.

Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF)

Description
Terrorist group formed in 1996 as a faction of the mainstream loyalist Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) but did not emerge publicly until February 1997. Composed largely of UVF hardliners who have sought to prevent a political settlement with Irish nationalists in Northern Ireland by attacking Catholic politicians, civilians, and Protestant politicians who endorse the Northern Ireland peace process. Has been observing a cease-fire since 15 May 1998. The LVF decommissioned a small but significant amount of weapons in December 1998, but it has not repeated this gesture and in fact threatened in 2000 to resume killing Catholics.

Activities
Bombings, kidnappings, and close-quarter shooting attacks. LVF bombs often have contained Powergel commercial explosives, typical of many loyalist groups. LVF attacks have been particularly vicious: the group has murdered numerous Catholic civilians with no political or terrorist affiliations, including an 18-year-old Catholic girl in July 1997 because she had a Protestant boyfriend. The terrorists also have conducted successful attacks against Irish targets in Irish border towns. In 2000, the LVF also engaged in a brief but violent feud with other loyalists in which several individuals were killed.

Strength
Approximately 150 activists.

Location/Area of Operation
Northern Ireland, Ireland.

External Aid
None.

New People's Army (NPA)

Description
The military wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the NPA is a Maoist group formed in March 1969 with the aim of overthrowing the government through protracted guerrilla warfare. Although primarily a rural-based guerrilla group, the NPA has an active urban infrastructure to conduct terrorism and uses city-based assassination squads called sparrow units. Derives most of its funding from contributions of supporters and so-called revolutionary taxes extorted from local businesses.

Activities
The NPA primarily targets Philippine security forces, corrupt politicians, and drug traffickers. Opposes any US military presence in the Philippines and attacked US military interests before the US base closures in 1992. Press reports in 1999 indicated that the NPA would target US troops participating in joint military exercises under the Visiting Forces Agreement and US Embassy personnel.

Strength
Estimated between 6,000 and 8,000.

Location/Area of Operations
Operates in rural Luzon, Visayas, and parts of Mindanao. Has cells in Manila and other metropolitan centers.

External Aid
Unknown.

Orange Volunteers (OV)

Description
Terrorist group comprised largely of disgruntled loyalist hardliners who split from groups observing the cease-fire. OV seeks to prevent a political settlement with Irish nationalists by attacking Catholic civilian interests in Northern Ireland.

Activities
The OV declared a cease-fire in September 2000, but the group maintains ability to conduct bombings, arson, beatings, and possibly robberies.

Strength
Up to 20 hard-core members, some of whom are experienced in terrorist tactics and bombmaking.

Location/Area of Operations
Northern Ireland.

External Aid
None.

People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (PAGAD)

Description
PAGAD was formed in 1996 as a community anticrime group fighting drugs and violence in the Cape Flats section of Cape Town but by early 1998 had also become antigovernment and anti-Western. PAGAD and its Islamic ally Qibla view the South African Government as a threat to Islamic values and consequently promote greater political voice for South African Muslims. The group is led by Abdus Salaam Ebrahim. PAGAD's G-Force (Gun Force) operates in small cells and is believed responsible for carrying out acts of terrorism. PAGAD uses several front names, including Muslims Against Global Oppression (MAGO) and Muslims Against Illegitimate Leaders (MAIL), when launching anti-Western protests and campaigns.

Activities
PAGAD is suspected of conducting recurring bouts of urban terrorism--particularly bomb sprees--in Cape Town since 1998, including nine bombings in 2000. Bombing targets have included South African authorities, moderate Muslims, synagogues, gay nightclubs, tourist attractions, and Western-associated restaurants. PAGAD is believed to have masterminded the bombing on 25 August 1998 of the Cape Town Planet Hollywood.

Strength
Estimated at several hundred members. PAGAD's G-Force probably contains fewer than 50 members.

Location/Area of Operation
Operates mainly in the Cape Town area, South Africa's foremost tourist venue.

External Aid
Probably has ties to Islamic extremists in the Middle East.

Real IRA (RIRA)
a.k.a. True IRA

Description
Formed in February-March 1998 as clandestine armed wing of the 32-County Sovereignty Movement, a "political pressure group" dedicated to removing British forces from Northern Ireland and unifying Ireland. The 32-County Sovereignty Movement opposed Sinn Fein's adoption in September 1997 of the Mitchell principles of democracy and nonviolence and opposed the December 1999 amendment of Articles 2 and 3 of the Irish Constitution, which lay claim to Northern Ireland. Former IRA "quartermaster general" Mickey McKevitt leads the group; Bernadette Sands-McKevitt, his common-law wife, is the vice-chair of the 32-County Sovereignty Movement.

Activities
Bombings, assassinations, smuggling, extortion, and robberies. Many Real IRA members are former IRA who opposed the IRA's cease-fire and bring to RIRA a wealth of experience in terrorist tactics and bombmaking. Targets include British military and police in Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland civilian targets. Has attempted several unsuccessful bomb attacks on the UK mainland. Claimed responsibility for the car bomb attack in Omagh, Northern Ireland, on 15 August 1998 that killed 29 and injured 220 persons. The group declared a cease-fire following Omagh but in early 2000 resumed attacks in Northern Ireland and on the UK mainland. These include a bombing of Hammersmith Bridge and a rocket attack against MI-6 Headquarters in London.

Strength
150 to 200 activists plus possible limited support from IRA hardliners dissatisfied with the IRA cease-fire and other republican sympathizers.

Location/Area of Operation
Northern Ireland, Irish Republic, Great Britain.

External Aid
Suspected of receiving funds from sympathizers in the United States. RIRA also is thought to have purchased sophisticated weapons from the Balkans, according to press reports.

Red Hand Defenders (RHD)

Description
Extremist terrorist group composed largely of Protestant hardliners from loyalist groups observing a cease-fire. RHD seeks to prevent a political settlement with Irish nationalists by attacking Catholic civilian interests in Northern Ireland.

Activities
RHD was quiet in 2000, following a damaging security crackdown in late 1999. In recent years, however, the group has carried out numerous pipe bombings and arson attacks against "soft" civilian targets, such as homes, churches, and private businesses, to cause outrage in the republican community and to provoke IRA retaliation. RHD claimed responsibility for the car-bombing murder on 15 March 1999 of Rosemary Nelson, a prominent Catholic nationalist lawyer and human rights campaigner in Northern Ireland.

Strength
Up to 20 members, some of whom have considerable experience in terrorist tactics and bomb-making.

Location/Area of Operation
Northern Ireland.

External Aid
None.

Revolutionary United Front (RUF)

Description
The RUF is a loosely organized group--but an effective guerrilla force because of its flexibility and brutal discipline--seeking to topple the current government of Sierra Leone and to retain control of the lucrative diamond-producing regions of the country. The group funds itself largely through the extraction and sale of diamonds obtained in areas of Sierra Leone that it controls.

Activities
The RUF uses guerrilla, criminal, and terror tactics, such as murder, torture, and mutilation, to fight the government, intimidate civilians, and keep UN peacekeeping units in check. In 2000 they held hundreds of UN peacekeepers hostage until their release was negotiated, in part, by the RUF's chief sponsor Liberian President Charles Taylor. The group also has been accused of attacks in Guinea at the behest of President Taylor.

Strength
Estimated at several thousand fighters and possibly a similar number of supporters and sympathizers.

Location/Area of Operation
Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea.

External Aid
A UN experts panel report on Sierra Leone said President Charles Taylor of Liberia provides support and leadership to the RUF. The UN has identified Libya, Gambia, and Burkina Faso as conduits for weapons and other materiel for the RUF.

United Self-Defense Forces/Group of Colombia (AUC-Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia)

Description
The AUC--commonly referred to as autodefensas or paramilitaries--is an umbrella organization formed in April 1997 to consolidate most local and regional paramilitary groups each with the mission to protect economic interests and combat insurgents locally. The AUC--supported by economic elites, drug traffickers, and local communities lacking effective government security--claims its primary objective is to protect its sponsors from insurgents. The AUC now asserts itself as a regional and national counterinsurgent force. It is adequately equipped and armed and reportedly pays its members a monthly salary. AUC leader Carlos Castaño in 2000 claimed 70 percent of the AUC's operational costs were financed with drug-related earnings, the rest from "donations" from its sponsors.

Activities
AUC operations vary from assassinating suspected insurgent supporters to engaging guerrilla combat units. Colombian National Police reported the AUC conducted 804 assassinations, 203 kidnappings, and 75 massacres with 507 victims during the first 10 months of 2000. The AUC claims the victims were guerrillas or sympathizers. Combat tactics consist of conventional and guerilla operations against main force insurgent units. AUC clashes with military and police units are increasing, although the group has traditionally avoided government security forces. The paramilitaries have not taken action against US personnel.

Strength
In early 2001, the government estimated there were 8,000 paramilitary fighters, including former military and insurgent personnel.

Location/Areas of Operation
AUC forces are strongest in the north and northwest: Antioquia, Cordoba, Sucre, Bolivar, Atlantico, and Magdalena Departments. Since 1999, the group demonstrated a growing presence in other northeastern and southwestern departments and a limited presence in the Amazon plains. Clashes between the AUC and the FARC insurgents in Putumayo in 2000 demonstrated the range of the AUC to contest insurgents throughout Colombia.

External Aid
None.


[End]

Europe Overview

Patterns of Global Terrorism -2000
Released by the Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism
April 2001


Western Europe had the largest decline in the number of international terrorist incidents of any region in 2000. Several European states moved to strengthen and codify anti-terrorism legislation, and many signed the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Financing, which was opened for signature on 10 January 2000. There were notable examples of counterterrorism cooperation among several countries, such as the US-UK-Greek collaboration on the British Defense Attache's assassination in Athens, Spanish-French cooperation against the Basque terrorist group Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA), and Italy and Spain's agreement to create common judicial space. Greece undertook a series of more stringent counterterrorism measures in the wake of the murder of the UK Defense Attache by the terrorist group 17 November, but Athens still has not made any arrests in connection with any of the group's 21 murders over the past quarter century. France and Turkey both made impressive strides in combating terrorism through aggressively pursuing the perpetrators and their terrorist groups.

In Southeastern Europe, groups of ethnic Albanians have conducted armed attacks against government forces in southern Serbia and in Macedonia since 1999. One group in southern Serbia calls itself the Liberation Army of Presevo, Medvedja, and Bujanovac (PMBLA). One group in Macedonia calls itself the National Liberation Army (NLA). Both groups include members who fought with the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) in 1998-99 and have used their wartime connections to obtain funding and weapons from Kosovo and elsewhere. The PMBLA has, on occasion, harassed and detained civilians traveling through areas it controls. Both the PMBLA and the NLA have fired indiscriminately upon civilian centers. (In the same region, ethnic Albanian assailants carried out a terrorist attack against a bus in Kosovo on 16 February 2001, killing at least seven civilians and wounding 43 others.)

Austria
In keeping with Austria's constructive security relationship with the United States, the Interior Minister discussed closer cooperation in countering crime and terrorism during a visit to Washington in August. Vienna also enacted an expanded police-powers bill enabling authorities to collect and analyze information more effectively.

On 26 February, Austrian letter bomber Franz Fuchs committed suicide in his prison cell where he had been serving a life sentence for masterminding a series of letter-bomb campaigns in Austria and Germany between 1993 and 1997.

Authorities held Halimeh Nimr, a suspected member of the terrorist Abu Nidal organization (ANO), in custody from January to May. In September, she failed to appear in court to be tried on charges of attempting to withdraw some $8 million from a bank account controlled by the ANO, which subsequently threatened to target Austrian interests if the funds were not released to the group.

In 2000, citing the statute of limitations, France declined an Austrian Government request that Illich Ramirez Sanchez, a.k.a. Carlos the Jackal, be extradited to face criminal charges for a terrorist attack on the Vienna headquarters of OPEC in 1975.

The Austrian Government continued to allow the political front of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) to maintain its offices in Vienna, which have been open since 1995. Authorities estimate some 400 PKK militants and 4,000 sympathizers reside in Austria.

Belgium
The Interior Ministers of Belgium and Spain met in Brussels in June to discuss Belgium's refusal to extradite Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) members suspected of terrorist acts. The Belgian minister pledged that his government would no longer refuse Spanish extradition requests.

In 2000, Belgium did reject Turkey's request for the extradition of suspected Turkish terrorist Fehriye Erdal to prosecute her for her alleged role in the 1996 handgun murder of a prominent Turkish industrialist and two associates in Istanbul. Erdal, arrested in Belgium in 1999, is allegedly a member of the Turkish Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C) terrorist group. Belgian authorities denied Turkey's request on the grounds she could receive the death penalty if tried in Turkey. Belgium also declined to prosecute her under the 1977 European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism, noting that it covers only terrorist acts using bombs or automatic weapons. After Brussels denied Ms. Erdal's political asylum request, she went on a hunger strike and subsequently was released from prison and placed under house arrest. She may be tried later on charges arising from criminal activities in Belgium.

In February, authorities paroled two members of the "Cellules Communistes Combattantes" after they had served 14 years of their life sentences for involvement in a series of bomb attacks against US, NATO, and Belgian interests in 1984 and 1985. One attack resulted in the deaths of two firemen in Brussels.

Belgium has yet to sign the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Financing.

France
During 2000, France maintained its traditional tough stance against terrorism. On the legal front, Paris was the first to sign the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Financing, which was a French initiative. The French Government's nationwide "Vigi-Pirate" plan--which uses military forces to reinforce police security in Paris and other major cities to prevent a repeat of the Paris metro attacks by Algerian terrorists--remained in effect. Vigi-Pirate increased security at metro and train stations, enhanced border controls, and expanded identity checks countrywide.

In January, the Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) relaunched its assassination and bombing campaign in Spain, and French police responded aggressively by interdicting cross-border operations, arresting group members, and shutting down logistics and supply cells in France. At year's end, ETA had killed 23 persons and wounded scores more.

On the judicial front, French courts tried and convicted numerous ETA terrorists. In January, Javier Arizkuren Ruiz, alias Kantauri, a former ETA military operations chief, was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment. A Paris appeals court in September reportedly authorized Ruiz's extradition to Spain to stand trial for an attempt to kill King Juan Carlos in 1995. Twelve other ETA militants received lengthy jail sentences. The court sent Daniel Derguy, believed to be the ETA chief in France, to prison for 10 years. In October, 10 senior French and Spanish ETA members were convicted of criminal conspiracy in connection with a terrorist organization. Ignacio Gracia Arregui, alias Inaki de Renteria, reportedly a top ETA leader, was sentenced in December to five years in jail. Others convicted received prison sentences of five to 10 years. France often has extradited convicted ETA terrorists to Spain when they have completed their prison sentences.

In October, a French judge ruled in favor of a suit charging Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi with "complicity to murder" in the bomb attack in 1989 against a UTA airliner over the Niger desert that killed 170 persons.

In November, French courts also convicted seven Spanish citizens of membership in First of October Anti-Fascist Resistance Group (GRAPO), a Spanish leftist terrorist group. In raids during the year, police officials seized bombmaking paraphernalia, false identity documents, and large amounts of cash.

French courts convicted a number of Algerian nationals on terrorist-related charges. Amar Bouakaze, an Algerian, was convicted in June for criminal conspiracy in connection with a terrorist organization. Evidence linked Bouakaze to Ahmed Ressam, a suspected terrorist being held in the United States. Another Algerian national was convicted of an attack that derailed a train in France in June, leaving two persons dead.

The Breton Resistance Army (ARB) claimed responsibility for a bomb attack in April that damaged a McDonald's restaurant at Pornic, but the group denied involvement in another attack the same month against a McDonald's restaurant near Dinan that killed a French employee. French police arrested four members of the Breton nationalist group Emgann (Combat) on charges of involvement in the Dinan bombing.

Six proindependence Corsican groups joined in proclaiming a cease-fire in late 1999, but bomb attacks against government offices on the island continued intermittently in 2000. One such Corsican group claimed responsibility for a failed attack in Paris in June. In October, Corsican separatists placed a car bomb in front of the police station in Marseilles. The device was not built to detonate but to serve as a warning for a possible future attack and to highlight the group's capabilities. Also in October, French courts sentenced 10 Corsican nationalists to four years' imprisonment for an attack that damaged an estate complex on Corsica in 1994.

France's counterterrorism efforts have been less robust on the diplomatic front where it has blocked concerted action by the G-8 aimed at Iranian-sponsored terrorism in the Middle East. Also, France's presidency of the EU yielded little practical US-EU counterterrorism cooperation.

Germany
Extreme rightwing violence against foreign nationals in Germany increased in 2000 and became a major political issue. Interior ministers from the German states met in November to address the problem and recommended the federal authorities adopt control measures, including establishing databases to track rightwing and leftwing extremists.

German officials detected no revival of organized extreme leftwing terrorist activity in 2000. Authorities sought several former members of the Red Army Faction (RAF), which was dissolved in 1998, and continued to prosecute former RAF members in court. Johannes Weinreich, a former RAF member and lieutenant to Carlos the Jackal, was convicted in January of committing murder and attempted murder during an attack in 1983 on a French cultural center in then-West Berlin. In November, RAF member Andrea Klump went on trial on charges of participation in a failed attack on the NATO base at Rota, Spain, in 1988. In December, Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer testified at the trial of former acquaintance Hans-Joachim Klein, who was charged with three murders in connection with the 1975 attack in Vienna on petroleum ministers from OPEC states by "Carlos"-led terrorists.

The courts convicted Metin Kaplan, leader of the violent Turkish Islamist group Kalifatstaat, and sentenced him to four years in prison for publicly calling for the death of a rival. The trial of five defendants accused of the 1986 Libyan-sponsored bombing against the Labelle Discotheque, which killed two US servicemen, continued to progress slowly. The 1993 ban on the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its affiliates remained in effect. The PKK ceased to conduct violent demonstrations in 2000, following the seizure of the group's leader Ocalan.

Germany continued to cooperate multilaterally and bilaterally--notably with the United States--to combat terrorism. In 2000, German authorities arrested and extradited to the United States a suspect in the bombings in 1998 of the US embassies in East Africa.

Greece
The Greek Government undertook some meaningful steps to combat terrorism--especially in the wake of the Revolutionary Organization 17 November's (17 November) murder of UK Defense Attache Saunders in Athens--including efforts to persuade a historically skeptical public of the damage inflicted by terrorism on Greece's interests and international reputation. The government strengthened the police counterterrorism unit, implemented a multimillion-dollar reward program, and began drafting legislation to provide a legal basis for more vigorous counterterrorism efforts. Greek, British, and US experts cooperated closely in the still ongoing investigation of the Saunders murder. Nonetheless, despite these and other promising initiatives, as well as closer Greek-US cooperation, Athens resolved no outstanding terrorist incident and arrested no terrorist suspects in 2000.

In June, two motorcyclists shot and killed British Defense Attache Stephen Saunders in Athens' rush hour traffic. Revolutionary Organization 17 November, a violent far-left nationalist group, claimed the murder as revenge against NATO's military action in 1999 against Serbia. The group simultaneously claimed responsibility for attacks it had mounted in 1999 on the German and Dutch ambassadors' residences, on three Western banks, and on offices of the governing PASOK party. In a follow-up communique released in December, 17 November defended itself against mounting public criticism by trying to appeal to populist, pro-Serb sentiments and also by urging Greeks not to cooperate with the government's counterterrorism efforts.








Revolutionary Organization 17 November assassinated British Defense Attache Stephen Saunders in Athens in June. Heather Saunders--shown awaiting her husband's coffin at Gatwick Airport--has been instrumental in raising Greek public awareness of the plight of terrorism victims.









The Saunders murder and Greek preparations for the 2004 Olympics contributed to a political and public opinion climate more supportive of effective counterterrorism measures. The Prime Minister, his cabinet colleagues, and opposition leaders denounced the murder of Saunders and spoke out against terrorism in general. The Greek media provided extensive coverage of Heather Saunders' eloquent public statements in the aftermath of her husband's murder. The public widely observed a national moment of silence for all victims of terrorism, and Orthodox Archbishop Christodoulos held an unprecedented memorial service for all Greek and foreign victims of terrorism in Greece.

The police sought to involve the public in the Saunders investigation and encouraged witnesses to come forward. Minister of Public Order (MPO) Khrisokhoidhis led the government's efforts, which included increasing the reward for information on terrorist attacks to $2.5 million. The police also opened toll-free hotlines to enable informants to pass tips anonymously. Although failure to cordon off the Saunders crime scene initially hampered the investigation, the Greek police subsequently worked effectively with British investigators to pursue a small number of useful leads. At year's end, the British Defense Attache's murder remained unsolved.

In the spring, Revolutionary Nuclei, another far-left, nationalist terrorist group, bombed buildings belonging to two Greek construction companies linked to the Greek Government, military, and NATO. Police safely removed a bomb the group had left outside the Peiraiefs (Piraeus) office of a former PASOK minister. On 12 November, the group mounted three separate but nearly simultaneous attacks against a British bank, a US bank, and the studio and home of the Greek sculptor whose statue of Gen. George C. Marshall is displayed at the US Embassy.

Throughout the year, a host of anarchist groups claimed responsibility for an average of two arson or bomb attacks per week on offices, shops, and vehicles, almost always in Athens; many of the targeted vehicles belonged to foreign diplomats, foreign companies, Greek officials, and Greek public-sector executives. The two most prolific groups, Black Star and Anarchist Faction, together carried out 31 attacks in 2000. No fatalities or arrests resulted from these attacks.

Suspected terrorist Avraam Lesperoglou, already imprisoned since December 1999 for passport fraud and draftdodging, was convicted in October of attempting to murder a policeman and sentenced to 17 years. Lesperoglou, who is suspected of being linked to Revolutionary People's Struggle (ELA) and possibly other groups, still awaits trial on several terrorism-related murder charges.

In late November, a Justice Ministry expert committee began drafting legislation on terrorism and organized crime for presentation to Parliament. The controversial legislation is expected to provide for greater admissability of evidence from undercover police operations, use of DNA evidence, adjudication by all-judge panels of certain classes of terrorist cases, and protection of witnesses. The Greek Government has indicated the legislation will be consistent with EU standards and international norms.

In 2000, Greece and the United States ratified a mutual legal assistance treaty and signed a police cooperation memorandum to enhance bilateral cooperation on law enforcement, including terrorism. During the year, MPO Khrisokhoidhis met with cabinet-level officials in the United States and in the United Kingdom and signed a bilateral counterterrorism agreement in London. By year's end, Greece had signed all 12 and ratified all but two of the UN counterterrorism conventions.

Italy
Italy's counterterrorism efforts in 2000 focused primarily on the assassination in 1999 of Labor Ministry Adviser Massimo d'Antona by individuals who claimed to be from the extreme leftist Red Brigades-Combatant Communist Party (BR-PCC). Leaks from the investigation, however, complicated the arrest and interrogation of several suspects. One much-publicized suspect was released because of lack of evidence but remains under investigation. Later in the year, the Revolutionary Proletarian Nucleus, a leftist-anarchist group, issued a communique claiming responsibility for placing a bomb at the Milan office of the Italian Confederation of Free Trade Unions in July.

In February, Interior Minister Bianco warned of a possible resurgence of rightwing terrorism, and the Italian Government subsequently dissolved the neofascist organization Fronte Nazionale (National Front) and in October confiscated its assets. Bianco maintained, however, that leftwing and anarchist violence, exemplified by the BR-PCC and the Territorial Anti-Imperialist Nuclei (NTA), posed the greater threat. A spinoff group of the NTA--an anti-US, anti-NATO group--was behind several low-level bombing and incendiary attacks on Aviano Airbase in 1999.

In October authorities in Naples issued arrest warrants for 11 members of Al-Takfir w'al Hijra, a North African Muslim extremist group. Seven were apprehended in Naples, France, and Algeria, but four eluded arrest. Officials noted that members of the group, also active in Milan and other cities, engaged primarily in forging travel documents and raising funds from expatriate Muslims.

In January, the government expelled to his native country illegal immigrant and Algerian national Yamin Rachek, husband of Italian-Canadian dual national Lucia Garofolo who was arrested in December for carrying explosives from Canada into the United States. In June, the government pardoned Turkish national Ali Agca for his attack on the Pope in 1981 and extradited him to his native Turkey.

In late 2000, Italy and Spain signed an agreement to create a common judicial space between them, eliminating extradition procedures in the case of serious felonies, including terrorist activities.

Spain
Spain was wracked by domestic terrorism in 2000. After abandoning its cease-fire in late 1999, the terrorist group Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) began a countrywide bombing and assassination campaign, killing 23 and wounding scores more by year's end. ETA traditionally targets police, military personnel, and politicians, as well as journalists and businessmen. As 2000 progressed, however, the group appeared to become increasingly indiscriminate in its attacks, targeting, for example, intersections and shopping areas. The public responded with huge demonstrations in major cities, demanding an end to the violence. Also in 2000, the Spanish and French Basque youth groups united and continued their campaign of street violence and arson. Spanish authorities diligently prosecuted ETA members on terrorism and criminal charges, and the Aznar government reiterated its determination to eliminate terrorism and not negotiate over independence for the constitutionally autonomous Basque provinces. After difficult discussions over the role of moderate Basques represented by the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), the governing and opposition Socialist parties signed a common anti-ETA pact at year's end.










Spanish police officers inspect the remains of a passenger bus set ablaze after a car bomb, blamed on the ETA, exploded near Madrid on 30 October. The attack killed three persons, including a Spanish Supreme Court judge, injured more than 60 others, and destroyed dozens of cars.













The First of October Anti-Fascist Resistance Group (GRAPO), quiescent in recent years, stepped up its activity in 2000. In November, the group murdered a Spanish policeman following the arrest of seven GRAPO leaders in Paris, killed two security guards during a botched armed robbery attempt of a security van in May, and carried out several bombings that damaged property but caused no injuries. In November, the Spanish Interior Minister stated that arrests of GRAPO operatives in France had effectively dismantled the leadership and operational command of the group.

In June, Spain's Interior Minister Jaime Mayor Oreja visited Washington in keeping with the active, high-level dialogue on terrorism between the United States and Spain. Spain also played an important role in the Central Asian Counterterrorism Conference sponsored by the US Department of State held in Washington in June. A Spanish court convicted Ramon Aldasoro, whom the United States extradited to Spain in December 1999, for his participation in the bombing of a police barracks in 1988.

Spanish and French interior ministries cooperated closely in combating terrorism, including arresting numerous ETA members and raiding logistics and support cells. France regularly delivered detained ETA terrorists, including several senior leaders, into Spanish custody. Spain also secured a pledge from Mexico to deny safehaven to ETA members. Spain welcomed the condemnation of ETA in November by all Ibero-American presidents--except Cuba's Castro, whose refusal harmed bilateral relations.

Spain has urged the European Union to adopt more vigorous measures against terrorism, including creating a common judicial space. Spain and Italy signed such an agreement.

Turkey
Combating terrorism remained a top Turkish domestic and foreign policy priority as ethnic, Islamist, leftist, and transnational terrorist groups continued to threaten Turkey. In 2000, previous Turkish successes in fighting these groups were consolidated, producing a dramatically lowered incidence of terrorist activity. The Turkish Government remained in the forefront of cooperative international counterterrorism efforts and worked closely with Washington on combating groups that target US personnel and facilities.

At the direction of its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which long had sought to achieve an independent Kurdish state through violence, asserted that it now seeks, through a political campaign, only guarantees of Kurdish political, economic, social, and cultural rights in a democratic Turkey. The government did not respond to the PKK's declared change in tactics and goals. Prime Minister Ecevit warned that his government would reconsider its decision not to press for the death sentence against Ocalan if the PKK renewed its violence while the European Court of Human Rights reviewed his trial. The Court took up Ocalan's appeal in November.

Meanwhile, the number of violent clashes between PKK and government forces in Turkey declined significantly with 45 confrontations in the first 11 months of 2000, according to the Turkish General Staff, compared with thousands in previous years. Turkish forces mounted vigorous operations against the few hundred PKK guerrillas in southeastern Turkey and the several thousand who had withdrawn to northern Iraq, enlisting the aid of Iraqi Kurdish groups that have fought sporadically with the PKK over the last several years. Turkish officials and newspapers noted that Syria observed its commitment made in 1998 to abjure support to the PKK. In contrast, Iran allegedly continued to provide at least a safehaven to armed PKK militants.

Turkish security forces continued their effective campaign against the extreme-left terrorist group Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C, formerly Dev Sol). The group was able to mount only a few attacks. In August, the police arrested seven suspected DHKP/C terrorists that allegedly planned to attack the airbase at Incirlik, from which a joint US-British-Turkish force maintains "Operation Northern Watch" over the no-fly zone in Iraq. Several European countries, including Belgium, have declined Turkish requests to extradite PKK, DHKP/C, and other terrorists, citing Turkey's retention of the death penalty and the political motivation of the suspects' crimes.

The DHKP/C, joined by small extreme leftist factions, staged repeated violent uprisings in prisons to protest the government's efforts to transfer prisoners from overcrowded older prisons--in which terrorist and criminal groups effectively controlled entire wards--to newer prisons with cells for two or three prisoners. In December, the outlawed terrorist group Turkish Communist Party/Marxist-Leninist showed its opposition to the transfer program by killing two policemen. "Operation Return to Life," undertaken in December by security forces to gain control of the prison wards, left about 30 prisoners dead, some by their own hand.

The police and the judiciary dealt heavy blows to domestic Islamist terrorist groups in 2000, including the Turkish Hizballah, a domestic terrorist group of mostly Kurdish Sunni Islamists with no known ties to Lebanese Hizballah. Turkish officials and media assert that Turkish Hizballah has received limited Iranian support. Turkish Hizballah's adherents are anti-Western but primarily target Kurds who are viewed as insufficiently Islamic or unwilling to meet the group's extortion demands. They have not targeted US citizens. Through October, 723 police operations, mostly in predominantly Kurdish southeastern Turkey, netted more than 2,700 Turkish Hizballah suspects, approximately 1,700 of whom were arrested. The trial of 15 Turkish Hizballah suspects accused of 156 murders began in July in Diyarbakir.

Turkish authorities arrested members of the Jerusalem Warriors, a small ethnic Turkish Sunni Islamist group with tenuous links to the Turkish Hizballah. Turkish officials and media reported that they had received direction, training, and support from Iran. In August, 17 Warriors went on trial for involvement in 22 murders, including assassinations of several prominent Turkish secularist intellectuals. Four have been accused of killing USAF Sgt. Victor Marvick in a car-bombing in 1991.

United Kingdom
The United Kingdom enacted two far-reaching counter-terrorism laws and continued its close cooperation with the United States and other nations in the fight against terrorism. As in previous years, UK authorities focused primarily on the threat posed by dissident Republican and Loyalist terrorist groups in Northern Ireland, while continuing their efforts to combat transnational Islamist terrorists settled in or transiting the United Kingdom.

The Terrorism Act, enacted in July and effective February 2001, replaces temporary and emergency laws that dealt with Northern Ireland-related terrorism. It broadens the definition of domestic and transnational terrorism throughout the United Kingdom to cover violent acts and threats against individuals and property--including electronic systems--intended to influence the government or promote political, religious, or ideological causes. The Act authorizes the government to ban groups involved in domestic or transnational terrorism and to use special arrest powers to prosecute their members or supporters. The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, effective July 2000, created a statutory basis for intercepting communications and for covert surveillance.

London continued to work vigorously to combat Northern Ireland-related terrorism, but British press reports indicated that terrorist killings in the north increased from seven in 1999 to 18 in 2000. The dissident Real Irish Republican Army (RIRA) is credited in press reports to have been responsible for attacks in Northern Ireland as well as in central London. The most spectacular incident involved a rocket attack in September that caused minor damage to the headquarters of Britain's foreign intelligence service, MI6, in central London. UK officials continued to prosecute dissidents suspected in previous attacks. Authorities repeatedly urged witnesses to come forward with evidence relating to RIRA's 1998 bombing in Omagh, which left 29 dead, and to the murder in 1999 of Republican defense lawyer Rosemary Nelson by Loyalist Red Hand Defenders.

Making the most of close US ties to the United Kingdom and Ireland, Washington continued its efforts to encourage normalization of political, law enforcement, and security arrangements in Northern Ireland as called for in the Good Friday Agreement. President Clinton's December visit demonstrated US support for achieving lasting peace in the troubled region.

London and Washington worked together to bring to justice suspects in the bombing of two US embassies in East Africa in 1998 and in the Pan Am 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988. UK courts found Khaled al-Fawwaz, Ibrahim Hussein Abd al-Hadi Eidarous, and Abel Muhammad Abd al-Majid--indicted in the United States for involvement in the embassy attacks--extraditable to the United States. The three men are appealing the decision. In April, Manchester police, responding to a US request, searched two residences of associates of Usama Bin Ladin and his al-Qaida terrorist network. In May, a Scottish court sitting in the Netherlands commenced the trial of two Libyans accused of murder, conspiracy, and breach of the UK Aviation Security Act in perpetrating the Pan Am 103 bombing. All charges but murder were later dropped. (In January 2001, one of the Libyans was found guilty of murder in connection with that attack. The judges found that he acted "in furtherance of the purposes of . . . Libyan Intelligence Services." Concerning the other defendant, Al-Amin Kalifa Fahima, the court concluded that the Crown failed to present sufficient evidence to satisfy the high standard of "proof beyond reasonable doubt" that is necessary in criminal cases.)

British authorities assisted Greek officials in investigating the assassination in June of Britain's Defense Attache in Athens by the terrorist group 17 November. London continues to investigate the murder of British and US citizens in Yemen in 1998 and a bomb incident in its Embassy in Sanaa in 2000, the day after the bombing of the USS Cole.


[End]

Hi Bowser,


Respect for those who fly four planes of innocents into destruction, two of them into towers filled with innocents? That does command respect. What is their politics? Is there just-cause in eliminating that kind of political statement, Crisp?

Re-read the exact sentence I wrote and you will notice a slight nuance between what I wrote and what you read. First I mentioned terrorists in general, and secondly I said they believe their cause is just. This is in no way an attempt to approve what happened - I disagree with their "cause". The point I was trying to make (and I'll make it more explicit from now on) is that there is a difference between fighting, killing and dying for something you believe in, and fighting and killing for revenge. Revenge is never a valid reason to start a war. Revenge is a word for marital disputes that end in one person stabbing the other, not for nations.


Yes, their politics have taken hold. I think revenge is the motivation to take action. Our method, however, will not be as indiscriminate--we won't be aiming for civilians.

So you actually believe that in any of the wars that have been fought in the past 10 years, no civilian casualties (rather incompassionably called "collateral damage") have fallen ? The NATO press conferences don't cover everything that has happened you know.

So you also believe that when the US attacks Afghanistan, that the bombs will always accurately hit a terrorist bunker ? The US has promised to pursue the terrorists and the governments that harbour them. Ever wondered what that last part of the sentence means ? How can you punish a government ? Simply bombing the presidents, ministers and members of that government doesn't really help - a government can only be punished by hurting the people that it stands for. Now how's that for your innocent people that won't get hurt.

I don't know if you have ever seen a documentary or pictures of Afghanistan, but these people have NOTHING. The last thing they need is a bomb on their heads, or an embargo for some war they actually have nothing to do with. In war, it is never a government that pays.


Also, there is the added benefit of knowing that, when we and our friends are finished, you will be that much more secure.

I never felt and will never feel secure. Anything can happen to anybody at anytime. Learn to live with that fact and you'll see that live suddenly becomes much more pleasant and more bearable. The reason why people panicked or feel anger now is because they have been reminded of their own fatility. We will all die one day, so better make every day you live worthwhile. This will put some things in perspective, and damn, it worked for me ;).


Well, while you are crying, others will be uniting, working, and fighting for change.

Uniting, working, all fine. Why the fighting ? Do you really want to lower yourself to the same level as those terrorists ? After all it comes down to one thing: killing for a reason that a sane man cannot understand (hatred and revenge respectively).

Anyway, I give up in this discussion, simply because rational does not seems to be allowed to participate in the entire situation, in this forum, nationally or internationally. I prefer not to spend my time in trying to convince anybody (here on the forums or in real life) that is too determined to listen to reason.

Some closing words:

The first "Act of war" in this situation is still to be done. Make sure you guys aren't the ones who will do it.
Pakistan will not allow US passage through its country because of their inconditional support for the Taliban government. Pakistan is a nuclear power. But well, so is the US, and the US only has about 10000 times more nukes.
Waging war in the Middle-East is a lost battle. Terrorists will be affirmed in their believe that the West is the enemy. Retaliations to the US retaliation will probably be tens of times worse than anything that has already happened.


Bye!

Crisp

Hello Crisp,

<i>"Anyway, I give up in this discussion, simply because rational does not seems to be allowed to participate in the entire situation, in this forum, nationally or internationally. I prefer not to spend my time in trying to convince anybody (here on the forums or in real life) that is too determined to listen to reason."</i>

Reason...

Simply put, reason crashed into the World Trade Center last tuesday. Where were you? I feel that we now have new reason. And yes, revenge is part of our new resolve. That's correct. As far as being determined, yep...determined to see the end of pointless actions such as was witnessed last tuesday.

<i>"Waging war in the Middle-East is a lost battle. Terrorists will be affirmed in their believe that the West is the enemy. Retaliations to the US retaliation will probably be tens of times worse than anything that has already happened."</i>

Rather than bending over and taking it up the ass, I think we rather cut off their balls. It really is a state of mind.

<i>"Pakistan will not allow US passage through its country because of their inconditional support for the Taliban government. Pakistan is a nuclear power. But well, so is the US, and the US only has about 10000 times more nukes."</i>

Yes, that is comforting.

<i>"The first "Act of war" in this situation is still to be done. Make sure you guys aren't the ones who will do it."</i>

No, the first act has been committed.

<i>"Uniting, working, all fine. Why the fighting ? Do you really want to lower yourself to the same level as those terrorists ? After all it comes down to one thing: killing for a reason that a sane man cannot understand (hatred and revenge respectively)."</i>

Try security for the Global Village, Neighbor. We can't afford to let this continue.

<i>"I never felt and will never feel secure. Anything can happen to anybody at anytime. Learn to live with that fact and you'll see that live suddenly becomes much more pleasant and more bearable. The reason why people panicked or feel anger now is because they have been reminded of their own fatility. We will all die one day, so better make every day you live worthwhile. This will put some things in perspective, and damn, it worked for me ."</i>

I'm sorry, Bud, that's crap; and I think you know it. My logic dictates that you remove the threat to your security. Do you know of the changes that are taking place over here? To whom do I owe thanks for that?

<i>"I don't know if you have ever seen a documentary or pictures of Afghanistan, but these people have NOTHING. The last thing they need is a bomb on their heads, or an embargo for some war they actually have nothing to do with. In war, it is never a government that pays."</i>

We will hope that only the terrorist training centers are harmed. As for the Afghan government, maybe we can bring democracy or a change for the better with our arrival.

As for civilian casualties. Yes, there will be many.

<i>"Re-read the exact sentence I wrote and you will notice a slight nuance between what I wrote and what you read. First I mentioned terrorists in general, and secondly I said they believe their cause is just."</i>

Americans believe in their cause, Crisp. Do you now respect us?

Crisp,
You believe what you believe.

There is no reasoning with the point of a gun that is aimed at you. You will not change the path of the bullet one iota from where it is pointed. The same is apperantly true of these terrorist groups. They are not going to say ok you don't want that so we will quit. They hide in the effort to resurface at a later time to repeat the violent acts in some form or another. Merely screaming or trying to talk reason is not going to work. You must do; not talk. They are due to have their ticket punched. And any government that supports, gives aid and refuge, and allows them to exist within their borders needs to be shown the error of their ways. It is only when you make in clear in methods that they will respect and understand that this will not be if they wish to continue to exist on this mortal plane that you stand any chance of making a dent in this type of terrorist activity. If you make it costly enough to their well being at government level and at terrorist level then and only then will you see anything resembling cooperation. Other wise they will lie and continue right on with what they are doing. And what they are doing is not acceptable. Period!

I just couldn't resist replying to this one...

Bowser,

The more you speak, the more I get convinced the only thing the American citizen screams for is blood. I couldn't help it, but I had to suppress laughter when you said: "As for the Afghan government, maybe we can bring democracy or a change for the better with our arrival.". This is exactly the reason why there is terrorism against the US! These people don't *want* your democracy (or mine).

"My logic dictates that you remove the threat to your security."

Security is an illusion, used to keep people under control.

"As for civilian casualties. Yes, there will be many."

... my point exactly.


Wet1,

I agree, terrorists cannot be talked to. Reason didn't crash in the WTC last tuesday since terrorists don't listen to reason. However, the currently proposed solution is a hilarious one. The fact that Powell believes he is able to wipe out all terrorism against the US either proves that is speechwriter is very naive, or very stupid. Terrorism cannot be wiped out until the reasons for terrorism have been attacked (not literally ofcourse). If the US bombs half the Middle-East to blisters now, then in 20 years a new generation of terrorists that are willing to make even greater sacrifices will stand up.

Ohwell, that's just my view on things... But I'm just another ignorant citizen of Europe that has his head up is *ss ;).

Bye!

Crisp

Crisp!
I almost totally agree with you. Please back up my little thread on the 'New York World Trade Center' thread.

I'm also starting to think all the Americans want is blood. If I didnt know some personally myself then I would believe that.

I'm an american.

I have very strong and confused emotions right now. There are a lot of good arguments in this thread, and a lot of scary ones.

First, I have to say that I sincerely hope that NO ONE that has access to nuclear weapons is willing to use them. And have felt that way for as long as I can remember. To me, considering the use of nuclear weapons is pure insanity.

____________________


I forget who it was that posted it, but I was sorry to read that someone had more respect for the terrorists than they do for Americans right now. America has taken no action on this, so I'm confused as to how you can already condemn our actions. Yes, we have said it's an act of war and that we will retaliate. We have also, however, said that this is new kind of enemy and a difficult one to fight. It does not sound to me like our government is planning on indiscriminately dropping bombs on innocent people's homes. And I know it's difficult to tell from some American's posts on this particular thread, but I don't think that the vast majority of Americans would support such action. Most of the people I know personally AND the people I've heard on the radio/television think we need to be extremely careful in whatever action we DO decide to take, and I think that our government (actually to my surprise) is sensitive those feelings.

There was another comment, that there should be security people on every airplane and that airplane crews should be trained in hand to hand combat. I agree completely and have wondered why it's not so on many occasions. It would not only make air travel safer, but would supply more people with more jobs. I have always assumed it's because the airlines would be sacrificing the profits on the seats that security people would have to occupy, and to train employees in hand to hand combat would take more money than the corporations are willing to spend on safe travel. There is a fundamental problem with the mentality of our pursuit of money/power over the concern for the lives of people. Right now, it appears, to me, that a lot of Americans are seriously re-examining their priorities in life. I hope that some "good" can come of this through that re-examination, and that Americans begin to show more consideration for our fellow human beings.

And there was another comment that questioned whether anyone had considered that this could have been an "inside" job pulled off by Americans. I, for one, certainly have. While I have trouble dismissing the idea, I also have trouble believing that Americans would do this thing. For one, I think it would be supremely difficult to recruit suicide bombers (I don't really know what else to call them) out of the American population. Americans have a strong social sense about being able to see the results of their work. I've even considered the possibility of one our own government organizations masterminding it solely for the purpose of getting further funding and/or more legal jurisdiction. I'm not saying I think it's impossible, but Americans as a whole have big egos and are not a likely group from which to find that kind of fanatical dedication. --- And from a more emotional point of view, I have trouble believing that Americans could bring themselves to destroy the Twin Towers in NYC, I know that this disbelief is driven by emotion, but I have to express it. If it had only been the pentagon, I would have less emotional difficulty with accepting that Americans would attack it. Plenty of Americans have a very strong dislike for our government. But to bring down the twin towers ---- I don't want to believe that Americans would do that. Even so, I have my doubts. The incredible speed and volume of evidence that's surfacing definitely bothers me. It seems too neat. And it definitely seems too abundant. For now, I don't know what to do about it, but hope that all this information is a result of strong dedication to the investigation.

There was a comment about understanding our enemy and being able to think like them. I don't know about the American masses, but I'm positive that our military leaders understand that necessity very well.

In my opinion, we do need to go after known terrorists and at least attempt to put them out of operation. I have mixed feelings on violent retaliation. On one hand, I think that it's possible that the only way to "deal" with the people that are already "terrorists" is with violence. On the other hand, I think we need to take a good hard look, and this time "we" is not just America, at what conditions create these "terrorists", and make moves to end those conditions. This will take a committed global effort, that I would be surprised to witness in my lifetime.

This attack has opened the door to a new level of "terrorism". The manner in which it was carried out was definitely terrorist in style, but it was more devistating by far than any other attack of that style, anywhere. The sudden snuffing out of what it looks like will turn out to be around 5000 people definitely IS within the scope of an act of war. Do you think that there aren't other terrorist organizations that are thinking of just how easy it was to do this, and are re-thinking their ideas of what kind of attacks to make? Right now, I think America is willing to be the enforcers when it comes to catching or killing known terrorists, and by doing so, I think we would be doing the rest of the world a favor in the process. After all, is there even one country that has fewer occurances of terrorist attacks than America? I would think that most countries would be more willing to let us get rid of their pests or turn those pests over to some authority rather than risk incurring our military wrath. And I hope that simple cooperation in some way, shape or form is good enough for the American government.

There definitely could be problems if we decide we want Osama bin Laden. I know the taliban said they would turn bin Laden over to an Islamic court if we could prove his guilt in this incident. And positive identification of the true perpretrators may not be possible. He IS however, a known terrorist, and we may decide we want him whether we can prove his guilt in this or not. I hope that if we decide we want to enter a country, either to capture or kill known terrorists, that that country's government cooperates. We are quite capable of performing surgical strikes without killing civilians, but I don't think we're in the mood to take "no" for an answer. I also hope that my government is considering the fact that killing and/or capturing known terrorists is not going put a stop to terrorism, and is not only willing, but compelled to help put a stop to the conditions that create that mindset. But like I said before, putting an end to those conditions will take a committed global effort, not just a change in American foreign policy. I hope I'm wrong and that we CAN see that kind of global cooperation in the near future, but if I'm not, then I'm perfectly willing to continue to be viewed as the ugly American because we go ahead and kill a few terrorists before they can do something similar to the attack on NYC.

It isn't that Americans necessarily want blood, it is that we wan't justice. Those who did this need to be punished, they do need too die. They murdered possibly 20,000+. Justice often requires death and blood. In this case those who are innocent will die. American soldiers will die, innocent civilians will die but this is part of the cost of this justice.

I believe in above all freedom. These people attacked American freedom. They want us too eliminate due proccess that would make us deny plane travel too someone suspected of terrorism. Tighten up freedoms and violate the constitution to prevent this again. This cannont be done. Instead of restricting freedoms in the U.S. we must seek justice too show that terrorism will not be tolerated. If we do not strike back it will show no believe in the freedoms we believe in and we show terrorists that such acts will be tolerated. Too me it is not blood that I want it is justice and defense of freedom.

mpfunk
well said!

I would like to say that right now my emotions run a multitude of paths. I am sure that there are those who do not agree with the thoughts that I have expressed here. Some have already posted to the effect. Sometime later I will cool down but when it is all said and done, I want justice! Not a trumpted up victum to be offered to the masses. I want the perputrators to have some of their own. In that I do not think it is possible to give them what I would wish upon them. But this has to be dealt with. It must be in such a manner that those who would consider terorism an option would think twice before resultng to such activites again. I for one would want every terrorist group rounded up to pay for those crimes they are responcible for. This may not be easy, but it should be the goal.

Hi Wet1,


I want justice! Not a trumpted up victum to be offered to the masses.

I am almost 100% certain that Osama Bin Laden is this trumped up "victim" for the masses (even though "victim" is perhaps the wrong word - the man is not innocent for previous attacks). The classical "one man is behind it" trick appearantly still succeeds in reassuring national secutiry amongst people.

Bye!

Crisp

There are only two great possibilities:

1. Osama has a large network which extends to other places such as Saudi, Syria, Labanon, Egypt etc. and the plot could come from a terrorist in Lebanon who happens to be a school teacher. In this case the entire US military has to go after a school teacher turned terrorist - it is just not macho. Even then, Osama is guilty by association and support with money. Besides, we have a major score to settle due to Cole attack and Embassy bombings....

2. Osama and his group plotted this from Afganistan with tacit approval from Talibans. Never underestimate the enemy. They said it in 60 minutes as to how they can do it. They said, only two people can take out the White House. They also said, they could take out 100,000 to 200,000. This was broadcast in CBS. Our NSA was sleep at the wheels.

Either way...Osama is guilty. And if we do not respond, there will be copycats. So, we must. But, we can work on solving the bigger issue too. If we do not, we know what will happen.

Crisp-Thank you for not taking offense to my opening line. It was way out of character for me and I apologize for my utter lack of tact. I posted to Captain Canada in another thread, and I now realize that some people, especially in the international scene, may not have heard this, but the war is to be carried out not against any one nation or person. The war is to be carried out against terrorism. This isn't as vague as the War on Drugs. We know who they are, we know where they are. Not every country where they operate is willingly or even knowingly harboring terrorists. Some sort of criteria should be set up to determine whether or not a country is knowingly harboring terrorists. If they are not aware, they should cooperate with the allied forces to exterminate them or else be considered an ally of the terrorists and therefore an enemy.

We have to get serious about this. This is a nightmare that we are fighting. My brother was trying to affect macho poses, acting as though the attack didn't phase him in the slightest. I guess he finally realized that Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Mel Gibson were't heroically popping up to spout off a clever line or two and save the day. It's not a movie. It's not TV. It's not the crafty work of a special effects department. It's real, and I have actually found something on the positive side to this whole thing. We are shocked. We are horrified. We are angry. We are sad. Well, so much for all of our movies, TV shows and record albums making us immune to death and violence, hey? What do the censors say about that?

<i>"And if we do not respond, there will be copycats."</i>

Yep.

I couldn't possibly agree more with this statement. Three things will be accomplished by the actions that the U.S. will take against these terrorists; it will deter others from committing these acts against the U.S., it will satisfy the need for justice, and finally and most importantly it will be a statement about how precious freedom is the American people and how much we will fight for it.

<i>"The more you speak, the more I get convinced the only thing the American citizen screams for is blood."</i>

Hmm... I want selective bleeding, Crisp. It's gotta be done. Think of it as being a public service--like shooting a rabid dog.

- and a fatwah was decreed by Bin Laden, oh....about 3 YEARS AGO....HELLO!!!!!!! What were the idiots at the ECHELON thinking? I'm sure the intel was there but lazy, vacation worried....401k dreamin'....white collared morons were too busy surfin' porn to actually spend maybe 6-7 hours of the day WORKING and trying to protect the populace.

Or this could be what the New World Order wants....to destabilize the American psyche in order to implement more CONTROL...which we will gladly give over after this.

I WON'T GIVE IN.......WHO WILL JOIN ME?

__________________________________________________ __


"Nothing would be what it is, Because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary-wise -what it is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?"

- Alice in Wonderland.

http://library.northernlight.com/HA20010913450000013.html?cb=0&dx=1006&sc=0#doc

makes ya wonder....

<i>"Or this could be what the New World Order wants....to destabilize the American psyche in order to implement more CONTROL...which we will gladly give over after this."</i>

Well, collussion is apparent these days. Can it be much worse? How could a global union serve us in this crisis?


Here's a curious translation for those who are interested:
http://www.vt.edu/vt98/academics/books/koran/koran

I would be happy to see more links to more translations.

http://www.anomalous-images.com/news/news691.html

How would this situtation serve us? It's not supposed to serve us but serve them! (if you subscribe to the premise).

Read this as well......http://www.rense.com/general13/alice.htm

......if conspiracy-shorts were candy, you'd die of diabetes from this one...loved-it!

Hi mpfunk,


Three things will be accomplished by the actions that the U.S. will take against these terrorists; it will deter others from committing these acts against the U.S., it will satisfy the need for justice, and finally and most importantly it will be a statement about how precious freedom is the American people and how much we will fight for it.

Here's my point of view.

Three things will be accomplished by the actions that the U.S. will take against those terrorists:
1. It will encourage existing terrorist organisations to strike even harder against US targets all over the world, or - if the US actually succeeds in killing all terrorist organisations - lay a good foundation for terrorists that are now young and in 20 years will strike back.
2. It will satisfy the public's opinion on justice, not the international laws that define justice.
3. It will state how eager the American people are for war. It has been 10 years already.

Bye!

Crisp

<i>"1. It will encourage existing terrorist organisations to strike even harder against US targets all over the world, or - if the US actually succeeds in killing all terrorist organisations - lay a good foundation for terrorists that are now young and in 20 years will strike back."</i>

We must be vigilant.

<i>"2. It will satisfy the public's opinion on justice, not the international laws that define justice."</i>

We will see. You're jumping to conclusions before the fact has been established.

<i>"3. It will state how eager the American people are for war. It has been 10 years already."</i>

Yes, all we need is a day of terror and 5,000 dead.

You sould pop over to Afghanistan & convince them of your views.
I am sure we would all be grateful

"The government consists of a gang of men exactly like you and me. They have no special talent for the business of government; they have only a talent for getting and holding office. Their principal device to that end is to search out groups who pant and pine for something they can't get and to promise to give it to them. Nine times out of ten that promise is worth nothing. The tenth time is made good by looting A to satisfy B. In other words, government is a broker in pillage, and every election is sort of an advance auction sale of stolen goods."

Originally posted by mpfunk
I couldn't possibly agree more with this statement. Three things will be accomplished by the actions that the U.S. will take against these terrorists;

it will deter others from committing these acts against the U.S.,

I don't understand what would give you that idea. They are not afraid of us or death or torture. I think the US is a little eager for a scapegoat. By attacking people in the Middle East, we are going to create martyrs AND more-resolved, more-angry enemies right along with those martyrs.




it will satisfy the need for justice,


No. MAYBE actually getting the mastermind of this operation would, but I doubt we will ever get undisputible proof as to whom that was. The US government is already saying in not-so-many-words that they are willing to bomb civilian cities in countries who's governments won't cooperate with us in our war on terrorism. That is far from justice.



and finally and most importantly it will be a statement about how precious freedom is the American people and how much we will fight for it.

???? Freedom to do what?

Listen, we trained Osama bin Laden, financed his cause and supplied him with weapons in the 1980's so that he could kill Russians. He is far from the only terrorist OUR government has helped become very skilled...........So, what, are we free to create these highly trained killers so that they can kill people in other countries, and if they hide in a country that they've already been terrorizing, we are free to kill that country's citizens?

What it will show, is exactly the disregard for people-not-american that has earned us this kind of hatred already. I know that the civilians of American didn't deserve what we got on Tuesday, but neither do the civilians of any other country. But I won't sound too convincing if we start bombing the hell out innocent civilians, and the people of America are seen to be joyous over the occasion.

Originally posted by Malaclypse
"The government consists of a gang of men exactly like you and me. They have no special talent for the business of government; they have only a talent for getting and holding office. Their principal device to that end is to search out groups who pant and pine for something they can't get and to promise to give it to them. Nine times out of ten that promise is worth nothing. The tenth time is made good by looting A to satisfy B. In other words, government is a broker in pillage, and every election is sort of an advance auction sale of stolen goods."


Amen (not that I'm gettin' religion or anything). Read it and weep, people. Extremely well said, Malaclypse.

There is another area that need to be focused on as we embark to destroy terrorism. It is creating new terrorists among US citizens that are shooting anyone with brown skin as it happened in Mesa, Arizona.

This is a serious matter and can comeback and hunt us, with internal divisions - Americans against Americans.

Surprising fact is that the US Government did not say anything about it. It looks as if, they want to save White House, Pentagon, Congress and a lot of rich folks at Wall Street. I am sure, that is not an image US wants to project.

Originally posted by kmguru
There is another area that need to be focused on as we embark to destroy terrorism. It is creating new terrorists among US citizens that are shooting anyone with brown skin as it happened in Mesa, Arizona.

This is a serious matter and can comeback and hunt us, with internal divisions - Americans against Americans.

Surprising fact is that the US Government did not say anything about it. It looks as if, they want to save White House, Pentagon, Congress and a lot of rich folks at Wall Street. I am sure, that is not an image US wants to project.


To date, that's an image the US hasn't cared less whether or not it projects.

Oh, and those kinds of crimes aren't going to be addressed as terrorism in the US. When they're done BY Americans TO Americans we like to call it "hate crimes". Kind of like the bombing of churches and abortion clinics - we never call it terrorism. Terrorism is what foreigners do, we do "hate crimes". I personally don't see any difference besides the labels themselves, but you can bet America does. At least so far. Maybe our eyes will open to the truth of the matter.

It's been asked what war will accomplish. What I'd like to know is what letting them kill us will accomplish?

Originally posted by Oxygen
It's been asked what war will accomplish. What I'd like to know is what letting them kill us will accomplish?

Yes!

<i>What will the forthcoming military strikes against the Rag-Heads accomplish</i>?
<b>Answer: The hope is to bring an end to the "mindless" slaughter of people. </b>



<i>Dealers in death only understand the reciprocated death dealt to them . In the same way, businessmen understand only profit & loss.
Monday, Sept.17, 2001, is a good example. What happened on Wall Street?</i>

<b>If it is death & destruction that the Rag-Heads live for, then give them so much that their cups runneth over, and them become sick with the bounty of the harvest that they now will reap!

And now let the United States help this hateful group of war mongers to eat of this bitter harvest!</b>

If it is death & destruction that the Rag-Heads live for, then give them so much that their cups runneth over, and them become sick with the bounty of the harvest that they now will reap!

I like the thought. The operation will start in 2 days. And since Talliban is running scared, I think we will solve this problem.

That line of thinking goes both ways. We're going be so much of it that OUR cup runneth over too.

In fact, it's pretty much that line of thinking that got us this in the first place.

Setting out to kill a bunch of innocent civilians makes us just like the "enemy".

You may be under the impression,from my posts,that I am strongly in favor of war.
Under "normal"circumstances,I totally abhor violence of any kind - but these are not "normal"circumstances,& I believe that terrorism of this kind will never be stopped by negotiation or diplomacy.
:(

I agree, odin, but it won't be stopped by going into other countries and killing THEIR innocent civilians either.

It won't be stopped by simply killing or jailing the actual perpetrators either. I'm not saying that killing or jailing the perps shouldn't be part of the solution, I think it should. But just killing or jailing people is not going to rid the world of the problem. If we approach terrorism with the idea that killing and jailing every terrorist we can find is going to eventually rid us of the threat, we're going to be in the exact same situation Isreal is in, or Northern Ireland or a myriad of other places we don't get to hear about constantly.

Negotiation and diplomacy need to be a part the solution too. And I think we, as the powerful, need to understand that negotiation and diplomacy does not consist of giving the weak and ultimatum and blasting them to hell if they don't comply.

As of today "Hate Crimes" count since the incident = 40

I don't understand what that means, kmguru. Could you explain?

felix-Negotiation and diplomacy are all well and good, but it has been displayed that these guys don't want to negotiate or be diplomatic. Or did I miss something when the jets slammed into the buildings?

I think you misunderstand me. Obviously, whoever is responsible for these recent attacks is completely deaf to a reasoned debate of any kind. And even if Osama bin Laden isn't the guilty party, he turns a deaf ear on reason too. And so does the Taliban and so does Sadam Hussein and so do probably 99.9999% of the current terrorists in the world, and they're also guilty of crimes against humanity.

I think the best thing to do with them, would be to imprison them, or kill them if they can't be caught alive. I personally would prefer to see imprisonment because that would deny their followers the martyrs, and the angry, cruel part of me thinks it would be much more defastating to the imprisoned than anything else. All they could do is pace their cage like an animal instead of getting to die or kill gloriously for their cause.

But we have to be careful about ignoring the situations of the people in other countries, too. It's tricky, because governments like the Taliban or Sadam Hussein's regime probably should not be allowed to continue. That's where it starts to get really tricky, though, the people of Iraq and afghanistan would probably be grateful if we could topple their current governments and help them install one they would like to install. But there comes a time when one wears out one's welcome. We need to be careful about always going in for our own interests, and leaving things in a bigger mess than they were in before we came, then just leaving a devastated country to the next wack that can gain some power and take over the rule.

We either need to go all the way with being a peace loving country that can learn when, where and in what way it's prudent to stick our nose in other people's business. OR we need to go all the way and Set out to make the world a "free democracy". We're so "wishy-washy" about it.

Although, I don't think any of that, or anything else I've heard, is going to rid the world of "terrorists". Actually accomplishing THAT task is going to be up to evolution or GOD or aliens whatever everyone's respective "greater power" might be, if you even have one (tryin' not leave anyone out).

Who know's, maybe it's even important that we keep our warlike instincts honed for some reason. I'm fooling myself if I think I understand that "need" better anyone else. I do my best to stay away from violence. I pretty much would prefer to be someone's friend than their enemy. But I DO have a hot temper, and part of me does like a fight. It took me a while to learn that in most situations It's really easy to NOT get into a fight with someone. At this point in my life, someone would pretty much have to attack me to get me to fight them. But if the attack comes, I will definitely fight, and you can bet I'll use every dirty trick I either know or have seen used or have had used on me or just comes to mind at a moment of clarity... anything that will gain me the quickest most decisive win possible (unless they get me first, of course). That can make for a nagging conscience sometimes (or an aching broken body) even if I WAS attacked. But if someone were to step out behind me and crack me on head, leaving me unconscious, I would not get up and attack someone because I thought they MIGHT be the one(s) that did it.

Is there a difference between a terrorist killing one person and 1000, except the numbers?

Is one any worse than the other?

the bit near the bottom of this page.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/55/21752.html
:(

Originally posted by kmguru
Is there a difference between a terrorist killing one person and 1000, except the numbers?

Is one any worse than the other?



Not in my opinion. I guess there's a difference in the sheer volume of difficult emotions they cause.

But morally? What is morality, anyway? That's another one of those strictly relative concepts, right?.

Good article.

Is there a difference between a terrorist killing one person and 1000, except the numbers?

I would think that one is a 1000 times worse than the other.

I would also say that if diplomacy were an option that we should take it. But it is not an option so what else is left for those who would send someone to their death for the chance to take others with them. How do you reason with this? You can not. But notice that the leaders fo not get out there to do this butchery. They send others instead. Could it be that the leaders fear what they would so willingly commit their followers to?

Originally posted by wet1


But it is not an option so what else is left for those who would send someone to their death for the chance to take others with them. How do you reason with this?


That what WE're talking about doing, by sending troops into other countries to conduct military operations. Does the logic apply to one and not the other?

Posted by wet1

I would think that one is a 1000 times worse than the other.

This is the type of thinking that puts us in the hot water. Normally people think that killing one person is 1/1000 less bad than killing 1000 people. Then when one dies, no body does anything about it. And if the dead person's family decides to take revenge, it turns into 1000 times stronger.

felix- I guess I did misunderstand you. Sorry 'bout that. I agree that hitting just anybody is useless. We have to get the right people. I see "the right people" as being defined as terrorists, regardless of whose country they've attacked. I am outraged when I hear of terrorists attacking in other countries. I am probably in a minority that doesn't think "Oh, it's in Ireland? As long as it's not over here..."

Someone on rotten.com pointed out that most people feel shock about a tragedy until they learn how far removed it is from them geographically. Then the further it gets away, the less impact it has. When a building collapses on people in a far away place, we feel sympathy as decent human beings should, but we don't demand the building inspector's keister in court. Would we Americans feel such anger and outrage if the terrorists had flown into an office building in Rome, Tokyo, or Johannesberg (sp)? What if they had instead careened out of the sky aiming for a village in Cambodia or a tribe of Australian bushmen (for whatever reason)? Can we expect anybody from another country to feel as outraged as we do right now?

As members of the human race, we should feel this level of anger whenever terrorists strike at anybody, regardless of who they are or how far away. I have wondered since I was a kid and first became aware of the concept of terrorism why the civilized world didn't band together and hunt them down and put an end to it. Why do we see a strike in France and say "It's France's problem."? Why hasn't the idea of unity against terrorists been implemented before?

No worries, oxygen. And you're right. Maybe this will teach us to have empathy for people, no matter where they live or how they dress or what language they speak.

Originally posted by Oxygen
As members of the human race, we should feel this level of anger whenever terrorists strike at anybody, regardless of who they are or how far away. I have wondered since I was a kid and first became aware of the concept of terrorism why the civilized world didn't band together and hunt them down and put an end to it. Why do we see a strike in France and say "It's France's problem."? Why hasn't the idea of unity against terrorists been implemented before?

This is so true. So that we can usher in a new age of peace, what do you the members think is the solution? How can we get outraged when a mosque or synagouge gets bombs on our soil?

My solution is to create an organization for peace and understanding with a membership drive that lobbies the government towards such a goal. This organization must be dedicated to peace and be worldwide. Anybody out there wants the leadership?

<i>"My solution is to create an organization for peace and understanding with a membership drive that lobbies the government towards such a goal. This organization must be dedicated to peace and be worldwide. Anybody out there wants the leadership?"</i>

The terrorist would perceive it as being a threat and would work towards its destruction. The only effective peace organization that can fix this problem now is the military.

A solute to our men and women who risk all for our peace and security.

I am talking about improving the quality of life for all citizens on this planet. That is not a Military function.

Again, The terrorist would perceive it as being a threat and would work towards its destruction.

Hi all,


The only effective peace organization that can fix this problem now is the military.

:). I had never expected to see the words "peace" and "military" combined in that way. Seriously though, I agree that some sort of military intervention is needed in the struggle against terrorism, but I disagree with the currently proposed ideas.

To go a bit further into this (and this one is for everybody who has ever studied international law - that excludes me):

1. First of all I have some doubts about the legal interpretation the NATO wants to give to the WTC/Pentagon incident. The now famous article 5 has been used to gather political support for a US/NATO military intervention, but I wonder if an organisation - that's after all just what NATO is - claims that a terrorist act classifies as an act of war, that the law makes it so ? The argument has already been raised in this thread, and was countered by saying that the concept of "war" has changed over the past decades. I disagree there: the means of war have changed (high-tech; no more groundtroops, more airstrikes; ...) but the idea remains the same: to commit an act of war, you have to be in a position to do so. A gangfight is not an act of war is it ?

2. If the US/NATO/... alliance decides to attack Bin Laden without consent of Afghanistan, then I think this classifies as a violation of the sovereignty of Afghanistan and that they will indeed have the right to counteract.

The delicate thing about both points is that they are both listed in the NATO founding charter (articles 2 and 5, as was pointed out on a newsgroup here in Belgium). Article 2 mentions that NATO will respect the sovereignty of individual countries, unless ofcourse the country itself is the aggressor (which is not the case here - unless Afghanistan first declares war on the US or any other NATO country). I wonder if NATO is not going beyond its own legal possibilities here.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not an all-pro-law person (I live in a country where cheating on taxes is a national sport for crying out loud - seriously!), but I have the feeling the whole reaction to the WTC/Pentagon attack can be undermined by not properly following international law. Whoever is responsible for this can walk out as a free man when legally not everything is correct.

Anyway, I wonder what Bush exactly is going to say when he addresses the Congress in 40 minutes. If the words "either you're with us, or you're with the terrorists" fall again, I suggest dropping a bomb at 50.9 latitude and 5.4 longitude, my home! I'd rather see whoever's responsible being brought to justice in a fair way than in a quick but legally doubtful way. You can tell a lot of a society by its laws, and I think we should respect them if we still want to call ourselves democractic countries. Terrorists might think they're above the law, but I personally don't want to lower myself to that level.

Bye!

Crisp

A very thoughtful post, Crisp...

<i>"A gangfight is not an act of war is it ?"</i>

Maybe only when it is directed at the security of a nation(s).

<i>"If the US/NATO/... alliance decides to attack Bin Laden without consent of Afghanistan, then I think this classifies as a violation of the sovereignty of Afghanistan and that they will indeed have the right to counteract."</i>

The Taliban are reconized by only three countries (one of which has turned its back on them.) as being the legitimate government of Afghanistan. It appears that the World doesn't see the Taliban as being <i>sovereign</i>. Do you see the Taliban/Afghanistan as being beyond world law?

<i>"NATO will respect the sovereignty of individual countries, unless ofcourse the country itself is the aggressor (which is not the case here - unless Afghanistan first declares war on the US or any other NATO country). I wonder if NATO is not going beyond its own legal possibilities here."</i>

Does not the act of protecting a terrorist group serve as an act of aggression against other nations?

<i>"Terrorists might think they're above the law, but I personally don't want to lower myself to that level."</i>

I agree. We will watch and see.

Hi Bowser,

"Maybe only when it is directed at the security of a nation(s)."

Aha, this is interesting. Even though the attack claimed many lives, I don't think that at any moment, the security or the existence of the US was at stake. I would personally interpret an act of war as either an ultimatum (such as the one given by Bush in his speech to congress yesterday), or as an act of agression of one nation to the other with an underlying statement that endangers the existence of an entire nation. It's a very thin line, I admit it, but in this case, I would rather say that the attack on the WTC and the Pentagon were terrorist attacks, without a deep political statement (other than "we hate the US").

"The Taliban are reconized by only three countries (one of which has turned its back on them.) as being the legitimate government of Afghanistan. It appears that the World doesn't see the Taliban as being sovereign. Do you see the Taliban/Afghanistan as being beyond world law?"

A very good point indeed. This leads us to another thin-line scenario. The first thing we have to ask ourselves is why the world (minus three) does not recognize the Taliban as a legit regime. I think it is because the regime did not fullfil the expectations of the world: once the Russians were driven out in the 80's, the world probably expected a democratic regime to be established (something like a second Israel in the Middle-East). That didn't happen and I somehow think that the rest of the world turned their backs on the - at that time - freedom fighters of Afghanistan. We supported them, aided them and then did not recognize them. A bit of hypocrisy from the West.

The point I try to make is the following: how is sovereignty defined ? Is a nation sovereign from the moment we like it to be that way, or from the moment it claims to be itself ? However, I think I'll agree with Bowser's statement that only three other nations recognize the regime, so in this case it's really a matter of majority (it's not like two world visions clash here - that would be a different situation, there's only one vision in the world)

"Does not the act of protecting a terrorist group serve as an act of aggression against other nations?"

That really depends on the point of view. For the Afghan government, Bin Laden is a guest in their country and they seem to want to take good care of their guests.

Imagine the following situation (try to forget the current US-Afghan conflict for a moment): a US citizen bombs a federal building in Afghanistan. The Taliban arrests that citizen as a terrorist. The US will ofcourse try to do everything to retrieve their citizen and bring him to justice in one of their own courts. Does that mean the US government protects terrorists ? I think not, it is just protective about its citizens. From the Afghan point of view, the US would interfer in internal affairs, and understandably, the Afghans would think that the US is simply trying to save the life of its citizen by asking it to be delivered and then letting it go (which is probably not what would happen, but how do we react now ? We also don't think the Taliban would bring proper justice to Bin Laden if they are allowed to arrest him).

You see, it's really not just a matter of handing over someone who's guilty, it's about protecting your own citizens, or people you recognize to be citizens of your country. I understand the Afghan point of view, and why they are not willing to simply hand over Bin Laden. I don't understand why the US government thinks it is an act of aggression or lack of will to cooperate when the Afghans react in the same way we would if the situation was reversed.

Bye!

Crisp

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I don't understand why the US government thinks it is an act of aggression or lack of will to cooperate when the Afghans react in the same way we would if the situation was reversed.
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Do we take it from the above that if Belgium actively supported training camps for Terrorists, you would not expect to be responsible if that is the case??????
:confused:

Hi odin,

"Do we take it from the above that if Belgium actively supported training camps for Terrorists, you would not expect to be responsible if that is the case?????? "

That depends. I don't think I would personally support such kind of activities, so I don't think I should be blamed in that case. I would agree that sanctions against my government would be justified. But there's a difference between "sanctions" and "military intervention that will devastate an entire country".

But what I tried to say was simply that there could be reasons other than "let's annoy the US and not deliver Bin Laden" reason you hear in the media.

Cheers,

Crisp

Hi everyone,

Maybe it's not just on line, but if you wonder if why Afganistan is not accepted by most of the coutries, please read the article by Robert Fisk:

http://argument.independent.co.uk/commentators/story.jsp?story=95487


IvanKruk

It's been six years since the tragic events of Sept 11, 2001. I thought I'd resurect an old thread from that day to give us some perspective.

Some perceptive comments posted just a day or two after 9/11/01:


The world is now a different place.
...
As a middle east analyst, you can imagine that this has been a busy and difficult time for me. As a human being perhaps harder still. Clearly, whoever is responsible needs to be punished, but there are other concerns.

I understand the natural inclination to blame all Arabs or blame muslims - but that would be a gross mistake. ...

Bin Laden, who I must say is almost certain to have done this, is not a country. The Taliban allow him refuge - partly through choice, partly through fear. This makes it difficult to find an appropriate target to focus US anger.

This really is a new kind of enemy (the hype is true), though one who has been around a while. ... It's almost impossible to deal with this sort of fanaticism, but remember he is not representative of the entire Arab or Muslim world.


This makes me wonder who is the monster in the discussion, a terrorist that attacks innocent citizens for what he believes to be a just cause, or a country that attacks a hundred times more people because of ... revenge ? Can you think of a more ridicilous reason ?


US is definitely retaliate due to public pressure. Then the enemy will attack. We will retaliate. It will continue until a new president comes in and makes peace. By then, we have lost our freedom and be under bunkers.

Patriotism has its price. And we will pay them with the lives of our fellow men, women and children. Anything else is unthinakble and unpatriotic.

A moment of silence for all the lives of Afghanis and Iraqis sacrificed to the specter of 9/11

wow, James....that's some pretty erie shit.

My wife noticed that this was the first time that 9/11 fell on a Tuesday since then.
I'm not sure why, but for some reason that feels significant.

A moment of silence for all the lives of Afghanis and Iraqis sacrificed to the specter of 9/11

How about all the innocent lives sacrificed to Mohammed and Moslem God by the terrorist who continue to practice their abomination of the Islamic Religion, they even kill Innocent Moslems because they get in the way.

Originally Posted by kmguru
US is definitely retaliate due to public pressure. Then the enemy will attack. We will retaliate. It will continue until a new president comes in and makes peace. By then, we have lost our freedom and be under bunkers.

Patriotism has its price. And we will pay them with the lives of our fellow men, women and children. Anything else is unthinakble and unpatriotic.

Wow...6 years later...would a new President make peace? We have already started new war fronts in Africa, looking for a base of operation. Africa still has a lot of resources. Fighting stateless and religious groups with military power has its limits. Troubled days are ahead.

While spectacular terrorism attacks may not happen on US soil, the threat hanging over, loss of freedom, economic instability, are themselves the objective of the terrorists.

I pinned on the same yellow ribbon that I first wore 16 years previously when my brother went to Iraq the first time. Time and soldiers march on, but things never change.

wow, James....that's some pretty erie shit.

Even though the dates of those posts are already 5+ years old, I'm sure they'll be accused of Monday-morning quarterbacking, heh..

No, we already called the shit that came to be.

- N

My wife noticed that this was the first time that 9/11 fell on a Tuesday since then.
I'm not sure why, but for some reason that feels significant.
I felt the same thing. It really got me thinking about that Tuesday morning back in 2001. I was working in Chicago back then, and when I came downstairs to leave for work, my wife told me a small plane had hit the world trade center. Everyone thought it was an accident at that point. Then, suddenly, another plane hit the world trade center. And I knew we were at war. Rumors and facts were all mixed up. I heard about the Pentagon. I heard a plane had also hit the Sear's Tower. I heard a tunnel going into New York had been blown up.

It was a confusing, terrible day. I stayed up most of the night watching the news.