Causes of Islamic terrorism and counterterrorism strategy effectiveness

Terrorism, during its long violent history, has been used as a means of intimidation and aggression. In its narrow definition only violent acts (or threats of violent acts) committed by nongovernmental groups or individuals are considered to be terrorism, but in the broader context governments have been known to commit terrorism as well

Terrorism may include political assassinations, violent political revolutions, hijackings, skyjackings, and bombings. When such acts are perpetrated within a country's borders, it is known as domestic terrorism, while global or international terrorism knows no such boundaries. The causes of terrorism are varied and have been committed in the past due to historical, cultural, political, social, psychological, economic, or religious reasons (or a combination of these reasons).

The purpose of my current research is to explore the causes behind the spate of global terrorism, specifically Islamic terrorism that has swept many regions of the world during the past few years and continues to pose a potent threat to the civilized world. By researching and analyzing the possible causes of such terrorism, I also expect to uncover the appropriate response to tackle the problem, i.e., whether the hard-line approach such as the one adopted by the Israeli government or the present U.S. administration (through 'War on Terrorism') is the suitable way to combat terrorism.

2. Justification of my Choice

The issue of terrorism has occupied the center stage of global politics ever since the stunning terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center twin towers and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. The U.S. government has declared a "War on Terror" under the Bush doctrine of pre-emptive strikes that has led to regime change in Afghanistan and the invasion and occupation of Iraq. There is considerable debate about why terrorism has escalated in recent times and what is the most appropriate way to tackle the problem? All sorts of arguments have been forwarded for the reasons behind Islamic terrorism: ranging from the teachings about violence in the Qu'ran; the grievances of the Palestinians over the creation of Israel on Palestinian territory; the one-sided U.S. support for Israel; the prevalence of authoritarian regimes and the lack of democracy in the Middle East to the excessive socio-economic inequality and sense of deprivation among large sections of the population around the world. It is important to look at various points-of-view regarding the causes behind terrorism in order to arrive at the appropriate solutions for the problem. I have selected the topic of terrorism for research because of its current relevance and burning importance.

4. Methodology of Research

In order to get a preliminary "feel" about the general topic of terrorism, I intend to browse a few articles on terrorism in encyclopedias such as the Microsoft Encarta and the Britannica. I shall then get to the "meat" of my research by reading the books and articles on terrorism that I have listed in the preliminary bibliography in order to identify the portions that relate directly to my topic of research, i.e., the causes of terrorism -- particularly the ones behind Islamic terrorism and investigate whether any passages in the Qu'ran support terrorism or violence. By this time, hopefully, I shall be able to draw certain conclusions about the best way to tackle terrorism. Next, I would create an outline of my research paper and gradually refine it to arrive at the final version of my research paper.

5. Significance of My Project

Terrorism, without question, is one of the most serious issues facing the world today. There is, however, no consensus among governments and experts about the best way to tackle the problem. This wide difference in perceptions about terrorism has led to visible cracks in even long-held political alliances such as the one between the United States and Western European countries. These differences, can in part, be traced to the differences in the perceptions about the causes that lead to terrorist acts such as the one committed by the 9/11 hijackers. It is, therefore, important to investigate the root causes behind the increasing trend of global terrorism which I intend to do in my research. My initial impression about the available literature on the causes of terrorism is that most of it is colored by the biases of the writers. I intend to analyze a variety of views on the subject in order to arrive at an unbiased conclusion.