Terrorism Global Terrorism the Purpose

Terrorism

Global Terrorism

The purpose of this paper is to introduce and analyze the topic of current global terrorism. Specifically, it will discuss the arrest of three suspected terrorists in Germany, and their ties to the Al Qaeda terrorist organization.

Who: The Al Qaeda terrorist organization in Iraq was at the roots of this group of terrorists, and this organization is headed by Osama bin Laden. The men trained with the cell "Islamic Jihad Union," which is a "little-known" Sunni Muslim group in Uzbekistan that is tied to Al Qaeda.

What: Three terror suspects captured by German authorities, suspected of targeting American bases and tourist spots for bombing. Authorities are also looking for up to ten other suspects still at large.

Where: The suspects targeted Ramstein, an American air base in Germany, and other locations, such as Frankfort Airport, along with restaurants, pubs, and other establishments that cater to Americans and American tourists. The suspects were captured in a small village about two hours away from Frankfort, where they had recently rented a home. Authorities found numerous containers of hydrogen peroxide, which when mixed with other chemicals could create deadly explosives, and they found detonators and other explosive-making equipment.

When: 5 September 07 as reported by several different news services and reports, including the AP and Reuters, and national and local news. Most reports were essentially the same, reporting on how the men were captured and what they were hoping to accomplish. News sources said there was a gunfight in the small German town, and one terrorist tried to escape out a bathroom window, but was apprehended. Other news sources reported there were up to ten other suspects still wanted in the investigation.

How: The suspects trained in Pakistan with Al Qaeda, then spied on their locations to gain knowledge about where and when to attack. Suspects were going to build bombs using hydrogen peroxide and detonators, which they had already manufactured and purchased, so authorities believe the attacks were imminent.

Brief Analysis: The three suspects are all Islamic, two were German converts to the belief, and one was a Turkish Muslim. They all supported Al Qaeda, and had a "deep hatred" for Americans. The Germans found them largely because they were discovered spying on an American military base on New Year's Eve of 2006. Authorities have been tracking their movements closely ever since. Their bombs had the potential to be more deadly than those used in the Madrid and London terrorist bombings, and they had detonators and other equipment necessary to conduct mayhem on many locations.