An analysis and comparison of two articles "Arab League to Pay Palestinian Salaries," by the AlJazeera English language news web site and "Al-Qaida? If Hamas is Pushed into a Corner," by Danny Rubinstein.
Abstract The paper examines the article "Arab League to Pay Palestinian Salaries," a ghost written article on the AlJazeera English language news web site and the article "Al-Qaida? If Hamas is Pushed into a Corner," written by Danny Rubinstein for Haaretz.com, a Jewish news web site. The paper shows how while both of these articles at least make a passing attempt at impartiality, their take on the story is ultimately very different. The paper notes how AlJazeera talks about the situation in the Palestinian Authority in terms of Arab unity, while Haaretz stresses Muslim disunity. A further difference is noted that while AlJazeera suggests that Muslim charity will keep the Hamas-led government afloat, Haaretz suggests that it may have to turn to financial help from other terrorists.
From the Paper "Earlier this year, when the Palestinian party, Hamas, swept the Palestinian elections, it took the whole world off guard. This is because Hamas is also an internationally recognized terrorist organization that has committed more bombings against the country of Israel than any other group. In response to what it considered an outrage, Israel began withholding tax revenues that it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority. Furthermore, both the United States and the European Union began withholding international aid to the Palestinians. All this was an attempt to convince the Palestinian people that they have made a mistake and choke off the Hamas-led government. This, in turn, has caused great economic hardship for Palestinian government workers who have not been paid for over a month."
Abstract This paper assesses the bias and lack of objectivity pertaining to the coverage of the events occurring in the Middle East by both CNN and Al-Jazeera. The writer contends and proves how both media outlets were found to be significantly biased in their reporting of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This paper touches on the political purposes while also discussing the religious and ethnic reasoning behind both CNN and Al-Jazeera's style of reporting.
From the Paper "Three highly divisive forces at play globally in the first decade of
the twenty-first century are nationalism ethnicity and religion. Problems associated with these forces are exacerbated where religion ethnicity and nationalism interact. The longer such problems simmer the more intractable they appear to become."
Abstract This paper examines the political strategies and propaganda efforts by the American press and politicians to rally support for an imminent strike on Iraq. It also looks at the side of the Islamic supporters and their use of Al-Jazeera, the 24 hour news channel, as a source of broadcasting their view to the world. The writer discusses the role of propaganda and media bias in this ongoing conflict and how the American press has succeeded in shaping an image of the Muslims in America in the minds of the American population.
From the Paper "Most strategists, heads of state and military experts will agree that, without domestic support, war is a very difficult undertaking. Conflict, specifically of the armed variety, has the inevitable tendency to place its participants and those sovereign to them at considerable risk. This, of course, is no mystery to the inhabitants of warring nations. As such, obtaining their approval to be placed in the path of such peril can be a task formidable size. That fact has never been more evident than in the last few weeks as talk of war with Iraq intensifies. President Bush has spent the better portion of his time before cameras and journalists attempting to garner public acceptance for the mounting operation. And his words reveal a truth about public perceptions in time of war. People will accept, support and even rally for a cause if it appeals to a concern, fear or ideology relevant to their survival, success and happiness. This is a universal condition of war. In an effort to present a unified front in the face of foreign threats, ruling parties may be inclined to exploit this human tendency. Information campaigns have always been a direct route to capturing the hearts and imaginations of citizens who might otherwise be wary of battle. By placing biases on the information used to implement such a campaign, message sources overstep the line between reporting fact and purporting propaganda.(15) Propaganda is, however, a label that one must be cautious in using. In the interests of accuracy, a person, group or organization looking to apply the propaganda tag to the dissemination of information must consider its own biases as well."
Tags: muslim, media, campaign, bias, al, jazeera, bush, america, zion, jihad, afghanistan, fundamental
Abstract This paper examines the ideology of al Qaeda terrorism. In particular, the paper attempts to understand why al Qaeda is particularly successful at attracting well-educated people in the Muslim world. The paper studies the appeal of radical Islamist terrorism, how it differs from terrorism of the 1970s and 1980s, and the emergence of the al-Qaeda movement. The paper then examines the theology of the al-Qaeda movement that glorifies death and the implications of radical religious based religious movements for the modern world. The paper concludes with an examination of the careers of the two top leaders of al-Qaeda: Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri.
Tags: osama bin laden ayman al-zawahri, sayyid qutb al-qaeda alienation Terrorism
Abstract In this paper, the author argues that the rapid changes in society have allowed power to shift to "non-state" actors. The most notorious among them is the Al-Qaeda terror network. In this paper, the organization of Al-Qaeda is evaluated and its international connections are considered the reason for Al-Qaeda's continued operations. The author also examines Al-Qaeda's financing and the shared religious beliefs among its members. The September 11th attacks are also discussed.
Outline:
Research Questions
Introduction
Loose Network of People Connections
Case 1: Bombings in Istanbul
Solid Structured Organization
Finances
Case 2: September 11, 2001
Leads of the Al-Qaeda
The Al-Qaeda Today
Case 3: The Madrid Train Bombing
Conclusion
From the Paper "Al-Qaeda, the largest international terrorist network, is a distributed, roaming and non-territorial network. It functions as a hybrid peer-to-peer network through its combined use of advanced information technologies and traditional halawa exchanges, in which a central source triggers the actions that are carried out by individual nodes. It is organized in self-contained nodes that function autonomously and its responsibility and authority is devolved down to the lowest possible level. This networked structure of authority and accountability is most evident in al-Qaeda operations, as cells planned and carried out operations with considerable and independence."
Abstract The paper delves into the origins of the pro-jihad, pan-Islamic Al-Qaeda terrorist organization. This paper discusses the ideology of the organization, while also profiling its leader, the man believed to be the mastermind behind the 9/11 terror attack, Osama bin Laden. The writer of this paper examines Iraq's direct involvement with Al-Qaeda and that of Islamic terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi who heads the Iraqi branch of the organization. This paper explores the relationship between bin Laden and al-Zarqawi as well as the groups terrorist training camps which are located throughout in the middle east. This paper also discusses the strategies used by the U.S. and Britain in combating the increasing terror coming out of both Iraq and Afghanistan.
From the Paper "The leadership of both conjoined terrorist groups shows the national diversity of the leaders of terrorist organizations of the Muslim world, as Osama bin Laden is a Saudi, while a Jordanian leads the Iraqi group, as well as the different techniques open to the groups, from bombs to poisons, to engage in acts of mass terror. In terms of its current choice of activities, the United States military has attributed some of Iraq's bloodiest suicide bombings and some hostage beheadings to Tanzeem Qaedat Al Jihad Fee Bilad Al Rafidain. The military also believes that the group has long used Fallujah as its key base and continues to do so, despite United States control and the attempts to instate a new Iraqi government. The group now known as Tanzeem Qaedat Al Jihad Fee Bilad Al Rafidain has long used highly inflammatory ways of conveying its message and committing its acts of violence against innocent American civilians, most notably the beheading of a United States civilian."
Abstract This paper discusses whether al-Qaeda is still a threat to the world community. It outlines history of al-Qaeda and its ideology, which differs fundamentally from "traditional" terrorist organizations with specific political causes. The author argues that al-Qaeda has "metastized" from an organization into an ideology and cause.
From the Paper "On a Monday morning in the late summer this writer got a phone call from a friend telling him to turn on CNN. "Buddy, we're under attack," the friend said. What the writer and millions of other Americans saw in the ..."
Abstract This paper relates that terrorist activities can be examined as features of a general structural process, but it should be noted that al Qaeda's AGIL process is often distorted by factors not commonly faced by other organizations. The author explains that, in applying the AGIL process to the terrorist organization known as al Qaeda, factors such as adaptation, goal attainment, integration and latency are evident. The paper points out that these factors operate in al Qaeda to a more limited degree than they do in more traditional and mainstream organizations.
From the Paper "In applying the AGIL process to the terrorist organization known as al Qaeda, it is evident that factors such as adaptation, goal attainment, integration, and latency continue to al Qaeda, but to a more limited degree than they do in more traditional and mainstream organizations. Terrorist activities can be examined as features of a general structural process, but it should be noted that al Qaeda's AGIL process is often distorted by factors not commonly faced by other organizations. For example, many of al Qaeda's functions are in conflict more often and are "on" or "off" more frequently and unexpectedly because of the global war on terror, which compels al Qaeda leaders, strategists, financiers, and cell members to be reactive much more often than they can be proactive."
Abstract This paper describes al Qaeda. The author points out al Qaeda's current goals as a terrorist organization. The paper examines the difficulties involved in locating operatives and in gathering information because members form small groups called cells.
From the Paper "According to Benjamin Wittes writing in "Atlantic Monthly", al-Qaeda is not a traditional uniformed military force. In fact it's not a geographically distinct military force at all. Rather, the organization is composed of cells scattered worldwide whose members seek to blend into the societies they wish to destroy. The organization's very nature makes distinguishing between combatants and noncombatants extremely difficult. When captured al-Qaeda, operatives often deny their affiliation. However, it is known that al-Qaeda has a specific set of goals. Furthermore there seems to be no ... '
Tags:Al Qaeda, terrorists, September 11, Madrid, suicide bomber, terrorism
Abstract This paper examines the marketing problems facing the Al Ahram Beverages Company, a manufacturer and distributor of beer in Egypt. The paper looks at the unique cultural challenges of marketing such a product within a Muslim country.
From the Paper "Al Ahram Beverages Company (AABC) is in a period of transition. It has gone from a publicly-held enterprise to a privately-owned company in Egypt, as part of a reform movement that included the privatization of many..."
Tags:Al Ahram Beverages company, case study, Egypt, competition, 4 Ps, marketing, product, price, place promotion, social change, liberalization, government owned monopoly
Abstract The paper offers an introduction to the threat that Al-Qaeda poses to the world and outlines the background of Osama Bin-Laden, Ayman Al-Zawahiri and the fundamentalist movements that inspired them. The paper looks at the world view of the leaders of Al-Qaeda and the stages of Al-Qaeda's operations. Finally, the paper explores some options for dealing with the threat Al-Qaeda poses.
Outline:
Introduction
Osama Bin Laden and Ayman Al-Zawahiri History
Ideology: The Muslim Brotherhood
World View of Bin-Laden and Al-Zawahiri, Israel, the US and Infidels
Al-Qaeda Stages of Operation, The Arab World, The Third World and All the World
Conclusion
From the Paper "Al-Qaeda and its leaders, Osama Bin Laden and Ayman Al-Zawahiri are frequently popular world news subjects. The world seems to want to be constantly aware of the goings on of these people and their organization. There is no secret to the desired need for this information. As most people know Al-Qaeda is a significant and ongoing threat to the world, with regard to terrorist activities and continued fundamentalist extremism with regard to jihad, or what these extremists see as a holy war against the rest of the world, but mostly the Western world."
Abstract This paper explains the story from the Qur'an, Surat Al-Kahf, about Moses (Musa or Alai) and Al-Khidr (the Verdant One or the Fertile One). The author points out that research states that Al-Khidr was Koranic Idris that appears in Sura 18/66 in terms of the cave. The paper relates that, during the point when Moses met Khidr at the rivers, there were five particular laws of teachings or hanifs or illuminati: laws of involuntionary and evolutionary cycles, of emanation and manifestation, of the heart-mind (galb), of science of light (hikmat al-ilraq) and of the spiritual communion with the hierarchical beings. The author states that popular tradition suggests that Al-Khidr, the Green One, lived during the time of the biblical prophet Abraham and that he still may be seen at sacred places. The paper concludes that the person named, the Verdent One, still plays the critical role in Islamic mysticism.
From the Paper "One day, Moses delivered a sermon that was so powerful that people were so overwhelmed. Everyone had his attention and vowed to follow his advice. A person asked Moses, since he is the messenger of Allah, is there anyone else that is so equivalent in his teachings. Moses replied no, thinking to himself that Allah gave him this wisdom to persuade and guide, which is an honor coming from the Torah. However, Moses thought to himself, there have to be another person with greater wisdom and further knowledge than me. Moses prayed to Allah to identify this person or give him a sign that would notify him of this person with greater wisdom and knowledge (min ladunni ilma) than Moses."
Abstract This study takes a look at the Islamic group Al Qaeda and provides an overview of its organizational and developmental history. Additionally, the group's base and location of operations and its financing and support sources are reviewed, as well as an analysis of Al Qaeda's motivations, ideology and purpose. A list of Al Qaeda's adversaries and enemies and a description of locations and tactics used in its attacks is also provided. In addition, a review of countermeasures that have been shown to be effective against Al Qaeda is also presented, followed by an analysis of the projected future for the group. Furthermore, the paper discusses potential security management solutions and countermeasures that could be deployed against these projected future threats. This discussion is then followed by a summary of the research and important findings in the conclusion. This paper includes pictures and tables.
Outline:
Abstract
Al Qaeda: Current and Future Trends
Review and Discussion
Name of the Organization and "Type" of Terrorist Group.
Organizational and Developmental History.
Base or Sanctuary; and Location of Operations.
Financing/Support Sources.
Motivations, Ideology and Purpose.
Adversaries/Enemies.
Location of Attacks and Tactics Employed.
Countermeasures or Anti-terrorist Options/Strategies That Have Been Successful
Projected Future.
Security Management Solutions and Countermeasures.
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "There has been some progress in the war on terrorism since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and countering the threat represented by al Qaeda. For example, the removal of the Taliban government in Afghanistan served to eliminate al Qaeda's sanctuary and training camps and destroyed an important connection in the process that once provided al Qaeda's leadership with a continuing stream of new recruits. Unfortunately, continues to face a serious threat as the organization's leadership rebounds from setback after setback to reemerge in yet another region of the world to threaten U.S. interests at home and abroad. In this environment, identifying current and future trends for this organization represents a timely and important enterprise, and these issues are the focus of this study."
Tags: terrorism religion funding, war against terrorism
Abstract This paper explains that bin Laden continued the development of his ideological and religious radicalization and military acumen while fighting with guerrilla-style Islamic troops against the Soviets in Afghanistan in the 1980s. He became a raging tyrant against American and Saudi Arabia after the kingdom invited U.S. troops to use an air station in Saudi Arabia. The author points out that the motivation for members of the Al Qaeda Islamic combines both religious fanaticism and cool pragmatism. The paper relates that an example of the sophistication employed by al Qaeda in the pre-planning and strategic military preparation for September 11's attacks is that the 19 trained Muslim hijackers were kept in the dark about the specifics of the operation because letting all 19 know the details would risk one or more of them sharing that information with someone who might not be able to keep it secret.
Table of Contents
Bin Laden's Motivation
The Philosophy and Methods of al Qaeda's Terrorism
Military Training
New Breed of Terrorists
Motivation and Bloodthirsty Strategy on a Spiritual Level
Funding
The al Qaeda Military Strategy: Do Not Tell the Hijackers their Mission
The 9/11 Commission Report: What Happened and Why?
From the Paper "While at the university bin Laden also began studying the thinking of Egyptian Islamic radical, Sayyid Qutb, "whose writings deeply influence bin Laden's religious views", according to Bin Laden, Islam and America's New War on Terrorism. Qutb was an influential fundamentalist thinker and agitator who was arrested by Nasser, the Egyptian president, and executed in 1966. The writings of Qutb continue to inspire and motivate Islamic extremists throughout the world. Bin Laden obviously picked up some of his rhetoric and hate from Qutb's writings, in particular the "takfir method". A "kafir" in Arabic is "an infidel or unbeliever" and to "declare takfir is to ascertain who is the unbeliever in the midst." I t's important to note that Qutb was not talking just about Americans or westerners as "infidels" - he was talking about fellow Muslims who were not taking up the campaign of violence against the west."
Abstract This paper provides a broad outline of the various known elements and aspects of the Al Qa'ida terrorist network, with a special focus on the role Osama Bin Laden. A brief biography of Bin Laden's life is presented, as well as a history of the organization. The role of fundamentalist Islamic ideologies in relation to Al Qa'ida is examined as well as Al Qa'ida's links to international militant Islamic organizations. Terror attacks attributed to Al Qa'ida are also highlighted.
Abstract
Origins
Osama Bin Laden
From the Paper "A crucial part of the history of Al Qa'ida is that the fight against the Soviet Union was not conducted in conventional terms, but was seen as a holy war against the aggressor. This resulted in volunteers and supporters from throughout the Muslim world rallying to the call. Furthermore, the resistance experience fused together Islamic fighters from a wide range of backgrounds and views to create the central kernel of the new organization. "Muslims from Algeria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Southeast Asia, and beyond fought side by side, forging relationships and creating a cadre of veterans who shared a powerful life experience, a more global view,..." (Jenkins 2002. p. 3)"
