Abstract This paper describes Osama BinLaden's life and its impact on his actions and outlook. The writer highlights BinLaden's religious fervor and the development of his commitment to fundamentalist Islamic theology. In particular, the paper examines the relationship between Al Qaeda and the Taliban, which was based mainly on this shared fundamentalist religious philosophy. The paper concludes with a discussion of the 9/11 attacks.
From the Paper "As Dennis Piszkiewicz writes in his 2003 book, Terrorism's War with America: A History, Bin Laden's background "emerges from a fog of vague and often contradictory tales," and warns that the details should be taken with a small helping of skepticism (Piszkiewicz 2003). Even the exact date of his birth is unclear, however he is believed to have been born sometime in the mid-1950's. One of the youngest of fifty siblings, he was born into one of the wealthiest families in Saudi Arabia (LeVine 1999). His father, Mohammed Bin Laden moved from Yemen in to Saudi Arabia and eventually built up that country's largest construction company. Beginning in the 1950's, the Saudis began to build hospitals, schools, and roads, and on the "back of royal patronage," the Bin Ladens became incredibly rich in the process (LeVine 1999). Osama's mother was one of the last and least regarded of his father's many wives, thus with little status in the family, when Mohammed died in 1967, Osama turned to religion. Although there have been rumors that he was a playboy in London and Beirut during the 1970's, this is almost certainly false since he speaks poor English and no French, and appears to have been pious even as a child (LeVine 1999). "
Abstract This paper discusses possible strategies to counter the threat posed to the United States, by Osama BinLaden. It describes the danger that BinLaden poses in relation to his influence and his organization, Al Qaeda, and discusses previously used strategies and their success. It then goes on to discuss the option of using counter-terrorism to combat terrorist activities and reduce the risk of terrorism that BinLaden poses.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Osama BinLaden
From the Paper "Osama Bin Laden is the head of one of the most dangerous terrorist organizations; namely The Al Qa'ida organization. This organization is difficult to fight in conventional terms as it is characterized by its networking style of operation which makes the organization difficult to track and combat. (Al-Qaeda. Wikipedia.) Another factor which makes conventional military actions difficult is that the organization is also obscure in terms of its membership and leadership hierarchy. While Osama Bin Laden is the ostensible leader and symbolic head of the organization, the actual leadership structure is largely unknown. This leads to the realization that combating and countering Osama Bin Laden cannot be adequately achieved through formal military strategy."
Abstract The paper provides a review of Osama BinLaden's background and explains the history and structure of his organization. The paper explains his connections to fundamentalism and his links with other known terrorist groups. The paper describes BinLaden's extreme hatred of the West and globalization and discusses how he has issued a "Jihad" (holy war) against the West for his and other terrorist organizations. The paper shows how Osama binLaden's fundamentalist beliefs make him a danger to the western world and a deadly ally to many other terrorist groups determined to removed American "infidels" from the globe.
From the Paper "Osama bin Laden was born in 1957 in Saudi Arabia. His family raised him in the strict Islamic tradition; he is a Sunni Muslim. He attended Abdul Ariz University in Jeddah, where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. His father amassed a fortune in the construction industry; in fact, it was the largest construction company in Saudi Arabia and had close ties to the Saudi royal family. When his father died, Bin Laden became independently wealthy (Piszkiewicz 107). After he became disenchanted with western influence in Saudi Arabia and began organizing resistance, his family disowned him in 1994, and Saudi Arabia revoked his citizenship (Thackrah 189-190)."
Abstract The following paper is a fictitious response to Osama BinLaden's terrorist arguments, which describes and justifies the actions a government would have to undertake to combat terrorists.
From the Paper "Osama Bin Laden and his terrorist Al-Qaeda organization have
committed a number of atrocities in recent years, culminating in the horrific attacks of September 11th 2001. They continue to postulate justifications for their actions, and present arguments in support of their continuing jihad, or "holy war" against the non-Islamic West, and the United States of America in particular. Following the recent Al-Qaeda terrorist activity, this Government has resolved both to address the terrorists' arguments and explain the number of wide-ranging actions and initiatives that have been implemented in order to combat this grave terrorist threat."
Abstract This paper examines how, in psychology, paranoia is defined as ?a mental illness' in which somebody wrongly believes that they are hated or badly treated by others, and how, in this context, Adolph Hitler and Osama binLaden do not have commonality of thought. It looks at how, although leaders of their respective groups or nations, both the men were poles apart. It shows how they belonged to two starkly opposite backgrounds, performed differently, were brought up in absolutely opposite environments, and functioned in this transitory world, thereby, spending their lives with a cause.
From the Paper "Adolf Hitler was the head of the state and he brought much anguish as well as created extreme chaos in the lives of all Jews of his times. Evidence suggests that Hitler's personality problems also resulted partly due to religious influence; however, he received much of his inspiration for the heinous crime that he committed from his political environment as well as from his economic deprivation as a child and a teenager. On the other hand, Osama bin Laden is the leader of a religious group by the name Al-Qaida. The motives behind Laden's operation and the inspiration that motivated him to establish a religious group comes from the religious teachings. Osama bin Laden was never into politics and to date exhibits no such interests."
Abstract The paper looks at the many arguments for and against the validity of Bergen's "Holy War, Inc.". The paper shows how, although Bergen is capable of supporting his thesis in the book, his political views adversely affect the overall scope of the book, because they impact the author's final determination of how terrorism can be overcome in the modern world. The paper is of the opinion that despite its limitations, Bergen's work is essential reading for anyone who desires an insight into terrorism and binLaden.
From the Paper "Bergen's (2001) work reflects the results of extensive in-depth investigation of Osama bin Laden and al Queda, the leading terrorist threat to the United States. Bergen (2001) a journalist and producer, formerly with CNN and ABC, had the opportunity of continually gathering information and learning about the terrorist organization and its leader for his work. Additionally, as bin Laden continued to become more powerful as a terrorist leader, bin Laden wanted to spread his anti-American message throughout the world, specifically targeting the global Muslim community to gain support for his endeavors. Bin Laden believed that using CNN as a pulpit for his views was the most effective manner in accomplishing his goals, and therefore, Bergen (2001) was capable of not only obtaining information that most Americans are not privy to, he was capable of talking with bin Laden personally and sharing this experience with the world at bin Laden's request."
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 BinLaden. A brief biography of BinLaden'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 BinLaden
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)"
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 BinLaden 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 discusses the practices of Osama binLaden, a Saudi terrorist, and the supporter of a large mercenary force. It addresses religious and financial motivations, training situations, and the extent to which binLaden is prepared to act in his efforts to destroy, or at the very least disrupt, Western civilization.
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 binLaden. 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 binLaden 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 defines terrorists as people who use violence for the purpose of spreading fear rather than for the physical results of their actions to draw attention to things they perceive as wrongs that must be righted by society. It points out that two main causes of conflict in the Middle East are the conflicts between Israel and Palestinians and the conflicts between fundamentalist religious groups and more moderate religious groups. It also discusses how it is impossible to predict the effect of capturing Osama BinLaden because, although his capture would be a tremendous morale boost, his followers are fanatical and the capture of their great leader might trigger a new wave of violence.
Outline
Secular vs. Religious Terrorists
Using the IRA , Ways Terrorists Groups Finance Their Operations
Two Main Sources of Conflict in the Middle East
Capturing Osama BinLaden: Good or Bad? Dead or Alive?
From the Paper "The Irish Republican Army, or IRA, has used a variety of ways to fund their operations. In one example December of last year, both the British and Northern Ireland governments believe that the IRA was behind a bank robbery described as "spectacular" in the media. In this bank robbery, thirty-eight Euros were stolen. That's nearly $50 million in American dollars. The British government says that the IRA made multiple attempts to launder the money using Mafia-like approaches, such as filtering the money through legitimate businesses. In the huge manhunt that followed the bank robbery, the Irish police seized over 3.5 million Euros, including the equivalent of 2.3 million pounds, all in cash, found with one businessman in Cork, Ireland, in February of this year. This arrest shows the ties to businesses for laundering purposes."
Tags: al-qaeda, basque, drug-trafficking, fear, islam, ira
Abstract In this essay, the writer notes that perhaps the most striking element of Peter Bergen's book about the life of Osama binLaden, 'Holy War Inc.', is the impeccable timing of its release, as the author was well prepared to write a book on the world of al-Qaeda and their motivations for war. The writer points out that Bergen's book had taken six years to write, but after September 11, it was swiftly pushed into print with a hasty update and no index. The writer discusses that the work is an interesting read that traces a solid background of the FBI's most wanted man - Osama binLaden. The writer concludes that this would be an appropriate book for those coming new to the topic of al-Qaeda, as well as those with an interest in the new forms of postmodern war being waged across and beyond borders.
Outline:
Summary of Main Themes
Outline of Thesis
Evaluation of Thesis and Purpose
Evaluation of Bergen's Use of Evidence
From the Paper "The key finding of the book, however, is Bergen's close analysis of the way in which global terrorism - and in particular Holy War - is now waged. Postmodern attacks are no longer launched from a single national base against a foreign national power, which has shifted the entire strategy for waging war. New terrorist networks are not filled by ragged mountain men leading a guerilla war from their thatched huts. Instead, postmodern terrorism utilizes cutting-edge communications and weapons technology to carry out its aims. The 'average' terrorist is well educated, well funded, international in scope and uses global contacts and sophisticated business planning to wage war. Thus, the aims of Holy War - an ancient Islamic calling of martyrdom and sacrifice - are blended into the high-tech structures of our postmodern communication age to achieve strategic international political goals."
Abstract This paper discusses the development and structure of the Al Qaeda Organization. It begins by describing the background of Al Qaeda's leader, Osama binLaden. It then looks at how binLaden set up the structure of the organization and how it functions today. The paper concludes that Al Qaeda represents one of the greatest threats to world security.
From the Paper "Al Qaeda, as with many other terrorist organizations, has a much elaborated way of functioning. Almost every detail is severely controlled by its leaders, starting from funding, without which the organization's purposes could not be reached, until recruitment and training. Certainly the center element of Al Qaeda is played by its ideology, which is strongly against the expansion of Western powers towards the Muslim world. However strange it might seem Al Qaeda manages to attract supporters from all over the world, irrespective of their religion but united by the common hatred against US and Western countries. Still, the organization's center ideology is based on the Muslim religion and jihad, in which Al Qaeda finds explanation for its actions. However, the organization must be viewed as an extremist terrorist organization that does not represent the Muslim world."
Abstract This paper examines how contemporary terrorism relies heavily on the media and how the modern media has much to offer the terrorist organization. It discusses how media coverage is used not only to convey the terrorist's objectives and political messages, but also to intimidate larger populations and how the media provides a relatively inexpensive and efficient method of relaying their goals. It examines the role of terrorism in the media from five different perspectives through a literature review. Brigitte Nacos, in "Accomplice or Witness? The Media's Role in Terrorism" gives a thorough and insightful view of the role of the modern media in terrorist activities, with a major focus on the Internet. In "Terror TV", Scott Stossel looks at the effect of 24-hour coverage of terrorism on television. Janet Fine's "Arabian Knight Woos West" is a fascinating study of Al-Jezeera, the first Arabic independent news channel in the Middle East, which gained a widespread audience after the events of September 11th. In "Spin Laden", Philip Taylor looks at the ability of Osama binLaden and other terrorists to manipulate the media in order to take advantage of widespread anti-American feelings around the world. Lance Morrow's "The Gleam of a Pearl" looks at the real-life costs of terrorist coverage, through the tragic death of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl.
From the Paper "Terrorist activities are often shocking, brutal, and in complete honesty, make for perfect news stories. Dramatic stories tend to get a great deal of coverage, often to the detriment of other issues. Nacos notes that early evening television broadcasts of ABC, NBC, and CBS carried 2,273 stories on terrorism from 1981 to 1986. This coverage far exceeded the combined coverage of crime, unemployment, poverty, and race issues. Further, she notes that terrorism coverage continued to climb as all-news cable channels created competition for the major news channels. It is certainly likely that the coverage of terrorist issues has skyrocketed since the bombings of the World Trade Center in New York on September 11th."
Tags: 9/11, osama, bin, laden, daniel, pearl, al-jezeera, middle, east
