TERRORISM IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Meaning & HistoryThere are many definitions of terrorism –

hard to reach a consensus.This matters for policy makers, citizens,

and the international community.From the 1960s until the late 1980s, the

main motives for terrorism were political.The nature of terrorism changed overtime

with more internationalization, the emergence of religious factors in the 1990s, and the growing acceptance of suicide.

An Alarming Trend1968-2006

Where It’s Happening

How Big Is The Problem?

Country Incidents Injuries Fatalities

Afghanistan

207 328 298

India 272 1051 398

Iraq 2336 9399 6234

Nepal 100 104 33

Pakistan 163 398 160

Russia 102 113 51

West Bank/Gaza

479 302 74

Stats from 2005

Economic CostsCountry Reduce Incidents

per year fromGain in GDP (In millions - $ US)

Egypt 5 to 4 221

India 5 to 4 1,132

France 18 to 17 1,161

Colombia 13 to 12 87

US 3 to 2 40,626

United Kingdom 18 to 17 828

World To ZERO for the year

3,600,000

Political CostsTensions between the West and the

Muslim worldHuman rights concernsWeakening of transparency,

accountability, and democratic rulesEx. = Patriot Act – places limits on

freedomStrengthening of authoritarian regimes

Short-Term SolutionsContainment w/ control measures both here & abroad

Involve police, intelligence, & military

Reduce tension between countriesOpen debate w/ expertsTransparency & accountability within our own gov’t

Medium & Long-Term Solutions

PreventionImprove information gathering & analysisMore diplomacy & foreign aidBetter coordination & cooperation within

the international communityInvolve other countries in our dealings

with Iraq & AfghanistanUN should have more involvementNegotiate with and offer amnesty to some

terrorists?

Who Can Make a Difference?