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The Chinese Waltz
May 24, 2013 | 2 comments
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The View From the Other Side
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Cyprus Uber Alles
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After Hugo
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Theory and Practice of Terrorism
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The War on Terror Spectator
Terrorism à la Carte
What makes a terrorist group a global “player”?
For any terrorist group, the ability to project destructive power is more important than the power itself. Having a large quantity of explosive, chemical or biological material that can be used only in a limited target geography may be useful for attacking that locale — but to be able to use destructive devices on a broad international basis, however, establishes the terrorist group as a “player” in global political terms.
This is not merely a matter of organizational egotism: It corresponds to the terrorists’ ambition to be recognized as representing an important ideological concept. Al Qaeda led by Osama bin Laden had that characteristic. Somali-based Al Shabaab does not. The result is different only in the scope of the two organizations’ transnational terror activities and thus the perception of danger as viewed by the world community. Al Qaeda is now as widely known around the world as the Mafia. Al Shabaab has that distinction only in its own region.
Such definition is not academic but rather an operational factor. Al Shabaab has the potential of reaching out to black Americans, but so far there has been limited evidence of this happening. Some African-American dissidents have sought to associate their ambitions as a fraternal outreach to their self-proclaimed Somali cousins. Al Shabaab is not a centrally directed organization and has at least three principal leadership groupings. Outreach is limited by these divisions.
Although there is a growing community of former Somali fighters now residing in Yemen, al Shabaab’s activities beyond the borders of Somalia are restricted to eastern Africa. Its external support structure depends heavily on financial infusions funneled by members of the Somali diaspora through Nairobi and other centers in East Africa as well as regular transfers from Yemen. This is along with their traditional income from piracy, hostage-taking, and thievery. The Nigerian Islamic terror organization, Boko Haram, initially was said to have an al Shabaab connection, but so far that has not proven to be the case.
The Islamic terrorist mechanism with the smallest base yet the broadest ambitions is al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). Embedded in the Yemeni community, AQAP has developed assets stretching from the Gulf monarchies to contacts in Europe. Uniquely, it is said to boast various participants who held original enlistments in bin Laden’s al Qaeda who administer secret training facilities — recently a major target of Yemeni special forces. AQAP’s best known member currently is the “scientist” Ibrahim Hassan al Asiri, the man credited with creating the “underwear bomb” and other exotic devices including recent ventures into cyberwarfare. One of the best known al Qaeda operatives, Fahd Mohammed Ahmed al Quso, was killed in a drone attack on May 6 in Yemen.
It is interesting that what would appear to be an otherwise limited parochial terror affiliate of al Qaeda has assumed this broader international role. The explanation seems to lie in the technically sophisticated personnel hiding out in Yemen along with Saudi AQ fighters on the run. Counteraction by the Americans, British, and Saudis of course has centered on eliminating the talent base, while Yemeni Army units attack defended al Qaeda and anti-government positions in the south.
While Pakistan still harbors many former al Qaeda veterans, other than very small groups and individuals with tribal relationships still in Afghanistan, most of these are monitored by ISI’s internal surveillance. Pakistan is now more of a retirement center for actual al Qaeda “made members” than an operational hub. Nonetheless, the country remains a principal training, recruiting and financial source for other Islamic terrorists.
The name al Qaeda has had a value strictly by association with its already established deeds and reputation. By affixing “al Qaeda” to its name, any terror organization seeks to have the ability to project an image of sophistication simply through that presumed association. This is more or less the background of what is referred to as al Qaeda in the Maghreb (AQIM). One would have thought that an organization of that name would at least have had a recognizable role not only in the anti-Qaddafi Libyan civil war, but also to some degree throughout the experience of the Arab Spring in Tunisia and Morocco. Various explanations have been offered, but the fact remains AQIM is not credited with any substantial participation.
Another factor of particular importance is the automatic assumption that terror organizations with Middle East or South Asian connections actually have a strong Islamic commitment. In practical terms loyalty to Islam is an initial requirement for membership in an “Islamic” terror group, but it is not the degree of piousness that is the determinant of leadership within that group. In fact, as Bernard Lewis has written in The Multiple Identities of the Middle East, “The first primal and indelible mark of identity is race.”
In the Islamic world “race” is often interpreted in different ways: Tribe, clan, family are often seen as the basis for the term. Ethnicity in the Maghreb, for example, has a great deal to do with skin color and thus the varying degree of genes inherited from the several ancient sub-Sahara and European invasions. Islamic religion may tend to unite the many groupings, but the separate identities remain within and often express themselves by creating competitive components. Sunni and Shia belief systems are only the beginning.
While limiting this commentary to some of the Islamic-related terror organizations, it is important to remember: “Terrorism is the principal military weapon of a wide variety of organizations with greatly differing characteristics,” as Graham Benton wrote in 1984 pointing to the contrasts and similarities among the Uruguayan Tuparamos, the PLO, the IRA, the Red Brigades and the Basque ETA. At that time only the Palestinian group had any Islamic connections, and those were tangential. In today’s world the emphasis is on Islam and the terror groups associated with it. Terrorism, terrorist acts and terrorists, however, are not limited by today’s preoccupation.
About the Author
George H. Wittman writes a weekly column on international affairs for The American Spectator online. He was the founding chairman of the National Institute for Public Policy.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (32) | Leave a comment
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Jack in Wi.| 5.25.12 @ 8:26AM
More propaganda for endless war. Bin Laden is dead. Bring the troops home and let the world take care of itself. Terror is a tactic, not a country. the more we interfere in other countries the more terrorists we make. When the French went home from Algeria and Vietnam, the terrorists did not follow them. When the Rusians went home from Afganistan, the terrorists did not follow them either.
TLP| 5.25.12 @ 8:37AM
What makes a Terrorist Group aWorld Player?
That's easy.
They get invited to our Christian President's office, for $1.5 Billion in CASH, and our Christian President, who was named by his Muslim Father, after MOHAMMED'S HORSE, infiltrates them in to our Defence Department, our TSA, our Justice Department, our FBI, and our Department of Homeland Security.
THEN, and only then, do they become a Major Player.
Any questions?
Booger| 5.25.12 @ 10:37AM
This is totally off topic, but it shouldn't be. Since this is blog about Brett Kimberlin (the convicted terrorist) day, and Robert Stacy McCain, one of Spectator's own, is currently in hiding with his family due to threats from Kimberlin, why is there no mention of it here today? Shame on Spectator for not sticking up for its own.
Vast Left Wing Conspiracy| 5.25.12 @ 11:17AM
Actually, Booger, on this thread, with the topic as terrorism, your remark is well placed.
Only One Mediator Christ Jesus| 5.25.12 @ 3:06PM
Could it be that they are not wanting to bring attention to it for a good reason? I don't know, just asking the question.
In any case, let us pray for his safety.
TLP| 5.25.12 @ 3:52PM
The QUESTION was, What makes a Terrorist Organization a World Player?
I answered it.
So, what's your problem?
Maybe you should stick to your SCHTICK, and leave the heavy thinking to those who are quallified?
Alan Brooks| 5.25.12 @ 2:43PM
Guys, the sum total of all terrorists have done to Jews a small fraction of what Germany, Romania, and their cohorts did to the Jews.
Occam's Tool| 5.28.12 @ 1:05PM
Today's lesson in how to deal with terrorism comes from a 4-F coward and traitor to his country, whom the USSS had to forcibly move away when he was threatening the POTUS at the time.
Jack, I spit on you this day, you piece of baby rape supporting filth.
Today's actual terrorism is supported by the Totalitarian ideology of Islam, and sharia is the implementation. Both must be stopped. By the way, the terrorists in Chechnya are Muslim, Jack. Hear of Beslan, moron?
Jack in Wi.| 5.29.12 @ 12:06AM
The Neocons were all for Chechnya against Russai and the for the Kosovars against the Serbs and for the Bosnian Moslems as well. The just have this hate for slavic people going back in history. The people in Chechnya are not Afgani's.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 5.25.12 @ 11:19AM
I thought the Global War on Terror was over, and we were now involved in a strictly local campaign against "workplace violence".
Only One Mediator Christ Jesus| 5.25.12 @ 1:37PM
Heh, Jack & his ilk would have us think so.
Alan Brooks| 5.25.12 @ 2:46PM
Martin Luther made Jack seem as Ben Gurion in comparison!
Only One Mediator Christ Jesus| 5.25.12 @ 3:22PM
Luther did a huge service to Christianity and was mightily used by God to do so.
Did you not know that God chooses what is low and despised in the world to do His Will? 1 Cor. 1:28.
He picks the worst of the worst. Murders, tax collectors and harlots just for starters. Then He tells them to repent, believe the Gospel, be baptized and sin no more. Mt. 9:10, Acts 2:38, Mk. 1:15, Jn. 5:14, 1 Cor. 15:34.
We are all horribly sinful in His Eyes and cannot make ourselves "good" enough for Him. Jesus even said He wasn't good, Ps. 14:3, Ps. 53:3, but only God alone is good. Mk. 10:18, Lk. 18:19. He says all our righteous deeds are as polluted garments. Is. 64:6. So, where does that leave US? Yet He gives Grace to the humble, Jas. 4:6, 1 Pe. 5:5, and restores our souls. Ps. 23:3, Rom. 3:24 & 11:6, Eph. 2:5 & 8, Tts. 3:7.
To all who are willing to repent. 2 Pe. 3:9.
Clint| 5.25.12 @ 10:11PM
'Uh Oh !
Now, Anti-Catholic Bigot, Margie Is Cheerleading For That Other Bigot.
Martin Luther,
" Therefore be on your guard against the Jews, knowing that wherever they have their synagogues, nothing is found but a den of devils in which sheer selfglory, conceit, lies, blasphemy, and defaming of God and men are practiced most maliciously and veheming his eyes on them."
Margie| 5.25.12 @ 11:10PM
Of course I am anti-Catholic, it's an Apostate false Religion.
And of course you despise Luther, he exposed the filthy, Murdering Popes & their minions.
He did a GRAET job!
Thankfully, your Apostate Religion can't kill Christians anymore, though I am positive that you would love to kill me, if you could, and in the past, you threatened me under your previous name, which was Tim*.
Whack jobs like you can't stand the truth.
And I did say Luther was a sinner saved by Grace and an imperfect human being~ heh, but he didn't rape any little boys I am sure, or torture to death anyone who disagreed with him. He did the Will of God instead, and simply exposed their filth.
As a matter of fact, your Apostate Religion killed Jews, too. Everyone who didn't "repent of their "sin", according to the Popes.
And you represent the them in spirit.
I can't wait til God sees fit take care of you, His way.
You see, Bible believing Christians are for real~ we know that vengeance belongs to God.
May He have mercy on your sick, perverted, black soul.
Clint| 5.26.12 @ 4:25AM
Of Course You're An Anti-Catholic, Lapsed Catholic,Turned Ax Grinding Maniac Bigot, Margie.
Your Bigot Friend Martin Luther Wasn't Saved By God From Being An Anti-Jew Bigot, White Trash Bigot , Margie.
Martin Luther,
" What shall we Christians do with this rejected and condemned people, the Jews? Since they live among us, we dare not tolerate their conduct, now that we are aware of their lying and reviling and blaspheming. If we do, we become sharers in their lies, cursing and blasphemy. Thus we cannot extinguish the unquenchable fire of divine wrath, of which the prophets speak, nor can we convert the Jews. With prayer and the fear of God we must practice a sharp mercy to see whether we might save at least a few from the glowing flames. We dare not avenge ourselves. Vengeance a thousand times worse than we could wish them already has them by the throat. I shall give you my sincere advice:
First to set fire to their synagogues or schools and to bury and cover with dirt whatever will not burn, so that no man will ever again see a stone or cinder of them. This is to be done in honor of our Lord and of Christendom, so that God might see that we are Christians, and do not condone or knowingly tolerate such public lying, cursing, and blaspheming of his Son and of his Christians. For whatever we tolerated in the past unknowingly and I myself was unaware of it will be pardoned by God. But if we, now that we are informed, were to protect and shield such a house for the Jews, existing right before our very nose, in which they lie about, blaspheme, curse, vilify, and defame Christ and us (as was heard above), it would be the same as if we were doing all this and even worse ourselves, as we very well know."
Clint| 5.26.12 @ 4:32AM
"Despite headlines focusing on the priest pedophile problem in the Roman Catholic Church, most American churches being hit with child sexual-abuse allegations are Protestant, and most of the alleged abusers are not clergy or staff, but church volunteers.
These are findings from national surveys by Christian Ministry Resources (CMR), a tax and legal-advice publisher serving more than 75,000 congregations and 1,000 denominational agencies nationwide.
CMR's annual surveys of about 1,000 churches nationwide have asked about sexual abuse since 1993. They're a remarkable window on a problem that lurked largely in the shadows of public awareness until the Catholic scandals arose.
The surveys suggest that over the past decade, the pace of child-abuse allegations against American churches has averaged 70 a week.
Dr. Shupe suggests the 70 allegations-per-week figure actually could be higher, because underreporting is common. He discovered this in 1998 while going door to door in Dallas-Ft. Worth communities where he asked 1,607 families if they'd experienced abuse from those within their church. Nearly 4 percent said they had been victims of sexual abuse by clergy. Child sexual abuse was part of that, but not broken out, he says.
James Cobble, executive director of CMR, who oversees the survey, says the data show that child sex-abuse happens broadly across all denomination and that clergy aren't the major offenders.
"The Catholics have gotten all the attention from the media, but this problem is even greater with the Protestant churches simply because of their far larger numbers," he says."
The Ongoing Lack of Coverage & Outrage By The Mainstream Media Agendists & Their Anti-Catholic Buddies Speaks Volumes Of Their Hypocrite Agenda.
Only One Mediator Christ Jesus| 5.26.12 @ 2:31PM
The Catholics have gotten all the attention from the media, but this problem is even greater with the Protestant churches simply because of their far larger numbers," he says."
Protestants throw perverts out of their churches, they aren't harbored by the bastard Popes.
Nice try, idiot.
Your Popery is perverted, sick from the top down, not only with pedophile child rapists, but with numerous, hundreds if not thousands of false and unbiblical teachings.
Such as Mary as Mother of God and co-Redemptrix with Christ.
Transubstantiation.
Prayer to the dead.
The "sainting" of the dead, and "canonization".
Prayer to statues.
Popery and Popes as "Vicars of Christ" on Earth.
Salvation by works (sacraments).
Priests.
Nuns.
Solemn assembly & burning of incense.
There are hundreds more.
Repent and believe the TRUE Gospel of Jesus Christ before you die, lest you perish.
"He who does not love Me does not keep My Words; and the Word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me". Jn. 14:24.
Jack in Wi.| 5.26.12 @ 4:58PM
You have been doing some great and truthful work Clint. Lets not forget the huge pediophile scandle in the Orthodox Jewish communities in Israel, Brooklyn, and Australia. Perhaps Margie would care to comment on the sex scandles at the headquarters of her Jehovah Witness, non Christian sect, in Brooklyn?
Clint| 5.28.12 @ 9:35AM
There's Plenty Of Sex Abuse That The Double Standard Anti-Catholics Are Ignoring, Jack.
"For decades, prosecutors in Brooklyn routinely pursued child molesters from every major ethnic and religious segment of the borough’s diverse population. Except one.
Of some 700 child sexual abuse cases brought in an average year, few involved members of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community — about 180,000 followers of Hasidic and other sects who make up the largest such cluster outside Israel. Some years, there were one or two arrests, or none.
But in the past year, there have been 26. District Attorney Charles J. Hynes has brought charges against a variety of men — yeshiva teachers, rabbis, camp counselors, merchants and relatives of children. Eight have been convicted; 18 await trial."
Only One Mediator Christ Jesus| 5.26.12 @ 2:24PM
If Luther said that and thought that, then he wasn't in his right mind.
But he was right about the cult of Catholicism, and so am I.
Now, how about you trying to defend your cult's false teaching that it REASONED to put to death millions of Bible believing Christians (and Jews as well)? Hmm?
Luther may have thought these things, but did he actually Murder anyone?
Your Popes and their minions did FOR SIX CURSED CENTURIES?
Why?
Because they taught LIES, and killed anyone who refused to bow the knee to them.
Defend the fact that they still teach those false teachings AGAINST the Word of God!
Occam's Tool| 5.28.12 @ 1:06PM
Clint: considering that you have quoted worse things about Jews, STFU. Aaaand, Con Chef is still waiting for your jihadi dick accepting ass to show up, gayboy.
Tom Kyba| 5.25.12 @ 2:02PM
Nothing to see here, folks, don't worry, move along. After reading some of the comments from the article about Spencer's book, apparently all I need to know is that somewhere out there in the ether is a cadre of evil Christians and Catholics doing bad stuff too. Remember the crusades? Why worry about a few bombed to pieces children and other innocents when there is an entire army of killer Christians waiting to take over the government and set up a theocracy. I know this to be fact. I saw some of Arlington Road. Hollywood made this movie therefore it must be true.
Clint| 5.26.12 @ 10:42AM
Read The Black Book Of Communism.
"The Black Book of Communism: Crimes, Terror, Repression is a book authored by several European academics and edited by Stéphane Courtois, which describes a history of repressions, both political and civilian, by Communist states, including genocides, extrajudicial executions, deportations, and artificial famines."
irish19| 5.26.12 @ 9:45PM
I think he was being sarcastic.
Clint| 5.28.12 @ 9:38AM
I'm An Equal Opportunity Reporter, Irish.
Occam's Tool| 5.28.12 @ 1:07PM
Yes, and you would have done the saqme bit against Communism that yopu did against Islam, Clint: nothing. You're a BOHICA kind of guy. Stay well lubed!
Occam's Tool| 5.28.12 @ 1:08PM
Sorry: "same," "you."
Richard Baker| 5.25.12 @ 4:57PM
Seems like a small thing but what makes them global are aviation and electronics (computers, cell phones, etc). Otherwise they'd be no more than a regional irritation such as FARC in Colombia and the Hukbalahaps (Huks) in the Philippines were in the '50s.
FeFe| 5.25.12 @ 6:59PM
Celebrity jihad. Calculation and cross-promotion to break through droning statist media (the same the world over) herding collectivism with approved consumerism. Their terrorist cause is big, it's the media pond that got small.
POST American| 5.25.12 @ 10:47PM
---AND, of course, funding, promotion
and sponsorship by the Rockefeller/Ford/
Carnegie TAX FREE Globalist EUGENICS
cabal helps.
----Then, of course, having the CFR/ CIA/ MI6
et al being on hand with 'on the go' assistance
doesn't hurt either.
"Understand, there's NOTHING going
on today ---NOTHING --that the intel
services don't know about --if indeed, they
aren't behind. ----NOTHING!"
-Informed online
FINALLY ---3 words --
--------------------'FAST and FURIOUS'----------------
AND a couple more --
----------------HUAC/ Nuremberg 2012---------------
sweeterjan| 5.25.12 @ 10:52PM
in a limited target geography may be useful http://www.ceinturesfr.com/cei.....-c-19.html for attacking that locale -- but to be able to use destructive devices on a broad international basis, however, establishes the terrorist group as a "player" in global political terms.