Middle Eastern Origins of International Terrorism since 1945 Essay

Middle Eastern Origins of International Terrorism since 1945 - Essay Example For as long as we have had war, terrorism has been with us as a tactic to bring about change in atmospheres of political discontent and also to maintain control. From the Irish War to Osama Bin Laden, the world has experienced political activism to the extent of vandal, murder and suicide. According to Delaware: â€Å"The history of terrorism dates back at least 1500 years when Jewish resistance groups (66 - 72 A.D.) known as Zealots killed Roman soldiers and destroyed Roman property†. By the middle of the century, the Middle East has perfected and monopolized terror as a strategy to maintain control and promote their regimes. According to Middle East Info: â€Å"The Middle East includes 7 out of 19 of the most repressive regimes in the world. Arab and Iranian dictators oppress their subjects, sponsor half of the world’s major terror groups and imperil Israel, the Middle East’s sole democracy†. Today, tearful vigils in remembrance of the September 11 bombi ng of the World Trade Center in New York is the most historical bookmark of Middle Eastern terror. Concept of Terrorism Emotion is the culprit behind many of life’s extremities. Even a terroristic movement starts with some degree of emotional conflict. The concept of terrorism initially brings to mind political manipulation, kidnappings, bombings, and surprise attacks. The saddest aspect of the term is it is often aimed toward innocent bystanders, including women, senior citizens, and children who have no connection to any perceived offense. â€Å"Terrorism has been described variously as both a tactic and strategy; a crime and a holy duty; a justified reaction to oppression and an inexcusable abomination† .... ine terrorism in terms of law are listed in the table below: Definition of Terrorism, United States Code, (United States Code, 2012) Title 22 Chapter 38 of the United States Code (regarding the Department of State)definition of terrorism: : "The term 'terrorism' means premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents† Title 18 United States Code defines international terrorism as: "Activities that . . . involve violent acts or acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State, or that would be a criminal violation if committed within the jurisdiction of the United States†¦[and] appear to be intended . . . to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; . . . to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or . . . to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping† The essenc e of any terrorist movement is its threat to society. It is the basis for the existence of Homeland Security agencies. Regardless of how it is defined, terrorist tactics add up to one thing: violence. The violent approach arose from several circumstances in the 20th century. Nationalism developed in many countries, which undergirded many political movements and the formation of nationalist interest groups. The World Wars and the Cold War made fighting, death, and casualties a commonality. The tactic of taking hostages was added to the list of methods of political objection. The wars delegitimized any theories of peace and non-violent protest (Terrorism Research, 2012). The wars desensitized people to the death and breaking laws (Terrorist Research, 2012). The death toll of the wars overshadowed