NCJ Number
114517
Journal
Security Management Volume: 32 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1988) Pages: 54-65
Date Published
1988
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Since 1979, the Middle East and the Western world have witnessed a new strain of terrorism associated with Islamic fundamentalism.
Abstract
This campaign has not been a coordinated phenomenon, although Iran has played some role in coordinating it. Most Shiites and even many Sunni have been affected and inspired by the Iranian revolution, and the Islamic crusade has been exported to neighboring Arab countries. Khomeini and the radical mullahs used the Koran to legitimize and promote self-sacrifice among followers and further the campaign against outside forces of suppression. The war against Iraq, the hostage-taking at the U.S. embassy, and the underground terror against the Persian Gulf States have been viewed as Jihads (Holy Wars). Fundamentalist terrorism has had an impact throughout the Middle East, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. Major extremist groups include Amal, Hizballa, and the Islamic Jihad. The mindset of martyrdom, the sense of injustice to their sect, and the fierce loyalty to religious leaders have shaped the Shia groups into fierce militants. Three factors, each playing off one another, have helped ignite their zeal. These include conflict with foreign ideologies, the Yom Kippur war between Israel and its Arab neighbors, and oil production and prices. 6 references.