The controversy surrounding the definition of terrorism has led to minimalistic approaches to the issue thus reducing a clear cut understanding of what terrorism entails. The fact that the practice is fuelled by emotional and political motivation makes it even more difficult for scholars to come to a common ground on what really constitutes terrorism if at all a definition cannot surmise. However, the studies in terrorism activities have given better insight than all politically self serving semantic propaganda that everyone uses to justify or condemn terrorism.
A close analysis of a terrorist group in an existing socio political and economic context is the only valid method to help us understand what terrorism is and all the other germane issues that surround the controversial subject. For this purpose, I have selected the most well known terrorist group in the world al-Qaeda as a case study to try and understand the fundamental issues that make it the most feared group and what qualifies it as a terrorist group in the first place.
At a glance
- Examines Australian terrorism risks through the Sydney five and Faheem Khalid cases
- Uses the 9-11 Commission Final Report to discuss Al Qaeda’s finances
- 11 sources in the bibliography
Table of Contents
The document does not contain a table of contents.
Aims and Topics
The work uses Al Qaeda as a case study to examine the characteristics of terrorism and assess the implications of the group’s activities for Australia. It considers the group’s history, leadership, objectives, strategies, resources and potential risks to Australian interests.
- Definitions of terrorism and the use of a case study
- Al Qaeda’s origins and leadership structure
- Objectives, strategies and international activities
- Financial and logistical resources
- Risks to Australia and counter-terrorism responses
Excerpt from the Book
CHAPTER 1: A brief history
The controversy surrounding the definition of terrorism has led to minimalistic approaches to the issue thus reducing a clear cut understanding of what terrorism entails. The fact that the practice is fuelled by emotional and political motivation makes it even more difficult for scholars to come to a common ground on what really constitutes terrorism if at all a definition cannot surmise. However, the studies in terrorism activities have given better insight than all politically self serving semantic propaganda that everyone uses to justify or condemn terrorism. A close analysis of a terrorist group in an existing socio political and economic context is the only valid method to help us understand what terrorism is and all the other germane issues that surround the controversial subject. For this purpose, I have selected the most well known terrorist group in the world al-Qaeda as a case study to try and understand the fundamental issues that make it the most feared group and what qualifies it as a terrorist group in the first place.
The al-Qaeda is a militant group was reportedly formed tentatively around August 1988 in Afghanistan and Pakistani during the war against the soviets in the throes of the cold war. The key masterminds who allegedly attended the meeting included its current head Osama Bin Laden, Zawahiri and Dr Fadl in Peshawar, Pakistan who brought with them military experience gained from American training and enormous wealth (Wander, 2008). Other reports claim it developed from the Maktab al-Khadamat (Office of Services, MAK) which Osama Bin Laden was the founder and with the assistance of Palestinian militant Abdullah Yusuf Azzam and financial good will especially from Middle East nations, the two started training the mujahidin fighters in guerilla warfare and then transferring them to fight against the soviets in Afghanistan.
Their funds mostly came from Pakistan and Saudi government though the American government which was keen to defeat the soviets to the frontier indirectly aided them, (al-jazeera, 1999). After their doomed military campaign, the soviets withdrew and the mujahidin slowly descended into anarchy. Most of them were eager to expand beyond the country and the idea of al Qaeda slowly become a reality outside Afghanistan under the leadership of bin laden who returned to his native land of Saudi Arabia.
Chapter Summaries
CHAPTER 1: A brief history: The opening chapter introduces the difficulty of defining terrorism and explains the choice of Al Qaeda as a case study. It traces accounts of the group’s origins and development.
CHAPTER 2 : Al Qaeda’s leadership: This chapter discusses the group’s reported leadership, committees and international network. It also notes differing views of Al Qaeda as an organization or an idea.
CHAPTER 3: Al Qaeda’s objectives and strategies: The chapter examines the group’s stated objectives, tactics and international activities. It also introduces concerns about the threat to Australia.
CHAPTER 4: financial and logistical strength: This chapter considers the geographical conditions associated with the group’s operations and discusses reported sources of funding and financial transfers.
CHAPTER 5: Implications for Australia and risk analysis: The final chapter examines risks to Australia and its interests, examples of domestic and overseas incidents, and counter-terrorism cooperation.
Keywords
terrorism, Australia, Al Qaeda, case study, terrorist organizations, leadership, radicalization, terrorist financing, international security, counter-terrorism, risk analysis, homegrown terrorism
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work about?
It examines Al Qaeda as a case study of terrorism and considers the implications for Australia.
What are its central topics?
The work addresses the group’s history, leadership, objectives, strategies, finances and potential risks to Australia.
What is the primary aim of the work?
The author seeks to understand what characterizes Al Qaeda as a terrorist group and to consider the threat it may pose to Australia.
What research method is used?
The author describes a case-study approach based on analysis of a terrorist group in its social, political and economic context. The work draws on published sources rather than reporting an original survey or interviews.
What does the main body cover?
It discusses Al Qaeda’s organizational structure, objectives, tactics, financial and logistical resources, and implications for Australia.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include terrorism, Australia, Al Qaeda, case study, terrorist financing, counter-terrorism and risk analysis.
How does the work discuss Al Qaeda’s organizational structure?
It describes a leadership council and committees, while also considering the view that Al Qaeda functions as an idea or approach rather than a conventional organization.
Which Australian cases are discussed?
The risk analysis refers to the Sydney five and Faheem Khalid as examples in its discussion of homegrown terrorism.
- Quote paper
- David Kuria (Author), 2012, The state of terrorism in Australia. A case study of Al Qaeda, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/280714
