Combating Terrorism Through Jerusalem
Abstract
A mutually acceptable peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will significantly reduce international Islamic terrorism by removing the decades old source of hatred affecting the general Muslim global population, thereby drastically reducing, or eliminating, the critical support system Islamic terrorists require. Discussion: Based on historic and religious arguments, both Arabs and Jews claim the Holy Lands in and around Jerusalem and have established various holy sites and places of worship in areas controlled by modern-day Israel. This continued struggle stirs hatred and contempt in the Muslim community and provides inspiration for multitudes of violent terrorist acts against Jews and the western world. Islamic fundamentalists, with a "radical" view of Islam, subscribe to terror, intimidation and destruction as a means to achieve their desired goals, and most often cite the Arab-Israeli crisis as their main motivation and recruiting slogan, calling on all Muslims to join in Jihad to expel the infidel invaders. The most prolific fundamentalist is Osama Bin Laden, who has repeatedly referred to Israel's "occupation" to justify his attacks and call others to join his fight. In order for fundamentalists to sustain terrorist operations, they must have a support base and maintain a constant recruiting effort. This support base provides critical support in the means of intelligence, transportation, safe haven, financial and equipment support. Seeking specific types of individuals, they target the unemployed, uneducated and frustrated men who are less likely to challenge the fundamentalist's very selective interpretations of the Quranic texts. By eroding the support groups, terrorists will lose their freedom of movement and anonymity. Several diplomatic attempts to resolve the peace process over the last 15 years have failed to make dramatic progress. However, with the death of Palestinian Yasser Arafat, new opportunities are available.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA498880
Entities
People
- Stuart C. Lankford
Organizations
- Marine Corps University