By José Galicot
TIJUANA, Mexico – Throughout the world, there have been attacks by terrorists. Here is a primer:
Where?
- Middle East: Countries like Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and Yemen have experienced numerous terrorist attacks by groups such as ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and other dissident groups.
- Europe: Cities like Paris, Brussels, London, and Barcelona have been targets of terrorist attacks against civilians carried out by Islamic extremists and affiliated groups.
- United States: Cities such as New York, San Bernardino, Orlando, and Boston have been the scene of terrorist attacks, including the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 and the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando in 2016. Let’s not forget the attack on the Twin Towers in New York.
- Africa: Countries like Nigeria, Somalia, Kenya, and Mali have faced terrorist attacks by groups like Boko Haram, Al-Shabaab, and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).
- Asia: Countries such as Pakistan, India, the Philippines, and Bangladesh have experienced terrorist attacks, mainly related to the Kashmir conflict, insurgency in southern Thailand, and Islamist terrorism in Southeast Asia.
What?
The attacks have mainly included bombs, hijacking aircraft, plane crashes, missile launches, and personal attacks.
Why?
Terrorism is because they do not find an electoral outlet or easy means to resolve their grievances or present their ideas.
- Extremist Ideology: Many terrorist attacks are by individuals or groups with an extremist ideology, whether political, religious, ethnic, or ideological. These groups may believe they are fighting for a good cause or defending their ideals against what they perceive as a threat.
- Political or Territorial Conflicts: Some terrorist groups may emerge from unresolved political or territorial conflicts. These groups may resort to terrorism to pressure governments or other actors to meet their demands or advance their political goals.
- Social Alienation and Marginalization: Individuals who feel marginalized or alienated from society may be susceptible to recruitment by terrorist groups offering a sense of belonging and purpose. Economic lack of opportunity, ethnic or religious discrimination, and other factors can contribute to this alienation.
- Revenge: Some terrorist attacks may be motivated by a desire for revenge against a government, ethnic, religious, or cultural group perceived as responsible for past injustices or abuses.
- Radicalization and Propaganda: Radicalization through extremist propaganda, primarily online, can lead individuals to adopt extremist beliefs and behaviors that eventually lead them to commit terrorist acts.
- Economic or Criminal Interests: In some cases, terrorist attacks may be motivated by economic or criminal interests, such as drug trafficking, arms smuggling, or extortion.
Note: Four men appeared before a Moscow court, accused by Russia of being the authors of an attack on a concert hall where at least 139 people died, accused of terrorism. All hunched over. One of them is in a wheelchair. All showing signs of having been beaten.
Last Friday, armed men stormed Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, a northern Moscow suburb, and opened fire on the audience. About 6,000 people were attending a rock concert.
When?
Anywhere, anytime.
For What Purpose?
To achieve a goal, they must intimidate and defeat their probable adversaries.
What have been the results?
A series of deaths, of aggressions, hospitalized people, and imprisoned people. How futile, cruel, useless, clumsy, and inhumane terror is.
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José Galicot is the founder of Tijuana Innovadora and is a leader of the Mexican Jewish community on both sides of the border.