Domestic Terrorism Analysis - Assignment Example

Domestic Terrorism Midterm Domestic Terrorism According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), domestic terrorism is defined as, "... the unlawful use, or threatened use, of violence by a group or individual based and operating entirely within the United States (or its territories) without foreign direction, committed against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives" (Jarboe, 2002). A critical differentiation from international terrorism is the fact that it must originate in the US "without foreign direction", and operate "entirely within the United States (or its territories)" (Jarboe, 2002). However, what constitutes violence may not be as easily defined. While the statement by the FBI is not explicit, it is implied that the target must be a US policy, institution, or political movement, and the act must be violent, though the definition of violent may be vague and ambiguous. Domestic terrorism may be directed either from above or from below. Terrorism from above is carried out by a government or institution that has some legitimate authority. It may be done covertly, where the terrorism is carried on outside formal policy. As an example, the Dirty War in Argentina that utilized death squads was covert terrorism from above (Vohrkyzek, Olson-Raymer, and Whamond, 2001, p.13). It may also be overt as in the case of the Hutus policy of genocide in Rwanda (Vohrkyzek, Olson-Raymer, and Whamond, 2001, p.13). Domestic terrorism from below is when a group or individual within a country targets a legitimate institution as a means to draw attention to, or change, an official policy. Environmental activists such as the Environmental Liberation Front (ELF) are guilty of domestic terrorism from below. 2.) Mao, Guevara, Marighella, and Fanon Mao, Guevera, Marighella, and Fanon were not defined as terrorists during their time of activity. History has rewritten the definition of terrorism and they now fall under the new definition. However, initially all these figures were guerilla leaders, which are differentiated from terrorists. Guerilla warfare is different from terrorism in that it is an organized force that believes it has legitimacy due to popular support. In addition, it strikes at government and military targets as a means to overthrow a government. However, these leaders differed in that Marighella believed that random violence could create chaos and an environment for revolution, while Mao and Fanon believed it should not be used against the native population. Guevera was more of a classic guerrilla fighter. Guerrillas represent a political movement, while terrorism supports an ideological agenda. However, both aspects promote violence as a means to an end. Once in power both Mao and Castro utilized violence and terrorism from above as a means to sustain power and oppress the opposition. More recently the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) has been similar to the previous revolutionary organizations. They have some legitimacy by way of recognition as supporting a significant group of oppressed people. In addition, they have a well organized military faction. Their agenda has been the creation of a Palestinian State, though they have used terrorism to promote their goals. They have targeted innocent people, used suicide tactics, and even acted against their own citizens. All of these rebels and organizations have their roots in revolution, but have resorted to terrorism to further their goals. For the PLO and others, this is counter-productive, as the stigma of being a terrorist organization is a costly price in todays environment. 3.) Historical Terrorism It could be argued that the actions of the US settlers against the native population was terrorism from above. In this context, terrorism from above has existed in the US since the first Europeans arrived. It has also been argued that slavery was terrorism from above (Vohrkyzek, Olson-Raymer, and Whamond, 2001, p.36). Both these actions instilled widespread fear in a group of people to further a political and social agenda. They dissolved the human rights of the victims, stole property, and eliminated a culture. In the case of the Native Americans, it was a form of overt genocide from above. These cases were sanctioned by governments, nations, and acted with legal authority. However, the legal status did not diminish the degree of terrorism inflicted. Domestic terrorism would need to include the anti-union activities of big business in the 19th century, as well as the covert government tactics against left wing political groups throughout the 20th century. Terrorism needs to also be considered in the context that the acts take place in. To some degree, terrorism is defined by a moral or ethical component. Since the white settlers believed they were acting on the authority of the King and God, they cant be considered terrorists as individuals. More modern terrorism has been the internment of the Japanese during World War II. The fact that the US government acknowledged the wrong and paid reparations defines it as terrorism and demonstrates that the acts of a government can be placed on the individual. The earliest forms of modern terrorism were the airline hijackings that began in the middle of the 20th century and continued until the 1990s (Vohrkyzek, Olson-Raymer, and Whamond, 2001, p.28). Modern domestic terrorism includes the Uni-bomber, Timothy McVeigh, and anti-abortion groups. 4.) Right Wing Terror Groups Right wing terror groups in the United States would need to include racially based groups such as the KKK, white supremacy groups, neo-Nazis, and separatist movements. While each of these groups promote a social agenda, all of them have their basis in religion. These groups use religion as a means to justify their agenda by citing biblical scripture. This not only gives them a perceived legitimacy, it also places an obligation on its membership. In addition, the use of religion is useful in recruiting new members. The KKK, while primarily an anti African American group, has also had the Catholics and Jews as primary targets. They have promoted Protestantism and its membership is drawn from the right wing fundamental Christian movement. Churches have traditionally been a place where social activism is organized, and there is often a large degree of self-righteousness and intolerance within the Christian community (Duriez, 2004, p.178). Domestic terrorists, such as anti-gay and anti-abortion, also have their genesis in the Christian churches. In addition, the 2nd amendment is often central to the organizations agenda. First, as terrorists they are compelled to be well armed. Second, the amendment falls into their philosophy of advocating individual rights at any cost. Having an issue and a common enemy (the government) binds the group and gives them common cause. Odinism has become loosely associated with white supremacy, as well as neo-Nazis, as it is an ancient religion that represents the Aryan race. Because it was based purely on the Caucasian race, modern Odinists have used it to promote their own racist agenda (Vohrkyzek, Olson-Raymer, and Whamond, 2001, p.123). In addition, since it has been at odds with the Catholic Church throughout the ages, it can be used as a rallying issue as being oppressed. 5.) Greenpeace and PETA Greenpeace is an environmental activist organization that promotes the welfare of the planet and animal rights. It is an international organization with more than 2.8 million members in 30 countries (About Us, n.d.). While Greenpeace purports to advocate peaceful civil disobedience, its actions have on occasion become more violent. It was recently reported that "Greenpeace members have forcibly boarded a cargo vessel carrying Brazilian wood to Florida, [and] have blockaded a U.S. naval base". (Lehr, 2003). The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is an international animal rights organization with more than 2 million members worldwide (PETAs Mission Statement, n.d.). According to PETAs mission statement, "PETA works through public education, cruelty investigations, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events, celebrity involvement, and protest campaigns" (PETAs Mission Statement, n.d.). Both organizations are environmental activist groups, but the actions of their individual membership has at times been eco-terrorism. They have both used violence to promote a social policy. Neither group is a terrorist organization. Officially, their tactics have been limited to advocacy and protest. Unofficially, they have used their resources to disrupt and destroy animal research facilities, fisheries, and logging concerns. While this fits the official definition of terrorism, the targets are well defined and are not directed to instill widespread fear in the general public. Because the official definition of violence is vague, we must be careful in using the label of terrorist to stigmatize any organization that may have a social agenda we disagree with. References About Us (n.d.). Retrieved March 29, 2009, from http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/about Duriez, B. (2004). A research note on the relation between religiosity and racism: The importance of the way in which religious contents are being processed. International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 14(3), 177-191. Jarboe, J. F. (2002, February 12). The Threat of Eco-Terrorism. Retrieved October 4, 2007, from http://www.fbi.gov/congress/congress02/jarboe021202.htm Lehr, J. (2003, November 21). Eco-Terrorists stepping up attacks across America. Environment News. Retrieved October 5, 2007, from http://www.heartland.org/Article.cfm?artId=13698 PETAs Mission Statement (n.d.). Retrieved March 29, 2009, from http://www.peta.org/about/index.asp Vohrkyzek, M., Olson-Raymer, G., & Whamond, J. O. (2001). Domestic terrorism and incident management: Issues and tactics. Springfield, IL: Charles C Thomas. Read More