11. What is transnational terrorism?

11. What is transnational terrorism? In Sec 3 – we learnt about the IRA and the LTTE Terrorism is used by the IRA and LTTE to strike fear in the people and weaken the government Today, a new form of terrorism known as transnational terrorism threatens peace and security

What is transnational terrorism? • transnational terrorism involves the unlawful use of force or indiscriminate violence by internationally-linked groups against persons and properties in many parts of the world. • transnational terrorist groups usually have an international membership and conduct their activities in many countries

What is transnational terrorism?

Is terrorism a new phenomenon? • Terrorism is not new • There have been terrorist attacks in the past • They were carried out by state agents or non-state organisations • E.g. In 1987, a South Korean airline was destroyed by a bomb planted by North Korean agents.

Is terrorism a new phenomenon? • Another e.g. US airliner destroyed over the UK by Libyan agents in 1988. • Non-state organisations which have carried out terrorist activities in the past – LTTE, IRA, Aum Shinrikyo • In 1995, sarin gas attacks on the Tokyo train system by Aum Shinrikyo – 12 people died and 54 seriously injured • LTTE – killed former Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi

Is terrorism a new phenomenon? • Terrorist attacks in the past were small-scale operations • On 11 Sept 2001, 19 men hijacked 4 commercial airplanes and crashed them into various locations in the USA including the World Trade Centre – 3,000 people died.

12 What was the significance of the September 11 attacks? • Attacks marked a turning point in the history of terrorism • Victims from more than 30 countries died • Attacks showed – terrorist well-trained and could co-ordinate mass attacks • Attacks showed they were willing to target civilians & die for their cause

12 What was the significance of the September 11 attacks? • Attacks caused two 110 storey-tall towers to collapse and the debris covered New York City in dust for months. • Attacks had a huge psychologicaland economic impact on the world.

12.1 What is Al-Qaeda? • Al-Qaeda, or The Base, is an organisation created in 1989 by Osama bin Laden. • Members grew out of a nerwork of Arab volunteers who had gone to Afganisatan to fight against the Soviet Union. • Osama moved to terrorism when he fell out with the Saudi ruling family. • It rejected his offer in 1990 to lead an army of militants to liberate occupied Kuwait.

12.1 What is Al-Qaeda? • The Saudi govt turned to the USA for help • Osama was unhappy with the stationing of US troops in Saudi soil • He resorted to anti-state activities & he was expelled him from Saudi Arabia. • Osama then decided to carry out a campaign against the Saudi govt. • Al-Qaeda wants to rid western influence in Muslim countries especially the USA.

12.2 Why is Al-Qaeda significant? • Many of the recent terrorist attacks in the world can be traced to Al-Qaeda. • Al-Qaeda is the epitome of the new transnational terrorist organisation. • Multi-national membership scattered around the world. • It makes use of globalisation – internet, & international banking to carry out attacks across the world.

12.2 Why is Al-Qaeda significant? • Sept 11, 2001 – response from USA – to declare a global war against terrorism. • Oct 2001 – US-led coalition forces went into Afganistan to get rid of Al-Qaeda when the Taliban Govt refused to give up Osama • US forces attacked Al-Qaeda training camps.

12.2 Why is Al-Qaeda significant? • But even with its leaders killed or captured, and its base of operations destroyed, Al-Qaeda proved that it was still able to carry out attacks. • Al-Qaeda shares strategies, transfers resources and even conducts joint operations with other groups.

12.2 Why is Al-Qaeda significant?

12.2 Why is Al-Qaeda significant? • Al-Qaeda’s resilience lies in the deliberate and effective spread of its ideology. • Al-Qaeda & other groups spread these ideas in order to gain legitimacy for their cause & make their violent actions seem acceptable.

12.2 Why is Al-Qaeda significant? • Al-Qaeda’s ideology is rejected by Muslims and Islam. • After the disruption of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorist network in S’pore, more than 120 Muslim organisations issued a joint statement – condemn the misuse of Islam for terrorism. • In 2002, two bombs exploded at two popular nightspots in Bali, Indonesia • The explosions killed 200 people & injured more than 300 others.

12.2 Why is Al-Qaeda significant? • Terrorist were now hitting soft targets such as nightspots and shopping centres. • In 2005, Bali was hit again by terrorist. • Let’s take a look at the map on the next slide.

Other attacks attributed to Al-Qaeda

13. What is the impact of terrorism?

13. What is the impact of terrorism? Economic impact Sept 11 attack had tremendous impact on the US as well as the world Total loss of life and property cost insurance companies US$40 billion. Airline industry lost a lot of business US govt had to step in to help the airline industry – to prevent closing down

13. What is the impact of terrorism? Economic impact on Bali was more severe – as Bali depended on tourism for its revenue • Tourist arrivals in Bali fell by 50% • Many local people lost their livelihood • Government spending has also increased since Sept 11 to cater for increase security.

13. What is the impact of terrorism? • More police and troops deployed to guard key installations. • Governments spend more money and resources in holding exercises to ensure that the emergency services and their citizens are prepared. • In January 2006, S’pore held its largest civil emergency exercise, Exercise North Star. • The exercise involved 2000 personnel from 22 agencies.

13. What is the impact of terrorism? Social Impact • Acts of terrorism may create suspicion and tension among the various ethnic and religious groups. • In S’pore, the Community Engagement Programme was launched on Feb 2006. • It is a long-term effort to ensure are better equipped to maintain socialcohesion and harmony, should a crisis happen in Singapore.

13. What is the impact of terrorism? Political impact • Govt have a responsibility to keep their citizens safe from terrorists. • As a result, govt have had to tighten controls to ensure terrorist do not slip into the country. • Border security measures involve greater checks on travellers’ identities and belongings, slowing down immigration clearance.

13. What is the impact of terrorism? • Intrusive legislation aimed at countering terrorism have also been introduced • Argument that these measures and laws infringe on individual freedom • Security vs freedom - debate

14. Can transnational terrorism be managed? • Transnational terrorism is a global threat – needs concerted effort to manage. • No one country can hope to defeat terrorism on its own.

14.1 ASEAN’s efforts to manage terrorism • ASEAN leaders view terrorism as a major threat to international peace and security. • It is seen as a direct challenge to the achievement of peace. • ASEAN govts –pledged their determination to co-operate against transnational terrorism.

14.1 ASEAN’s efforts to manage terrorism • ASEAN has pledged to enhance information and intelligence exchange on terrorist and their activities. • This has helped member countries to disrupt terrorist activities. • In January 2002, Philippine authorities arrested JI bomb-maker based on information given by S’pore

14.1 ASEAN’s efforts to manage terrorism • Bomb-maker Fathur was involved in the bombing of the Light Railway Train in Manila in Dec 2000. • He was also a lead character in the Al-Qaeda plot to bomb the western targets of S’pore. • ASEAN Regional Forum – used a platform to discuss transnational issues.

14.1 ASEAN’s efforts to manage terrorism

14.1 ASEAN’s efforts to manage terrorism • In Jan 2007, Southeast Asian leaders agreed to several measures that committed their national security and law enforcement agencies to work closely. • The Convention on Counter-terrorism signed in Cebu, Phillipines – first legally binding anti-terrorism accord.

14.2 International efforts to combat terrorism • After Sept 11, UN passed a series of resolutions in a bid to stop terrorism. • Member countries to freeze the financial assets of terrorists and their supporters • Deny them travel and safe haven • Prevent terrorist recruitment and weapons supply • Co-operate with other countries in information sharing and criminal prosecution

14.1 ASEAN’s efforts to manage terrorism • UN set up a Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) to monitor member countries’ adherence to the resolutions. • Strengthen the counter-terrorism capacity of member states • The CTC also provides technical assistance to countries that require help in implementing the resolutions

Have these measures been successful? • Member countries have frozen US$200 million in terrorist funding • By sharing information, 4,000 terrorist suspects have been arrested • Despite regional and international efforts, it has not been completely successful in getting rid of transnational terrorism.

Have these measures been successful? Why? • The ability of terrorists to evade security • Terrorists ability to recruit new operatives • They are able to influence people to their cause because ideas about terrorism and violence is widely available e.g. through internet.

14.3 Nurturing an environment that censures terrorism • Every individual has a role to play to deny the terrorists space in society. • Society must stand firmly and reject terrorist ideas otherwise they may gain legitimacy

Conclusion • The world today is more inter-connected • Inter-connectivity has brought opportunities and challenges • One of the challenges is to manage and contain the threat of transnational terrorism • Countries should work on this at the regional & international level

Conclusion • Terrorism has no specific religion, ethnic origin, nationality and geographic location • Attempts to link it with any faith would only serve their interests • It is the terrorist who misuse and distort religious teachings to justify their acts

Conclusion • Today’s terrorism cannot be dealt with just arresting the terrorist operatives. • They are able to recruit new operatives to replace those killed or arrested. • They recruit by spreading their ideology through the Internet. • Crucial that society play its part to counter radical and extremist influences.

11. What is transnational terrorism?