Terrorism: The ISIS Crisis

According to International Terrorism and Security research, Terrorism can be described variously it can be tactic and strategy; a crime and a holy duty; justified reaction to oppression and an inexcusable abomination. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation of the United States defines terrorism "a unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives." 

Terrorism has three elements -violence, fear, and intimidation- and each element produces terror in its victims.

Here in the Philippines terrorism is punishable to any person who commit an act such as piracy, rebellion, coup d'Etat, insurrection, murder, kidnapping, and crimes involving destruction.

Right now, the biggest terrorist threat in the world is the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria or simply called ISIS.

Before, ISIS was once called the Al Qaeda of Iraq, a division of the Al Qaeda which was led by the late Osama Bin Laden. Due to the american military presence in Iraq and the successful raids on Al Qaeda camps, Al Qaeda of Iraq terrorist activities was lessened and considered a minor threat.

The rise of ISIS begun after the American forces completely pulled out their military presence in Iraq 3 years ago and during the beginning of the Syrian crisis and the continuous oppression of the Sunni minorities in Iraq under the administration of al-Maliki. 

Unlike any Terrorist organization, ISIS have a different method on spreading their influence, which is control. Due to the inclusion of Saddam Hussein high ranking military officials to the ISIS ranks and support of the local Sunnis and unknown rich Sunni Muslim Arab donors, ISIS quickly controlled a vast territory between Syria and Iraq in a span of 6 months.

After the return of the American Forces, ISIS declared war to all the states that doesn't follow their views and then countless acts of terrorism followed, from the beheading of the American and Japanese journalist to the attack and murder of charlie hebdo artists to the mass lynching through burning of their hostages. ISIS is now considered the biggest terrorist threat in the world.

Sources:

http://www.terrorism-research.com/

PBS.Org

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