Secondary School Level

Outline: Defining terrorism. Describing various kinds of terrorism like Biological, Religious, etc.

Terrorism is the methodical use of fright especially through the means of strong-arming. Most common definition of terrorism includes only those acts that are planned to create panic among the people.

Other definitions include acts of unlawful violence and warfare. Terrorism has existed in the world for quite a long time. Terrorism involves unexpected and sudden violence. A person who practices terrorism is known as a terrorist. Terrorism is a criminal activity and is planned well in advance. For example, the bombing of the U.S. embassy in Kenya (1998) was planned since 5 years.

The term “terrorism” brings strong negative impact in our mind. Terrorist groups have smaller number of members. They attract the attention of the people and their governments by carrying out bloody activities. They believe in gaining power and influence by their immoral, evil and sinful acts. Terrorist attacks often target to maximize fear and distress among the masses by using explosives.

All over the world, there is a great concern about terrorist attacks involving weapons of mass destruction. Terrorist groups usually systematically plan their attacks. Participants and agents are trained for executing their horror. They raise money from supporters or through organized criminal activities. They communicate through modern technology.

Scholars and security authorities have defined various kinds of terrorism. Their types differ according to what kind of attack is made by the attacker and by what ways tried to defend. Some types of terrorism include hijacking, assassination, bombing and suicidal attacks to state their demands. Biological terrorism is another form. Such terrorism includes release of toxic biological agents to harm and terrorize civilians. Religious terrorism is a type of terrorism performed on religious grounds with the hope to either spread or enforce a system of belief, viewpoint or opinion. Religious terrorism does not necessarily define a specific religious view point, but it usually involves view or understanding of that belief system's teachings.

Very often, the victims of terrorism are targeted not because they are threats, but because they are specific symbols that tie into a specific view of the world, the terrorists possess. Their suffering accomplishes the terrorists' goals of instilling fear and conveying their message out to the world.