ISLAMIC FUNDAMENTALISM

OBJECTIVES

Identify origins and beliefs of fundamentalist movements.

Research major fundamentalist groups.

Articulate arguments for and against the issue of Islamic fundamentalism as a threat.

WARM UP

What caused the Arab Spring movements?

Economic Conditions High unemployment Low minimum wages Inflation (food prices) Class stratification

Political Conditions No democratic values! Lack voice in govt No free speech/assembly Police

brutality/corruption

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Present your poster with the rest of the classmates

FUNDAMENTALISM

Political & social movement promoting a return to traditional, or fundamental, interpretation of any religion.

Islamic Fundamentalism or “Political Islam” Est. Shari’a law as foundation of

government Rid society of non-Islamic influence

ORIGINS Islamic empire

eclipsed, dominated, and exploited by West. Frustrated w/politics.

Frustration with rapid social & economic changes.

Western presence in Holy Lands, ME politics, perceived attack on Islam

RELIGIOUSLY MOTIVATED TERRORISM World Gone

Wrong Religion to cope &

guide Tool for social

activism & poly change

Motivate & justify purpose

No Other Option Tried traditional

channels for change, failed

Lack power, voice Hopeless &

frustrated

Cosmic War Against Enemy Good vs Evil (God/Devil) Stakes so high, cause

so virtuous = any means justify ends

Symbolism & Violence Value to target & timing

“Four Cases” Read

From “Responding to Terrorism: Challenges for Democracy” www.choices.edu

ISLAMIC FUNDAMENTALISM & VIOLENCE Most DO NOT

ADVOCATE violence!

Terrorism as form of jihad

Seek to overthrow secular regimes & rulers they regard as un-Islamic

IMPACT ON FOREIGN POLICY

US Concerns Poly & econ

stability

Terror attacks against Western Interests

“Islamaphobia”- Anti-Arab Anti-Muslim, sentiment born out of fear and ignorance

CLOSURE

Do you consider Islamic fundamentalism a threat to US security? Why or why not?

FUNDAMENTALIST GROUPS

Al Qaeda

Beliefs- establishing rule of God on Earth Attaining Martyrdom Purification of ranks

of Islam

Countries- Afgan., Iraq,

Sudan, Pakistan

Gov participation- recognized part of Libya’s rebel gov

Activities- assassinations, bombings, etc

TALIBAN

Beliefs- Sunni, Islam; Shari’a Law

Countries- Afghan., Pakistan

Gov- Diplomatic recognition from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan

Activities- Brutal oppression of women Burning fertile land Bombings

Outside oppostion- US &UK, India, UN

HEZBOLLAH

Beliefs- Shi’ite Muslim

In Lebanon

Gov- few seats, radio & tv networks

Activities- suicide attacks and kidnapping

Outside Oppostion- US- terrorist group UN- request they

disarm

HAMAS

Islamic fundamentalism

Gaza, West Bank in Israel

Palestine Authority rules 2 houses

Activities- suicide bombings, use rockets, and small arms

MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD

Beliefs- strict Quran following Democratic values Activism & Charity Shari’a Law

In Egypt, Bahran, Jordan, Iraq

Power? Not in most countries Egypt

Activities- Poly party control Nat’l effort toward

reform and progress

Outside opposition- question sincerity

ISLAMIC JIHAD

Beliefs- Wants US and allies out

Countries- Lebanon, Palestine

Power- No gov’t powers but control dozens of NGO’s Operate Mosques

and schools

Activities- kidnappings, bombings, suicide bombings