Terrorist Attacks Since 2003 Flashcards
(4 cards)
Context of war on terror.
From 1990s a radical Islamist group called al Qaeda led by Osama bin laden who carried out terrorist attacks on the USA and its allies. Their main targets were western democratic countries, communism, Isreal, Muslim government that weren’t strict enough. USA was their biggest enemy and it exploded in 2001 with the 9/11 attacks. USA responded by attacking Afghanistan which destroyed al Qaeda but the groups aims lived on an in 2006 ISIS was formed in Iraq and Syria and took on a similar role as al Qaeda.
Why did Britain become a target for terrorist attacks?
Mainland Britain had been subject to IRA bombings in the 70-80s so they were used to a terrorist threat and understood the measures needed for defence. However their had been no terrorist attacks since 1997.
Britains consistent support and loyalty of the USA and its involvement with both Afghanistan and Iraq campaigns made it a clear target for Islamic terrorists and from 2003-2011 there were 8 major terrorist plots known to the police. Civilians were their main targets as they intended to spread fear and disrupt daily life. Most failed but one succeeded. The London bombings of 2005.
The London bombings July 2005?
On the 7 July 2005 a series of coordinated terrorist attacks took place on the London Underground and a bus in central london. Four Islamists carried explosives and detonated them as suicide attacks 52 were killed 700 injured and they achieved their goal of spreading terror.
The government response:
Recruits: there were plenty of willing recruits who were sent to go undercover and gather information.
Training:
Some British Muslims went to training camps in Afghanistan to gain information and experience.
Support:
Plenty of people supported with vehicles and research.
Detention without trial:
A more controversial measure used was that the government could hold terrorist suspects for 29 days without a charge. Usually 2.
Threat level:
These were introduced to inform the public the likelihood of a terrorist attack and helped to keep safety for the people.
Public response to the terrorist attacks?
At first people were sceptical of the supposed terrorist threat and many saw it as promotion for the war in Iraq but following the London bombings peoples minds were changed and many people accepted the extensive security checks and were even willing to introduce security cards.
The attacks also created hostility towards Muslims in Britain but eventually that shrunk as they proved they shared similar values to British people.
