Terrorist Groups - Examples of different kinds
Many believe that of all terrorism, religious terrorism is the oldest form. Religious terrorists target the heretic and sinners. Some of the acts of terror against those believed to be such were burning at the stake of heretics and adulterers being stoned to death. Terrorist groups can be found in all religions from Christianity to Muslim and every religion in between.
Practitioners of religious terrorism are classified as such for any one of the following reasons:
- Religion defines the group rather than other factors.
- Objectives are determined in some part by the religion.
- Religion defines the ultimate objective of the group
There are often controversies surrounding the classification of these types of people. Ethnic backgrounds often coincide with religions. Therefore and ethnic conflict may appear as a religious conflict and vice versa. Also, religious organizations may pursue political goals making it unclear what the objectives really are.
Some of the international terrorist groups that are associated with Christianity are the Freedomites and the Nagaland Rebels. Both terrorist groups have been around since the early to mid nineteen hundreds. The Jewish faith also has terrorist groups, Jewish Defense League, Gush Emunim Underground and the Kach group which is now defunct, to name a few. Some of the terrorist groups you will find affiliated with the Muslim religion are Abu Sayyaf established in 1991, Aden-Abyan Islamic Army originating from Yemeni and Armed Islamic Group which originated out of Nigeria in nineteen ninety two.
Along with religious terrorist groups, there are also worldwide issue terrorist groups. Some of these organizations are the Animal Liberation Front (ALF). Members of this group have caused property damage and animal release based on animal rights issues. They are listed at the top of the domestic threats list by the USDHS, the FBI and ATF. Another of these organizations is the Earth Liberation Front (ELF). Founded in nineteen ninety two, they operate out of Canada, the US and the UK. Also listed as one of the top domestic threasts, it is noted that PETA has given financial aid to both ALF and ELF political prisoners in the way of legal fees. Because organizations like these try to limit their violence to property damage, it is considered controversial to list them as terrorist groups.
Regardless of the motives of the organization whether here at home or overseas, many would agree that a state of violence in any form used to get a point across. whether it be political, religious, environmental issues or animal rights, is and always will be an act terrorism.