Violent Islamist Extremism, The Internet, and the Homegrown Terrorist Threat

United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs ^ | May 8, 2008 | United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

[Christus_Rex]

The James case is only one example of how the violent Islamist terrorist threat has evolved and expanded since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Al-Qaeda planned the 9/11 attacks and recruited the hijackers abroad before sending them to the United States to make final preparations for the operation. The 9/11 hijackers were indoctrinated into the violent Islamist mindset long before they set foot in the United States. The James case and others illustrate, however, radicalization is no longer confined to training camps in Afghanistan or other locations far from our shores; it is also occurring right here in the United States.

Violent Islamist ideology and the terrorism it inspires pose a substantial threat to America’s homeland security. The core tenets of this violent ideology are straightforward, uncompromising, and absolute. The ideology calls for the pursuit and creation of a global Islamist state – a Caliphate – that unites all Muslims – the Ummah – and is governed by Islamic law – Sharia. In pursuing this totalitarian goal, violent Islamists are not only encouraged to attack those who are not committed to their ideology in its purest form, including other Muslims, but are purportedly obligated to do so.

The first World Trade Center bombing in 1993, the attacks on the United States embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998, the attack on the USS Cole in 2000, the devastating attacks of September 11, 2001, and many others were carried out by well-organized, well-equipped, and well-trained individuals indoctrinated into violent Islamist ideology. The United States government has appropriately focused its attentions at its borders and abroad, disrupting terrorist planning, training, and operations as part of the Global War on Terror. Despite these efforts, the Committee’s investigation has found that the violent Islamist threat to the homeland has evolved and expanded.

[Christus_Rex]

Must read report! Support Rep. Peter King's current hearings on the radicalization of American Muslims!

[pallis]

Violent, Islamic terrorists are supported by Democrats and domestic terrorists like those mobilized by Obama in Wisconsin. King has his work cut out for him

[Christus_Rex]

Yeah.