Overview of Terrorism



Most modern political terrorists are Muslim extremists. They are motivated by a combination of religious and political causes. The political objectives are chiefly terroritorial - as in the case of Palestine and Chechnya. The religious objectives are fueled by a distaste for many Western social values, particularly the open display of sexual imagery.


The U.S. is combating terrorism through a combination of vigilance and military strikes. The 9/11 Commission has issued a report urging other activities as well, such as improving relationships and living conditions in the countries which terrorists originate from.