Russia's Role in Evolution of Islamic Terrorism

• In Event: Issues in Terrorism

Abstract

This paper provides perspectives on the history, and ideologies associated with Islamic terrorism. Then we discuss about the role of the Soviet Union and contemporary Russia in funding, and supporting Islamic terrorism. For instance, since the declaration of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979, the Islamic government has been accused of funding terrorists groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, Quds Force and Khorasan.
The differences between the Sunni and Shiite Islamic sects are rooted in disagreements over the succession to the Prophet Muhammad. The majority of the world’s Muslim population follows the Sunni branch of Islam, and minority Muslims follow the Shiite in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, and Azerbaijan.

As pointed out by RAND's Bruce Hoffman, in 1980 two out of 64 terrorist groups were categorized as largely religious in motivation; in 1995 almost half of the identified groups, 26 out of 56, were classified as religiously motivated; the majority of these espoused Islam as their guiding force.

Finally, the need for international cooperation in dealing with the Islamic terrorism is discussed with reference to possible economic, and military sanctions.

Authors

• Amir Fakhravar, Lamar University

• Sanaz Alasti, Lamar University