HAMAS – Islamic Resistance Movement – Harakat Al-Muqawama Al-Islamiya

2. HAMAS – Islamic Resistance Movement – Harakat Al-Muqawama Al-Islamiya • Formed in 1987 from Palestinian branch of Muslim Brotherhood • December 14, 1987 HAMAS anniversary • Liberation of Palestine • Operate in Gaza Strip, West Bank; have offices in Amman Jordan; fundraising worldwide • Loosely structured group – cellular structure

3. Hizballah – Party of God • Formed in 1982 by Iranian military intelligence following Israeli invasion of Lebanon • Liberation of Lebanon as revolutionary Shiite Islamic state • Operate in Lebanon, Beirut and Bekaa Valley; also found in Iran; fundraising worldwide • Collective leadership, loose confederation of militant groups and clerical leadership

4. Al Qaeda • Formed around 1988. The organization was formed after Bin Laden was already running the Services Office, a clearinghouse for the Muslim brigade opposing Soviet invasion in Afghanistan. Al Qaeda grew out of the Services Office • Expel unbelievers from Middle East • Operate worldwide • Decentralized; many autonomous cells worldwide

6. Definitions • Terrorism: • The term "terrorism" means premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by sub-national groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to influence an audience. • The term "international terrorism" means terrorism involving citizens or the territory of more than one country. • The term "terrorist group" means any group practicing, or that has significant subgroups that practice, international terrorism. (U.S State Dept.) • Organized Crime • “any group having some manner of a formalized structure and whose primary objective is to obtain money through illegal activities. Such groups maintain their position through the use of actual or threatened violence, corrupt public officials, graft, or extortion, and generally have a significant impact on the people in their locales, region, or the country as a whole.” (FBI)

7. Decrease in State Sponsored Terrorism • Crackdown on charities • Use of organized crime as means to fund • Drug Trafficking • Arms Trafficking • Contraband Smuggling (Cigarettes, Diamonds and Gems, Fuel, etc.) • Human Trafficking • Sex Trade, Immigration, Work • Counterfeit Goods • Legitimate business

8. Women’s Role in Islam and the Trend in Female Suicide Bombings By Vesna Markovic

9. Methodology Introduction * 51 cases suicide bombings by females * 5 cases attacks not carried out * Total 56 cases * Open Source data * Personal Info: Age, Occupation, Family background, Reason for attack * Attack Info: Where, When, Target Deaths and Injuries, Terror Group * History of Suicide Bombings * Modern Suicide Bombings * Use as coercive measure Personal Reasons * Religious Fanatic * Nationalistic Fanatic * Avenger * Exploited Suicide Attacks * Suicide not allowed by Qur’an * Suicide Bombings / Martyrdom Operations * Organizational Reasons for Suicide Attacks * Personal Reasons for Suicide Attacks Limitations * Small number cases * Information not complete * Open Source data

10. * Women’s Role in Islam * Qur’an v. Cultural * Women as suicide bombers? * Qur’an * Fatwa’s issued * Community support

11. Findings AGE – 26 cases had age data

14. CONCLUSION * Trend * Scrutiny of Males * Community Support * al-Qassam poll * Palestinian Center for Public Opinion * Indoctrination at Early Age