1. Root Sources of Terrorism in Africa(a) Poverty.Poverty as a key reason behind the course of existential terrorism is one of the three root sources of terrorism in Africa. Despite the fact that Africa is rich in resources, corruption and political instability among other ills have made it hard for the continent to achieve prosperity (Whittaker 2007). As the scramble for power and wealth continues, terrorist groups have emerged to violently protect their selfish interests.
An example is the piracy problem in Somalia and the entire horn of Africa.(b) Political Instability and the Weapons industryLack of well-defined political institutions in Africa has led to the emergence of political militias who resolve to perpetuating acts of terrorism to fund their activities as well as furthering their motives (White 2008). An example of such a group is the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Uganda, East Africa. Weapon manufacturers fuel conflicts in Africa to utilize resources and to find a market for their weapons.(c) Religious fundamentalismIslamists are a root source of terrorism in Africa just like in any other part of the world.
The clash between religion, state and globalization is the reason why terrorist cells exist in the Horn of Africa (specifically Somalia (Al Shabaab) and Sudan (the Mujahedeen)) and Northern Nigeria.2. Root Sources of Terrorism in Asia(a) IslamistsIslamic fundamentalism has been a root source of terrorism in Asia more so in the Middle East. Since the split in Islam following the death of its founder Prophet Muhammad, conflict between the Shia and Sunni sects has bred religiously motivated terrorism. Islamic fundamentalism is also responsible for the emergence of terrorist groups fighting democracy, globalization, capitalism and other elements of westernization (White 2008).(b) Religious intoleranceTerrorists particularly in countries where Islam is the majority religion have continued to target innocent civilian justifying their acts on religion.
Christians and nationals from countries involved in the fight against terrorism are targeted. Terrorists acting with this motivation have no political or social responsibility and do not care about the political backlash which results after their destructive acts (Hamm 2005). Religious intolerance is common in Lebanon and Iran.(c) Political instabilityLack of strong governments has led to a surge in terrorist activities; particularly in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Armed resistant political hardliners sometimes engage in terrorism just for the sake or to finance their activities (Hamm 2005). State-perpetuated terrorism also arises from lack of political initiative.
For example, the Republic of North Korea can be said to be perpetuating terrorism against its citizens and other innocent people.3. Sources of conflict on Iraq and AfghanistanThere are multiple sources of conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan because there are multiple parties involved in both conflicts; each with different interests. Intolerance and difference in political and religious inclination, ethnicity and struggle for supremacy were the main sources of conflict in both countries before their wars (White 2008). Thereafter, these factors have continued to be effective; but increasing insurgency due to Islamic and nationalistic fundamentalism has fuelled the conflict further.
4. Political issues surrounding terrorism in PakistanPakistan has a long history of political issues complementary to terrorism. Martial Law was imposed in 1956. Resultant dictatorship led to political dissent and uprising, thus militancy. During the Soviet-Afghan War, “Islamization” policies had been initiated by General Zia ul-Haq (White 2008).
Ideologically driven Muslims flocked Pakistan to train as Jihadists for the war but failed to disarm after its conclusion. These were to continue contributing to conflicts to the present day. Sectarian violence between Shia and Sunni Muslims also plays a significant role. Tension also lies around Pakistan’s position as a nuclear power; and political inclination towards western democracy has drawn armed resistance from conservative Islamic fundamentalists (White 2008).
