The employment of terrorist tactics has existed throughout history. September 11 was not the first terrorist act of Osama bin Laden: He had been involved with the organization, funding, and carrying out of attacks since the early 1990s, the target of these attacks almost always being the United States. Since the events of September 11, 2001, the campaign to eradicate terrorism has been the central focus of many governments. If one name has come to be associated with terrorism in the United States in the wake of these attacks, it is Osama bin Laden. Why did bin Laden feel such animosity toward the United States? Who else does bin Laden identify as an enemy of Islam? What specific grievances did he utilize as a rallying cry to Islamic supporters? How does he compare his followers to the troops of his enemies?

Respond to your classmates to share your memories of 9/11 and your understanding of bin Laden's jihad against the West.

This will be an emotional and challenging discussion, but one that will help us to develop a deeper understanding of both terrorist justifications for their actions as well as international efforts to eliminate this threat. Please be considerate in your responses and open to the interpretations that others provide.