The Less than Immaculate Conception of Terrorism
             A decade ago, the world experienced on average approximately ten incidents of terrorist violence a week- assassinations, bombings, air-hijackings, kidnappings, maiming or attacks on facilities. The average now lies at almost ten a day. This clearly identifies the rise in terrorism within the contemporary world.
             For the purposes of this essay, the act of 'terrorism' shall be defined by three factors; 1) an act which involves physical force against others and their property, 2) it has to violate all rules of peace time and 3) it has to be intended to psychologically effect people other than the victims. This rise in terrorism has had an unconscionable effect on target countries and our ever increasingly global community; therefore, it is crucial to explore what variables may have lead to this rise.
             In this essay, it will be discussed whether the lack of media attention, lack of understanding towards other religions, so-called "religious fundamentalism" and certain aspects of globalisation , are the responsible factors causing the rise of terrorism in the contemporary world. The popular argument of poverty and lack of technology being a major cause will also be discussed and critiqued. These factors will be examined with particular reference to the Al-Qaeda network, Irish Republican Army and the Northern Ireland Loyalists.
             The media today plays an important international role. It works as "a trigger mechanism that can provoke immediate political response at the highest level" and can generate tides of sympathy or anger within the public. On September 11th 2001, websites and service providers reported an up to ten times increase in internet traffic , this demonstrates the enormous influence the media has in today's world. As such, a lack of media attention can lead to feelings of immense frustration, which can grow to a need for vengeance....