Ever since the events of September 11, 2001, Americans have been living within their own minds, afraid of almost everything that could potentially do them harm. Terrorism continues to be one of the biggest threats to our way of life, and many everyday citizens are afraid to simply walk to work these days out of fear of a bombing or shooting taking place. With the recent events in Paris, which is quite sad and disheartening, terrorism is growing ever worse. Here are nine shattering facts about today’s modern terrorism problem.
9. Islamic Connections
9. Islamic Connections
The majority of today’s major terror groups are not even connected to Islam, despite the media telling us they are. For example, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the US, is a Marxist-Leninist group.
8. Western Lives
8. Western Lives
The main victims of terrorism don’t even live within the west. We hear about the worst cases in the West, but the majority tend to be throughout Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. 60 percent of all fatal attacks occur here by terror groups.
7. Separatism
7. Separatism
The recent Charlie Hebdo shootings in Paris were some of the biggest attacks, and now the most recent attacks throughout Paris have surpassed those. Despite those happenings, the majority of European terror attacks are about separatism. For example, Irish Republicanism.
6. Homegrown Terrorists
6. Homegrown Terrorists
Recent studies have come to the conclusion that homegrown terrorists kill more Americans than any Jihadists ever will. 48 American citizens have lost their lives to right-wing extremism since the attacks on 9/11.
5. Left-Wing Terrorists
5. Left-Wing Terrorists
Left-wing values have rarely been associated with any form of modern terrorism. Despite many believing otherwise, left-wing terrorists are actually responsible for more nonlethal attacks than any other group in the world.
4. Organized Groups
4. Organized Groups
Terrorism within the United States is rarely, if ever, carried out by organized groups. The majority of attacks, which a study explored 60 of, are carried out by a “lone wolf” or small groups of two at the most. These make up 90 percent of all attacks.
3. Declining Attacks
3. Declining Attacks
Despite the media wanting everyone to be terrified, the frequency of terror attacks within the United States has actually been declining since 1970. Since that year, over 450 attacks have been recorded. Mass casualty events are more popular, but overall we have seen less attacks each year since the 70’s.
2. Spreading Religion
2. Spreading Religion
Most people believe terrorism is all about spreading religion or someone’s ideology. That is actually quite false. Terrorists have been found to simply enjoy hurting other people, which makes them more sadistic than religious.
1. 9/11 Isn’t The Biggest Attack Attempted
1. 9/11 Isn’t The Biggest Attack Attempted
Despite most reports claiming 9/11 is one of the biggest terror attacks, with over 3,000 dead in the ensuing slaughter, it actually is not. Four KKK members, back in 1997, plotted to blow up a gas refinery in Fort Worth, Texas. The aftermath would have resulted in over 30,000 people losing their lives.
