Thrawn Rickle 39

Terrorism

© 1993 Williscroft

In today’s world, terrorism seems to be divided into three distinct types. One type concerns itself with “internal” affairs—directing its terrorist activities against fairly well defined “opposition” elements. Most notable among these are the Irish Republican Army (IRA), several African tribal groups, several Southeast Asian and South American “political” organizations, and at least two related to drug trafficking. The second type is strictly religious, owing its allegiance to several Islamic orders. The third type is typified by the Bader Meinhoff Gang—it is strictly commercial, supplying services to the highest bidder.

“Internal terrorists” should be handled by the authorities in the countries wherein they operate, unless these authorities request outside assistance. Terrorism for hire and drug-related terrorism are international scourges that ought to be handled like any other heinous criminal activity. Islamic religious terrorism, on the other hand, should be examined more closely, for this may become the next great international crisis.

Islam spread throughout the world after the conquests by the caliphs in the seventh and eighth centuries. Around 1000 AD an offshoot of the Ismaili sect took root in India under the leadership of Mohammed Agha Khan. Known as the Nizaris, they were reputed to partake immoderately of hashish, so that they were also called hashshashins. In fact, these hashshashins became well known for the carefully planned murder of enemies of their sect—hence the word assassin. The Ismailis developed a well-deserved reputation of being prepared to sacrifice themselves in the service and for the cause of Islam. They became the swords of the Imams (Moslem priests) the world over.

In the early nineteenth century, the Ismaili Imam received the official title of Agha Khan from the Shah of Persia, harking back to the origins of the sect. This enterprising representative of Allah actually issued his assassin followers letters of introduction to the angel Gabriel in order to secure for them a good place in Paradise.

This ploy has not been lost on modern Islam leaders—especially the late Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran and his successors—who routinely dispatch Ismaili assassins throughout the world, promising them a place in paradise. When you are a soldier of God Himself, guided by the hand of his holy Imam, you are unlikely to be impressed by international decrees outlawing terrorism. Ismaili assassins are located throughout the world today, set to destroy target unbelievers upon a signal from their Imams. The killings of Israeli Olympic athletes, the suicide car-bombing of the American compound in Lebanon, and the downing of the Pan Am flight are excellent examples of this activity.

The danger is very real to anyone anywhere who publicly undermines or appears to undermine fundamentalist Islamic beliefs and actions. The danger is all the more real because these Ismaili assassins jealously guard their identities and association with the sect. Their services are available to any Imam, and the vast wealth of the oil-rich Arab region is indirectly available to finance their activities in much the same manner that the wealth of western corporations can be tapped by Christian church authorities, except that Islam has more direct access because of the fuzzy distinction between Moslem church and state identities.

Terrorism in the guise of religion is far more insidious than terrorism for hire. We must deal with it decisively and completely—at the source.