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Terrorism and its consequences

Terrorism is one of the leading problems that humanity is facing in this historical period. During the recent years, countries in Western Europe, as well as those in the Middle East or Africa have been hit by terrorist acts. However, although the issue of terrorism has increased globally only lately, the first terrorist attacks have been recorded since the first century of our era.

Terrorism in Antiquity and the Middle Ages

The oldest institution that sowed with modern terrorist organizations was the Jews of Jews. The Zellies led in the first century a campaign of assassination of the occupation forces, as well as of the Jews about whom they had information that they would collaborate with the Romans. Their reason was that, if they were to live under Roman rule, they would not be able to respect the dictates of Judaism. The last Zelo's Red Army fell in the year 74 when the Romans besieged the Masada fortress, and the people inside were assassinated. In the 11th century, the Order of the Assassins was the next terrorist group to present the characteristics of today's organizations. The separatist faction of Islam, led by Hassam I Sabbah, adopted the tactics of assassinating the enemy leaders because they did not have the resources needed for an open fight. They sent a lone assassin to kill a key leader from the enemy. The Assassins' Order activity ended in 1273; after two centuries the group sowed terror in the Middle East. 

Terrorism in the Modern Age

Since the disappearance of the Order of the Assassins and by the late 1700s, terror has been widely used only in war. As the kingdoms that existed at that time became developed countries with their nations, they also had enough means to impose their authority and to stop all sorts of harmful activities, such as terrorism.

During the French Revolution (1789-1799) the words "terrorism" and "terrorists" were used for the first time. The use of the word "terrorism" began in 1795 when reference was made to the regime of terror initiated by the revolutionary government. Revolutionists have used terrorist tactics, such as the assassination and intimidation of revolutionary agents. The Parisian Mafias also played a critical role before, during and after the revolution, killing essential and aristocratic officials long before the guillotine was first used. During the 19th century, radical policies and improved weapon technology stimulated the formation of small groups of so-called terrorists who effectively attacked states around the globe. Anarchists have recorded some significant blows, succeeding in assassinating heads of state from Russia, France, Spain, Italy and the United States of America. Their lack of organization and the refusal to co-operate with other social movements have contributed to the limitation of the terrorist activity of anarchists.  

Currently, counter-terrorism campaigns, as well as awareness-raising campaigns are presented. More and more organizations are involved as far as possible in preventing such fatal and unexpected attacks. Increased security measures are being taken, sometimes with citizens ceding their rights for the sake of protecting the invisible and unpredictable enemy.

Private companies are joining the authorities in fighting this phenomenon, at least at an informational level. Just see the campaigns where Women-Owned, Need Cash Now! or NOW have taken part in.