Question 1

How was a faction of Zawahari's al-Jihad compromised in the early 1990s?

Accepted Answer

The membership director's arrest led to the compromise of a faction of Zawahari's al-Jihad when Egyptian authorities found a computer with names of several members in his possession.

Question 2

On August 7, 1998 two United States Embassies were bombed on the same day with deadly results, one in Kenya and one in Tanzania; the actions of Al Qaeda were condemned around the world with members of the Islam horrified and the investigations proved they were behind the attacks. What was the purpose behind this seemingly senseless violence?

Accepted Answer

Osama bin Laden aimed to provoke the United States into military action in Afghanistan, which he believed would lead to a prolonged conflict that could be used to rally more support for Al Qaeda and further their agenda.

Question 3

Clinton began the war on terror after the efforts of Osama Bin Laden forced him to.

Accepted Answer

The term "War on Terror" is more closely associated with President George W. Bush, who initiated it in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks orchestrated by Osama Bin Laden and al-Qaeda.

Question 4

If the CIA had shared information it had and the FBI shared information it had with agents in the FBI, 9/11 would not have happened.

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is true because if the CIA and FBI had shared information, they would have been able to identify the terrorists and prevent the attacks.

Question 5

Which of the following greatly aided in finding and finishing bin Laden?

Accepted Answer

Harsh interrogation techniques, often referred to as "enhanced interrogation," were used to gather intelligence that eventually led to the discovery of bin Laden's whereabouts.

Question 6

How was the NSA involved in deterring terrorism so effectively in the Obama Administration?

Accepted Answer

The NSA's involvement in deterring terrorism during the Obama Administration was notably through its Prism program, which involved extensive spying and data mining activities. This program allowed the NSA to collect data from various internet companies, which was a significant part of their strategy to monitor and prevent terrorist activities.

Question 7

Columbia has seen so much violence throughout its history that it even has an academic discipline that studies it: Violentology.

Accepted Answer

Violentology is indeed a term used to refer to the study of violence in Colombia, reflecting the country's long history of internal conflict and violence. This academic discipline focuses on understanding the causes, nature, and consequences of violence in Colombian society.

Question 8

How has FARC evolved over the years?

Accepted Answer

FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) started as a Marxist-Leninist guerrilla group with the aim of overthrowing the Colombian government and implementing communist ideology. Over the years, while maintaining a facade of fighting for ideological reasons, they increasingly engaged in drug trafficking, kidnapping, and other criminal activities for profit, thus deviating significantly from their original communist ideology towards more capitalist criminal behaviors.

Question 9

FARC is responsible for which of the following incidents?

Accepted Answer

FARC, or the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, is a guerrilla movement involved in the continuing Colombian armed conflict. They are known for various acts of violence, including kidnappings. The February 2002 kidnapping of Ingrid Betancourt, a Colombian presidential candidate, is a notable incident attributed to FARC. The other options involve incidents that are not related to FARC but to other historical events and groups in different contexts.

Question 10

How was FARC diminished over time?

Accepted Answer

The President of Colombia's aggressive approach, supported by Plan Colombia, was a significant factor in diminishing FARC over time. Plan Colombia was a U.S.-backed initiative aimed at combating drug trafficking, insurgency, and improving security in Colombia, which directly impacted FARC's operations and capabilities.

Question 11

Why is it that the current administration under President Santos has ignored the ELN's wishes to join current peace negotiations?

Accepted Answer

President Santos prioritized negotiations with FARC over ELN due to the perceived greater threat from FARC, focusing peace efforts where they were deemed most critical.

Question 12

Why was the AUC supported by the government, businessmen and wealthy landowners, among others?

Accepted Answer

The AUC (Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia) was supported by various sectors including the government, businessmen, and wealthy landowners because it provided protection against guerrilla groups like the ELN (Ejército de Liberación Nacional) and FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia), which the Colombian government struggled to combat effectively.

Question 13

One activist, when asked why she did not speak out against the Peruvian government explained that "Quien habla es terrorista" ("Anyone who speaks out [in protest] is [considered to be] a terrorist").

Accepted Answer

This statement reflects the climate of fear and repression that activists often face in authoritarian regimes or under governments that harshly suppress dissent. The phrase "Quien habla es terrorista" encapsulates the idea that speaking out against the government can lead to being labeled as a terrorist, which is a tactic used to silence opposition and criticism.

Question 14

What brought about the end of the Shining Path?

Accepted Answer

The capture of Abimael Guzman was a pivotal moment that significantly weakened the Shining Path, leading to a decrease in their activities and influence.

Question 15

Which of the following describes the group known as MRTA?

Accepted Answer

The MRTA, or Túpac Amaru Revolutionary Movement, was a Peruvian guerrilla group aiming to establish a Marxist state. Unlike the Shining Path, another Peruvian guerrilla group, the MRTA was smaller and had a policy of not cooperating with them, despite sharing similar overarching goals.

Question 16

Which of the following events ended MRTA's influence?

Accepted Answer

The event described in option C, the government's successful operation on April 22, 1997, to rescue hostages from the Japanese ambassador's residence in Lima, Peru, significantly weakened the MRTA (Túpac Amaru Revolutionary Movement) and marked the end of their influence.

Question 17

How do Peru's citizens feel about their military?

Accepted Answer

The Peruvian military has faced criticism and demonization due to its harsh treatment of those suspected of terrorism or supporting terrorists, reflecting a complex relationship with the public that is influenced by historical events, including human rights abuses.

Question 18

Canada has never taken terrorism seriously until 9/11 and they were very quick to respond and change after 9/11.

Accepted Answer

Canada has been active in combating terrorism before 9/11, with efforts including legislation and international cooperation. The 9/11 attacks did lead to significant changes and enhancements in Canada's counter-terrorism strategies and security measures, but it was not the starting point of Canada taking terrorism seriously.

Question 19

Peru has made inroads against Shining Path and no longer needs to remain vigilant, as they are not a potential threat anymore.

Accepted Answer

Although Peru has made significant progress against the Shining Path, remnants of the group still pose a threat, particularly in remote areas involved in drug trafficking, necessitating continued vigilance.

Question 20

Which of the following is one of the two main thoughts at the core of the KKK?

Accepted Answer

The KKK is known for its belief in white supremacy, which includes the idea that races are fundamentally different and hierarchical, as indicated in option C. This reflects their core ideology of racial segregation and superiority.

Quiz 10: The Western Hemisphere, Including Canada, the United States, and South America