Digital Learning Commons: Modern Conflicts: Origins

September 12, 2001

Cover of The New York Times on September 12, 2001. Click for interactive version.

Islamic vs. Islamist

Islamic is an adjective for Islam or Muslims. Islamic might refer to a community center, art, architecture, or an area of academic study.

Islamism is an ideology which forcefully promotes an often extreme version of Islam in all aspects of life, sometimes through violent means, including toward Muslim people.

More information:

Origins of Terrorism in the Middle East Region

The Changing Faces of Terrorism
Archived articles from the BBC on terrorism and the September 11 attacks.
CIA and the War on Terrorism
News and statements from the CIA on the War on Terror from September 12, 2001 to present.
The Evolution of Islamic [sic] Terrorism: An Overview
A historical overview from PBS Frontline.
Islamist Terrorism From 1945 to the Rise of ISIS
Brief overview of terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda and ISIS.
National Security Frequently Asked Questions
Archived version of the George W. Bush White House web site with information about the War on Terror.

Books In The Library

The 9/11 Report: A Graphic Adaptation by Sid Jacobson and Ernie Colón
Call Number: 973.931 JA
Graphic novel based on the final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States.
Afghanistan by Kim Whitehead
Call Number: 958.1 WHI
A photo-illustrated introduction to the nation of Afghanistan, discussing the country's place in the world, and looking at its land, history, religion, politics, economy, people, communities, and foreign relations.
Afghanistan by David Nelson
Call Number: 958.104 AFG
A history of human rights violations and political violence during the Afghan War since it began in 2001.
Causes of the Iraq War by Jim Gallagher
Call Number: 956.7044 GAL
Discusses the causes of the 2003 Iraq war, explaining the origins of Iraq, the reasons for its 1990 invasion of Kuwait, the 1991 Gulf War and subsequent U.N. efforts to disarm Iraq, and the U.S. desire to remove Saddam Hussein from power
Iraq by Bill and Dorcas Thompson
Call Number: 956.7 THO
A photo-illustrated introduction to Iraq, discussing the country's place in the world, history, religion, politics, economy, people, and foreign relations, and looking at the reconstruction of Iraq in the aftermath of the U.S. led war against the country in the early 21st century.
September 11 2001 by Helga Schier
Call Number: 973.931 SCH
Describes the events of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.
The Syrian Conflict by Michael Capek
Call Number: 956.05 CAP
The Syrian Conflict covers the struggle that erupted in Syria in early 2011, discussing the key players, the underlying causes, and the continuing human toll of the violence.
Terrorism by Gail B. Stewart
Call Number: 303.6 STE
Uses the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, to explore the historical, political, and religious origins of political violence, its effects on individuals, and what governments can do to stop it.
The war in Afghanistan: 2001 - Present by Steve Goldsworthy
Call Number: 958.1 GOL
Details the Afghanistan war following the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, including the battles, weapons, uniform, tactics, and people involved in the conflict and its aftermath.
The War on Terrorism by Karen Balkin
Call Number: 973.931 WAR
A variety of articles representing opposing viewpoints on different topics related to the war on terrorism.
War on Terror Technology by Nel Yomtov
Call Number: 973.7 YOM
War on Terror Technology explores how mine-resistant vehicles, drones, and cyberwarfare have played roles in this conflict.

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