Examine the global reach of the al Qaeda network

Overview: Government sources have identified the five suspects arrested over the weekend in Buffalo, New York, as al Qaeda-trained operatives. What are "sleeper cells"? Why do al Qaeda sleeper cells pose a threat to U.S. security? Have students learn about the global reach of Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network. Using pushpins, mark each of the countries where these terrorist groups operate on a world map. Discuss the political and economic advantages a global network offers to these terrorist operations.

1. Why did U.S. authorities recently arrest five men of Yemeni decent in Buffalo, New York? Why is the American government monitoring the three men who used to live in Lackawanna, New York? Who is Sahim Alwan? What evidence do authorities have against him and the other suspects? How have the suspects' relatives responded to the allegations made against their family members? Do you think the suspects are victims of discrimination or effective police work? Explain.

2. What is al Qaeda? What are "sleeper cells" Why do al Qaeda sleeper cells pose a threat to U.S. security? Refer student to the links below to learn about what the U.S. government is doing to root out these cells in the U.S. After students share their findings, ask: Why do you think this work is so difficult?

3. Refer students to multimedia resources to learn about Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network. With what other terrorist groups is al Qaeda associated? Using pushpins, mark each of the countries where these terrorist groups operate on a world map. Ask students: What conclusions can you draw about the global reach of al Qaeda and its associated terrorist groups? Discuss the political and economic advantages a global network offers to these terrorist operations.