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Examine the links between Indonesian bombings and the War on Terror
October 13, 2002
Web posted at: 10:48 PM EDT (0248 GMT)
Examine the links between Indonesian bombings and the War on Terror
Overview: President George W. Bush called the bombings in Indonesia that killed more than 180 people, "a cowardly act designed to create terror and chaos." U.S. officials fear the fatal attacks, believed to be aimed at foreign tourists and possibly at Americans, may be proof that the reach of the al Qaeda terrorist network is growing.
Have students read the story "Explosions Rock Island of Bali" and answer the following questions:
1. Where is Bali located? What happened in Bali over the weekend? How many people were killed? How did President George W. Bush react to the deadly attacks? How might the bombings affect American personnel in Indonesia? According to U.S. officials, at whom were the attacks aimed? Why is that significant? Is the location of the bombing significant? Explain.
2. To what other events are the bombings in Indonesia being linked? Who do U.S. officials believe is responsible for these attacks? Why is it significant that these bombings are thought to be the work of al Qaeda? Why is the timing of these attacks in Indonesia significant?
3. Have students research the Web sites below to learn more about the bombings in Indonesia and the reasons why U.S. officials believe this is the work of the al Qaeda terrorist organization. Discuss the role that these attacks might play in the Bush administration's efforts to seek international support for its War on Terrorism. Then, have students write a one-page response to the following question: Will recent signs of al Qaeda activity in other regions of the world help or hurt President Bush's call for military action against Saddam Hussein and Iraq? Students should justify their positions with facts.
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