| Clearance of old stock Terrorism – the imposition of, or opposition to, government with the threat or fear of force – is mostly regarded as a modern horror, implemented by bombs, hijackings and assassinations. But the origins of terrorism occur far back in the Middle Ages, when the forefathers of the modern world's most uncompromising terrorists – al-Qaeda and the Palestinian suicide bombers, laid down their murderous creed. In the 11th century, Pope Urban II launched his own version of a ‘jihad' against the decadent, unholy Islamic world. The reaction in the Islamic world was one of increasing fury, and we continue to reap its consequences centuries later. Islam would become increasingly militant and radical, as heretical Muslim sects that preached intolerance and force gained ground. With the eternal reward of sexual favours from the 72 houris [virgins] of heaven promised, hundreds of assassins unafraid of death were trained to kill upon their master's signal. It was the birth of strategic terrorism. This illuminating study analyses the origins and history of terrorism, separating legend from truth to uncover the true roots of the fanatical terrorist acts the world has witnessed in the last decade. Essential reading for all historians, and for anyone who, up until now, may have thought that outrageous acts of terrorism causing untold civilian casualties, was a curse of the modern age. Contents:
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- Between the Broadsword and the Scimitar
- Backstabbing for Fun and Profit
- The First Jihad?
- The Castle of Death
- Arrival of the Assassins
- A Voice in the Wilderness
- The Hashishim
- The Kinfe Tested
- Looking away from Mecca
- A Theory about conspiracies
- The Astrologer, the Goldsmith and the Alchemist
- From Alamut to Manchuria
- The Old Man of the Mountain
- The Wrath of God
- Conclusion: Mass Murder in Paradise
- Select Bibliography
- Index
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