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The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines terrorism as "the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion." It is a term that is not very specific and can be used broadly to label any individual with a radical or extreme view who inspires fear to further a cause. Terrorists come in all shapes, sizes, colors, religions and creeds. Terrorists are usually politically motivated and are often fighting enemies which they cannot fight using conventional methods. A terrorist more often than not has no access to machines of war and is unable to sustain a resistance against a larger and stronger enemy. Because of this inherent weakness the signature of any terrorist is often a tragically violent act.

The word is loosely used by governments to describe foreign and domestic enemies that oppose the states interests, whether at home or abroad. Historically there are a great number of people who were branded terrorists. The word terrorism was first used to describe the acts of the Jacobin Club during their administration in post-revolution France. Many of us have grown up to witness at least one act of terrorism, whether it be the bombing of an abortion clinic or major civilian transportation exploding en route to its destination. Today however, the United States leads a coalition of nations in a War on Terror.

Terrorism as we know it today is fueled by many things. Americans generally see terrorism as something that is unique to the Middle East and the Arab world or even Islam. With this in mind, it is easier to examine the actions of American government that has no doubt kept the fire burning for nearly a century. Along with other powerful Western nations, the United States has been actively involved in both covert and overt operations inside Middle Eastern countries. Since the end of World War I governments such as the United Kingdom, United States, France and Russia have been actively involved in the inner-most workings of often unstable nations.

1916: The United Kingdom, France and Russia agree to partition the Ottoman Empire into zones. These zones would be under direct control of the three aforementioned powers or apart of its sphere of influence in the region. Russia faces its communist revolution and is forced to back out of the Sykes-Picot Agreement. This partitioning leads to the settlement and founding of many modern countries we know today. These nations include Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen and many of the United Arab Emirates.

Pro-West dictators

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