The book explores the Islamist terrorism that swept across France in 2015 and 2016, examining the backgrounds and motives of the perpetrators, the attributes of the victims, and the legacy of the attacks.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 30 January 2021
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

A torrent of Islamist terrorism swept across France in 2015 and 2016, executed by militant jihadists on behalf of al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (ISIS). Their targets ranged from the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo magazine to the Bataclan Theatre on the Boulevard Voltaire to a parish church in a Normandy village and a beachfront promenade on the Mediterranean. This book reconstructs these and other terrorist offensives France weathered during this period. Placing each attack in its sociopolitical context, the author examines the backgrounds and motives of the perpetrators, the attributes of the victims, and the legacy of the attacks for the people.

A Torrent of Islamist Terrorism Swept Across France in 2015 and 2016

In 2015 and 2016, France experienced a devastating wave of Islamist terrorism, perpetrated by militant jihadists on behalf of al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (ISIS). These attacks targeted a wide range of locations, including the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo magazine, the Bataclan Theatre on the Boulevard Voltaire, a parish church in a Normandy village, and a beachfront promenade on the Mediterranean. This book aims to reconstruct these and other terrorist offensives that France faced during this period, providing a comprehensive analysis of the events and their impact on society.

Background and Motives of the Perpetrators

The perpetrators of these terrorist attacks were primarily motivated by a radical interpretation of Islam and a desire to establish a global caliphate. They were often young, disenfranchised individuals who had been exposed to extremist ideology through online forums, social media, and other means. Many of them had traveled to conflict zones in the Middle East and North Africa, where they had been radicalized and trained by extremist groups. The attacks were also motivated by a sense of grievance and resentment towards Western society, particularly its policies towards the Middle East and its perceived support for Israel.

Attributes of the Victims

The victims of these terrorist attacks were diverse and included individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and faiths. Many of them were journalists, artists, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. The attacks also targeted religious institutions, including churches and synagogues, and civilians who were simply enjoying their day-to-day lives. The victims were often targeted because of their perceived association with Western values or their opposition to extremist ideology.

Legacy of the Attacks

The attacks of 2015 and 2016 had a profound impact on French society. They led to increased security measures, including the implementation of a state of emergency and the deployment of thousands of troops to protect public spaces. They also led to a rise in anti-Muslim sentiment and discrimination, with many Muslims reporting increased harassment and violence. The attacks also had a significant impact on the international community, with many countries expressing their solidarity with France and offering support in the fight against terrorism.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the terrorist attacks of 2015 and 2016 in France were a devastating and tragic event that had a profound impact on French society. They were executed by militant jihadists on behalf of al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (ISIS) and were motivated by a radical interpretation of Islam and a desire to establish a global caliphate. The victims of these attacks were diverse and included individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and faiths, and the attacks had a profound impact on French society, leading to increased security measures, anti-Muslim sentiment and discrimination, and a rise in international support for the fight against terrorism.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 149 x 225 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476679181