# INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT OF DATABASES

# RELEVANT FOR SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH

# ON TERRORISM

*A Report Prepared by the Federal Research Division,*

*Library of Congress*

*under an Interagency Agreement with the*

*National Institute of Justice Violence and Victimization Division*

*November 2003*

# Authors: Alice R. Buchalter

* Glenn E. Curtis*

* Project Manager: David L. Osborne*

* ****Federal Research Division***

* ****Library of Congress***

* ****Washington, D.C. 20540**-**4840**** Tel: 202-707-3900*

*Fax: 202-707-3920*

# E-Mail: frds@loc.gov

* Homepage: http://lcweb.loc.gov/rr/frd/*

# PREFACE

This report provides a description and assessment of Internet-accessible
databases relevant for social science research on terrorism. The body of
this report details those websites that provide actual data, e.g., names
of terrorist organizations and incidents of terrorist activity; several
have search capabilities. These websites are maintained primarily by
U.S. government agencies, non-U.S. research centers, and international
organizations. An appendix to this report provides an extensive list of
additional resources that provide commentary and analysis of terrorism
events and trends. These resources are derived from the U.S. government,
libraries, international agencies, government and private non-U.S.
agencies and institutes, and academic-based domestic organizations.

No one definition of terrorism can be applied to all the databases
referenced herein. As the National Institute for the Prevention of
Terrorism states on its website: "There is no universally accepted
definition of terrorism and even when people agree on a definition of
terrorism, they sometimes disagree about whether or not the definition
fits a particular incident."
(\<http://www.mipt.org/terrorismdefined.asp\>) In instances where a
specific database has adopted a definition of terrorism, the report so
notes.

This report indicates the focus of each database, including whether or
not it is restricted to a particular region of the world, but it is not
the role of the authors to present any bias that may be reflected in the
selection of data.

**table of contents**

PREFACE i

U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT COUNTERTERRORISM OFFICE 1

# U.S. TREASURY DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL

(EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR TERRORIST FINANCING AND FINANCIAL CRIME) 3

*THE NEW CONSOLIDATED LIST OF INDIVIDUALS AND ENTITIES BELONGING TO OR
ASSOCIATED WITH THE TALIBAN AND AL-QAIDA ORGANISATION AS ESTABLISHED AND
MAINTAINED BY THE 1267 COMMITTEE * 4

# CENTER FOR DEFENCE AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY STUDIES

TERRORISM PROGRAMME 5

INTERNATIONAL POLICY INSTITUTE FOR COUNTER-TERRORISM 7

SOUTH ASIA TERRORISM PORTAL 8

CENTER FOR DEFENSE INFORMATION TERRORISM PROJECT 9

# FEDERATION OF AMERICAN SCIENTISTS INTELLIGENCE RESOURCE

# PROGRAM LIST OF *LIBERATION MOVEMENTS, TERRORIST*

# ORGANIZATIONS, SUBSTANCE CARTELS, AND OTHER PARA-STATE

* ENTITIES* 11

# OKLAHOMA CITY NATIONAL MEMORIAL INSTITUTE FOR THE

PREVENTION OF TERRORISM (MIPT) 12

APPENDIX 16

# Name: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT COUNTERTERRORISM OFFICE

**Address: **\<http://www.state.gov/s/ct\>

**Definition of Terrorism:** In its report *Patterns of Global Terrorism
2002, *the U.S. State Department states: "No one definition of terrorism
has gained universal acceptance. For the purposes of this report, we
have chosen the definition in 22 USC 2656f (d): terrorism means
premeditated, politically motivated violence against persons or property
to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any
segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives."

# **Focus of Data**: International

# Database Contents:

\(1\) Counterterorism Office - brief biography of counterrorism
coordinator and statement of U.S. counterterrorism policy; link to White
House *Progress Report on the Global* *War on Terrorism.* Link to
database on Foreign Terrorist Organizations (fact sheet on statutory
authority, designation method and criteria, and list of FTOs, current as
of May 23, 2003).

\(2\) Counterterrorism current events - summary of recent activity.

\(3\) Diplomacy and the Global Coalition Against Terrorism - link to
department publication *United Against Terrorism*, related information
from the White House, and legislation. Section on Terrorists and
Terrorism has link to FTO list and Terrorist Exclusion List (see
Counterterrorism and Finance, below).

\(4\) Patterns of Global Terrorism - link to full text of report
*Patterns of* *Global Terrorism 2002*, released April 2003, and earlier
annual reports (report gives overviews of terrorism by geographic
region; appendices include background information on FTOs and other
terrorist groups; chronology of significant terrorist incidents, 2002;
summary of the U.S. military counterterrorism campaign in 2002). This
page also has a link to archives, which includes FTO designations for
1997 and 1999.

\(5\) International Programs - discussion of major initiatives with
other U.S. agencies and foreign nations to improve preparation,
deterrence, and response to terrorist attacks.

\(6\) Counterterrorism Finance and Designation Unit - Attorney General's
statement on terrorist financing, and links to press statements on
recent (early 2003) designations of terrorist groups/organizations.
Links to the following databases:

· Foreign Terrorist Organizations, which "this Unit leads and
coordinates with the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Department of
Justice to designate."

· Executive Order (EO) 13224 authorizes the U.S. government to designate
and block the assets of foreign individuals and entities that commit, or
pose a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism. There is a
link to the text of this EO, and a fact sheet, with a further link to
the Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control list of
persons/entities whose assets were blocked as of September 23, 2001,
current as of October 24, 2003, and updated continually.

· Terrorist Exclusion List - fact sheet on statutory authority;
designation criteria; and list of designees, current as of February 18,
2003.

\(7\) Homeland Security Unit - paragraph on relationship between
Department of State and Office of Homeland Security; link to Secretary's
statement on passage of Homeland Security Act.

\(8\) Countering Terrorism - links to EO13224, White House statements,
Congressional activity against terrorism, and chronologies of September
through December 2001 events, 1963-1999 treaties, and 1961-2001
incidents. Link to table of international terrorism conventions and text
of UN, NATO, European Union, OAS and Caribbean Community
resolutions/declarations.

\(9\) Related Sites - government and non-government

\(10\) Releases - text of remarks, reports, fact sheets, press releases

# **Data Sources:** Primary government source.

# **Database Access: ** Full access from Internet Explorer and Netscape.

# **Access charges: ** Free.

**Limitations on Data Use: ** "External links to other Internet sites
should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained
therein."

**Tutorial Assistance: ** None; access to all information is by simply
arranged links, with full range of movement among database segments.

# **Codebooks: ** None.

# **References Related to Using the Dataset: ** None.

# **Requirements for Using the Dataset:** None.

# Data Assessment:

This website is a primary government source, and should be considered as
an authoritative source for names of individuals and groups linked to
terrorism. This information is provided in three separate lists:
Designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations; Terrorist Exclusion List
(used for immigration purposes); and list of organizations and
individuals linked to terrorism, whose assets have been blocked pursuant
to Executive Order (EO) 13224. The background information provided with
each list enables the user to understand the basis upon which those
named have been included.

This website was initially confusing to the user because of multiple
links to the abovementioned lists. Much has been done to consolidate the
links, particularly regarding the list of persons and entities impacted
by EO 13224, which can be found only on the Treasury Department Office
of Foreign Assets Control website. However, the *Counterterrorism
Finance and Designation Unit* page still has two references to the EO,
which the user might think links to two different types of information,
but in fact both link to the OFAC page, which includes a fact sheet and
list of designees.

**Name:** **U.S. TREASURY DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL
(EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR TERRORIST FINANCING AND FINANCIAL CRIME)**

**Address: **\<http://www.treasury.gov/offices/eotffc/ofac/index.html\>

# **Definition of Terrorism**: None given.

# **Focus of Data**: International

# Database Contents:

\(1\) Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (list of
individuals and entities with which U.S. persons are precluded from
dealing; those named are either associated with international narcotics
or terrorism or are owned or controlled by, or acting on behalf of, the
governments of countries deemed hostile to U.S. foreign policy or
national security objectives).

\(2\) Country-by-country summary of sanctions in force.

\(3\) Text of Executive Order 13224 and list of persons whose assets
have been blocked pursuant to that Order.

# **Database Sources:** Primary government source.

# **Database Access:** Full access from Internet Explorer and Netscape.

# **Access Charges:** Free.

# **Limitations on Data Use:** None.

**Tutorial Assistance:** None; access to all information is by simply
arranged links, with full range of movement among database segments.

**Codebooks:** None.

# **References Related to Using the Dataset:** None.

# **Requirements for Using the Dataset:** None.

# Data Assessment:

Under a recent reorganization of the Treasury Department, the Office of
Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is no longer under a Division of
Enforcement; it is now part of the newly created Executive Office for
Terrorist Financing and Financial Crime. The OFAC website states the
mission of the Office as follows: "Administers and enforces economic and
trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals
against targeted foreign countries, terrorists, international narcotics
traffickers, and those engaged in activities related to the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction." OFAC "acts under the
Presidential wartime and national emergency powers, as well as authority
granted by specific legislation, to impose controls on transactions and
freeze foreign assets under US jurisdiction."

As noted above, Treasury's website has a link to the text of EO 13224
and to the list of persons affected by the sanctions it imposes; there
is also a link to this information in several locations on the State
Department website (see descriptions above).

The list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons, which
only appears on the OFAC website, is a 125-page detailed list of names,
giving aliases and country affiliation, and where known, address,
terrorist organization affiliation and passport number. The list is very
current, and frequently updated.

**Name: ** ***THE NEW CONSOLIDATED LIST OF INDIVIDUALS AND ENTITIES
BELONGING TO OR ASSOCIATED WITH THE TALIBAN AND AL-QAIDA ORGANISATION AS
ESTABLISHED AND MAINTAINED BY THE 1267 COMMITTEE***

**Address:
**\<http://www.un.org/docs/sc/committees/1267/1267ListEng.htm\>

# **Definition of Terrorism**: None given.

**Focus of Data**: For Taliban associates, Afghanistan; for Al-Qaida
associates, international.

# Database Contents:

\(1\) List of individuals and entities belonging to or associated with
the Taliban

\(2\) List of individuals and entities belonging to or associated with
the Al-Qaida organization

**Data Sources:** Committee of the United Nations Security Council
established pursuant to resolution 1267 to oversee the implementation of
sanctions imposed by the Security Council on individuals and entities
belonging or related to the Taliban, Usama bin Laden, and the Al-Qaida
organization.

# **Database Access:** Full access from Internet Explorer and Netscape.

# **Access Charges:** Free

# **Limitations on Data Use:** None.

**Tutorial Assistance:** None; access to all information is by simply
arranged links, with full range of movement among database segments.

# **Codebooks:** None.

# **Original Purpose of the Study: ** See "Data assessment," below.

# **References Related to Using the Dataset:** None.

# **Requirements for Using the Dataset:** None.

# Data Assessment:

Security Council Resolution 1267 (1999), as amended by Security Council
Resolutions 1333 (2000) and 1390 (2002), requires all Member States to
impose sanctions against "Usama bin Laden, members of the Al-Qaida
organization and the Taliban and other individuals, groups, undertakings
and entities associated with them." These sanctions are:

# Freeze without delay any funds and other financial assets or economic resources

Prevent the entry into or the transit through their territories

Prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale, and transfer of all arms
and military equipment.

These resolutions also establish a committee, consisting of all Members
of the Security Council, mandated to seek from all Member States
information regarding actions taken to implement the abovementioned
sanctions. This committee is requested to "maintain an updated list,
based on information provided by States and regional organizations, of
the individuals and entities designated as being associated with Usama
bin Laden, including those in the Al-Qaida organization." A September
2002 report of the Security Council Monitoring Group tasked to assess
the implementation of UN sanctions found that "the United Nations
consolidated list continues to be one of the key instruments available
to States in their efforts to implement the provisions requested of them
in Resolution 1390 (2002)." The report states that this list "forms the
basis for action by Governments" to freeze financial and economic
assets; and impose a travel ban and arms embargo against those whose
names appear on the list.

# The list posted on the United Nations website is current as of September 23, 2003.

**Name:** **CENTER FOR DEFENCE AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY STUDIES
TERRORISM PROGRAMME** (Lancaster University, Lancaster, England)

**Address:** \<http://www.cdiss.org/terror.htm\>

**Definition of Terrorism**: None given.

**Focus of Data**: Political and international

# Database Contents:

\(1\) Topical issues - "a regularly changing selection of comment and
analysis based on issues currently under active study by members of
CDISS."

*(2) The CDISS Database: Terrorist Incidents 1945 to 1998* - list of
selected incidents that collectively "provide a snapshot of the
wide-range of terrorist attacks and political violence experienced
worldwide since World War II." Incidents are grouped by decade. For each
incident, a brief description is provided giving place and number of
casualties.

**Data Sources:** Internal database. Research material of the Centre is
supplemented by University Library collection of government
publications, professional service journals and bulletins, and academic
and research institute periodicals and monographs.

# **Database Access:** Full access from Internet Explorer and Netscape.

# **Limitations on Data Use:** None.

# **Tutorial Assistance:** None; access to database is available at clearly identified site.

# **Codebooks:** None.

**Original Purpose of the Study: **"The CDISS Terrorism Programme aims
to identify major trends in international political violence. An area of
particular interest is the increasing linkage between terrorist groups
in different parts of the world."

# **References Related to Using the Dataset:** None.

# **Requirements for Using the Dataset: ** None.

# Data Assessment:

The Centre for Defence and International Security Studies is an
interdisciplinary research unit based in Lancaster University's
Department of Politics and International Relations. It "exists to
conduct research, raise awareness and stimulate debate on a wide range
of defence and security issues relevant to both the United Kingdom and
the International Community."

This database provides one - to two - sentence summaries of major
terrorist incidents that occurred between 1945 and 1998. All regions of
the world are covered. Information for the period 1999 forward is being
compiled, but not yet available. As such, it is a valuable historical
tool, since most incident databases concentrate on recent years.
However, the information is provided only in chronological order, and
the database has no search engine to enable the user to locate an
incident if the exact date is not known.

**Name:** **INTERNATIONAL POLICY INSTITUTE FOR COUNTER-TERRORISM**
(Herzliya, Israel)

**Address: ** \<http://www.ict.org.il\>

# **Definition of terrorism**: None given.

# **Focus of Data**: Political; predominantly, but not exclusively, Middle East.

# Database Contents:

\(1\) News updates.

\(2\) Articles and documents (over 240 articles, sorted by topic:
Arab-Israeli conflict; counterterrorism; financing terrorism;
international terrorism; non-conventional terrorism; state-sponsored
terrorism; terrorism and criminal activity; and terrorist organizations)
with full text link. Special coverage of Al-Qaida, the Kurdistan
Worker's Party (PKK), and the Palestinian-Israeli peace process.

\(3\) Databases. This section is divided as follows:

· Terrorist Organization Profiles - List of over 50 names of
organizations (worldwide), and affiliation; for each organization, there
are links to more detailed information (history; ideology and strategy;
terrorist activity; other articles and documents).

· Terror Attack Database - Searchable database that includes selected
international terrorist and guerilla attacks for the years 1986 to the
present. Search by organization name; method used; target type;
location; date; and number of casualties.

· Arab-Israeli Conflict - Analysis of fatalities "on both sides of the
current Palestinian/Israeli conflict." Searchable database of incidents
and casualties that can be searched by type of incident; terrorist
organization involved; method used; site targeted; location; and date.

\(4\) Counter-terrorism - Articles, documents, and updates on
international activity, terrorism and law, and Israeli activity.

**Data Sources:** Internal database, as well as U.S. State Department
*Patterns of Global* *Terrorism;* and Institute for Conflict Management
(see *South* *Asia Terrorism Portal*).

# **Database Access:** Full access from Internet Explorer and Netscape.

# **Access Charges:** None.

# **Limitation on Data Use:** None.

**Tutorial Assistance: **None; access to all information is by simply
arranged links, with full range of movement among database segments.

**Original Purpose of the Study:** "ICT is a research institute and
think tank dedicated to developing innovative public policy solutions to
international terrorism."

# **References Related to Using the Dataset:** None.

# **Requirements for Using the Dataset:** None.

# Data Assessment:

This website, based in Israel, has the heaviest concentration of
information on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The section on
"Counter-terrorism" includes a subsection for "Israeli counter-terrorist
activity" but none for any Arab country. This website is unique for its
coverage of this region. No other website available to U.S. users
appears to be dedicated to the issues and terrorist organizations
involved in the Middle East conflict.

The information provided on the 50+ terrorist organizations profiled is
very detailed and is international in scope. The database of
international terrorist and guerilla attacks "is not exhaustive, but is
updated on a monthly basis."

# **Name:** **SOUTH ASIA TERRORISM PORTAL**

**Address:** \<http://www.satp.org\>

# **Definition of Terrorism**: None given.

**Focus of Data**: Political and religious, South Asia.

# Database Contents:

For Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Select
States of India - Mizoram, Assam, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Punjab,
and Tripura - the following subsections can be accessed:

\(1\) Assessment - Evaluation of political climate and terrorist
activity

\(2\) Backgrounder - Sources of current conflict

\(3\) Bibliography

\(4\) Data Sheets - Fatalities, attacks and incidents of violence

\(5\) Documents - Acts and Ordinances; political addresses and
statements

\(6\) Timelines - Arrests, incidents, and government statements; by day
and month for current years, by year for historic information

\(7\) Terrorist Groups - Overview of major groups, or list; both with
links to more detailed information.

**Data Sources:** Internal research; some background reports
"constructed from media reports."

# **Access Charges:** Free, with offer to subscribe to *South Asia Intelligence Review.*

# **Limitations on Data Use:** None.

**Tutorial Assistance:** None; access to all information is by simply
arranged links, with full range of movement among database segments.

# **Codebooks:** None.

# **Original Purpose of the Study:** See "Data Assessment" below.

# **References Related to Using the Dataset:** None.

# **Requirements for Using the Dataset:** None.

# Data Assessment:

This website is managed by the Institute for Conflict Management in New
Delhi, India. The Institute was established in 1997 as a non-profit
society "committed to the continuous evaluation and resolution of
problems of internal security in South Asia." Its research projects
cover a wide spectrum of topics.

The information provided by this site, including the latest news for
those countries covered, is frequently updated. It appears to be the
only website on terrorism that is solely dedicated to this region.

The format for the "Terrorist Groups" section varies. For some
countries, like Pakistan, the database includes an overview with links,
for each group named, to a lengthy review of the group's ideology,
leadership strategies, activities, and terrorist incidents. For others,
like Sri Lanka, a list of groups is given, with links to further
information on some. The site has no "terrorist group" section for
Bhutan, but both the "assessment" and "backgrounder" sections have links
to discussions of individual groups.

# Name: CENTER FOR DEFENSE INFORMATION TERRORISM PROJECT

**Address: ** \<http://www.cdi.org/terrorism\>

**Definition of Terrorism**: Section on "Explaining Terrorism" addresses
the difficulties involved in defining terrorism.

# **Focus of Data**: International.

# Database Contents:

.

\(1\) *Terrorist Networks* section highlights a geographic cross-section
of individual terrorist organizations. Each group includes a general
discussion and history, and, in brief, the group's leader, base, size,
cause, funding, and major attacks. This section also provides the link
to the website's main database: *CDI FACT SHEET*: *Current List of
Foreign Terrorist Organizations and other Terrorist Organizations (as
designated by the U.S. State Department)*. For each organization listed,
a link is provided to the complete series of in-depth articles prepared
by CDI on each of these groups. The list is followed by a short list of
other primary sources that also provide the names of terrorists and
terrorist organizations.

\(2\) * What's New* and *Responding to Terrorism *sections provide links
to in-depth analysis of issues related to the war on terrorism, homeland
security, and chemical and biological weapons.

*(3) Explaining Terrorism* section, started in July 2003, will present a
series of papers examining the various aspects of terrorism. Currently
on the website: paper entitled *Terrorism: The Problems of Definition.*

# **Data Sources: **U.S. State Department.

# **Database Access:** Full access from Internet Explorer and Netscape.

# **Access Charges:** None.

# **Limitation on Data Use:** None.

**Tutorial Assistance:** None; access to all information is by simply
arranged links, with full range of movement among database segments.

# **Codebooks:** None.

**Original Purpose of the Study: ** "CDI's Terrorism Project is designed
to provide insights, in-depth analysis and facts on the military,
security and foreign policy challenges as the United States, and the
world, faces terrorism. The project will look at all aspects of fighting
terrorism, from near-term issues of response and defense, to long-term
questions about how the United States should shape its future
international security strategy."

# **References Related to Using the Dataset: ** None.

# **Requirements for Using the Dataset: ** None.

# Data Assessment:

The CDI's list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) is drawn from
the State Department list, and begins with a brief but helpful statement
on its history and purpose. Although the list itself can be accessed
from the State Department Counterterrorism Office web page, CDI's list
is sometimes more current than State's. In addition, each organization
named on the list provides a link to a full profile of the group,
including its history, activities, and leadership. CDI also provides the
names of other lists of terrorists and terrorist organizations,
including the United Nations list of Taliban and Al-Q'aida
members/associates, which is omitted from most websites' "additional
resources" lists (for more detail on this list, see separate entry).

**Name: ** **FEDERATION OF AMERICAN SCIENTISTS INTELLIGENCE RESOURCE
PROGRAM** **LIST OF** ***LIBERATION MOVEMENTS, TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS,
SUBSTANCE CARTELS, AND OTHER PARA-STATE ENTITIES***

**Address:** \<http://www.fas.org/irp/world/para/index.html\>

**Definition of Terrorism**: Scope note states: "Some para-states engage
in terrorism, which is defined by the United States government in Title
22 of the United States Code, Section 2656f(d) as premeditated,
politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets
by subnational groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to
influence an audience. For purposes of this definition, the term
\"noncombatant\" is interpreted to include, in addition to civilians,
military personnel who at the time of the incident are unarmed and/or
not on duty. Acts of terrorism also include attacks on military
installations or on armed military personnel when a state of military
hostilities does not exist at the site, such as bombings against US
bases in Europe, Saudi Arabia, or elsewhere."

# **Focus of Data**: International.

**Database Contents: **List of over 350 para-state entities. For the
majority of names, the database provides a link to a lengthy description
of the group and its activities. Following that text, the database
provides a list of "sources and resources," which in many instances
includes reports prepared by the U.S. State Department.

**Data Sources:** Lengthy bibliography follows the list; the
bibliography includes U.S. State Department reports and lists, and
compilations compiled by private and non-U.S. sources.

# **Limitations on Data Use:** None.

**Tutorial Assistance:** None; access to all information is by simply
arranged links, with full range of movement among database segments.

# **Codebooks:** None.

# **Original Purpose of Study:** See "Data Assessment" below.

# **References Related to Using the Dataset:** None.

# **Requirements for Using the Dataset:** None.

# Data Assessment:

The list of para-state entities links to a scope note that defines
para-states as entities that "through various forms of direct action
contest the legitimate monopoly states have on the use of violence
within a specified geographical territory." It states that the scope of
this list is "both current and retrospective, including both currently
active and long defunct entities." The scope "generally follows that of
the mandate of the U.S. National Security Council Special Assistant to
the President for Transnational Threats, which addresses threats to U.S.
security such as terrorism, cyber warfare and computer security, covert
employment of weapons of mass destruction, narcotics trafficking, and
international organized crime."

FAS emphasizes that "this directory of para-states is not a list of
terrorist organizations, and is not constructed to supplement or
complement the list of terrorist organizations of the US Department of
State." The guide intentionally casts a wide net, and "includes both the
nasty and the nice."

The list is valuable if used with the caveats provided above, especially
the understanding that it is not meant to be a list of terrorist
organizations. In most cases, the user is able to ascertain the source
of the information provided, and can exercise judgment as to its merit.

**Name:** **OKLAHOMA CITY NATIONAL MEMORIAL INSTITUTE FOR THE PREVENTION
OF TERRORISM (MIPT)**

**Address:** \<http://db.mipt.org/rand_68_97.cfm\> (RAND Terrorism
Chronology 1968-1997); \<http://db.org/mipt_rand.cfm\> (RAND-MIPT
Terrorism Incident DB 1998-Present)

**Definition of Terrorism**: Applies definition set forth in statute:

The term \"terrorism\" means premeditated, politically motivated
violence perpetrated against non-combatanti targets by sub-nationalii
groups or clandestine agentsiii, usually intended to influence an
audience.

The term \"international terrorism\" means terrorism involving citizens
or the territory of more than one country.

The term \"terrorist group\" means any group practicing, or that has
significant subgroups that practice, international terrorism.

22 U.S.C. § 2656f(d)

i The U.S. Government has interpreted \"noncombatant\" to include, in
addition to civilians, military personnel who at the time of the
incident are unarmed or not on duty. Similarly, the U.S. Government
considers attacks on military installations or on armed military
personnel when a state of military hostilities does not exist at the
site to be terrorist attacks.

ii In this context, sub-national means a grouping not recognized as a
nation-state. This includes groups like the Provisional Wing of the
Irish Republican Army, HAMAS (Islamic Resistance Movement) or Kahane
Chai.

iii An example would be the attacks on dissidents carried out by secret
agents of the Iranian government

**Focus of Data**: Pre-1998, international; 1998 to present, domestic
and international.

**Database Contents:** Two databases compiled by the RAND corporation
can be accessed through the MIPT website.

# [RAND Terrorism Chronology (1968-1997)]{.underline}

\(1\) Reports generated from database of terrorist incidents, which can
be searched by tactic, region of the world, or target, with input of
specific time frame.

\(2\) Charts of incidents trends; incidents by tactic; incidents by
target; incidents by region; death trends and comparison between 1968
and 1997 (for the U.S., U.K. and world total); and comparison of
injuries and deaths between 1968 and 1997.

\(3\) Searchable database providing graphical summary of the incidents,
injuries, and fatalities that occurred in either a selected region or
country, or by a specified tactic or target, within a specified time
frame.

\(4\) Searchable database to "find detailed information about terrorist
incidents between 1968 and 1997 according to the selected perpetrator,
target, tactic and geographical location with a time frame."

\(5\) Searchable database of incidents using key word.

# [RAND-MIPT Terrorism Incident DB (1998-Present)]{.underline}

\(1\) Searchable database generating the following reports, with user
providing specific time frame:

· Death, injury, and incident counts, in each world region

· International, domestic, and total incident count, in each world
region

· Number of incidents according to the type of weapon used, in each
world region

· Number of attacks conducted by the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of
Colombia), Hamas, ETA (Basque Fatherland and Freedom), LTTE (Liberation
Tigers Tamil Eelam), and ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) against specific
targets.

\(2\) Searchable database of statistical summaries of incidents,
arranged by name of terrorist organization, region, country, target,
weapon, casualty, attacks claimed by perpetrators, and attacks
classified as international or domestic incidents, all within a selected
time frame.

\(3\) Searchable database allowing researchers to "Find detailed
information about incidents \[that\] occurred between 1998 and present
according to the selected terrorist organization, target, weapon, and
geographical location with a time frame."

\(4\) Searchable database of incidents using key word.

**Data Sources:** The MIPT Database System was created by a partnership
of the MIPT and the University of Oklahoma. The two databases covered in
this report are described as MIPT sponsored, but were compiled by the
RAND Corporation. "All information was taken from open source materials,
such as newspapers, and every effort was made to verify the accuracy of
the information found in the reports."

# **Database Access:** Full access from Internet Explorer and Netscape.

# **Access Charges:** Free.

# **Limitations on Data Use:** None.

**Tutorial Assistance:** None; access to all information is by simply
arranged links, with full range of movement among database segments.

# **Codebooks:** None.

**Original Purpose of the Study:** MIPT was "created to collect
information on all types of terrorism, including explosives, CBRN
(Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear), agricultural and
cyberterrorism." MIPT's goal is to make centralized information on
terrorism public, "so that it might help policymakers, academics and
local responders to better understand terrorism." The MIPT database
serves to monitor all terrorism incidents worldwide, both domestic and
international.

# **References Related to Using the Dataset:** None.

# **Requirements for Using the Dataset:** None.

# Data Assessment:

The terrorist incident information contained in this database, which
dates back to 1968, is easy to access and very detailed. In the section
covering 1968 to 1997, the user can search the database of incidents by
(a) tactic, (b) region of the world, or (c) target. A table is then
generated giving, for (a), the type of tactic, for (b), the country, and
for (c), the type of target, and the number of incidents for each. A
click on the number of incidents links to a detailed report on each
incident (the name and nationality of the perpetrator, where known; and
the date and full description of the incident).

In the database covering 1998 to the present, the user can access tables
in the same manner as described above, but the incident information is
arranged by country, type of weapon used, and those attributed to five
specific terrorist groups. (Note that if search option 3 in "database
contents" above is selected, the user can search for incidents by any of
a list of dozens of terrorist groups.) As in the database of the earlier
time period, a click on the number of incidents links to a full report
of each incident, including the published source of the information.

The 1998-Present database (accessed in October 2003) contains data
updated on March 12, 2003. The tabulations and descriptions of incidents
for each category cover different time periods: for incidents arranged
by region, from 12/26/97 to 3/08/03; for incidents arranged by type of
weapon, from 12/26/97 to 3/8/03; and for incidents arranged by the five
terrorist groups, from 1/3/98 to 3/6/03.

A third database, the *MIPT Indictment Database*, is under development
jointly by the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of
Oklahoma. It will "record terrorist cases that have taken place in the
U.S. since 1978."

Overall, the two databases described herein represent a very
comprehensive and valuable resource of information on incidents of
terrorism in the United States and abroad.

# APPENDIX

# TERRORISM DATABASES AND RESOURCES FOR SOCIAL SCIENTISTS

# UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

CIA (www.cia.gov/terrorism/index.html
\<http://www.cia.gov/terrorism/index.html\>) - *War on Terrorism* page
has links to statements, testimony, and reports.

Defense Department (www.defendamerica.mil
\<http://www.defendamerica.mil\>) - General news.

FBI (www.fbi.gov/terrorinfo/terrorism.htm
\<http://www.fbi.gov/terrorinfo/terrorism.htm\>) - "Most Wanted" list;
general news.

FEMA (www.fema.gov/hazards/terrorism
\<http://www.fema.gov/hazards/terrorism\>) - Background; fact sheet.

General Accounting Office (www.gao.gov \<http://www.gao.gov\>) -
*Special Collections -Terrorism* lists dozens of publications, dating
back to 1980.

Navy Department Library
(www.history.navy.mil/library/guides/terrorism.htm
\<http://www.history.navy.mil/library/guides/terrorism.htm\>) -
*Terrorism: A Navy Department Library Research Guide* includes links to
other resources, bibliographies, and chronologies.

Naval Postgraduate School
(\<http://library.nps.mil/home/terrorism.htm\>) Dudley Knox Library
*Terrorism* page includes bibliographies and directives; links to
reports, documents, fact sheets, other resources.

State Department Counterterrorism Office (www.state.gov/s/ct
\<http://www.state.gov/s/ct\>) - see full report.

State Department Office of International Information Programs
(\<http://usinfo.state.gov/topical/pol/terror\>) - *Response to
Terrorism* page provides summaries of, with link to full text of, most
recent White House and State Department briefings, letters, and
statements, with link to earlier documents; links to key documents,
issue analysis, and other resources.

Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (Executive Office
for Terrorist Financing and Financial Crime)
(www.treasury.gov/offices/eotffc/ofac/index.html
\<http://www.treasury.gov/offices/eotffc/ofac/index.html\>) - see full
report.

# U.S. LIBRARIES

Library of Congress (Portals to the World - Selected Internet Resources:
Terrorism)
(www.loc.gov/rr/international/hispanic/terrorism/terrorism.html
\<http://www.loc.gov/rr/international/hispanic/terrorism/terrorism.html\>) -
links to online sources on bioterrorism; U.S., U.K., and international
law; terrorism in specific countries; and specific terrorists and Al
Qaida.

Library of Congress (Guide to Law Online: Terrorism Law)
(www.loc.gov/law/guide \<http://www.loc.gov/law/guide\>) - links to
sites of executive, judicial, and legislative branches of government;
international organizations; legal guides; general and media resources.

Joyner Library, East Carolina University
(www.lib.ecu.edu/govdoc/terrorism.html
\<http://www.lib.ecu.edu/govdoc/terrorism.html\>) - *Attack on America*
page provides links to research and background sources on Osama bin
Laden and al-Qa'ida, as well as general, government, and research
sources on terrorism generally.

University of Michigan Documents Center
(www.lib.umich.edu/gov/docs/usterror.html
\<http://www.lib.umich.edu/gov/docs/usterror.html\>) - *America's War
Against Terrorism* page provides links to very extensive list of
resources on September 11 attack and counter-terrorism.

University of Buffalo Libraries
(\<http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/units/lml/govdocsubj/terrorism.html\>) -
news accounts of World Trade Center; background on domestic and
international terrorism.

# INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES

Council of Europe
(www.coe.int/T/E/communication_and_Research/Press/Theme_files/Terrorism
\<http://www.coe.int/T/E/communication_and_Research/Press/Theme_files/Terrorism\>) -
documents on combating terrorism, conference activities and conventions,
links to additional resources.

European Union (\<http://europa.eu.int/news/110901\>) - updates on
actions taken by the EU in response to the September 11 attacks.

Interpol (www.interpol.int/Public/Terrorism/default.asp
\<http://www.interpol.int/Public/Terrorism/default.asp\>) - links to
press releases and fact sheets on terrorist attacks; resolutions on
terrorism.

NATO (www.nato.int/terrorism/index.htm
\<http://www.nato.int/terrorism/index.htm\>) - press releases,
statements,speeches by Secretary General.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
(www.unodc.org/unodc/en/terrorism.html
\<http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/terrorism.html\>) - "Global Programme
against Terrorism" page includes link to full text of UN's 12 universal
conventions and protocols on terrorism.

United Nations (Dag Hammarskjold Library Resource Page)
(www.un.org/depts/dhl/resources/terrorism
\<http://www.un.org/Depts/dhl/resources/terrorism\>) - includes legal
agreements and UN actions against terrorism, and other conventions.
(www.un.org/depts/dhl/resources/terrorism/elinks.htm
\<http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/resources/terrorism/elinks.htm\>) - links
to other websites, international documents, and chronologies of
incidents and attacks.

United Nations Security Council
(www.un.org/docs/sc/committees/1267/1050E02.pdf
\<http://www.un.org/docs/sc/committees/1267/1050E02.pdf\>) - second
report of Monitoring Group on implementation of sanctions provides
extensive information regarding al-Qa'idah activities, particularly
terrorist-related financial transactions.

United Nations list of Taliban and Al-Qaida members
(www.un.org/docs/sc/committees/1267/1267ListEng.htm
\<http://www.un.org/docs/sc/committees/1267/1267ListEng.htm\>) - see
full report.

# NON-U.S. SOURCES (GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE)

Centre for Defence and International Security Studies - Lancaster,
England (www.cdiss.org/terror.htm \<http://www.cdiss.org/terror.htm\>) -
see full report.

Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence - University of
St. Andrews, Scotland
(www.st-andrews.ac.uk/\~www_sem/IR/research/cstpv/research.html
\<http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/\~www_sem/IR/research/cstpv/research.html\>) -
describes International and Domestic Database Project, with contact
information "for academic, media and general inquiries."

International Policy Institute for Counter-Terrorism - Herzliya, Israel
(www.ict.org.il \<http://www.ict.org.il\>) - see full report.

National Security Australia (Attorney General's Department)
(www.nationalsecurity.ag.gov.au
\<http://www.nationalsecurity.ag.gov.au\>) - provides "single access
point for national security information from the Australian Government."

Parliament of Australia - Department of the Parliamentary Library
(www.aph.gov.au/library/intguide/fad.terror.htm
\<http://www.aph.gov.au/library/intguide/fad.terror.htm\>) - Library
research papers on terrorism and counter-terrorism; links to other
sites.

South Asia Terrorism Portal (www.satp.org \<http://www.satp.org\>) - see
full report.

University of Adelaide, Australia - Terrorism: A Guide to Library
Resources for Anthropology
(www.library.adelaide.edu/au/guide/soc/anthro/subj/terror.html
\<http://www.library.adelaide.edu/au/guide/soc/anthro/subj/terror.html\>) -
references to encyclopedias, handbooks and directories.

# OTHER

Anti-Defamation League (www.adl.org/main_terrorism.asp
\<http://www.adl.org/main_terrorism.asp\>) - reports on terrorist
activities and groups; emphasis on Middle East.

Anser Institute for Homeland Security (www.homelandsecurity.org
\<http://www.homelandsecurity.org\>) - includes link to current and past
issues of monthly "Homeland Security Newsletter."

Brookings Institution Foreign Policy Studies
(www.brookings.edu/dybdocroot/terrorism
\<http://www.brookings.edu/dybdocroot/terrorism\>) - provides commentary
and analysis; links to other resources.
www.brookings.edu/dybdocroot/fp/projects/homeland/homeland.htm
\<http://www.brookings.edu/dybdocroot/fp/projects/homeland/homeland.htm\>
provides links to chapters of Brookings' *Assessing the Department of
Homeland Security*; links to other resources.

Center for Defense Information (www.cdi.org/terrorism
\<http://www.cdi.org/terrorism\>) - see full report.

Emergency Response and Research Institute (ERRI) Counter-Terrorism
Archive (www.emergency.com/cntrterr.htm
\<http://www.emergency.com/cntrterr.htm\>) - news reports and links to
articles, 1989 to present.

Federation of American Scientists (www.fas.org/terrorism/index.html
\<http://www.fas.org/terrorism/index.html\>) - *America's* *War on
Terrorism* page provides information and analysis on counter-terrorism,
information security, and weapons of mass destruction. Intelligence
Resource Program (www.fas.org.irp \<http://www.fas.org.irp\>) has
section on Terrorism (background and threat assessments) that provides
dozens of links to reports, documents, fact sheets, and government
sources. Links to resource materials for the Taleban are provided at
www.fas.org/irp/world/para/taleban.htm
\<http://www.fas.org/irp/world/para/taleban.htm\>. See full report for
description of directory of para-state entities.
(www.fas.org/irp/world/para/index.html
\<http://www.fas.org/irp/world/para/index.html\>)

FindLaw (\<http://news.findlaw.com/legalnews/us/terrorism\>) *Special
Coverage:* *War on Terrorism* has subsections for news articles,
commentary, court cases, documents, and laws. Documents section includes
an extensive list of documents specific to the September 11 terrorist
attacks; and under subtopic "Terrorism"
(\<http://news.findlaw.com/legalnews/us/terrorism/documents/terr.html\>)
there are dozens of links to reports of U.S. government agencies, the
Congressional Research Service, academic institutions, and think tanks.

George Washington University - The National Security Archive
(www.gwu.edu/\~nsarciv \<http://www.gwu.edu/\~nsarciv\>) - includes text
of 6- volume work*, The September 11* *Source Books *(Volume I -
*Terrorism and U.S. Policy*).

Jurist (\<http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/terrorism/terrorism.htm\>) -
*Terrorism Law and* *Policy* subsection *Terrorism and Terrorists*
includes links to government advisories and reports on terrorist groups
and threat assessments.

Oklahoma City National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of
Terrorism (www.mipt.org \<http://www.mipt.org\>) - links to subsection
*Terrorism Incidents and Significant Dates*, which is a searchable
database.

*Rand Terrorism Chronology* (\<http://db.mipt.org/rand_68_97.cfm\>) -
see full report.

*Rand - MIPT Terrorism Incident DB*
(\<http://db.mipt.org/mipt_rand.cfm\>) - see full report.

Monterey Institute of International Studies, Center for Nonproliferation
Studies - CNS Subjects: Terrorism
(\<http://cns.miis.edu/research/terror.htm\>) - links to articles and
testimony on agroterrorism, terrorist group profiles, U.S. response to
terrorism, and weapons of mass destruction. The Chemical and Biological
Weapons Nonproliferation Program at CNS maintains a terrorism database,
available on a subscription basis. CNS Subjects: Chemical and Biological
Weapons (\<http://cns.miis.edu/research/CBW\>) - links to resources on
the Americas, Middle East/Africa, Newly Independent States, and East
Asia.

PolitInfo (www.politinfo.com/issues/Terrorism/terrorism.html
\<http://www.politinfo.com/issues/Terrorism/terrorism.html\>) - links to
general resources, think tanks and research centers, publications.

RAND Institution *Research Area: Terrorism* (www.rand.org/terrorism_area
\<http://www.rand.org/terrorism_area\>) - highlights of recent work and
ongoing research; news and commentary. Similar coverage for *National
Security* (www.rand.org/natsec_area
\<http://www.rand.org/natsec_area\>). National Security research website
(www.rand.org/nsrd \<http://www.rand.org/nsrd\>) has link to page on
Gilmore Commission (Advisory Panel to Assess Domestic Response
Capabilities for Terrorism Involving Weapons of Mass Destruction),
including text of four annual reports.

Henry L. Stimson Center (www.stimson.org \<http://www.stimson.org\>) -
research on reducing the threat of weapons of mass destruction; building
regional security; strengthening institutions of international peace;
and linking trade, technology, and security.

Terrorism Research Center (www.terrorism.com/index.shtml
\<http://www.terrorism.com/index.shtml\>) - analysis, essays, profiles
of counter-terrorism groups and terrorist organizations, descriptions of
terrorist attacks, and "Terrorism Bookshelf"(extensive bibliography,
with summaries, of works on terrorism and homeland security).