Patterns of global terrorism 1989
Extract
State-Sponsored Terrorism
Iran was the most active state sponsor in 1989, backing 28 attacks. The majority of these were connected with Ayatollah Khomeini's death threat against The Satanic Verses author Salman Rushdie and retaliatory attacks against Saudi Arabia for Riyadh's execution of 16 Kuwaiti Shias convicted of bombings during the 1989 hajj. In addition three incidents involved the assassination of Iranian dissidents.
Iran
Iranian-sponsored terrorist incidents decreased from 32 in 1988 to 28 in 1989. Iran's extensive support for terrorism continued after the death of Ayatollah Khomeini in June. The events of 1989 indicate Tehran continued to view the selective use of terrorism as a legitimate tool to achieve specific foreign policy goals. Iranian intelligence has been used to facilitate and in some cases conduct terrorist attacks. In addition, Iran is expanding contacts with Lebanese Muslim extremists, radical Palestinian groups, and other Muslim fundamentalist groups to carry out terrorist operations against Israeli, US, Western, and moderate Arab interests. In the past year Iranian support for terrorism has included:
• Calling for the death of author Salman Rushdie and attacking publishers and distributors of The Satanic Verses.
• Assassinating at least five Iranian dissidents.
• Recruiting Shia to carry out attacks in Saudi Arabia during the hajj.
• Inciting radical Shia elements to attack Saudi interests in retaliation for Riyadh's execution of 16 Shia responsible for the hajj bombings.
• Probably involving itself with, if not organizing, Hizballah terrorist activities in Europe, West Africa, and elsewhere.
Ayatollah Khomeini's denunciation of Salman Rushdie's novel and calls for the author's execution had the effect of a decree, which is binding under the Shia interpretation of Islamic law. Violent demonstrations and attacks against publishers and bookstores occurred throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States. Three British Council library buildings were bombed in Pakistan, killing one local guard. At least a dozen people died and more than 120 were injured in violent street riots in Pakistan and India. President Rafsanjani's reaffirmation of the death threat rekindled anti-Western fervor and prompted renewed anti Rushdie demonstrations and attacks. In December 1989, UK authorities arrested and expelled Iranians involved in anti-Rushdie attacks; we believe Iran is continuing to coordinate and plan attacks directed against businesses affiliated with The Satanic Verses.
Another indication that terrorism continues to be a feature of the Tehran regime was the public statement in May by then Parliament Speaker (now President) Rafsanjani that exhorted Palestinians to kill Americans and other Westerners in order to avenge those Palestinians killed during the uprising in the occupied West Bank and Gaza. Rafsanjani also publicly encouraged the hijacking of airplanes and the blowing up of factories.
During 1989, Tehran continued its campaign to eliminate antiregime dissidents. We believe the increase in these attacks can be attributed to the regime's fear that prominent dissident leaders presented a significant threat to Tehran during the leadership transition following the death of Ayatollah Khomeini in June. The number of attacks against dissidents increased from two in 1988 to three in 1989, resulting in five deaths - three in Austria, one in the United Arab Emirates, and one in Cyprus. These attacks appear to have been well planned and were probably carried out by Iranian intelligence officers.
Iranian-sponsored attacks directed against Saudi interests also increased during 1989. Tehran's anti-Saudi campaign can be traced to Iranian resentment over Riyadh's imposition of restrictions on the number of Iranians permitted to make the annual pilgrimage to Mecca as a result of pro Khomeini riots during the 1987 pilgrimage. During the 1989 hajj, two bombs exploded in Mecca, killing one and wounding over 20 others; several Kuwaiti Shia confessed to the crime. During their interrogations, the Shia confessed that they had been recruited, trained, and supported by Iran. Riyadh executed 16 Kuwaitis for this attack on 21 September. Shortly after the executions, Iranian and Hizballah leaders issued numerous statements denouncing the Saudi regime and calling for revenge. As a result, attacks against Saudi interests increased:
• On 14 October, a Saudia Airlines office in Lahore, Pakistan, was damaged by a bomb explosion.
• On 16 October, a Saudi military attache in Ankara, Turkey, was seriously injured when a bomb exploded under the seat of his car.
• On 1 November, a Saudi official in Beirut, Lebanon, was assassinated by three gunmen. Islamic Jihad - a covername used by Hizballah terrorists - claimed responsibility for the attack that was authenticated by a photograph of a US hostage.
• On 24 November, the Saudi official responsible for coordinating aid in Pakistan to the Afghan resistance movement was assassinated.
During 1989, Tehran also continued to support - and exert influence over the radical Shia elements in Lebanon. Iran continues to provide Hizballah with money, weapons, and training and has approved - and in some cases encouraged - the kidnapping of Western citizens. Tehran also - continued to develop relations with Palestinian fundamentalist groups, as well as with radical Palestinian groups such as the PFLP-GC, which has been publicly accused of complicity with Iran in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, as well as with Arab fundamentalist groups.
