The 1970s: A Decade of Hijackings and Holy War
In a era marked by the countercultural explosion and anti-war protests, hijacking planes became an increasingly popular form of protest. The perpetrators were dubbed "skyjackers" or "air bandits," but their actions had a far more sinister impact on global politics.
Journalist Jason Burke's latest book, "The Revolutionists," is a meticulously researched account of the decade that saw transnational terrorism reach new heights. Spanning four continents and drawing from sources in over a dozen languages, Burke delves into the world of hijackers, terrorists, and radical ideologies with an air of amused detachment.
Burke profiles various anti-heroes, each with their own unique quirks and obsessions. From Kōzō Okamoto of the Japanese Red Army to Carlos the Jackal, a Venezuelan Marxist turned Palestinian militant, these individuals are less ideologues than eccentric characters driven by excitement and escapade.
However, beneath the surface of this chaotic decade lies a darker undertow. Islamist extremism was on the rise, and it was not just ideology that drove radicals, but a desire for violence and annihilation. Burke argues that the failure of leftist revolutions left a vacuum that was quickly filled by Islamism.
This is evident in the changing nature of terrorism over time. Leila Khaled, the Palestinian "Grenade Girl," who hijacked a TWA flight in 1969, was an early symbol of radical activism. Her actions were motivated by a desire for publicity and international attention. In contrast, Islamist suicide bombers were driven by a singular focus on destroying infidels.
Burke also explores the role of geopolitics in shaping the rise of Islamist extremism. The Soviet Union's cautious approach to left-wing terrorism inadvertently allowed Islamists to fill the power vacuum. Leaders like Muammar Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein bankrolled Islamist terror, while intellectuals like Sayyid Qutb laid the intellectual groundwork for the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
The book highlights the significance of Palestine in this period, as outrage over the Nakba (catastrophe) and Israeli occupation drove much of the militancy. However, attempts to internationalize the struggle backfired, eroding Arab sympathy and leading to the expulsion of Palestinians from Jordan in 1970.
"The Revolutionists" offers a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal decade in modern history. By examining the world of hijackers and terrorists, Burke sheds light on how Islamist extremism reshaped the West, transforming it from a god-fearing foe to a secular bulwark against religious fundamentalism.
In a era marked by the countercultural explosion and anti-war protests, hijacking planes became an increasingly popular form of protest. The perpetrators were dubbed "skyjackers" or "air bandits," but their actions had a far more sinister impact on global politics.
Journalist Jason Burke's latest book, "The Revolutionists," is a meticulously researched account of the decade that saw transnational terrorism reach new heights. Spanning four continents and drawing from sources in over a dozen languages, Burke delves into the world of hijackers, terrorists, and radical ideologies with an air of amused detachment.
Burke profiles various anti-heroes, each with their own unique quirks and obsessions. From Kōzō Okamoto of the Japanese Red Army to Carlos the Jackal, a Venezuelan Marxist turned Palestinian militant, these individuals are less ideologues than eccentric characters driven by excitement and escapade.
However, beneath the surface of this chaotic decade lies a darker undertow. Islamist extremism was on the rise, and it was not just ideology that drove radicals, but a desire for violence and annihilation. Burke argues that the failure of leftist revolutions left a vacuum that was quickly filled by Islamism.
This is evident in the changing nature of terrorism over time. Leila Khaled, the Palestinian "Grenade Girl," who hijacked a TWA flight in 1969, was an early symbol of radical activism. Her actions were motivated by a desire for publicity and international attention. In contrast, Islamist suicide bombers were driven by a singular focus on destroying infidels.
Burke also explores the role of geopolitics in shaping the rise of Islamist extremism. The Soviet Union's cautious approach to left-wing terrorism inadvertently allowed Islamists to fill the power vacuum. Leaders like Muammar Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein bankrolled Islamist terror, while intellectuals like Sayyid Qutb laid the intellectual groundwork for the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
The book highlights the significance of Palestine in this period, as outrage over the Nakba (catastrophe) and Israeli occupation drove much of the militancy. However, attempts to internationalize the struggle backfired, eroding Arab sympathy and leading to the expulsion of Palestinians from Jordan in 1970.
"The Revolutionists" offers a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal decade in modern history. By examining the world of hijackers and terrorists, Burke sheds light on how Islamist extremism reshaped the West, transforming it from a god-fearing foe to a secular bulwark against religious fundamentalism.
So the 1970s were all about these "skyjackers" and their radical antics? Like, what even was that? It sounds like they just wanted attention, you know? I mean, Leila Khaled hijacking a plane in '69? That's just crazy talk. 
But for real though, Burke's book is saying that there's more to it than just some hippies with guns and explosives.
. The Soviet Union kinda messed up by not really taking care of left-wing terrorism, which allowed Islamists to step in and take over. And let's be real, Muammar Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein were basically bankrolling terror ops left and right 
.
. It's like, if they could've found a way to really unite the Arab world and make it about more than just Israel, maybe things would've turned out differently? But nope, instead we get Islamist extremism and all that.
. That's some pretty heavy stuff.
The 1970s indeed had its share of turmoil and hijackings, but what's interesting is how these events shaped the modern world we live in today. It's like Burke says, "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing" 
, and it's essential to acknowledge that our understanding of terrorism has evolved over time.
. I mean, Leila Khaled was like a celebrity terrorist - she hijacked a plane and got all this attention, but did it really change anything? 
.
. It's like we've lost our way a bit, you know? We used to be the ones holding the moral high ground, but now it feels like we're just trying to hold on 
.
. It's making me realize how complex and messy history can be, and how hard it is to pinpoint exactly what went wrong (or right) 
.
it's crazy how some people got so caught up in their cause and turned to violence, meanwhile others just wanted attention 
it's like, we've come full circle or something 
Anyway, I think what bothers me most is how we've come full circle on all this. We're still dealing with the same issues today, just with different labels and faces. It's like we're stuck in a cycle of violence and extremism that we can't seem to escape. 
️ like who thought hijacking planes was a good idea? 
but seriously tho, it's crazy how radical ideologies just kinda... took over 
and it's wild how some leaders even bankrolled terror 
what's next, is the west just gonna be secular bulwarks against religious fundamentalism? 
. But seriously, it's crazy to think that at the same time we were protesting the Vietnam War and fighting for civil rights, some people thought hijacking planes was a cool way to make their point.
.
. And let's not forget the role of geopolitics... the Soviet Union basically played a game of "let's create a power vacuum" 
) filled it with terror.
. This book is a great reminder of just how complex global politics can be, and how one event or idea can have so many ripple effects 
- like, can you even imagine hijacking a plane? 
It's wild to think about how these radical individuals were driven by excitement and escapade, but also by a desire for violence & annihilation 
. And the geopolitics part is soooo interesting - I didn't know that the Soviet Union's approach to left-wing terrorism helped create space for Islamists to rise 
.
. It's crazy to think about how these events have had such a lasting impact on global politics & security 
. Anyone else read "The Revolutionists" yet? 
. I mean, Leila Khaled was basically a radical activist who hijacked a plane for attention, but then there were all these other guys who actually wanted to kill people 
. Anyway, it's definitely worth reading "The Revolutionists" if you're into history or just want to learn more about this wild decade 
it's crazy to think that people back then thought it was a good idea to take control of planes and hold innocent ppl hostage just to make a point. and now we're living in a world where extremism is on the rise again 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to be a part of this crazy anti-war movement and counterculture explosion? But at the same time, it's wild to think that hijacking planes became this thing where people could just show up on a plane and cause chaos. It's like, what were they thinking?! 
.