Quiz: How much do you know about terrorism?

By Arthur Bright, Correspondent
posted July 19, 2012 at 12:00 pm EDT

One of the very first terrorist groups in history was the sicarii, which targeted Romans and Roman sympathizers. What nationality were they?

The modern conception of “terrorism,” as well as the term itself, first developed in what period?

The current threat of terrorist attacks is not new to the West; the late 1800s saw a spate of such attacks by anarchists attempting to inspire rebellion among the masses. Which of the following numbered among the victims of anarchist terrorism?

One of the world’s deadliest terrorist events was the 9/11 attack in New York, executed by Al Qaeda. But that was not the group’s first successful attack on the US. What was?

Al Qaeda was founded by Osama bin Laden. Who was his second-in-command?

Prior to 9/11, what was the deadliest terrorist attack on US soil?

The Tamil Tigers, a Sri Lankan terrorist group, is widely credited with the refinement of what common modern terrorist technique?

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, FARC, is listed as a terrorist group by the US State Department and is known for taking long-term hostages. Who is their most famous (and now freed) hostage?

The deadliest incident of “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland was the 1998 Omagh bombing, which left 29 people dead and hundreds injured. What group claimed responsibility for the Omagh bombing?

Though once synonymous with terrorism, what group was never listed as a terrorist organization by the US?

The IRA renounced violence in 2005, and has segued into politics in Ireland and Northern Ireland. What modern political party was once the political arm of the IRA?

What terrorist group was behind the 1983 bombings in Lebanon that killed 241 American and 58 French military personnel?

“Basque Homeland and Freedom,” known as ETA, seeks to create an independent Basque homeland in Spain and what other country?

The name of Lebanese political party Hezbollah, which is considered a terrorist organization by the US, means “Party of God.” What is Hezbollah’s religious affiliation?

Fatah, the Palestinian resistance group founded by Yasser Arafat, occupied a place on the US’s official list of foreign terrorist organizations until what year, when they renounced terrorism?

What terrorist organization was behind the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings that killed 202 people?

The group Kahane Chai is unique among US-designated terrorist groups. How?

What terrorist group was behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks that left 164 people dead?

Citizens of what nation were behind the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing 270 people?

States like Iran and Syria count as allies many groups that the West considers terrorist. But what group is recognized as a terrorist group by Iran, Syria, the US, the EU, and NATO?

What group last year hired many high-ranking US officials to lobby to be removed from the US list of terrorist organizations?

What African country does the terrorist group Al Shabab primarily operate in?

What group was behind the 1995 Sarin gas attacks on Tokyo’s subway system that left 13 dead and 54 injured?

The US State Department keeps a list of “state sponsors of terrorism,” which currently consists of only four countries. Which of the following is NOT on the list?

Who was the alleged leader of the July 7, 2005, suicide bombings in London that left 56 people dead?