di Alireza Niknam
On January 25, 2025, the second conference of “Terrorism: State and Non-State Sponsored Versions” was held, this webinar focusing on the topic of the state and non-state versions of terrorism. This international conference, organized by the “TerrorSpring” foundation, provided a platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas among analysts, university professors, and journalists from various countries that here we are presenting a summary of our speakers’ speeches.
Introduction to the Webinar and Its Objectives
The webinar aimed to analyze and examine the effects of state and non-state terrorism on global security and political relations. The TerrorSpring foundation, established by victims and survivors of terrorist acts, has defined its mission as combating terrorism and sectarianism. In addition to publishing reports and organizing national and international conferences, the foundation seeks to clarify the true nature of terrorist organizations such as the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (MEK) based on historical evidence. Among the objectives of this webinar were creating a space for expert discussions and providing suggestions for countering terrorism.
Key Themes of the Webinar
The topics discussed in this session included the following:
– The role of state terrorism in global politics and how states use this tool to achieve geopolitical objectives.
– Examining foreign support for terrorist groups and its consequences for global security.
– The impact of political and military cults such as the MEK on regional countries like Iran, Syria, and Lebanon.
– Analyzing historical examples of state support for terrorism, such as support from the United States and Israel.
Summary of Speeches
- Mr. Alessandro Fanetti, a documentary maker and geopolitical analyst from Italy:
The speech titled “Geopolitical State Terrorism: The Chilean Model as a Global Warning” examined the use of terrorism as a tool in international politics and geopolitics. The speaker emphasized that state terrorism has historically been used by states to achieve tactical and strategic objectives and will continue to do so. Historical examples included actions against Iran, Cuba, and Chile (during the Salvador Allende period). State terrorism was defined as a tool for destabilizing opposing governments and replacing them with dependent elements. Specifically, terrorist attacks against Iran by groups like the MEK with foreign support to weaken the political system, terrorist and destructive actions against Cuba with direct U.S. support, and the U.S. role in the 1973 coup against Allende in Chile to prevent the spread of Marxism were discussed. In conclusion, the speaker emphasized that state terrorism is a destructive tool for international relations, and the only way to counter it is through the creation of a multipolar world based on justice and dialogue.
2. Mr. Daniele Perra: Journalist and geopolitical analyst from Italy:
Daniele Perra discussed Israel’s relationship with terrorism and various terrorist groups. He explained that Israel was built on terrorism from the beginning, especially since the Balfour Declaration in 1917, which allowed Jews to establish a national home in Palestine without considering the rights of the indigenous people. This terrorism was carried out by Zionist military groups such as Lehi, Irgun, and the Stern Gang in the 1920s to 1940s, leading to widespread massacres. Perra also highlighted Israel’s cooperation with other terrorist groups, such as the South Lebanon Army, and its role in various wars, including the Afghan war in the 1980s, the Algerian civil war, and the Syrian war. He also mentioned Israel’s support for groups like Al-Nusra Front in Syria and similar groups in Iran, describing them as symbols of Western hypocrisy.
3. Mr. Giulio Chinappi: Journalist, editor-in-chief of the World Politics Blog news agency, and geopolitical analyst from Italy:
Giulio Chinappi examined the West’s dual approach to terrorism, noting that the understanding and response to terrorism vary depending on the origin, religion, or ideology of the perpetrators. He stated that non-Western groups, especially those associated with the Islamic world, are often labeled as terrorists, while similar groups from the West, such as white supremacists or right-wing militias, are sometimes described with milder terms like rebels or freedom fighters.
Chinappi criticized media coverage that focuses heavily on attacks by Islamic groups but gives less attention to attacks by nationalist or white supremacist groups. He also pointed to Western foreign policies in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, where extremist groups have been supported or tolerated when they serve geopolitical interests, such as support for groups like Tahrir al-Sham.
He called for an honest and consistent approach to defining and countering terrorism, emphasizing the importance of balanced media narratives and fair policies. Chinappi stressed the need to address the root causes of terrorism, such as social and economic inequalities. He urged Western countries to abandon unilateral policies and instead adopt multilateral solutions based on justice and human rights. Ultimately, he believed that only by resolving these contradictions can a safer and fairer world be built.
4. OlsiJazexhiu: Professor at the International Islamic University of Malaysia, analyst of Islamic issues and the terrorist group of MEK (Mujahedin-e-Khalq) from Albania:
The speaker examined two terrorist organizations, the MEK and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which have been used by Western powers and Israel for geopolitical purposes.
The MEK, originally from Iran, was relocated to Albania in 2016. Although presented as a humanitarian refuge for the group, the organization became a tool for the United States and Israel to conduct operations against Iran, including inciting protests and facilitating assassinations of Iranian officials. These interventions led to the severance of diplomatic relations between Albania and Iran in 2022.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, initially part of Al-Qaeda, now operates primarily in Syria, especially in Idlib, under Turkish protection. The group has played a significant role in efforts to overthrow the Syrian government and destabilize the region, receiving support from the United States, Israel, and other Western powers. The group was armed to counter Syria and Iran and played a role in destabilizing Syria, which is now divided into several parts.
The speaker argued that these organizations have been used by Western powers to serve strategic interests, particularly to weaken the sovereignty of countries like Iran and Syria and advance Zionist objectives. He warned that these groups pose a serious threat to regional stability and the survival of Middle Eastern countries.
5. Dr. Robert Fantina: A university professor, author, and journalist from Canada:
Robert Fantina discussed the role of the United States in supporting terrorism, particularly its support for various terrorist groups and military operations in different countries. The speaker first mentioned the MEK, which is present in Albania with U.S. financial and diplomatic support and is accused of killing thousands of Iranians and journalists. He also pointed to U.S. support for Israel and other terrorist groups like the YPG and ISIS.
He also spoke about the human toll of post-9/11 wars, which have indirectly affected millions of people, and emphasized that the United States is responsible for many of these deaths. The speaker also highlighted the role of U.S. police forces and the killing of civilians by them.
In conclusion, he suggested that the UN Security Council should be reformed, and countries allied with the United States and Israel should cut ties and join countries that support human rights to stop the continued support for terrorism.
6. Mr. Gjergji Thanasi: A journalist, historian and political analyst from Albania:
the Albanian journalist Gjergji Thanasi, spoke about the presence of the MEK in Albania, the group has been in Albania since 2013, and by 2016, around 3,500 members of the group had entered the country. Thanasi believes that the group is a threat to Albania’s national security, as they use Albanian soil to plan attacks against Iran, even though Albania has no enmity with Iran.
He said that the MEK, known as a military cult, is supported by some countries and engages in activities such as terrorist bombings and drone attacks. Thanasi also noted that many members of the group have been involved in various terrorist activities in the past, making them a serious security threat to Albania.
He warned that the group not only threatens Albania’s national security but could also jeopardize Albania’s relations with Iran, as Iran could react strongly to these actions. Finally, Thanasi called on the Albanian government to pay more attention to this issue and prevent the country from becoming a haven for terrorist groups.
7. Mr. Alireza Abedini: The head of the Yasin Think Tank, researcher, and geopolitical analyst from Iran:
Mr. Abedini explained that the group was initially formed with semi-official support from the United States and France and later became a state-sponsored terrorist group through its collaboration with Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq. After Saddam’s fall, the group continued its activities with international support, including from the United States and Germany. He also noted that after Biden’s election in the U.S., the MEK came under the support of the Zionist regime and transitioned from a semi-state group to a state-sponsored one.
Abedini also mentioned the group’s terrorist attacks in Iran and abroad, emphasizing that the group’s goal is to create insecurity and division in Iran. He also highlighted the role of the group’s lobbies in European countries and their influence on Western governments’ policies, including efforts to halt direct flights from Iran to Europe and close Iranian consulates in Germany.
Finally, Abedini argued that terrorism, whether state-sponsored or semi-state-sponsored, not only leads to the killing of innocent people but is also used to create public dissatisfaction and weaken target countries. This type of terrorism should be examined within the framework of national security and human rights.
8. Dr. Maria Morigi: Archaeologist, writer, and researcher of Islam and fundamentalist movements from Italy:
In the past two years, terrorist activities and organized crime in Tirana (Albania) and Paris (France) have included various actions, such as police raids on MEK headquarters in Albania. During these operations, police seized electronic equipment and fought against cyberattacks and terrorist activities. In France, after discovering documents related to money laundering and espionage equipment at the group’s headquarters in Paris, police arrested three members and imposed travel restrictions on the group’s leader, Maryam Rajavi.
The MEK, which has been engaged in armed activities since the mid-20th century, has been heavily criticized. Former members who have escaped the group have reported torture, brainwashing, and even sexual coercion within the organization. The group is accused of collaborating with Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq war and later engaging in terrorist activities.
The organization has been involved in terrorist activities and human rights violations for years and has established extensive ties with mafia groups and foreign governments. Various reports indicate that most members of the organization were under harsh conditions and strict control, and some did not survive these conditions.
The group has also lobbied in Washington and attempted to remove its name from the U.S. list of terrorist organizations, receiving support from some American and Israeli politicians.
These activities show that the MEK faces significant challenges and criticisms not only nationally but also globally.
9. Mrs. BobanaAndjelkovic: Journalist and geopolitical analyst from Serbia:
The speaker highlighted the ongoing support for the Zionist entity by Western countries, multinational corporations, and transnational systems that aid in the operations and occupation of Palestine and its wars. Western countries, despite the risks, accept advanced Zionist technology products and services, leading to surveillance and control. Zionists and Western powers also exploit global financial and economic systems for their benefit and hold economic control over other countries.
The collaboration between Zionism, Nazism, and neoliberalism was emphasized, and Muslim countries were urged to reconsider their cooperation with these powers. she argued that today’s terrorism can no longer be separated into state and non-state terrorism, as both are intertwined within states, intelligence agencies, and criminal networks.
The speaker also criticized Western media for spreading false narratives to maintain global control, while the world is gradually seeing through these deceptions. Finally, reference was made to Sun Tzu’s famous saying in The Art of War: if the enemy makes a mistake, do not interfere, as a multipolar world waits patiently for the enemy’s mistakes to become more apparent.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The second conference of “Terrorism: State and Non-State Sponsored Versions” provided diverse perspectives from experts, revisiting the nature and consequences of state support for terrorism. Key conclusions from the session included:
1. The necessity of a coordinated global effort to counter terrorism requires international cooperation and avoiding the instrumental use of the issue.
2. Avoiding short-term political support for terrorist groups can prevent long-term negative consequences.
3. Reforming international structures, such as the UN Security Council, is essential to reduce the influence of major powers in international decision-making.
4. Public awareness: Media and educational institutions should play a role in increasing public awareness about the consequences of terrorism and the role of states in it.In conclusion, the speakers called on the international community to move towards a safer and more stable world through cooperation and solidarity. The conference demonstrated that only through synergy and adopting multilateral approaches can terrorism be effectively countered.
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