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Terrorism has loomed in the public eye for centuries; however, since 9/11 modern terrorism has attracted a new public dimension. On an international and domestic scope, media and government bodies have identified that the 9/11 terrorist attacks were delivered by the hands of Islamic terrorists, namely Al-Qaeda (U.S. Government, 2002). According to Australian, American and British government officials and numerous international and domestic media reports, Al-Qaeda publicly claimed responsibility for 9/11 and other terrorist attacks such as the Bali, London and Madrid bombings (Al-Jazeera, 2004: 1-6; Gonzales, 2006:3; U.S Government, 2002: 1-49; ). Furthermore, many domestic and international mainstream Muslims have responded to 9/11 and other attacks by revealing there support of Al-Qeada s hatred and violence towards the West (Tarakhil, 2004:1; Ziabi, 2006:5). It was here among these media and government reports that the concept of Jihad emerged as a pivotal religious concept that justifies terrorism. As a result, Jihad developed a strong association with terrorism and thus Islam has been placed in the forefront of controversy as a religion that creates terrorists.

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Ms Carol Elzain is persuing a PhD in Political Science at The University of Melbourne after having completed her Masters in Applied Criminology and BA in Criminal Justice Administration at RMIT. During such academic persuits, Carol held positions within several universities teaching and guest lecturing on subjects to the like of Criminology.

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