This is "The Black List." The portal shows Bin Laden, gives a brief introduction, and instructs "Click to Begin." Upon clicking on Numbers 1 or 2, the visitor goes to a map with all of the terrorist hotspots in the world.

This list seems to be based on one furnished by the United States Department of State. The Number 1 map includes terrorist organizations in Colombia, and interestingly, in Israel - not only the anti-Zionist organizations that are commonly reported upon, but also an extremist Jewish group, Kach, which is opposed to the government of Israel. Also, note that clicking on Number 3 provides a brief biography and summary of terrorist activities of Bin Laden himself.

Questions to Consider

• Spain is a country located geographically close to Islamic countries; its own history reflects long struggles between Islam and Catholicism. Its own culture is an amalgam of Christian, Islamic, and Jewish elements. How do you think this fact might influence media coverage and public opinion about acts of terrorism apparently committed by Islamic extremists as well as the perspectives on a possible planned response by the United States?
• Note that the U.S. has strategic air bases in Spain and when these were used for the Gulf War, many Spanish citizens protested. What do you think allies should be obligated to do in support of a country that has been attacked? Is it necessary to get consensus from all allies?
• This site includes images of and information about one individual, Bin Laden. Is concentrating the attention of the world on one individual a good idea? If Bin Laden were eliminated, do you think these terrorist acts would disappear or diminish in number? Or would they simply come from other groups? To what extent can extremist groups, whose members are willing to participate in suicide missions for their cause, be "taught a lesson"?
• Much of the information about terrorist groups in the Spanish site comes directly from the United States Department of State. If Mexico, for instance, were the target of international terrorists, would media in the U.S. rely on the Mexican government for information or would it do its own investigatory work? Do you that smaller countries with fewer resources are obliged to receive their information from sources in larger, wealthier countries (or from transnational enterprises), and if so, is this a problem?

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