Urban U.S. counties hot spots of terror, but rural areas are not exempt
Nearly a third of all terrorist attacks from 1970 to 2008 occurred in just five metropolitan U.S. counties, but events continue to occur in rural areas, spurred on by domestic actors, according to a report published today by START researchers at the University of Maryland and the University of Massachusetts-Boston. Full story...
 
New research examines financial crime and political extremism
In a newly published research brief, START researchers reveal that both far-right and al-Qaida-inspired extremists in the United States engaged in different types of financial schemes, followed distinct modi operandi and were prosecuted for a variety of both financial and non-financial crimes. Full story...
 

START students study abroad down under
Surfing through waves in the Tasman Sea, climbing the cliffs of Bondi Beach and meeting face to face with the Kangaroo. That is how some students spent their winter break-- studying the thrills of Australian culture and learning about pacific-rim counterterrorism strategies. Full story...
 
START names William Braniff new executive director
Bill Braniff has been named the new executive director of START. He will work closely with Director Gary LaFree to develop and implement strategies for the consortium while managing staff and research projects. Full story...
 
Leading terrorism expert discusses mobilization of women into terrorist networks
Renowned terrorism scholar Mia Bloom delivered two lectures to the University of Maryland community last week. The lectures, which were sponsored by START, explored the mobilization of women into terrorist networks and ethnic conflicts. Full story...
 
LaFree named Distinguished Scholar-Teacher
START Director Gary LaFree was named one of six Distinguished Scholar-Teachers by the University of Maryland for the 2012-13 academic year. The award honors tenured faculty members who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in their respective fields and as educators. Full story...
 
Apply by Feb. 15 for START’s online Graduate Certificate in Terrorism Studies
START offers a fully online, open enrollment Graduate Certificate in Terrorism Studies through the University of Maryland. The yearlong program provides participants – both scholars and practitioners – with advanced education on the causes, dynamics and impacts of international and domestic terrorism. Apply by Feb. 15. 
 
Terrorism Studies minor program will soon accept applications
Next week, START will begin accepting applications for the undergraduate minor in Terrorism Studies, housed in the College of Behavioral and Social Science at the University of Maryland. Students from all colleges and majors are encouraged to apply. Full story...
 
DHS renews support for START terrorism research for next five years
With $3.6 million in new federal funding, START researchers will continue to expand the scientific understanding of the human causes and consequences of terrorism. Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate. Full story...

 
Norway: Breivik Ordered to Undergo Second Psychiatric Review
Anders Behring Breivik, the man who confessed to the July 22, 2011 bombing and shooting in Norway, has been ordered to undergo a second evaluation. Full story...
 
United States: Arson Attack Occurs After the New Year
In Pensacola, Fla. a family planning clinic was firebombed by a man protesting abortions. Full story...
 
Nigeria: Numerous Attacks in the Northern Region – Boko Haram Suspected
At least 200 people have been killed, and many more wounded in a wave of violence in the northern region of Nigeria this month. Full story...

Political science expert to discuss negotiation settlements as a conflict resolution tool
START Fellow Aila Matanock will discuss one of her most recent works, “Bullets for Ballots: Examining the Effect of Electoral Participation on Conflict Recurrence” during a research roundtable Thursday, Feb. 9 at the University of Maryland. Full story...

START researcher invited to discuss terrorists’ motivations
John Jay College has invited START researcher Arie Kruglanski to present his research findings during a special seminar this February hosted by the school’s Center on Terrorism. Kruglanski will discuss how certain social and political circumstances may motivate individuals to participate in terrorist activities. Full story...

Spring START seminar to feature John Horgan
START has invited internationally recognized terrorism scholar John Horgan to campus to discuss his research during a guest lecture Feb. 16. An RSVP is required to attend and should be made by Feb. 3 to infostart@start.umd.edu. Full story...