Black September

Definition

Black September refers to a violent conflict that erupted in Jordan in September 1970, primarily between the Jordanian government and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). This conflict marked a significant moment in the rise of global terrorism as it demonstrated the intensifying tensions between Arab states and Palestinian groups, leading to increased radicalization and militant actions in the region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Black September was sparked by escalating tensions between Jordan and the PLO, which had established a strong military presence in the country and sought to challenge the Jordanian monarchy.
2. The conflict resulted in significant loss of life, with estimates ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of casualties, including both combatants and civilians.
3. In response to Black September, King Hussein of Jordan launched a military campaign to suppress PLO forces, ultimately leading to their expulsion from Jordan into Lebanon.
4. The events of Black September had a lasting impact on Palestinian nationalism and galvanized support for armed resistance movements across the Arab world.
5. Following Black September, the PLO shifted its strategies towards more organized acts of terrorism and political violence, culminating in events like the Munich Massacre.

Review Questions

• How did Black September reflect the tensions between Palestinian groups and Arab states during this period?
  • Black September highlighted the growing rift between the PLO and Jordan's monarchy, as Palestinian militants sought greater autonomy and influence within Jordan. The conflict demonstrated how Palestinian factions, backed by some Arab nations, were increasingly willing to confront Arab governments that opposed their objectives. This showdown not only led to violent confrontations but also exposed how Palestinian aspirations were often at odds with state interests in the region.
• What were the immediate outcomes of Black September for both Jordan and the Palestinian Liberation Organization?
  • The immediate outcomes of Black September included a decisive military victory for King Hussein's forces, which effectively dismantled PLO power within Jordan. The PLO was forced to relocate its base of operations to Lebanon, significantly impacting its future strategies and tactics. This expulsion marked a shift in Palestinian resistance from a focus on territorial control within Jordan to one that would lead to increased militancy and terrorism abroad.
• Evaluate how Black September contributed to the global perception of terrorism and influenced subsequent militant actions by groups like the PLO.
  • Black September played a crucial role in shaping global perceptions of terrorism by showcasing how nationalist movements could resort to extreme violence as a means of achieving political goals. The conflict not only intensified international scrutiny of Palestinian actions but also paved the way for future high-profile terrorist acts, such as the Munich Massacre. This shift illustrated that conflicts involving state sovereignty and ethnic nationalism could have far-reaching implications for global security dynamics, ultimately embedding terrorism deeper into international relations.

Related terms

Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO): A political and paramilitary organization founded in 1964 that aimed to create an independent State of Palestine and has been recognized as the representative of the Palestinian people.

Jordanian Civil War: The internal conflict in Jordan that occurred alongside Black September, where Palestinian factions, including the PLO, fought against the Jordanian monarchy for control and autonomy.

Munich Massacre: The terrorist attack carried out by the Palestinian group Black September during the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, where they took Israeli athletes hostage, leading to significant international attention on Palestinian terrorism.