Fact check: Most terrorism is due to Islamists

1. Summary of the results

1. Summary of the results:

Statistical data shows that between 2011-2016, Islamic extremist groups were responsible for 88% of attacks from top perpetrators, with 85% of terrorist incidents occurring in largely Islamic states. However, 57% of those killed were the extremists themselves, while 26% were civilians.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints:

• Muslims themselves are overwhelmingly the primary victims of these attacks, not Western targets
• Only 17% of Muslims viewed religion as a key factor in terrorist recruitment
• Terrorism is driven by complex factors including governance failures, economic challenges, and population pressures
• Most Muslim-majority countries are actually strategic partners in fighting terrorism
• The vast majority of the world's 1.8 billion Muslims reject extremism and terrorism

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement:

The statement oversimplifies a complex issue by:

• Implying terrorism is primarily a religious problem, when data shows socio-economic factors play a major role
• Failing to acknowledge that Muslim communities are the primary victims
• Creating potential for Islamophobia, which security experts have identified as counterproductive to counter-terrorism efforts
• Ignoring that many terrorist organizations use religion as a recruitment tool rather than being genuinely motivated by religious beliefs

This type of oversimplification benefits anti-Muslim political movements and politicians who gain support through fear-based messaging, while making counter-terrorism efforts more difficult by alienating Muslim communities who are crucial allies in preventing extremism.