Final answer:
Terrorism indeed has historical roots stretching back to Old Testament times and has manifested in various forms over the centuries, including the modern era with groups like the Irgun and Boko Haram employing violent tactics to advance their causes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that terrorism goes back to the days of the Old Testament is true. Historical instances that could be considered terrorism have taken place throughout history, including in biblical times. The concept of using fear and violence to achieve a certain goal, particularly for religious or political purposes, is not new and has evolved over time to what is now recognized as terrorism.
Modern terrorism, as recognized today, includes acts such as bombings, stabbings, vehicle rammings, and other forms of violence that deliberately target civilians to advance an ideological agenda. Notable groups, such as the Irgun in the 1940s, have used such tactics. Terrorism is categorized into domestic and international terrorism, with the former referring to acts within a country's borders without foreign influence and the latter involving international actors.
The impacts of terrorism are global, affecting all regions, and have a wide range of motivations and tactics, as exemplified by groups like Boko Haram in Africa. Historical events and ideologies, including those relating to religious wars, continue to influence the nature and justification of current terrorist acts.