From Criminals to Terrorists and Back?
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10 Years of Eu Counter-Terrorism
A DECADE OF EU COUNTER-TERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE: A CRITICAL ASSESSMENT INTRODUCTION Dr Javier Argomaniz (University of St Andrews), Dr OldrichBures (Metropolitan University Prague) & Dr Christian Kaunert (University of Salford & European University Institute Florence) The Treaty on the European Union (EU) stipulates that one of the key objectives of the Union is to provide citizens with a high level of safety within an Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (AFSJ). Given the fact that the fight against terrorism is a prominent aspect of this general objective, it is remarkable that, in spite of its political relevance and decade-long history, it has only relatively recently received due attention in the academic community1. Only a handful of post-9/11 edited volumes and special issues have focused on specific aspects of the EU counterterrorism efforts2 and initial monographs on the subject have only been relatively recently published by the three editors behind this special issue: Argomaniz3 has produced a theoretically informed assessment of the coherence of the EU response, Bures4 has examined the extent to which the EU can offer an added 1 A selection of relevant contributions would include: Monica den Boer and JörgMonar, ‘Keynote Article: 11 September and the Challenge of Global Terrorism to the EU as a Security Actor’, Journal of Common Market Studies, 40/4 (2002), pp. 11-28; John Occhipinti, The Politics of EU Police Cooperation: Towards a European FBI?(Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner, 2003); Edwin Bakker ‘Differences in Terrorist Threat Perceptions in Europe’, in DieterMahncke and JörgMonar (eds.) International Terrorism.A European Response to a Global Threat? (Brussels: P.I.E Peter Lang, 2006); Daniel KeohaneThe EU and counter-terrorism (London: CER, 2005); DoronZimmermann, D., “The European Union and Post-9/11 Counterterrorism: A Reappraisal”, Studies in Conflict and Terrorism, 29/1, (2006),pp. -
France 2016 International Religious Freedom Report
FRANCE 2016 INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM REPORT Executive Summary The constitution and the law protect the right of individuals to choose, change, and practice their religion. The government investigated and prosecuted numerous crimes and other actions against religious groups, including anti-Semitic and anti- Muslim violence, hate speech, and vandalism. The government continued to enforce laws prohibiting face coverings in public spaces and government buildings and the wearing of “conspicuous” religious symbols at public schools, which included a ban on headscarves and Sikh turbans. The highest administrative court rejected the city of Villeneuve-Loubet’s ban on “clothes demonstrating an obvious religious affiliation worn by swimmers on public beaches.” The ban was directed at full-body swimming suits worn by some Muslim women. ISIS claimed responsibility for a terrorist attack in Nice during the July 14 French independence day celebration that killed 84 people without regard for their religious belief. President Francois Hollande condemned the attack as an act of radical Islamic terrorism. Prime Minister (PM) Manuel Valls cautioned against scapegoating Muslims or Islam for the attack by a radical extremist group. The government extended a state of emergency until July 2017. The government condemned anti- Semitic, anti-Muslim, and anti-Catholic acts and continued efforts to promote interfaith understanding through public awareness campaigns and by encouraging dialogues in schools, among local officials, police, and citizen groups. Jehovah’s Witnesses reported 19 instances in which authorities interfered with public proselytizing by their community. There were continued reports of attacks against Christians, Jews, and Muslims. The government, as well as Muslim and Jewish groups, reported the number of anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim incidents decreased by 59 percent and 58 percent respectively from the previous year to 335 anti-Semitic acts and 189 anti-Muslim acts. -
PERSPECTIVES on TERRORISM Volume 11, Issue 5
ISSN 2334-3745 Volume V, Issue 5 October 2017 PERSPECTIVES ON TERRORISM Volume 11, Issue 5 Table of Contents Welcome from the Editors......................................................................................................1 Articles Countering Violent Extremism in Prisons: A Review of Key Recent Research and Critical Research Gaps.........................................................................................................................2 by Andrew Silke and Tinka Veldhuis The New Crusaders: Contemporary Extreme Right Symbolism and Rhetoric..................12 by Ariel Koch Exploring the Continuum of Lethality: Militant Islamists’ Targeting Preferences in Europe....................................................................................................................................24 by Cato Hemmingby Research Notes On and Off the Radar: Tactical and Strategic Responses to Screening Known Potential Terrorist Attackers................................................................................................................41 by Thomas Quiggin Resources Terrorism Bookshelf.............................................................................................................50 Capsule Reviews by Joshua Sinai Bibliography: Terrorist Organizations: Cells, Networks, Affiliations, Splits......................67 Compiled and selected by Judith Tinnes Bibliography: Life Cycles of Terrorism..............................................................................107 Compiled and selected by Judith -
How Sophisticated Are Terrorist Attacks on Passenger Rail Transportation
How Sophisticated are Terrorist Attacks on Passenger Rail Project SP 0520 Transportation June 2020 Brian Michael Jenkins and Bruce R. Butterworth Executive Summary Summary of Key Findings Terrorist attacks on passenger rail transportation are statistically rare events in the developed world— only about seven attacks per year are carried out against all of the economically advanced countries combined. However, uncovered plots and attempts indicate continuing terrorist interest in attacking transportation targets. The vast majority of terrorist attacks on passenger rail transportation are aimed at disrupting travel or causing casualties. Most of the attacks (87%) and 100% of the casualties result from attacks on passengers aboard trains and in stations, i.e., where the people are. We have defined sophistication by identifying four criteria, of which at least one must be met: The attack must (1) involve the recruitment of inside assistance, the use of insider knowledge, or the acquisition of specialized skills through training; (2) require the penetration of manned or closely monitored security systems; (3) involve the use of sophisticated weapons, devices, or means (for an IED to be considered sophisticated, it must do more than simply explode—it must have a timing or remote detonating system that guarantees detonation at a remote time or in a specific location, or it must be miniaturized or disguised so as to evade detection); and (4) must be complex—it must involve multiple actors with individual roles or coordinated simultaneous or near-simultaneous attacks at different locations. Using those criteria, we find few of the terrorist attacks on public surface transport are sophisticated. -
The Jihadi Threat: ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Beyond
THE JIHADI THREAT ISIS, AL QAEDA, AND BEYOND The Jihadi Threat ISIS, al- Qaeda, and Beyond Robin Wright William McCants United States Institute of Peace Brookings Institution Woodrow Wilson Center Garrett Nada J. M. Berger United States Institute of Peace International Centre for Counter- Terrorism Jacob Olidort The Hague Washington Institute for Near East Policy William Braniff Alexander Thurston START Consortium, University of Mary land Georgetown University Cole Bunzel Clinton Watts Prince ton University Foreign Policy Research Institute Daniel Byman Frederic Wehrey Brookings Institution and Georgetown University Car ne gie Endowment for International Peace Jennifer Cafarella Craig Whiteside Institute for the Study of War Naval War College Harleen Gambhir Graeme Wood Institute for the Study of War Yale University Daveed Gartenstein- Ross Aaron Y. Zelin Foundation for the Defense of Democracies Washington Institute for Near East Policy Hassan Hassan Katherine Zimmerman Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy American Enterprise Institute Charles Lister Middle East Institute Making Peace Possible December 2016/January 2017 CONTENTS Source: Image by Peter Hermes Furian, www . iStockphoto. com. The West failed to predict the emergence of al- Qaeda in new forms across the Middle East and North Africa. It was blindsided by the ISIS sweep across Syria and Iraq, which at least temporarily changed the map of the Middle East. Both movements have skillfully continued to evolve and proliferate— and surprise. What’s next? Twenty experts from think tanks and universities across the United States explore the world’s deadliest movements, their strate- gies, the future scenarios, and policy considerations. This report reflects their analy sis and diverse views. -
Jihadist Attacks on Critical Infrastructure
DOI: 10.38146/BSZ.SPEC.2020.1.7 Bianka Speidl – Hanga Horváth-Sántha Jihadist attacks on Critical Infrastructure Abstract Besides its function to maintain the social and economic well-being of a nation, operating critical infrastructure serves as a proof of the ability of the state to provide protection to its citizens. Hence, a successful terrorist attack targeting critical infrastructure - in addition to generating fear and panic in the ranks of society undermines the operational character of the state. In recent years, several terrorist incidents in Europe have highlighted the vulnerability of crit- ical infrastructure and, consequently, the importance of protecting it. Bearing this in mind, the protection of critical infrastructure has become a high prior- ity for Western states, in parallel with the growing trend of risks, challenges and threats posed by international terrorism. Recently Europe has seen an in- crease in terrorist attacks against members of law enforcement as well as the armed forces. This paper argues that such attacks should also be considered as attacks on critical infrastructure, as it is ultimately the human resources be- ing responsible for the well-functioning of those agencies. Further, the paper aims to examine the religious justification of Jihadist terrorist attacks against critical infrastructure. Keywords: Critical infrastructure, terrorist attack, Salafi-Jihadism, al-Qā‛ida, Islamic State Introduction Greatly simplified, critical infrastructure can be defined as all those infrastruc- tures our society depends on in daily life, including transport, energy, informa- tion technology and many other sectors. Critical infrastructure has made life of the citizens in a modern state much more simple compared to previous dec- Belügyi Szemle / 2020 / Special Issue 1. -
Bachelor's Thesis
Bachelor’s thesis Belgium as a victim or a culprit? A comparative analysis of framing the 2016 Brussels bombings in Flemish and Dutch newspapers A thesis presented to The Department of Communication and Information Studies, Radboud University Freya Gommans, Radboud University Nijmegen International Business Communication, Faculty of Arts Supervisors: A. Rafiee and W. Spooren 7th of June, 2019 Bachelor’s thesis, Freya Gommans Table of contents Abstract 3 Introduction 4 Theoretical framework 6 Framing 6 Framing terrorism 7 Flanders and the Netherlands 9 Present study 10 Method 12 Materials 12 Model of analysis 12 Procedure 13 Statistical treatment 14 Results 15 Quantitative analyses 15 Qualitative analyses 16 Conclusion and discussion 20 Bibliography 23 Appendices 25 Appendix A Model of Analysis, based on Semetko and Valkenburg (2000) 25 Appendix B Interrater reliability per item of the model of analysis 27 Appendix C Newspaper article: NRC Handelsblad in Dutch 29 Appendix D Newspaper article NRC Handelsblad in English 31 Appendix E Newspaper article: De Standaard in Dutch 33 Appendix F Newspaper article: De Standaard in English 36 Appendix G Statement of own work 39 2 Bachelor’s thesis, Freya Gommans Abstract In this dissertation, a cross-national analysis of framing the 22nd of March 2016 Brussels bombings in Dutch and Flemish national newspapers is presented. The purpose of the study was to investigate how Dutch and Flemish newspapers framed the bombings and explain how the differences in framing may relate to the different cultural contexts. Analyzing a corpus of 104 articles of Dutch and Flemish quality newspapers, it was found that Flemish newspapers opted for a more personal approach, bringing a human face to the issue and presenting Belgium as a victim. -
Iran, Terrorism, and Weapons of Mass Destruction
Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 31:169–181, 2008 Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC ISSN: 1057-610X print / 1521-0731 online DOI: 10.1080/10576100701878424 Iran, Terrorism, and Weapons of Mass Destruction DANIEL BYMAN Center for Peace and Security Studies Georgetown University Washington, DC, USA and Saban Center for Middle East Policy Brookings Institution Washington, DC, USA This article reviews Iran’s past and current use of terrorism and assesses why U.S. attempts to halt Iran’s efforts have met with little success. With this assessment in mind, it argues that Iran is not likely transfer chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons to terrorist groups for several reasons. First, providing terrorists with such unconventional Downloaded By: [Georgetown University] At: 15:20 19 March 2008 weapons offers Iran few tactical advantages as these groups are able to operate effectively with existing methods and weapons. Second, Iran has become more cautious in its backing of terrorists in recent years. And third, Tehran is highly aware that any major escalation in its support for terrorism would incur U.S. wrath and international condemnation. The article concludes by offering recommendations for decreasing Iran’s support for terrorism. Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran has been one of the world’s most active sponsors of terrorism. Tehran has armed, trained, financed, inspired, organized, and otherwise supported dozens of violent groups over the years.1 Iran has backed not only groups in its Persian Gulf neighborhood, but also terrorists and radicals in Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Bosnia, the Philippines, and elsewhere.2 This support remains strong even today: the U.S. -
April 11, 2021 Under Attack: Terrorism and International Trade in France
April 11, 2021 Under Attack: Terrorism and International Trade in France, 2014-16* Volker Nitsch Isabelle Rabaud Technische Universität Darmstadt Université d’Orléans, LEO, Abstract Terrorist events typically vary along many dimensions, making it difficult to identify their economic effects. This paper analyzes the impact of terrorism on international trade by examining a series of three large-scale terrorist incidents in France over the period from January 2015 to July 2016. Using firm-level data at monthly frequency, we document an immediate and lasting decline in cross-border trade after a mass terrorist attack. According to our estimates, France’s trade in goods, which accounts for about 70 percent of the country’s trade in goods and services, is reduced by more than 6 billion euros in the first six months after an attack. The reduction in trade mainly takes place along the intensive margin, with particularly strong effects for partner countries with low border barriers to France, for firms with less frequent trade activities and for homogeneous products. A possible explanation for these patterns is an increase in trade costs due to stricter security measures. JEL Classification Codes: F14; F52 Keywords: shock; insecurity; uncertainty; terrorism; international trade; France * We thank Béatrice Boulu-Reshef, Stefan Goldbach, Jérôme Héricourt, Laura Hering, Christophe Hurlin, Miren Lafourcade, Laura Lebastard, Daniel Mirza, Serge Pajak, Felipe Starosta de Waldemar, Patrick Villieu, three anonymous referees, and participants at presentations in Bern (European Trade Study Group), Darmstadt, Köln (Verein für Socialpolitik), Orléans (Association Française de Science Economique), Paris (Université Paris-Saclay, RITM, and Université Paris-Est, ERUDITE), and Poitiers for helpful comments. -
Preventing Violent Extremism in Kyrgyzstan
UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF PEACE www.usip.org SPECIAL REPORT 2301 Constitution Ave., NW • Washington, DC 20037 • 202.457.1700 • fax 202.429.6063 ABOUT THE REPORT Jacob Zenn and Kathleen Kuehnast This report offers perspectives on the national and regional dynamics of violent extremism with respect to Kyrgyzstan. Derived from a study supported by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) to explore the potential for violent extremism in Central Asia, it is based on extensive interviews and a Preventing Violent countrywide Peace Game with university students at Kyrgyz National University in June 2014. Extremism in Kyrgyzstan ABOUT THE AUTHORS Jacob Zenn is an analyst on Eurasian and African affairs, a legal adviser on international law and best practices related to civil society and freedom of association, and a nonresident research Summary fellow at the Center of Shanghai Cooperation Organization Studies in China, the Center of Security Programs in Kazakhstan, • Kyrgyzstan, having twice overthrown autocratic leaders in violent uprisings, in 2005 and again and The Jamestown Foundation in Washington, DC. Dr. Kathleen in 2010, is the most politically open and democratic country in Central Asia. Kuehnast is a sociocultural anthropologist and an expert on • Many Kyrgyz observers remain concerned about the country’s future. They fear that underlying Kyrgyzstan, where she conducted field work in the early 1990s. An adviser on the Central Asia Fellows Program at the socioeconomic conditions and lack of public services—combined with other factors, such as Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington drug trafficking from Afghanistan, political manipulation, regional instability in former Soviet University, she is a member of the Council on Foreign Union countries and Afghanistan, and foreign-imported religious ideologies—create an envi- Relations and has directed the Center for Gender and ronment in which violent extremism can flourish. -
Is Perpetrated by Fundamentalist Sunnis, Except Terrorism Against Israel
All “Islamic Terrorism” Is Perpetrated by Fundamentalist Sunnis, Except Terrorism Against Israel By Eric Zuesse Region: Middle East & North Africa Global Research, June 10, 2017 Theme: Terrorism, US NATO War Agenda In-depth Report: IRAN: THE NEXT WAR?, IRAQ REPORT, SYRIA My examination of 54 prominent international examples of what U.S.President Donald Trump is presumably referring to when he uses his often-repeated but never defined phrase “radical Islamic terrorism” indicates that it is exclusively a phenomenon that is financed by the U.S. government’s Sunni fundamentalist royal Arab ‘allies’ and their subordinates, and not at all by Iran or its allies or any Shiites at all. Each of the perpetrators was either funded by those royals, or else inspired by the organizations, such as Al Qaeda and ISIS, that those royals fund, and which are often also armed by U.S.-made weapons that were funded by those royals. In other words: the U.S. government is allied with the perpetrators. Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani and Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad (Source: antiliberalnews.net) See the critique of this article by Kevin Barrett Stop the Smear Campaign (and Genocide) Against Sunni Islam!By Kevin Barrett, June 13, 2017 Though U.S. President Donald Trump blames Shias, such as the leaders of Iran and of Syria, for what he calls “radical Islamic terrorism,” and he favors sanctions etc. against them for that alleged reason, those Shia leaders and their countries are actually constantly being attacked by Islamic terrorists, and this terrorism is frequently perpetrated specifically in order to overthrow them (which the U.S. -
The Refugee Crisis Is Being Blamed for the Terrorist Attacks in Europe. by Nolan Rappaport PEW RESEARCH CENTER SURVEY Connection
The refugee crisis is being blamed for the terrorist attacks in Europe. By Nolan Rappaport PEW RESEARCH CENTER SURVEY Connection between the refugee crisis and terrorism. According to a recent Pew Research Center (PEW)1 survey,2 the refugee crisis and terrorism in the European Union (EU) are very much related to one another in the minds of many Europeans. In eight of the 10 European nations surveyed, 50% or more of the people who participated in the survey believed that letting refugees into the EU had increased the likelihood of terrorism. 3 Increase in migration to EU countries. In 2015 alone, more than a million migrants applied for refugee status in the EU. Most of them came from primarily Muslim countries, such as Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq.4 When the survey asked specifically whether these Muslim migrants supported extremist groups like the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), most of the people surveyed responded that they did not think such groups had widespread support in the Muslim communities. On the other hand, in no country did a majority say “very few” Muslims supported ISIS; and in five countries, a quarter or more said many or most Muslims did.5 No correlation was found between fear that refugees were bringing terrorists with them and the number of refugees coming into a country. Poland only has had a few thousand refugee applications in the past year, but 73% of the people surveyed in Poland said refugees were a major threat. In contrast, Germany has had several hundred thousand applications, and just 31% of the Germans surveyed were concerned about the refugees.