A 'threat to humanity'; The many faces of global terrorism

The global security environment is perhaps more dangerous than at any time since the end of the Cold War. The threat is not so much from weapons of mass destruction but from stateless terrorist organizations like al Qaeda. With their cadres spread in numerous countries, they operate globally. Military action will not eliminate this new threat to humanity. What we need is a global strategy to tackle terrorism.

Post-September 11 there is increased awareness of the problem of terrorism among governments, but public awareness is still at rudimentary levels. The general public should be sensitized about the lurking dangers of surprise terrorist attacks. Public alertness will add an effective dimension to the government's efforts to prevent terrorist incidents.

Tightening immigration laws cannot by itself address the issue adequately as long as illegal immigration continues. Precautions that governments take, such as installing closed-circuit television at strategic locations, might enhance the ability to utilize post-event investigations to track down perpetrators of terrorist attacks. But it will not necessarily be helpful as a pre-emptive deterrent.

It is fair to say that open and free societies with respect for law are the terrorists' natural targets. Besides technological surveillance, highly credible human intelligence is important. More significantly, cooperation among genuine democracies which have a common cause in tackling terrorism is crucial. The war on terrorism has to be fought both at psychological and technological levels. Suicide attacks on key installations to inflict maximum damage and loss of life are the hallmark of terrorist organizations like al Qaeda. Their intention is to create panic and exert psychological pressure on governments.

In free societies where citizens enjoy constitutional guarantees, notably the right to privacy and freedom of speech, governments face problems in imposing surveillance. Arguably, the fine balance between freedom and requirements of national security is a delicate matter for determination through executive authority without public protest or even judicial intervention.

Moreover, counterterrorism measures impose high costs and divert resources from development activities. A recent World Bank report titled "Breaking the conflict gap - civil war and Development Policy" notes ruefully that "the world is too small and tightly networked for the damages of conflict to be contained within the country at war." The report added that "The international community must work together to reduce the number and length of these tragic and deeply destructive conflicts."