The Islamic Terrorism in Europe: A Contemporary Treath? Teresa de Almeida e Silva Technical University of Lisbon School of Social and Political Sciences 2nd Annual Conference on Terrorism and Global Security September 14-15, 2011 Washington, D.C.
The world is not the same since the morning of September 11, 2001. Before our amazement and disbelief, a brutal absurdity became a permanent risk possible anywhere and in any country. The feeling of a huge and new vulnerability came to accompany us in daily life and the revolt against the absurd now has the bitter taste of incomprehension and helplessness. (Vilar, 2006:16)
The attacks on U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania (August 7, 1998) The attack on the USS Cole on the coast of Yemen (12 October 2000) The attacks on the World Trade Center in New York (September 11, 2001) The bombings in Bali, Indonesia (12 October 2002) The attack on a complex housing of U.S. officials in Riyadh (May 12, 2003) The attacks on trains in Madrid (March 11, 2004) The attack on the U.S. consulate in Saudi city of Jeddah (December 6, 2004) The attacks on the London Subway (July 7, 2005)
It has no face (is impersonal) It is unpredictable It inflames the psyche of young secondgeneration established in Europe, who feel increasingly attracted by the message of radical activists.
Muslims in Europe
United Kingdom France Italy Spain Germany Pakistan Algeria Tunisia Morocco Turkey
Saudi Arabia Pakistan Iran Turkey (reislamized) Muslim Brotherhood
The muslim radicals: Accuse the Europeans of having drawn new borders in the Middle East Argue that Islam and Muslims have been constantly humiliated. Claim that Muslims must unite and stand up for their faith.
Strengthen the border security may not be the ideal solution to contain Islamic terrorism in the West. To defend the perimeter is not enough to stop the phenomenon, since the terrorists attack us in our own home, from within.
United Kingdom Omar Bakri Muhammad Sadik Khan
Germany
Netherlands Ahmed Aboutaleb Theo Van Gogh Greet Wilders
France
"We want to offer Shari'a to Great Britain. If this law is applied, we can make this country an oasis of peace, because from the moment you first cut a hand to a thief, no one will steal again. If you punish an adulterer, no one else will commit that crime again. The Shari'a is a good thing for British society. (Suhaib Hasan cit. in Valle, 2009: 195).
Full Integration is the Solution?
The economic growth is softer than in previous times. The worst quality of a large number of jobs held by immigrants. The resistant attitude of some European societies due to the integration of immigrants. The adverse social climate derived from public policies to control and fight illegal immigration.
If there is willingness on the part of host countries in order to implement well the integration policies; If the Muslim communities express willingness to become fully integrated into their host societies; The Muslim communities can serve as a brake on the spread of islamic terrorism. If that integration is achieved without any discrimination;
Valle, Alexandre del (2009) - The Islamization of Europe, Lisbon, Civilização. Vilar, Emílio Rui (2006) Introduction, in AAVV Terrorism and International Relations, Lisbon, Gradiva, pp. 15-21.
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