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Fiuggi 2008 - Conclusions |
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European Ideas Network - Summer University
18 - 20 September 2008
EIN POLICY ROUNDTABLE ON
TERRORISM AND SECURITY
ANTHONY GLEES, RAPPORTEUR
Conclusions
This important meeting of WG9, chaired by Jaime Mayor Oreja, benefited from the presence of outstanding speakers: Franco Frattini, Gilles de Kerchove, Rafael Nieto Loiaza and Walid Phares.
It underscored two overarching issues: the ongoing work to define the ideology of Jihadism (essential for making effective policy) and the primacy of the EPP-ED's relationship, especially in his field, with the USA. WG9 reaffirmed that the commitment to work for a strong Trans-Atlantic partnership remains, whoever becomes the next US President. Indeed, this commitment has been strengthened since 30 April 2008 when the chair of WG9 and other members met in the Library of Congress in Washington DC to formally establish the Trans-Atlantic Legislative Group on Counter-Terrorism together with Congresswoman Sue Myrick (R) and Congressman Bud Kramer (D).
WG9 once more stated its belief in the need to fight terrorism in a rational and lawful way, pushing for engagement with those elements of the European Muslim community committed to our values. This was a sensitive issue for the public since it required governments to promote Islam in education, but many see this as being more effective than suppression. Countering the efforts of radical preachers, funded frequently by the Saudis, was a priority. But to take away popular support for the ideology of Jihadism was vital.
The global nature of the threat whereby Jihadists could strike anywhere in the world at any time, was stressed. There was agreement that this threat would remain for many years to come. The interaction between 'foreign' and 'domestic' was a particular feature of the problem. The use of money gained from illegal drug-trafficking to support terror had become a world-wide problem, bringing the tactics of the Taleban into line with those of groups such as FARC in Colombia.
Events in Europe could be triggered by conditions in failed and failing states who lack democratic institutions and offer no economic security. This could promote political violence and support for Jihadism. The dangers of WMD falling into terrorist hands was even more real today given the lack of stability in a number of states in Africa and, of course, the Middle East and Pakistan.
Terrorism can never be justified but the conditions from which it can arise must be understood. These conditions in turn must be addressed with assistance for good governance. In this way, the EU should be a producer of security rather than just a consumer of the security provided by the USA. Above all, we must always stress the link between security and freedom and never sacrifice our core values.
Terrorism could be understood as coming from two quite distinct processes: the indoctrination of young Muslims towards Jihadism, and the work of Al Qaeda and associated groups to turn these people into terrorists. Funding of radical preachers must be countered. The EU must also use the media, including the internet, and those Muslim NGOs who share our values, to counter the message of hatred which indoctrinates our young Muslim fellow citizens.
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