Book Description

Terrorism is one of critical problems that the world faces today. It is an issue of globalconcern. Terrorism is not a new phenomenon and its origins can be traced back to ancienttimes. Over the years 'terrorism' has evolved into a lethal, more widespread and moredifficult to control form. The attempted or contemplated use of weapons of mass destruction(WMDs) by terrorist groups in their activities present a serious threat which needs concertedcounter efforts not only at regional level but also at the international level.Terrorists groups today arewell-equipped with state-of-the- art technologies. In atechnologically advanced world, they are well armed with small, portable and easy-to-operateweapons. Additionally they are increasingly making use of sophisticated weapons. Howevera point of serious concern is the possibility of nuclear, chemical and bio-terrorism. This kindof terrorism has the potential of causing massive loss of lives and damage to property inaddition to causing the collapse of the economic system of the world.Religiously oriented terrorist groups are the most likely candidates to threaten use of WMDs.These terrorist groups suffer from weak relative power in relation to the nation-state and tooffset this asymmetric situation, the non-state group may make a rational decision to pursuethe development of a WMD capability and eventually carry out attacks. This however doesnot mean that other entities such as members of any "cult', white supremacist organisations ora 'lone wolf can be discounted from conducting a WMD related terrorist attack.The breakup of the Soviet Union left a huge amount of nuclear materials scattered acrossseveral countries without the capacity to keep track of them. The existence of WMD blackmarket and criminal networks in the former Soviet Union states trying to sell WMDs presentsa clear and present danger to world peace. Proliferation of nuclear, biological and chemicalweapons manufacturing technologies through rogue scientists and even nation states havealso increased in recent years enhancing the likelihood of these WMDs falling in the hands ofterrorist organisations.Increased international cooperation in terms of stringent anti terror laws, tracking of finances,monitoring of suspect individuals, monitoring of goods movement through sea and air andintelligence sharing are important to counter the threat. However there are significant hurdlesin ensuring effective counter terrorism efforts especially in the GCC. These include geopolitical interests of various countries, reluctance in sharing intelligence, sympathies forvarious terrorist organisations and sectarian strife.