BEIRUT, Lebanon, July 15 (UPI) -- In a revealing analysis into the inner workings of the Islamist terror cells operating in Europe, counter-terrorist specialists draw attention to a new danger submerged within the civilian fabric of society.
M.J. Gohel and Sajjan M. Gohel of the Asia-Pacific Foundation, in a paper titled "London Terror Attacks and the Aftermath," detail the way young, easily influenced men are easy prey to politicized peddlers of hate: the recruiters.
"These individuals are using religion for their political agenda," explain the Gohel brothers.
The London-based anti-terrorist specialists talk of "a new generation of terrorists," born and educated in Europe, equipped with all the social skills and proper passports to pass unnoticed in the West.
"The terror threat comes in an unconventional form involving an invisible enemy which does not identify itself, it does not wear a uniform, it is not located in any one place or country," the analysis says.
In fighting terrorism, the West should consider the psychological aspect of the conflict. Priority should be given to the propaganda -- or information -- side of the conflict, as much as to combatting terror and suicide bombings on the military, security and intelligence fronts.
"Ultimately, the fight against terrorism can only be won if we manage to prevent young people from joining such organizations, if we manage to induce members of terrorist groups to leave their organizations and if we can make it clear to their leaders that their strategy is not leading to the intended results," says the report.
It is "a mistake" to dismiss out of hand the mixture of "ideology, propaganda and half-truths" put out by terrorist organizations and their sympathizers in trying to "justify" their actions. Efforts must be taken in making intelligent counter-points.
"There is a necessity in countering every terrorist propaganda statement with well-argued counter-statements," the APF report says, in order to counter "the language of hate and violence," with "the language of reason and humanity."
There are real and present threats of British and other European-born youths dragged into the terror networks by recruiters forever on the lookout for individuals hovering on the edge of society. Many second- or third-generation Europeans of Asian and Arab origin, disillusioned and disenchanted with Western society prove to be prime candidates for the recruiter.
The recruiter's job is to identify the candidate and ensure he "fits into the mandatory qualifications; knowledge of religion, ideological commitment, maturity, self sacrifice, discipline, secrecy, good health, patience, focus, intelligence, prudence, loyalty, the ability to analyze and most importantly the ability to act," continues the report.
The recruiters focus on "vulnerable targets:" people -- usually the young -- who are "down on their luck" or depressed. People "easy to manipulate." The Gohel report explains, that typically "the escalation of violence is often gradual." One does not become a suicide bomber overnight.
The report elucidates some of the emotions individuals go through upon joining a terrorist organization.
"One experiences a new identity, isolation, stigmatization, criminality, and a sense of purpose."
In religious groups, as in the case of al-Qaida and its affiliates, recruiters tend to go after "ideologically committed" targets. Politically engaged imams who are followers of al-Qaida's philosophy often act as recruiters in mosques in Western Europe. The recruiters use a variety of techniques to convince the candidates they identify. Those include "blackmail, propaganda, promises of both tangible rewards for self and/or family (cash, food, medicine), and intangible rewards (becoming a martyr and going to heaven)."
Once inside the group, the new adherents "enter a world where their rage is directed, channeled and given a sense of purpose and an outlet."
The paper details the complexity of the work involved in a terrorist attack, pointing out even a single suicide bomber necessitates the support of an intricate and complex network.
After the recruiter has identified "suitable candidates for the promised journey to paradise," the agent takes over. It the role of the agent is "to select the target of a terrorist operation and to collect information about it." Once the target has been selected, information collected and the operation details worked out, comes the logistics, people who prepare the explosives.
APF calls them "the engineers."
"The Engineer prepares the bomb and its separate components," such as the timers, etc. Next in line is "the mule." This is the individual or individuals who are given the task of bringing "the terrorist closer to his target."
In the July 7 bombings of the London Underground, the Gohel report states, "the 'mule' was seen on the CCTV (closed-circuit TV) with the bombers but did not go with them to execute the plot."
Then there is the planner. He commands the operation and is usually the leader of the group. In general, the planner is "an active member of a terrorist organization," usually the 'field captain.'" Additionally, "there is often another person who deals with the finances of the operation."
The report explains suicide attacks are "attractive for terrorist organizations because they eliminate the need to plan an escape route." Furthermore, the fact the perpetrators of the terrorist acts die in the attack, removes -- to a large extent -- the "danger of capture and subsequent interrogation of the terrorist."
These are the grim realities of the ongoing war on terror.
--
(Comments may be sent to [email protected].)
