The link between organized crime and international terrorism

International Terrorism

There is a growing link between organized crime and terrorism; drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, movement of illicit firearms and money laundering have all become integral parts of terrorism in the world today. Organized crime threatens peace and human security; it also violates human rights as well as undermining economic, social, cultural, political and civil development of societies all over the world. Terrorists are now using increasingly diverse modes of operations which are increasingly funded and sustained through proceeds from organized crime. Terrorism poses a serious threat to national security and fundamental democratic values of the society (Albercht, 2008).

Theories of counter terrorism

Counter terrorism entails the practices, tactics, techniques and strategies that governments, militaries, police departments and corporations adopt in making attempts to respond to threats or acts that are real and imputed Counter terrorism is a top priority for most countries following catastrophic events that have taken place earlier (Kolodkin, B. (2012). A delicate balance has to be struck between ensuring the right to security of citizens and respect for human rights; this has been of utmost importance in many countries in the recent times. There has been adoption of important legislative measures and policies to protect citizens.

There are two or theories that can be linked with counter terrorism these are; to make citizens safe from terrorist threats through various methods like airline screening, placement of video cameras and metal detectors in public places, taking random patrols of bomb sniffing dogs and so on. The other theory is neutralization of terrorists through arresting, prosecuting, assassination, raising terrorist facilities, military action and so on. Full counter terrorism encompasses threat reduction by making a country a hard target to terrorists and actively going after the terrorists. Counter terrorism is intimately related to the understanding of the nature of the terrorist phenomena and how it can fit into the wide security environment.

Methods used to combat organized crime

There are methods that can be used to combat organized crime these include the use of electronic surveillance which will provide evidence that is objective. It also enables law enforcement to learn about the crime before it is executed. There can also be carrying out of undercover operations which go hand in hand with surveillance. Confidential informants are also important when it comes to combating organized crime. These are individuals who are willing to give information on condition that they do not testify (Ohr, 2004).

Risk assessment

Threat and risk assessment are used to make valid decision support tools to establish and prioritize counter terrorism attacks. Risk assessment is done through evaluation of the threat on basis of factors such as the capability and intent of attack, likelihood of a successful attack and its lethality. Through risk assessment the target can also be established this is from looking at the nature of operations of the terrorist group. In this case we see the terrorist group hate western culture and capitalism and the fact that their target location is a high profile one then it can be concluded that the target for these attack are capitalists.

Proposed counter terrorism strategy

An effective counter terrorist strategy to be proposed is the placement of surveillance cameras and metal detectors, taking random patrols of bomb sniffing dogs in high profile place where there might be likelihood of attacks being made from the risk assessment. These will ensure that the people in those areas are always alert at all times. This is the best prevention strategy for the terrorism attack that is anticipated since the location is known to be high profile. So that there is prevention of attack the surveillance cameras should be put up in these areas throughout to monitor who comes in and goes out. If anyone who is suspicious is seen then immediate action should be taken. The metal detectors are useful for searching people who enter and leave these places just incase they are carrying things that can be used for the attack.