Counterterrorism Issues Research Articles

The British Role in US-French Security Cooperation, 1978-1987

The threat of IRA terrorist attacks on French soil in the early 1980s necessitated the start of in-depth bilateral discussions between Britain and France concerning issues of counter-terrorism. France was initially reluctant to engage with Britain on these matters due to Paris’ concern that Britain would exert pressure to expand cooperation with the United States, and refused to budge from the position of cooperation only within the EEC once bilateral dialogues began. As terrorist attacks increased in France throughout the summer of 1986, the French government decided to take drastic counter-terrorist measures which angered many of their European neighbours. However, Britain’s firm support for French action had the effect of increasing British influence over France’s rather ineffective counter-terrorism policy, which in turn allowed London to apply more pressure on Paris to agree to wider consultations with Washington. Unable to resist British pressure further - particularly after the faux-pas over the Hindawi Affair - the French government in May 1986 finally decided to conduct deeper consultations on counter-terrorism issues with the United States and the other G7 nations, which resulted in the Statement on Terrorism at the G7 Summit in Venice in June 1987.

Synthesis of High-Fluorescent Diphenyl-anthracene Derivatives and Application in Detection of Nitroaromatic Explosives and Fingerprint Identification.

The development of high-intensity fluorescent materials is always the focuses and forefront projects because of their important applications in displays, sensing and detection fields. In recent years, the detection of explosives has attracted increasing attention due to security and counterterrorism issues. Herein, two diphenyl-anthracene (DPA) derivatives were designed and synthesized by introducing strong electron withdrawing fluorine atoms and cyano-groups to DPA, which exhibited strong fluorescence both in the solution and solid phase with the absolute quantum yields up to 70.4 % and 45.9 % respectively. The detection behavior of nitroaromatic explosives such as picric acid (PA), 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP) also shows good sensitivity with the quenching constant as high as 6.3×104 L mol-1 . Theoretical calculation demonstrates that the fluorescence quenching behavior of the two DPA derivatives is caused by the behavior of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) and the resonance energy transfer (RET) studies explained the higher sensitivity and selectivity of both compounds towards PA than other nitro-containing explosives. Furthermore, the strong solid-state fluorescence of the DPA derivatives also shows excellent advantages in enhancing latent fingerprint recognition.

The Role of ASEAN and Vietnam in Counter-Terrorism

This study examines the role of Vietnam in the fight against terrorism. The study focuses on the activities of the Association of South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its member VietNam in the area of counter-terrorism, radicalism and extremism. The authors examine in detail the legal framework of ASEAN’s counter-terrorism activities: the ASEAN Convention on Counter-Terrorism, the ASEAN Comprehensive Plan of Action on Counter-Terrorism, ASEAN plan of action to prevent and counter the rise of radicalisation and violent extremism (POA PCVE). Moreover, close attention is given to the activities of specialized bodies: ASEAN Ministerial Meetings on Transnational Crime (AMMTC), Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the Intersessional Meeting on Terrorism and Transnational Crime (ISM on CTTC). The main conclusions of the study are the establishment of activities of the Association of South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the field of counter-terrorism, the definition of the role of Vietnam in the fight against terrorism, radicalism and extremism, Analysis of Viet Nam’s cooperation with various international organizations on counter-terrorism issues and identification of further necessary actions of Vietnam aimed at improving the fight against terrorism. The relevance of the study is due to the increased level of terrorist threat in the world and in the region of South-East Asia in particular. This study is based on the theory of political realism, which views international relations as an eternal confrontation between States defending their national interests. In the process of studying this problem, the authors apply institutional, analytical and problem-chronological methods.

Tourism in Pakistan, Challenges and Opportunities

The tourism sector in Pakistan has tremendous potential and is linked to some of the tallest mountains, lakes, and natural sceneries in the country, and it is a well-liked attraction for visitors from both inside and outside the nation. In addition to generating cash, tourism also helps to promote a particular country's culture; hence, it should be seen as an essential component of Pakistan's growth plan. The diversity of its cultures, civilizations, and customs has tragically prevented Pakistan from realising its full tourism potential. To become the most well-liked tourist destination in the world, Pakistan would have to overcome several difficulties in the tourism industry. This essay examines the difficulties the tourism industry faces using research from Pakistan. According to the report, Pakistan's security and counterterrorism issues have negatively impacted travel and tourism. But it is now generally acknowledged that Pakistan is transforming into a welcoming and secure environment for everyone. This essay also includes explanations of suggestions for the tourist industry.

India–West Asia Relations Under the ‘Nationalist’ Modi Government

India’s West Asia policy discourse has traditionally revolved around its energy dependency, security and the welfare of the 7 million Indians living in the region. In recent years, particularly since the coming of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to power in 2014, the issues of counterterrorism, security, defence cooperation and non-oil trade have gained in importance. This qualitative shift is partially guided and supported by both pragmatism and the ideological differences that the BJP and its predecessor, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), had been maintaining against the West Asia policy of the earlier governments led by the Congress party. Through explaining the ideological perspectives of the Indian National Congress (INC) and the BJP, this article argues that the changing global and West Asian landscape, the consolidation of Chinese influence in and around India’s land and maritime boundaries, the instability in the energy market and the insecurity of the Arab uprising–hit West Asian monarchies have provided the BJP government an opportune time to rethink and reorient India’s relations with West Asia. While ideological determinants dominate the public discourse, as the BJP’s top leadership elaborates in the public domain, the policy choices made are not always in tune with these. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often preferred the pragmatic to the ideological, and this he has done over the expectations of his party and supporters.

The Role of Media’s Security upon Counter Terrorism Threat in Kurdistan Region

The objective of this research is to detect the role of Asayesh (Security directorate)’s media on public awareness upon counter-terrorism issues in Kurdistan region. A range of Kurdistan region’s university academic members have been taken as survey sample.
 Through a questionnaire form the research which sought the opinions of a representative sample of academic staff at formal Universities in Kurdistan region as they considers elite of society, and their opinions and evaluations matter , and have to be taken for consideration. The Respondents were invited to complete the questionnaire to indicate the cons and pros of Asayesh (security) directorate’s media in Kurdistan region, in particular upon public awareness upon terror and security issues.
 The research concludes that academic members of Kurdistan region universities still depend on television as media platform to be aware of Asayesh’s public announcements on counter terrorism issues , they also emphasize that their messages affects their perceptions towards issues of counter-terrorism.

Tripodal naphthalimide assembled novel AIE supramolecular fluorescent sensor for rapid and selective detection of picric acid

In recent years, the detection of explosives has attracted increasing attention due to security and counter-terrorism issues. Therefore, it is particularly important to design and develop new methods and materials for detecting explosives. Herein, we report a novel aggregation-induced emission (AIE) supramolecuar fluorescent sensor based on a tripodal naphthalimide derivative (TNQ) for sensitive detection of the model explosive analogue picric acid (PA). The TNQ could self-assemble to a supramolecular system (S-TNQ) and show strong light blue AIE. The S-TNQ shows sensitive and selective response for PA. The detection limit (LOD) for PA was determined to be 4.73 × 10−8 M. Interestingly, the selective fluorescent response for PA is based on the competitive binding of PA with the TNQ, which destroyed the self-assembly and AIE of the S-TNQ. In addition, the solid powder of S-TNQ also showed recognition for PA under natural and UV irradiation by direct observation without instrumentation. The S-TNQ could serve as readily preparable, inexpensive, test kits for convenient detection PA.

DRIVEN TO THE MAINSTREAM: WOMEN AND GIRLS IN INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

International Terrorism in recent times has assumed a striking and dangerous dimension. Terror groups have taken advantage of the sophistication and advancement in technology especially Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and loopholes in national and international cyber space to recruit and activate new and unsuspecting members of the public to perpetuate their dastardly acts. More alarming is the increasing spate of women involvement in the act of terror. Although not a Twenty-First Century phenomenon, women and girl’s involvement with terror-related activities has increased over time especially in the areas of marriage and execution of terror attacks. In response to the ugly trend, the world has gradually moved from preventive to more proactive approaches by formulating frameworks that prioritize women and girls’ involvement in peace building, conflict resolution and counterterrorism activities. This is underscored by the adoption of the U.N Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 in year 2000; and other subsequent resolutions on women, peace and security. Despite these moves, the roles of women and girls in terror prevention and counterterrorism issues have remained less explored. Interestingly, the menace has attracted a higher level of media coverage and has equally posed a greater challenge at both the domestic and international fronts. In a view to explore its causes and consequences, the study examines the phenomenon of women and girls’ involvement in terrorism. The study found-out that discriminating socio-cultural practices; neglect of women in the battle against terror and in the overall conflict resolution process; religious dogma and the zombification of women among other factors, have driven women and girls to the mainstream of international terrorism. It was posited that there is the need to mainstream women at the center of terror prevention and counterterrorism activities. Article visualizations:

ОСНОВНІ ПРИНЦИПИ СТВОРЕННЯ ЕФЕКТИВНОГО ВІЗУАЛЬНОГО ПОВІДОМЛЕННЯ

The article is devoted to the definition of the basic principles of creating a visual message, the adherence to which contributes to the effectiveness of its influence on the target audience. In the context of Russia's hybrid war against Ukraine, counter-terrorism issues are more urgent than ever. In light of world research in psychology, the effectiveness of perceiving information depends, in particular, on the dominant channel of perception (audio, visual, kinesthetic). However, the results of a number of psychological experiments in the field of visual perception have shown that it is better to understand, memorize and reproduce the information we receive through our visual channels. Modern research of social problems leads to understanding - the world has become visual. Man of our time is under constant influence of visual content. So reporting to the consciousness of the necessary information effectively through this channel. Thus, the very visual message is an effective tool for counterpropaganda and for informing the population in the interests of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The result of the research is based on the study of the peculiarities of the visual perception of information about the world and, related to this, the possibilities of using two-dimensional space in the interests of creating products of psychological influence. In addition, an analysis was conducted of the psychological effect of color on the human subconscious, the emotiogenic structure of color combinations, the psychological effects of symbolic coding of information, general rules of composition, examples of successful graphic marketing. In forming practical recommendations for the implementation of the proposed principles, general publishing approaches to the creation of printed visual products, the technological features of different types of media, the effectiveness of distribution channels for products of psychological influence and the results of the analysis of the target audience were taken into account.

Off Course? A Career in Archaeology Outside of the Academy

Off Course? A Career in Archaeology Outside of the Academy

God and State in Egypt

God and State in Egypt

How Dominant are Official Sources in Shaping Political News Coverage in Spain? The Perceptions of Journalists and Citizens

The aim of this article is to analyse the opinions of journalists and citizens regarding the interdependence of public media and the official sources of political power in Spain. Little research of this kind has been done in the Spanish context. Journalists and citizens representing four Spanish regions—Catalonia, Madrid, the Basque Country, and Andalusia—were questioned about their opinions regarding this interdependency. The methodology used in this research is based on quantitative techniques (surveys) and qualitative techniques (in-depth interviews and focus groups). The results prove that the opinions of journalists differ from those of citizens for the majority of questions asked. Citizens are more inclined to follow directions from official sources than are journalists. The geographical background of the respondents proved to be a significant factor in terms of variation in answers. Journalists from Catalonia and the Basque country are much more reluctant to follow government directives on issues of counter terrorism or in cases of national emergency.

Public Law Values in the House of Lords - In an Age of Counter-Terrorism

This article examines the judicial reasoning of the United Kingdom House of Lords in cases touching on counter-terrorism issues that were decided between 2004 and 2009. Rather than judging the judges critically or bringing together the case law for the purpose of compiling empirical trends, the article uses these cases to explore the Law Lords’ approach to various issues of human rights in an age of counter-terrorism, and to investigate deeper questions about the nature of judicial adjudication. It adapts a framework devised by David Feldman two decades ago, and seeks to identify, as Feldman did in 1990, some of the public law values lying beneath the Law Lords’ decisions.

Security through Disarmament: The Story of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission

AbstractThe world has been trying to eliminate weapons of mass destruction (WMD) — nuclear, biological and chemical arms — for over half a century. Yet many such weapons remain, and progress in nuclear disarmament has been especially disappointing. The chronic failure to achieve agreed WMD disarmament mandates has prompted the creation of several independent international commissions to find some solutions. The WMD Commission created by Sweden in late 2003 was the latest such venture, and its 2006 report has received international acclaim. Chaired by Hans Blix, the Commission covered disarmament, non-proliferation and counter-terrorism issues, and did so from a variety of policy dimensions, from unilateral action through fully multilateral cooperation. Written by a member of the Commission's secretariat staff, this article tells the story of the Commission: how it conducted its work, what it proposed and what impacts it has had — and may yet have — in revitalizing WMD disarmament efforts.

Yemen’s War on Terror

Yemen has emerged of late as one of the more fertile locations for Al Qaeda activity. Al Qaeda’s Yemeni affiliate, the Islamic Army of Aden-Abyan (IAA), has executed a number of spectacular attacks against Western interests in recent years. It was responsible for the 1998 kidnapping of sixteen Western tourists in the southern province of Abyan, the bombing of the USS Cole in 2000, and an assault on the French tanker the Limburg in 2002, among other attacks. Despite these international strikes, the IAA is the classic Al Qaeda affiliate: a local phenomenon that assists the larger jihadi network in its war against the West. Historically, Yemen has often been the site of proxy battles among foreign powers, from Pan-Arabists to communists. Not surprisingly, Al Qaeda has also used Yemen as a staging ground. The network has been active in Yemen since its inception: Al Qaeda’s first-ever attack took place in Aden in 1992. What started as a loose network of Yemeni Afghans—soldiers who fought against the Soviets in Afghanistan and then brought radical Islam back to Yemen when they returned home in the early 1990s—slowly became a node in the Al Qaeda system. More than fourteen years after the end of the Soviet withdrawal in 2003, government officials in Yemen confirmed that several senior Al Qaeda operatives were still at large in Yemen, with dozens of lesser militants roaming the countryside. 1 While Yemen has cooperated with the United States on counterterrorism issues, making significant arrests and thwarting several plots, Al Qaeda is nonetheless likely to maintain deep roots there for years to come.

Technical and Policy Issues of Counterterrorism—A Primer for Physicists

No longer threatened by a rival superpower, the US now faces the growing danger of clandestine terrorist groups. Effectively countering terrorists requires that physicists actively contribute to the nation’s defense.

THE WHO, WHAT, WHY, AND HOW OF Counter terrorism Issues

This article discusses how concern regarding an intentional terrorist attack on US infrastructure that would include water systems has heightened considerably since the end of the Cold War. Because guns and explosives are easier to obtain than large amounts of contaminants or toxic chemicals, the most likely scenario for a terrorist attack on a water system would involve physical destruction of the system's components to disrupt the supply of water, rather than actions that would cause a contamination event. Five types of perpetrators are discussed in this article, along with a listing of available resources to help utilities improve security at their facilities.