It has been by far, the most eventful halloween weekend of my life. Not only did I have the pleasure of celebrating my birthday but everywhere I went, from the shops to the hairdressers, everyone had one hot topic to talk about: Terrorism on the news...
Sky news has been updating it's website regularly with news about terrorism, most noteably the incident to do with a student arrested for sending parcel bombs on a Quatar Airways flight. Terrorism is on the ultimate high level and even soldiers in the British Army have been told that they must be on high alert (this is from a very reliable source).
Why is this important to us? Well, not only were the bombs sent in a disguised manner but their mode of transportation was by air. Henceforth, this strikes a very important issue of contention; how will airport security, who have failed to detect disguised bombs cope with trying to limit terrorism? Even more worrying, from a legal perspective or rather, from the point of view of international traders, how will this impact on worldwide trading? Will countries have to impose protectionist policies to keep terrorism at bay? How will those supposed 'accused' countries like Yemen cope with international trading? Does this mean that other countries will be closing their 'trading doors' to them? I am unsure of the answers to these questions but I aim to investigate this matter in due course, but one hard truth remains; the war on terrorism is not even near ending.
For more information please check;
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Yemen-Parcel-Bombs-Woman-Suspect-Released-On-Bail-As-US-Makes-Links-To-Failed-Underwear-Bomb/Article/201010415788279?lpos=World_News_News_Your_Way_Region_4&lid=NewsYourWay_ARTICLE_15788279_Yemen_Parcel_Bombs%3A_Woman_Suspect_Released_On_Bail_As_US_Makes_Links_To_Failed_Underwear_Bomb
Firstly, Happy Belated Birthday sweetie :)
ReplyDeleteWell certain protectionist measures, especially sanctions on certain countries thought to be involved with terrorism, have been taken by some governments prone to terrorist attacks (e.g. sanctions on Iran from UK and America). But this does not seem to be working, since the perpetrators of attempts and acts of terrorism are always one step ahead. See for example the several articles about the bombs parcels sent from Yemen (e.g. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/11658452) and the description of the explosive involved, which seems to be virtually undetectable. As controversial as it may sound, the scientists involved in the creation of these bombs are of admirable creativity, in my opinion, therefore the intelligence services should not underestimate their abilities at any point. Also, let us not forget that thankfully none of these devices exploded, hence these episodes did not end tragically, due to an effective intervention from the authorities, again worth applauding. Let's be thankful there were no victims and that the war on terrorism continues efficiently without any more deaths.
Thanks Silia, those were good, thoughtful comments. Let's hope the ban imposed today on the transportation of ink cartridges in hand luggage in overseas flights in the UK works in reducing the risk of terrorist attacks on planes. I mean I know this just means that terrorists will just find other means of carrying bombs but let's just hope it's something the authorities can detect well in advance before an atrosity happens.
ReplyDeleteOh and thanks for the birthday wish :)