HOW TO PREVENT TERROR ATTACKS

Terror attacks have become the plague of many nations like the UK, the USA, France and many others. Not a day goes by when a bomb doesn’t explode in a public place or suicide bomber doesn’t blow himself up in a market place. The tragic loss of life is on an industrial scale. Countries are on tender hooks waiting for the next attack and wondering where it will take place. That the problem needs to be tackled is obvious but both short term and long term measures are required to make a serious impact.

The immediate measures that should be taken mainly involve the security services; especially, Interpol and similar organizations. The latest technology should be used by all security services and no expense should be spared to upgrade the existing technology. The world is a global village and terrorism is an international problem so the sharing of information is paramount. The likelihood of preventing an attack is much higher if the whole world is watching. Countries that are suspected of aiding and abetting terrorists should also be held to account. Naming and shaming can be an effective way of addressing the problem. If that doesn’t work, economic sanctions may be considered. In short, there is a lot that can be done in the short term but it isn’t enough.

There are safeguards that should be put in place to prevent the proliferation of terrorists as well. Firstly, internet providers should instal better checks and measures to eliminate harmful content from the internet. Propaganda videos are a case in point. These videos are the major way terrorist organizations recruit disenfranchised youth. Talking of the young generation, better attention should be paid to the problems of the youth to prevent them from turning to terror organizations. They should be provided with an education, trained for a job and provided with the means to support themselves. Economic problems lie at the root of a lot of problems and the social problems resulting from them should be addressed. Happy and satisfied people get on with their lives as useful members of society.

In conclusion, the police force, the government, educators, parents and the extended family all need to work together to keep youth on the straight and narrow. Young people are not pot plants that can be placed in the sun and watered regularly. They have psychological and social needs as well. Dealing with the whole person rather than one aspect of his life will help address the problem.