Better coordination and information sharing between the countries are key to fight terrorism at the international level. Expressing dissatisfaction over the inhibition of the United States, Europe and many other nations on giving out critical information on terrorist movements, Interpol Chief Ronald Noble warned of more attempted terror plots unless an effective coordination mechanism at the global level is put in to place.
Interpol, the 186-nation international police agency is established to ensure coordination between national police forces to track and apprehend international fugitives. Though, it has achieved commendable success in pinning down Nazi perpetuators and international crime syndicates, the rising forces of global terrorism are posing a big challenge to its efficacy.
Noble lamented the lack of comprehensive international database of convicted or suspected terrorists as a hindrance to counter terror plots worldwide.
He said:
You can’t fight terrorism from the (European Union) only, or the United States, or with your allies. Al-Qaeda operates internationally. You have to fight it worldwide.
The tendency of countries like the US and UK to bypass Interpol and share terrorism related information only with friendly nations is helping only the terrorist outfits and the consequent result is more car bombings in Britain. Global terror outfits taking advantage of information revolution and technological changes can plan and strike from any part of the world. The use of educated and professional youth in London bombings is instances where national police is found to be handicap in the absence of international terror database.
When forces of globalization are decimating border security points and causing free flow of ideas, creation of an international database of known or suspected terrorists and containing information on prospective or actual recruitment for terror plots can only help security agencies. Stringent measures to check veracity of visa-seekers and finger print proofs must be matched with Interpol’s catalog of criminals or wanted suspects.
Via: USA Today
