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The latest terror massacre in Barcelona clearly shows that safety and security can no longer be taken for granted for European citizens.
As time passes, more families are experiencing the drama of seeing some of their members dead or seriously injured. In only a few moments, life can become completely different and much more difficult, despite messages of condolences by the political elites which focus on their determination to eradicate terrorism.
The arrest or killing of terrorists is the least authorities can do.
After each outrage, one question is always raised: Is it possible for this phenomenon to be brought to an end in the short or medium-term? Sadly, the answer is rather negative.
Terror attacks since 2015 until June 6, 2017 /CGTN Photo
While Islamic State is being successfully fought at the military level in the Middle East, it still has the power to retaliate at long range. Although European cities are not the only target of the terrorist organization, Western attention has been directed inwards due to the repeated terror activities, especially since the Paris atrocity of November 2015.
A basic lesson to be learnt, therefore, is that military victories don’t automatically bring political benefits. This does not mean that the war against the Islamic State has been unnecessary. If it had been allowed to establish its desired caliphate in the Middle East and Africa, things would have been far worse.
However, there’s no doubt that the violence of the past few years across the world will have tremendous consequences on societies and ordinary citizens. Barcelona is only the latest in a strong string of bloody incidents stretching back through Manchester, London, Berlin, Nice, Brussels, Paris and other cities.
A policeman accompanies clients of a store outside a cordoned off area after a van ploughed into the crowd, killing 13 people and injuring over 100 in Barcelona on August 17, 2017. /AFP Photo
There is a growing consensus that foreign intervention in the Middle East has been the root of the problem. It does not justify but it can explain the will of terrorists – irrespective of their network or group – to hit back in any way they can.
That said, Islamic State militants has shown a tendency to organize terror plots in countries actively fighting against it. And, it does have to involve big numbers to draw retribution.
A 2016 report prepared for the American Congress showed Spain was contributing about 300 personnel to the international coalition. That was perhaps enough to trigger the Barcelona mayhem.
Soldiers of Islamic State, who are often European citizens and have their belief shaped by Islamic fundamentalism, are the modern perpetrators. There are two main ways they endorse the cause of the Islamic State.
The first is by traveling to the Middle East and receiving field training. The second is by using the Internet as a source of information and then, often being influenced (radicalized) by a local Muslim preacher in the cities where they live.
Fighters of Islamic State are normally immigrants living on the margins, feeling isolated from society and suffering socioeconomic difficulties. This is how radicalization starts. There is a tendency for limited illegal activities, leading on to serious criminal actions and then outright terrorism.
Islamic State normally claims responsibility for European attacks, as happened after the Barcelona atrocity. However, it is still not clear how the terrorist organization is linked into massacres on European soil.
Its cause plays a critical role inspiring perpetrators, yet they seem to enjoy a relevant autonomy in spreading fear. Terror methods vary from driving cars into crowds of pedestrians to simple stabbings. It can involve a single perpetrator of a group.
Life in Europe is now different in comparison to the pre-Islamic State era. More security measures are required, which will certainly challenge general European values and the protection of individual freedom and personal privacy. Counter-terror policies need to expand the authority of intelligence services to increase preventive controls and checks.
A Muslim man carrying a Spanish flag and a placard reading "I am Muslim, this criminal group does not represent us. Islam is a religion of peace and security" shakes hands with a woman in Barcelona on August 26, during a march against terrorism. /AFP Photo
However, even if Europe lives in the rhythm of terror in terms of high alert, no optimism for the future is possible. Increasing Islamophobia is gradually widening divisions along religious lines in Europe, while the arrival of numerous refugees from the Middle East and Africa exacerbates tensions.
This is perhaps the most important victory the Islamic State is achieving. The more the antipathy against Muslims is increasing in Europe, the more the Islamic State will be successful in recruiting new soldiers to take revenge.
(This piece was originally published on China.org.cn. The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. The article reflects the author's opinion, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.)
(CGTN)
