Thursday, April 12, 2012

Blog 12: Trial to start for Scandinavia 'Mumbai-Style' Terror Plot


          Recently four Swedish nationals will stand trial in Copenhagen in what is being described as the most serious Islamist terrorist plot in Scandinavia that has ever occurred.
The planned attack, which counter-terrorism officials in the United States and Scandinavia believe was directed by al Qaeda operatives in Pakistan was aimed towards Jyllands Posten, the Copenhagen-based newspaper. This particular newspaper was being targeted because it was apparently responsible for publishing controversial and cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed. The four alleged terrorists had a plan to attack the newspaper via gun, then perform an “execution” of hostages. Western security services believe this plan was a part of a bigger al Qaeda scheme that was authorized by Osama bin Laden.
            This is yet another example of an unfortunate terrorist attempt that has occurred based on religious extremist actions. It is sad that our efforts to stop terrorism in the “War on Terror,” have seemed to only temporarily squelch al Qaeda plans. The investigators on this event said the suspicion of this attack began in 2010. It appears that though maybe some leaders of these kinds of attacks are gone, the feelings behind and what are causing these plots still remain. I also believe that crime is closely linked to war especially in terms of terrorism. Hearing also that these plans might have been a bigger scheme from Osama bin Laden makes me wonder how many other operations he approved or organized in hiding, and if there are attacks that have yet to occur. It will be interesting to see how this trial will unfold and what actions will be taken by the Scandinavian court. 

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