In recent history, terrorism has become a growing worldwide threat.
Many of the recent devastating acts of terror have been committed by the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, which claims to be enforcing its strict interpretation of Sharia law.
The group’s most recent attack took place the morning of March 22 in Brussels, Belgium, where three bombs were detonated in the city — two in the Brussels airport and one in a metro station.
ISIS attacks are becoming more frequent and more severe, which is why global security must be upgraded to prevent terrorism rather than to simply respond to it.
The terrorist group called its attack on Paris last November “the first of the storm.”
The bombing in a nightclub and elsewhere in the city killed 130 people and injured 368 others. This threat should have been a direct cue for security enhancements across the globe, especially within the open borders of the European Union. Belgium is France’s direct northbound-neighbor, yet few internal precautions were taken after the Paris attacks. Why?
According to news reports, Belgium’s government admitted it could have done more to prevent the suicide bombing. Last year, two high-ranking Belgium ministers offered to resign over law enforcement’s failure to act on a warning from Turkey that it had arrested one of the would-be bombers. Thorough security is crucial during this time of threat; confident law enforcement is a good place to start.
In response to the bombings in Brussels, many countries have announced their efforts to enhance security. France, Germany, The Netherlands, the U.K. and others are going to be strengthening security in airports and train stations.
These changes could greatly prevent or reduce the damage of future attacks.
Before 9/11, security screeners in U.S. airports missed possible threats (such as cutting devices, guns, bombs and airborne pathogens) found on passengers and their luggage. Furthermore, the actual security access into certain areas of the airport was identified as insecure. For example, in May 2000, Department of Transportation Inspector General agents used fictitious law enforcement badges and credentials to gain access to secure areas, bypassing security checkpoints and walking unescorted into aircraft departure gates.
After 9/11, U.S. security systems made extreme upgrades. The airline industry was one of the quickest to augment security. President George W. Bush secured $20 billion for “the enhancement of intelligence and security” within airports. Changes involved stricter background checks and tougher security requirements on baggage. These extensive efforts bolstered safety and comfort for employees and travelers.
Upgrading security in places of public transportation is a major step in global safety, and change must happen now.
The tragedy in Brussels caused immense global pain. Jan Jambon, a deputy prime minister and the interior minister of Belgium, announced the entire country to be in a state of mourning during the three days following the attack.
In spite of the devastation, at least the bombings in Brussels have put some urgency on the need for enhanced global security and emphasized unity among people of the world.
