Is the world safer after 9/11?

9/11 remains a turning point in modern history. It has put on alert the rest of the world, especially countries with close ties with the USA. Terrorism has struck all the corners of the world, mainly in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

For Morocco, the terrorist attacks on May 16th , 2003 in Casablanca was a wakeup call to have a stand against all forms of terrorism. Terrorism was viewed as something happening just in troubled parts of the world like Iraq and Afghanistan.

It’s evident that the consequences of these attacks made the authorities revise their security policies and arrest those suspected of involvement in future planned attacks.

However, Morocco is safer now as it has pre-emptive security operations to surround suspected terrorist cells. But it has also to remain vigilant as the threat can come from its borders with Algeria where the Al Qaeda is successful in mounting deadly terrorist attacks at least once a year.

Morocco is lucky, in that it doesn’t have armed groups as it is the case in Algeria, ready to mount battles even with the army. The Moroccans in their majorities have no sympathy for radical Islam that will do nothing but fetter their personal freedom.

In general, as long as governments all over the world don’t cooperate, despite their political differences, terrorism will find a safe haven, especially in areas known for their political instability like Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia.

What can eradicate support for terrorist groups in Muslim countries is the eradication of poverty and ignorance about the real message of Islam. If not, support for Al Qaeda and the like will be used as a means to express protest and hope for the “best”.

Listen to BBC World Have Your Say show on this subject.

Get this widget | Track details | eSnips Social DNA