General CT in Europe (catch all)

[davidbfpo]

After the French train suspected 'lone wolf' attack analysts are chiming in on how Europe should respond, although this is a global problem IMHO.

The thread title is adapted from Raffaello Pantucci's writings (now @ RUSI):http://raffaellopantucci.com/2015/08...ential-target/

The BBC has a former French intelligence agent Claude Moniquet adding his experienced viewpoint (he left the external service DGSE in 2002):http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-34032781

He ends with:

The only way to protect society against the terrorist threat lies in strengthening intelligence and laws.

The Soufan Group:http://soufangroup.com/tsg-intelbrie...tack-revealed/

Everyone in Europe or the UK yes is a potential target, everyone then is the first responder - as shown by the passengers on the French Thalys train. In the UK there is ample evidence that the vast majority of onlookers do not respond, indeed they simply walk on.

Several references have been made to five to six thousand former fighters who have returned from the Middle East, a number that simply overwhelms being kept under official surveillance. I am always slightly puzzled at this phrase; if they have returned do they all wish to fight again another day?

How many such incidents, with civilian deaths is tolerable?

I do wonder if imprisonment without trial, known simply as internment, is not on the horizon. Not that I today advocate this.

[Firn]

Well there is no doubt at all that they saved many lives thanks to their quick thinking, personal bravery and decisive action. Honour where honour is due, and joy as well

Every story is unique it came to a very happy ending partly due the incompetence of the wanna-be-murderer but why did those men grap their only very slim chance to stop him in such magnificient manner? There are some interesting aspects:

1. Three of them were "childhood friends who had all attended California’s Freedom Christian School and often played military games together growing up."

2. Two of them were soldiers, maybe better American soldiers and one of them came just back from a combat tour.

3. Three were large, young and fit males.

There is no doubt that the cohesion of friendship of fit and strong men with a good deal of military training greatly facilitated their unity of action, but without their personal qualities like bravery among others those factors all would have been for naught.

Moderator's Note

Wise words and copied to this thread from another:http://council.smallwarsjournal.com/...ad.php?t=22529