SQR groups Avi Navama was interviewed today to by Bloomberg Business .This was in the aftermath of Brussels bombing. SQR’s inherent experience based on its long history in military , civilian and national security sectors gives it the authority to make observation on such critical matters and issues.
The interview (click link)
SQR group is one of the leading global security organisation with specialisation in anti terrorism, national infrastructure protection and close protection.
Russian standpoint in Ukraine and Baltic, the handover of all operations in Afghanistan to local forces and a renewed campaign in Iraq to counter ISIS not mention the deteriorating situation in Libya and Syria have all joined forces to create a challenging scenario for security and policy-makers in UK.
The Russian have made themselves very clear with regards to their redline and have shown the ability to move swiftly and decisively both militarily and politically in defence of their position with regards to Nato’s eastward spread and changing alliances of their former republics.
In Afghanistan UK has to play the waiting game to see if the local forces can maintain stability and hold their positions and to see if the proxies of its allies in the region namely Pakistan can reign in its military’s desire to keep its own clients in the fight.
In Syria the confusing and misguided initial approach in supporting the oppositions before allowing the lessons in Libya to be learnt have created an intense civil war that has acted as feeding ground for a number of terrorist organisation such as ISIS who have created huge problems of their own for the world and in particular in the neighbouring countries.
Libya has transcended in to chaos of various armed militia controlling land, assets and confronting two different governments looking to international recognition.
Sub-Sahara has become a new focal point for violent Islamic radicalism spreading into West African countries such as Nigeria, Mali and others.
The Saudi military adventurism in Yemen along with a few paid for allies has add to this heady mixture of interwoven issues.
The growing refugee crises in the Mediterranean is just a small by product of the above though a tragic one.
The UK position is further complicated by alliances and existing commitments. The fact that must be kept in sharp focus is that UK mainland security is very much dependant on dealing with the underlying causes of these issues.
The questions that need to be asked are these.
Is short term military adventurism driven by political PR opportunity worth the consequences?
Do we have the right allies in the Middle East or is it time to apply some realpolitik in making new friends?
How much of the responsibility the West have to bear for the rise of Islamic extremism?
To befriend the Russian bear or provoke it?
These are just some of the UK Security dilemma facing UK.
Poorang
With over 60,000 refugees crossing into Italian territorial water from North Africa with many from Somalia where Al-Qaida affiliated groups have a great deal of control over large parts of the territory, the Italian navy’s concerns are explained by Luigi B Mantelli the commander in chief of the navy “there is a great risk that genuine refugees are infiltrated by hard line terrorists “.
The Italian navy has increased its role and involvement in intercepting the refugee boats and using shared intelligence and screening systems is attempting to identify terrorists and human traffickers .
Over 160 traffickers have been arrested so far but there are no figure for arrested terrorists.
Unusually the largely civilian immigration issue is now finding itself on military agenda and fight against terrorism.
The latest figure released by home office in relation to arrest under the 2000 terrorism act
June 2014
This statistical release brings together information on terrorism arrests and outcomes, court proceedings, prison populations, stops and searches and port examinations.
Terrorism arrests and outcomes:
• There were 222 terrorism arrests in the 12 months to 31 December 2013, down from 258 in the previous 12 months. In total, there have been 2,586 terrorism arrests since 11 September 2001.
• 114 (51%) of terrorism arrests in the 12 months to 31 December 2013 resulted in a charge. Of these, 55 (48%) were considered terrorism-related.
• 22 of the 23 persons arrested and prosecuted for terrorism-related offences in the 12 months to 31 December 2013 were convicted. A further 30 were awaiting trial. Since 11 September 2001, 391 persons have been convicted of a terrorism-related offence.
• Data provided by the Crown Prosecution Service show that 37 of the 44 defendants proceeded against during the year ending 31 December 2013 for terrorism-related offences were convicted.
• There were 147 prisoners (convicted or remanded) classified as terrorists or extremists as at 31 December 2013. This total comprised 100 terrorism-related prisoners and 47 domestic extremists.
Stops and searches and port examinations:
• In the 12 months to 31 December 2013, no stops and searches were made under s47A of the Terrorism Act 2000.
• 491 stops and searches were carried out by the Metropolitan Police Service under s43 of the Act, a 20 per cent decrease on the previous 12 months.
• A total of 46,184 persons were stopped at ports in Great Britain under Schedule 7 to the Terrorism Act 2000 in the year ending 31 December 2013, a fall of 23% on the previous year. In total, 549 persons were detained after a Schedule 7 examination in the year ending 31 December 2013.