Transnational Terrorism: Defeating the Threat
Dec 2006, Vol. 151, No. 6
By Margaret Beckett
One of the most chilling statements that has ever been heard was made by one of the British men responsible for last July’s bombing, Shehzad Tanweer. He was repeating a mantra used many times before by Al-Qa’ida. He said that those who sent him to his death would be victorious because, 'We love death in the same way that you love life'.
I say no. And that is why the terrorists will lose. Whatever their religion or creed, whatever their colour, the peoples of every country in the world love life with a ferocity that the terrorists will never match. It is why people travel half-way across the world seeking a better life for themselves and for their children. It is why so many who have fled violence have come to Britain’s own shores to take advantage of this tolerant, democratic society. It is why on a daily basis ordinary men and women commit extraordinary acts of courage and sacrifice.
Terrorists recognize no boundaries. And so, neither can the UK in its response. The international community can defeat terrorism if it joins forces and, if through hard work and diplomacy, common ground and common values is staked out and defended with resolve and strength.
The Rt Hon Margaret Beckett is Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. This article is drawn from her address to RUSI on 9 November 2006.
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By Margaret Beckett
One of the most chilling statements that has ever been heard was made by one of the British men responsible for last July’s bombing, Shehzad Tanweer. He was repeating a mantra used many times before by Al-Qa’ida. He said that those who sent him to his death would be victorious because, 'We love death in the same way that you love life'.
I say no. And that is why the terrorists will lose. Whatever their religion or creed, whatever their colour, the peoples of every country in the world love life with a ferocity that the terrorists will never match. It is why people travel half-way across the world seeking a better life for themselves and for their children. It is why so many who have fled violence have come to Britain’s own shores to take advantage of this tolerant, democratic society. It is why on a daily basis ordinary men and women commit extraordinary acts of courage and sacrifice.
Terrorists recognize no boundaries. And so, neither can the UK in its response. The international community can defeat terrorism if it joins forces and, if through hard work and diplomacy, common ground and common values is staked out and defended with resolve and strength.
The Rt Hon Margaret Beckett is Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. This article is drawn from her address to RUSI on 9 November 2006.
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