The UN’s Perspective Of Terrorism – OpEd
December had been an important month in terms of security related developments at the global sphere. This month, the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team of the United Nations issued its 16thReport. This report holds critical importance in terms of analyzing persistent terrorist threats.
The focus of report remains the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (the ISIS). In its latest edition, the report mentions that ISIS now operates from ‘permissive safe heavens’- the term denoting states where territory has been exploited by ISIS or other terrorist groups. The latest edition remains important since it is issued at a time when ISIS remains talk of the town for killing of two U.S. soldiers and an interpreter in Syria, the unfortunate Bondi Beach attack, targeting of Russian General and two Police officials in Moscow, and arrest of Afghan origin individual in U.S. for alleged linkages with ISIS.
After the West’s long war against terrorism in Afghanistan against terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda, the territory, once again appears slipping into the hands of terrorists. The interim Afghan government has numerous times assured that the country will not be allowed to be exploited by terrorist’s groups; however, the developments on the ground contrasts their view. The latest report has termed, these assurances as “not credible”, hinting toward the continuous exploitation of territory by the terrorist groups. Most notably, the groups like Tehreek Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) appears to strengthen their presence in the country. The monitoring team report is based on credible intelligence assessments shared with the UN and majority of these states view the presence of terrorist groups as threat to wider region. The report acknowledges Taliban’s actions against ISKP however, it notes that a similar action is required against other groups as selective action stands contradictory with the spirit of the 2020 Doha Accord.
The latest incidents involving ISIS terrorists has reignited concerns of global community. These incidents suggest that despite concrete actions against the group, apparently ISIS remains capable of lodging attacks. In South Asia, the group continues to expand its presence in the ungoverned areas majority of which falls in Afghanistan. Majority security and strategic analysts view that security lapses allows the group to further its propaganda and recruitment patterns. Besides this, the UN assessment points toward the internationalization of Jihadist links. Although, this aspect requires further investigation, the broader pattern of internationalization of terrorist threat remain clear. Extremist and terrorist entities are seemingly converging and they are exploiting the ungoverned territories as launch pad. The UN Assessment has reignited concerns of states as many view that export of terrorism would pose credible threat to states interests. As of now, nearly 20 terrorists’ groups have joined hands and they apparently plan to target economic interests of countries like China, Russia and the United States.
On its part, Pakistan has consistently maintained that terrorism remains an existential threat for national security of regional states. Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, stated that terrorism pose gravest threat both to Pakistan and the broader region. The statement adds that countries must work together to prevent collaboration of terrorist entities like Al-Qaeda, ISKP, TTP and Baloch separatist groups. Alongside this, numerous times, Pakistan has avowed that presence of terrorist training camps close to its borders and the unchecked terrorism cooperation requires a pre-emptive approach in order to assure stability and security. Despite calls of cooperation, Pak-Afg bilateral relations have faced serious deterioration. As of now, the two states have completely halted the dialogue process which many security and strategic experts see as a negative development. Pakistan considers that the recent high profile attack and infiltration attempts has forced Pakistan to adopt stringent measures.
This intertwining play of evidence, denial and diplomatic posturing poses a grave challenge for countries of South Asia and beyond. While on one side, allegations and counter allegations remain at play, but on the other side, the credible assessments like the one released by the UN provides overwhelmingly evidence that cannot be denied. Taliban regime’s selective action against the groups like ISKP does not suffice standards of global terrorism cooperation. The international monitors view that stringent action against all terrorist groups have become paramount to suppress resurgence of terrorism. The available evidence backed by reporting of the credible multilateral bodies asses that security milieu in Afghanistan is risky and thus could be exploited by terrorist groups eyeing instability in South Asia.
The UN Assessment notes that countries of the region must work to curtail terrorist resurgence through coordinated and sustained efforts. Pakistan, on its part has demonstrated seriousness in furthering counter-terrorism operations however, the other side remain skeptical of broad-based actions against terrorist groups of all kinds. With selective action against terrorist groups, the country risk slipping itself to becoming a terrorism hotspot.
Like what you read?
Please consider supporting Eurasia Review. Thank you for your consideration!
