WSJ about terrorist attacks in Paris: West incorrectly prepared to fight the IG – RIA Novosti

MOSCOW, November 14 – RIA Novosti. The complexity and scale of the terrorist attack in the heart of Paris demonstrated the authorities around the world that the problem of the fight against terrorism has reached a new level, and that the calculation of the efforts that the West has made for this struggle, radically changed, writes The Wall Street Journal.

In recent months, European governments are looking for different ways to protect against threats to national security: one – erecting fences with barbed wire to deter flows of migrants, while others, including France – investing millions of euros in the strengthening of electronic intelligence. However, Friday’s attack shows the weakness of such strategies in a world where international extremism is moving to different countries. The incident raises questions about the international agreements on border crossings, which are the cornerstone of modern Europe, after French President Francois Hollande in the first address to the nation on Friday announced the closure of the borders, the article says.

The Government not immediately named those responsible for the tragedy. However, the nature of attacks leaves little doubt that they were the work of a well-organized groups. The use of explosives, and the likelihood that the preparation and commission of acts of terrorism was involved in a significant number of people, especially guards American experts on the fight against terrorism.

In addition, officials of some countries are convinced that the recent collapse of the Russian aircraft over Sinai was the result of a bomb “Islamic State” (IG) on board. If the disaster of the Russian side the terrorists involved, the events of the past two weeks could bring the war against terrorism to a new level, writes the WSJ.

© AP Photo / Christophe Ena

According to the publication, West may be in a situation when it is forced to begin “a military intervention in Syria.” Now NATO has no formal role in the attacks on the positions of the IG, but members of the alliance are taking part in a coalition against the IG under the leadership of the United States. Friday’s attack in Paris could push NATO’s main focus on the IG and the situation in Syria as the most immediate threat to the West.

The threat from the IG is particularly acute is for the EU and France because that is where most of the supporters of terrorists . In addition to intimidation, attack the IG in Paris might have other goals. Much of what the Government in response to a terrorist attack, could be “a tool for recruitment to the IG,” and become “a snowball that rolls down the slope.” If this scenario is realized, the situation will become extremely severe, resulting WSJ opinion expert on counter-terrorism Don Borelli.