Culture and Trust

Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the primary concern of European government officials and military members has been future attacks. No one knows the time-table for the next attack or the location. One reason is the extensive Islamic extremist network which continues to expand throughout the world. Islamic extremist groups continue to use Western countries as safe havens for members awaiting orders, opportunities to raise funds, and most challenging, a platform to spread extremist rhetoric in an effort to attract Muslim youth living in Europe. Islamic extremists, both as organized groups and as individuals, have been found not only within the borders of the United States (US), but in many of the European nations as well. Most concerning is the ease with which groups and individuals have anonymously lived for extended periods within Western nations' borders, in some cases, long before the September 11th attacks.1 European governments have tried to deal with the situation - passing laws, raiding houses, seizing assets, and even arresting individuals - but the problem remains. In fact, the problem appears to be getting worse.