Europe in Counterterrorism

The attacks of September 11 prompted the Bush Administration to improve law enforcement and other co-ordination between the United States and European governments dealing with international terrorism. European governments have also taken measures to enhance co-operation among themselves. Most notable are European Union efforts to enhance cross-border sharing of intelligence and police information, extend the reach of warrants, and strengthen external border controls. Also, immediately following the attacks, there was an unprecedented European co-operation with the US in fighting terrorism. However, by early 2002 the emphasis placed by the Bush Administration on military action beyond Afghanistan, and on strong support for the Sharon government in Israel in its conflict with Palestine, began to raise doubts among some Europeans about the overall US approach to counter-terrorism. Discussed in this book are the efforts that the different European countries are making in response to the new threat of terrorism, as well as the concern that by supporting the Unites States' approach to terrorism, they will inevitably be helping the US pursue broader and more controversial foreign policy goals.