Terrorism Evolving Faster Than Intelligence, Expert Warns
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Professor Kobi Michael warns that modern terrorism is evolving with technology and global networks, outpacing intelligence agencies' ability to adapt due to a "failure of imagination." He highlights how radicalization, particularly within Western Muslim communities and through alliances with radical left-wing groups, creates "incubators for terror." Michael calls for international cooperation to address ideological infrastructures and emphasizes the need to reform education and religious content to tackle the root causes of extremism, urging a departure from political correctness in discussing these threats.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Terrorism is evolving with technology and global networks, outpacing intelligence agencies' ability to adapt, warns Professor Kobi Michael.
- Michael identifies a "failure of imagination" as a key human limitation in anticipating novel terrorist threats.
- Radicalization within Western Muslim communities and alliances with radical left-wing groups create "incubators for terror," he stated.
- He calls for international cooperation to address ideological and social infrastructures that foster extremism.
- Michael urges a focus on education, curricula, and mosque content to tackle the root causes of terrorism.
- He criticized Western discourse for hindering open discussion on Islamist radicalization due to fear of Islamophobia accusations.
A recent attempted attack on a Flydubai flight carrying 174 Israeli passengers highlighted a critical challenge in counter-terrorism: modern terror is leveraging technology and cross-border networks, while intelligence agencies struggle to adapt, according to Professor Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at the Misgav Institute and the Institute for National Security Studies. Michael described this as a "failure of imagination," a human tendency to anticipate future threats based on past experiences rather than envisioning novel possibilities.
He argued that this inherent limitation cannot be overcome simply by urging intelligence personnel to "think outside the box." Instead, methodologies and an organizational culture that compel systems to examine seemingly improbable scenarios are necessary. Michael cited the example of an Omani pilot who allegedly underwent religious radicalization in Australia, received flight training in the UK, and subsequently became a pilot, illustrating how ideological extremism can merge with access to sensitive civilian infrastructure.
Michael observed that the perception of terrorists as isolated, traditional figures no longer reflects their technological capabilities, freedom of movement, and international collaborations. He emphasized that focusing solely on the terrorist cell, weapon, or planned attack overlooks the radicalization process and the networks that enable it. He pointed to radical elements within Muslim communities in Western countries, particularly those influenced by political Islam and the Muslim Brotherhood, as breeding grounds for extremism.
He further noted the complex alliances forming between Islamist groups and radical left-wing factions, citing alleged cooperation and financial support for rioters in France. This convergence of religious radicalization, political extremism, technology, and international networks fosters "terrorist creativity," enabling new ways to exploit civilian systems. Michael asserted that intelligence agencies must broaden their perspectives beyond traditional counter-terrorism zones and that the response must be international, addressing ideological and social infrastructures where radicalization occurs.
Michael warned that without systematically addressing incitement by groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, community separatism, and the collaboration of radical left-wing elements with terrorism, the West will continue to "produce incubators for terror" that threaten global security. He also criticized the Western public discourse, suggesting that fear of accusations of Islamophobia hinders open discussion about Islamist radicalization and effective countermeasures. Ultimately, Michael believes the most profound solution lies in education, examining school curricula, mosque content, and the activities of radicalizing religious leaders to address the root causes of the problem.