Counter-terrorism Expert Speaks Out

Counter-terrorism expert speaks out


David Haslett, a counter-terrorism specialist based in Christchurch New Zealand said "realistically terrorism can impact on anyone, in any place, at any time" like the bombings in Bali and Kenya.

They deliberately sought places where people's guard was down. The next major terrorist incident may not be where you might expect. Terrorism is a global issue. The major difficulty you have with terrorism is that it is relatively cheap and individuals can go a long time before they are apprehended.

The terrorists tentacles reach out across the world. For every terrorist there is a support mechanism. They provide money, accommodation and a whole range of support activities.

"A terrorist cell can't operate without some support within the country." Said Mr Haslett, I think we would be nieve to think there are not people in New Zealand who have sympathies with al-Qaeda.

One of the real risks we run is generalizations about the Islamic world. It is not a bad religion. Some of the moderate Islamic countries are being polarized. People feel marginalized by negative publicity. "Im strongly opposed to that sort of reaction" said Mr Haslett, "Islam is a gentle religion."

In the UK there has been a number of extortion situations. Every year they are being investigated. Product contamination and threats to release biological agents.

The national carrier in Bali are offering good deals and marketing in Australia. The tourism industry and the economy as a whole have been badly affected.

I personally consider that bio-terrorism is probably a greater threat to New Zealand than a conventional terrorist attack. "the implications for New Zealand's economy could be horrific." Said Mr Haslett.

Our export trade and the agricultural sector could be affected. If markets were blocked to us because of concerns about bio-security by other countries.

If we had a conventional threat here, like a bombing, we could cope. A protracted incident impacting on rural New Zealand would be a different matter.