08 Sep. 2008

Science cooperation supports
fight against terrorism

A Science for Peace and Security-sponsored training course on the “Use of force in Countering Terrorism” is taking place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan from 8 to 12 September 2008.

The five-day training programme is aimed at enhancing international cooperation efforts in combating terrorism and providing guidance to Kyrgyzstan representatives who fight against the terrorist threat.

NATO experts are examining in detail the international legal contracts and treaties related to countering terrorism and discussing the issue of the use of force with reference to international law.

The training is being conducted by the Centre of Excellence for Defence against Terrorism (COE-DAT) based in Ankara, Turkey.  The centre offers a wide range of courses on terrorism-related topics, such as protection against hostage taking, defence against suicide bombing and countering cyber terrorism.

Security through science

Defence against terrorism is the first of three key priorities under the Science for Peace and Security Programme (SPS). Since the programme was redirected in 2004 to better respond to the threats and challenges of the 21 st century, including terrorism, a wide range of activities have been initiated between scientists from member and partner countries.

Special consideration is given to the social and psychological aspects of international terrorism and its root causes. A few examples of NATO SPS-sponsored activities to take place in September include a workshop on “Developing New Border Security Strategies” in Portugal from 18-20 September, and another three-day workshop on “Building Terrorism-Resistant Communities” in Washington from 26 to 27 September.