We cannot rule out the possibility that Norway could become a target of international terrorist activity. The terrorist threat against Norwegian interests is currently mainly connected to extreme Islamism.
What is extreme Islamism?
Extreme Islamism can be seen as the doctrine of certain Islamic movements that are willing to accept the use of violence to accomplish their objectives. Extreme Islamism also comprises movements that actively promote and glorify the use of violence, so-called Salafi-Jihadists. The most sectarian factions within extreme Islamism tend to have, as opposed to moderate Islamists, an extremely vague idea of how the future Islamic state should be organized. Extreme Islamism is also referred to as militant Islamism.
It is very important to separate Islamism, and particularly extreme Islamism, from the religion Islam. In many instances the main victims of extreme Islamist terrorism are Muslims. Most Islamic countries work together with Western countries in the fight against Islamist terrorism.
The terrorism threat against Norway generally
Norway is a stable, democratic society with a considerable bilateral and multilateral co-operation with other countries – first and foremost with Western countries, but also with a number of non-Western countries. The threat represented by the extreme form of Islamism is global. It is also possible for Norway to be affected by terrorist acts that originate from this form of extreme ideology.
The threats against Norway put forward by al-Qaida constitute a direct and persistent threat. Norway’s engagement and participation in the international war on terror is one reason why Norwegian interests are regarded as the legitimate targets of extreme Islamists. Norway participates, both militarily and in other forms, in parts of the world that are characterised by security threats and political instability. Maintaining the profile of Norway as a party in conflict-ridden areas is a factor that can influence the threat picture.