In order to prevent terrorist operations from being planned and carried out, we have to get to the people and groups who have the desire and capacity to commit terrorist acts. The most important element in PST’s counter terrorism activities is therefore to identify and take action against parties intending to commit or support terrorist acts.
It is also important for the Norwegian society to be in a good state of preparedness and to have adequate security measures in place to counter the damaging effects of a terrorist act. Beneath the caption "Related topics" (to the right on this page) there is a link to information on PST's role as provider of security advice to Norwegian authorities and companies essential to the overall emergency preparedness.
Who are potential terrorists?
There is no clear description of the type of people who become terrorists. Members of Islamist terrorist groups in Europe represent a broad spectrum with respect to ethnic background and social status. The groups that were behind the terrorist strikes in Madrid in 2004 and London in 2005 included people with higher as well as limited education, and some participants were employed while others were unemployed. Some of those involved had criminal records, while a large proportion had none. The marital/family status of those who participated in the strikes also varied. Some were single while others were married and had children.
What motivates them?
The motivation for getting involved in a terrorist organisation has to a large extent proved to be personal reasons to do with the need to belong and to get a clear direction in and meaning to life. Accordingly, the people who are principally attracted to violent Islamist groups have been searching for an identity and status in their community. Islamism’s dogmatic world-view, coupled with the prospect of gaining the status of a hero can be
appealing to young people. However, a substantial proportion of these people prove to have only a superficial knowledge of Islam, so they find support for their actions in a limited selection of Koran verses.
Connections with organised crime
Terrorist networks have varying levels of connections with organised crime (drug smuggling, aggravated robbery, trade in illegal weapons, etc.). Terrorist acts can be financed through the proceeds of such crime. This applies first and foremost to countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq. In Europe the connections are weaker. Here it is extremely important for terrorist networks not to be exposed through ordinary and organised criminal activity. A pervasive theme in European terrorist networks is that many of the parties possess false identities and often have false passports.
Who currently poses a threat to Norway?
The threat against Norway and Norwegian interests is currently mainly from extreme Islamist groups. In countries in which Norway is engaged in the political process or military operations the threat picture can be more complex and also include other terrorist parties.
Norway has so far been spared the terrorist acts of extreme Islamists, but prominent representatives of terrorist organisations have threatened us on several occasions.
The UN list of terrorists
Pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 1267 (1999), the UN has drawn up a list of persons and groups that are to be regarded as members of the Taliban or al-Qaida. This list gives UN members an indication of the persons/groups which they have an international obligation to take measures against. The UN updates the list as and when the Security Council receives fresh intelligence.