战略与国际研究中心-Transnational-Threats-Update-October-2003_6页_282kb

TRANSNATIONAL THREATS UPDATE Summary

Core Content

This document, published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in October 2003, provides an overview of transnational threats facing the United States and its allies, focusing on terrorism, drug trafficking, homeland security, terror finance, and organized crime. It highlights the evolving nature of these threats and the international efforts to combat them.

Main Topics and Key Information

1. Terrorism

• Venezuela as a Potential Hub for Terrorism: The U.S. News and World Report alleges that Venezuela is becoming a center for terrorism, particularly for Islamic radicals from the Middle East. The country is suspected of providing identity documents to foreign nationals, aiding in visa acquisition. A Venezuelan of Arab descent, Hakim Mamad al Diab Fatah, is under scrutiny for possible ties to the 9/11 attacks.
• Taliban Losses and Resurgence: A top Taliban commander, Mullah Abdul Razzaq Nafees, was killed in southern Afghanistan, marking the second major blow to the Taliban in a month. The resurgent Taliban has increased attacks, resulting in over 300 casualties since early August 2003.
• Palestinian Authority Smuggling Missiles: The PA is accused of smuggling antiaircraft missiles from Egypt via tunnels in Rafah. The SA-7 missile was reportedly used in the May 12, 2003, suicide bombing in Saudi Arabia, planned from Iran.
• Canadian Muslims Joining Terrorist Networks: Over the past decade, many Canadian Muslims have joined terrorist groups, especially through Afghan training camps. A classified RCMP report warns of continued recruitment and highlights the presence of Al Jihad members in Canada.

2. Homeland Security

• DHS Expands Overseas Operations: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to open seven overseas offices, targeting countries with high visa volumes and significant Al Qaeda presence. Offices are planned in Egypt, Indonesia, Morocco, Pakistan, and the UAE, with two already established in Saudi Arabia.
• FBI Director Warns of Economic Threats: FBI Director Robert Mueller emphasizes that the U.S. economy is vulnerable to terrorism, corporate crime, internet attacks, and organized crime. He calls for increased cooperation with foreign intelligence agencies to combat these global threats.

3. Terror Finance

• Dubai as a Financial Center for Terrorists: Dubai is identified as a key hub for terrorist financing, with a significant portion of 9/11 funds moving through its banks. The informal hawala system is a major conduit for illicit money transfers.
• FATF Intensifies Anti-Terrorist Financing Campaign: The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) continues to tighten financial regulations and target non-cooperative countries. It has imposed additional measures on Myanmar unless it introduces mutual legal assistance legislation.
• Terrorists Shift to Cash-Based Operations: Terrorist groups are increasingly using cash instead of formal financial systems to avoid detection. Smuggling and fraud are common methods to raise funds, which are then used to finance operations and support families of suicide bombers.

4. Drug Trafficking

• Taliban Using Drug Money: The Taliban is using drug proceeds to fund its rearmament and operations in Afghanistan. The U.S. has allocated $73 million to combat drug trafficking in the pending $87 billion Iraq-Afghanistan supplemental budget.
• U.S. Drug Policy in the Western Hemisphere: John Walters, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, discusses the progress in the war on drugs in Latin America. He notes that drug trafficking funds nearly half of the terrorist groups listed by the State Department and highlights the need for continued U.S.-Canada cooperation.

Conclusion

The document underscores the complexity and global reach of transnational threats, emphasizing the need for enhanced intelligence, financial regulation, and international cooperation. It reflects the U.S. government's shifting focus from traditional military threats to non-state actors and the integration of economic and security policies to address these challenges.