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Column 090808 Brewer

Monday, September 8, 2008

Terrorist Radicalization Poses a Threat to Latin America

By Jerry Brewer

Mexico's use of 20,000 soldiers in 11 Mexican states against

mega-cartels of murderous organized criminals is the prevailing
demonstrative evidence of the vast terrorist radicalization
process. Although narcotraffickers do not start out as terrorist
groups, they evolve into the process as their mutual
relationships and mission-based agendas are manipulated by a
mentor's ideology. It is an easy choice, especially as the
traffickers are vehemently targeted by police, military, and other
government officials.

The threat and reality of a dedicated and persistent interdiction

by enforcement officials transcends their psychotic greed and
logic. This, to a point where one-upmanship becomes the
misaligned itinerary to a mindset of psychological and personal
vendetta by the leaders of the drug cartels. The massive
rampage and death toll in Mexico clearly labels these organized
criminals narcoterrorists.

The world threat and the struggle against radical Islam are
continuing to foster a global mobilization of sorts by proactive
democracies to prevent terrorism within their homelands.
However, the radicalization of individuals by decree of the
jihadist terrorist hierarchy must now be a primary focus, as lone
wolf terrorists, homegrown cells and other radical insurgents are
being urged to conduct random acts of mayhem and murder.

The poor in Latin America, in particular the Caribbean and

Central and South America, are excellent sources of recruitment
for the Middle Eastern jihadists. This, according to the U.S.
Department of State. Part of this rationale is the premise that
the "surviving poor in Latin America demonstrate more activities
in common with al-Qaida." Theft, kidnapping for ransom,
narcotrafficking, and illegal immigrant smuggling are convenient
methods for the poor to escape poverty and provide basic
necessities.

Traditional terrorist acts are conducted with such sufficient

strategic vision and skill, that at-risk populations are easy
targets of recruitment and easily alienated from their governing
bodies in what has been described as systematically cultivated
polarization. By embracing a common ideology or shared vision,
the revolutionary aspect takes hold.

Egregious actions and other forms of dissent become

commonplace, as well as concerted and consistent struggle,
and violence ensues. The revolutionary ideology fuels a
perception of class struggle between the inferior versus the
superior.

The radicalization process is offered and sold by the crafty

jihadist hierarchy as a solution to poverty, oppression, and
authoritative control. This process manipulates grievances and
converts those alienated into accepting radicalized extremist
viewpoints. They are essentially transformed into sympathizers,
supporters, and radical instruments of terrorist networks.

The arrests of five people within a suspected terror cell last

month in Italy demonstrate the global radical jihadists' modus
operandi. The five are accused of recruiting Islamic extremists
for attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan. The cell was "not part of any
specific terrorist organization," but believed to resemble al-
Qaida characteristics.

How does a radical terrorist organization become capable of

infiltrating and creating insurgency within a foreign nation?
Groups that have the capability of global movement include
those that patiently seek out grassroots support and launch
propaganda campaigns that raise political and terror ambitions.
Some have foreign intelligence assistance within the targeted
homeland.

U.S. officials recently described Hezbollah as the "A-team of

terrorists" in terms of capabilities, which was further defined in
terms of internal discipline and range of weaponry. Hezbollah
represents most of the Shia in Lebanon, and whose factions
"hold a combined 37 seats in Parliament" – more than a quarter
of the legislative body. Reports link Russian and Iranian arms
as Hezbollah's primary weapons.

Their presence in Latin America, with many now well beyond

the tri-border confluence of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, is
ever increasing. Counterterrorism officials and practitioners fear
Hezbollah radicalization efforts in Latin America will continue to
reach youth, alienated minorities, and immigrant populations.
Their mission – to exploit grievances and to subvert legitimate
authority and create unrest.

Iran's Islamic revolutionary leaders have maintained close ties

of cooperation with former President Fidel Castro of Cuba,
President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, President Evo Morales of
Bolivia, as well as other leftist leaders. World democracies
should hold a deep concern for these sinister associations
within Latin America. It is indeed difficult to wage a war against
an unconventional and elusive enemy that is supported by
rogue regimes.

Strategic counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations

are necessary in a united effort on a redefined battlefield of
engagement. Trying to simply identify this elusive enemy
without engaging them in a concerted effort will seriously
threaten freedom throughout Latin America.

——————————
Jerry Brewer, the Vice President of Criminal Justice
International Associates, a global risk mitigation firm
headquartered in Miami, Florida, is a guest columnist with
MexiData.info. jbrewer@cjiausa.org