To fight terrorism we need social workers as much as soldiers

To fight terrorism we need social workers as much as soldiers

By: Matteo Renzi

Taken From: The Guardian

 

Today terrorists hit Brussels. The symbolic significance of this attack is not lost on us. The attacks took place a few hundred metres from European institutions.

It is true they hit Belgium, but they also hit the capital of Europe. The terrorists targeted places of everyday life; they followed a sad script that has already scarred theatres, restaurants, churches, synagogues, universities, stadiums, museums and schools around the world.

Today, innocent people in an airport and metro were plunged into terror.

The moment has come for everyone to clearly realise that the terrorists came from within – quite likely having even used those very same places that today they attacked.

The enemy is not only on the outside, not only distant from us. The enemy also hides in the heart of Europe’s cities, on the outskirts of many of our capital cities. The enemy is often protected by the anonymity of certain urban suburbs. In these places we need, yes, plans to enhance security, but also ones that encompass culture, society and politics.

It is right to be alert to external threats and do everything that is necessary to protect our borders. But we also have a responsibility to spell out what must be done internally, within our borders.

This is not the time for impulsive reactions, it is a time that calls for calm and clarity.

Anger is necessary; but the anger and disgust for what we witness must be put to the steadfast service of a project that is clear-headed and rational in order to tackle and destroy Islamic terrorism and its folly wake of death.

We know that patience will be required, plenty of it. However, we also know that we will defeat them.

Who promises easy solutions and miracles doesn’t grasp how long this road will be – and how superficial their answers are.

Those that create illusions by shouting “Close the borders!” do not know what they are talking about: our enemies are often within our very own cities.

Those that today create controversy do not understand that our citizens have the right to – and the need for – political institutions that are united and that stand together against attacks like these.

It is not a time for jackals and vultures. But let’s be clear: it is not a time for doves either.

We need a Europe-wide pact based on freedom and security. Terrorists aim to threaten our freedom because they know it is what makes us Europeans.

The European Union needs to be resolute this time. We need to invest in common security and defence. Since 1954, generations of Europeans have been divided over the issue of common defence.

Intelligence services need to work better together, overcoming short-sightedness to constantly collaborate instead.

At the same time we should invest – as Italy has proposed on multiple occasions – resources in our cities and in those anonymous urban suburbs, bringing schools, infrastructure and social areas.

Part of the task ahead is of course military, but – if we are truly to save the next generation – it is also one for school teachers, volunteers and social workers.

We owe it above all to the innocent victims of this attack. To their memory and to their families.

But we also owe it to ourselves. My grandparents’ generation defeated Nazism and fascism. My parents’ generation defeated domestic terrorism and violent political extremism. My generation grew up with the sacrifices of judges and police who lost their lives fighting organised crime. Mafia bombs killed martyrs, but we did not waver.

It will be the same with the threat of Islamic terrorism. In the same way Italy did not bend to the mafia, Europe will defeat jihadi extremists.