Growing instances of drug trafficking make this one of the most critical issues
for countries in the region. While it is not a new phenomenon, the recent
intensification starts to pose a threat to the national security of many
countries.
اضافة اعلان
It has been a
latent risk for many years, but failure to address it effectively, made it
grown into a real threat.
Some argue the
issue is an alternative way to escape sanctions and economic problems that
affect many countries in the region, having created a parallel economy that is
becoming a fundamental economic pillar for many actors in the region.
This suggests that
addressing this threat is not simple or straightforward, since drug trafficking
brings direct benefits to many people, including those in power, across the region.
It also means that traditional methods of countering the trade are unlikely to
be effective.
Drug trafficking
is happening at a time of serious economic hardships and increasing social
frustration, which create fertile ground for the trade to expand. Moreover,
given the economic hardship that large parts of the population have to deal
with, increased drug trade and availability could make society more vulnerable,
and corrupt at multiple levels: officials, security personnel and society more
broadly.
Regional
cooperation and intelligence sharing are critical to countering this risk and
leveraging anti-terrorism capacity and experience to tackle these groups.
Adopting the same approach as that used in dealing with terrorism is logical,
as there are clear links between criminal groups and terrorist groups, which
benefit from each other. As such, addressing one is bound to also manage the
risks posed by the other.
A regional
coalition that works to address both threats could be an effective approach.
Regional cooperation and intelligence sharing are critical to countering this risk and leveraging anti-terrorism capacity and experience to tackle these groups.
The political and social frustration that prevails across the region is
also something that needs to be addressed through government strategy. Economic
difficulties need concrete plans, options, and alternatives. Opening a legal
route for cross-border trade, especially with Syria, might at least increase
the economic benefits for many and, at the same time, decrease illegal
activities.
A multi-tiered
level of confrontation — socio-economic, political, and security — should be
adopted to guarantee that this critical challenge is addressed effectively.
Amer Al-Sabaileh is a
Jordanian university professor and geopolitical expert. He is a leading
columnist in national, regional, and international media, offers consultancies
to think tanks and speaks at international conferences on Middle East politics
and developments.
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