Singapore and Terrorism

One way the Singapore government fights against terrorism is to have strong co-operation with ASEAN. Terrorism is not only a local threat, but one to the peace, security and consequentially progress of the entire region. Hence leaders of ASEAN recognize that it is in their vested interest to make a collective effort to counter it. ASEAN has pledged its determination to eradicate terrorists through various means including joint police and intelligence efforts against transnational terrorists. This has proven effective in disrupting terrorism as seen from how Philippines managed to capture JI bomb maker al Ghozi in 2002 based on intelligence Singapore exchanged with the Philippines. Other measures include the creation of an ASEAN Regional Forum used as a platform to discuss transnational terrorism issues and the signing of the first legally-binding anti-terrorism accord in 2007. Ultimately, these measures make potential terrorists recognize that strict anti-terrorist policies adhered to by each country ensure they would not be provided safe haven anywhere in ASEAN and are more likely to get caught due to enhanced information exchange. Thus, regional measures act as a bolster to Singapore’s fight against terrorism as terrorists are now deterred from targeting the region.
Another way in which the government fights against terrorism is through international collaboration with the UN. The international community sprung into action after they realized the global impact terrorists had, especially after the horrific September 11 attacks. They have even passed a series of resolutions with specific measures for countries to adhere to. These include freezing of terrorists’ financial assets, which has resulted in more than US$200 has been frozen; denying travel and safe haven; preventing recruitment and weapons supply; and co-operation in information sharing which has led to an arrest of 4000 terrorist suspects. The UN has also set up a counter terrorism committee which...