Islamist Extremism in Europe

Abstract

Although the vast majority of Muslims in Europe are not involved in radical activities, Islamist extremists and vocal fringe communities that advocate terrorism exist and reportedly have provided cover for terrorist cells. Germany and Spain were identified as key logistical and planning bases for the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. The March 2004 terrorist bombings in Madrid have been attributed to an Al Qaeda-inspired group of North Africans. And UK authorities suspect four young British nationals with possible Al Qaeda ties of carrying out the July 7, 2005 terrorist attacks on London. This report provides an overview of Islamist extremism in Europe, possible terrorist links, European responses, and implications for the United States. It will be updated as needed. Also see CRS Report RL31612, European Counterterrorist Efforts: Political Will and Diverse Responses in the First Year after September 11.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 29, 2005
Accession Number
ADA444807

Entities

People

  • John Rollins
  • Kristin Archick
  • Steven Woehrel

Organizations

  • Federation of American Scientists

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Congress
  • Eastern Europe
  • Europe
  • European Union
  • Freedom Of Speech
  • Germany
  • Governments
  • Law
  • Minority Groups
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Security
  • Societies
  • Terrorism
  • Terrorists
  • United States
  • Western Europe

Readers

  • International Relations and European Studies
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.