As Barcelona limps back to life after the terror attack that left 13 people dead, there are several questions which still remain unanswered. It was another mellow summer afternoon when a van ran through a promenade and barreled down the busy walkway in central Barcelona, mowing down pedestrians turning the tourist destination into a bloody killing zone.
Vehicle attacks had killed over 100 people across Europe in the past 13 months, the worst being when a truck killed 86 people in Nice-France last July. Barcelona was always suspecting that it could be the next target. It is reported that security had been beefed up and was constantly under review.
The only way to address the threat of terrorism effectively is to tackle radical Islamist ideology that underpins it. Terrorism will continue to haunt as long as terrorists are granted safe havens to plan, train, equip, and inspire attacks. Secondly, when a State imports immigrants from jihadist regions, then there will also be an import of cultures, religions, and political views that incubate jihad. Authorities should heighten the security level and technology should be used at all key public places.
