Terrorism: Piracy and drug traffic thriving despite economic crisis

Rome, 10 June (AKI) - Despite the global economic crisis, terrorism is thriving. From stock market speculation and trafficking of Afghan opium to piracy ransoms in the Gulf of Aden, the terrorism economy appears to have escaped the downturn.Budget cuts and other difficulties in Western countries may also offer international terrorism new opportunities to do business. The Washington Post recently warned that there had been a "fall in attention" apart from spending cuts.Citing US and European intelligence sources, it said "the global system of 'black lists' of Al-Qaeda financiers and other organisations is at risk of collapse, undermined by legal controversies and by a decrease in many countries".There is concern among intelligence services about the effectiveness of the 'black list', given the capacity of Al-Qaeda and other organisations to avoid controls and international sanctions, bypassing the official banking system.Financial sources in Dubai, cited by celebrated French writer Bernard Henry-Levy in his book, 'Who killed Daniel Pearl?' recounted speculation that took place between 8 and 10 September 2001, by dealers linked to Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden who sold shares in United Airlines and American Airlines...more..http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Security/?id=3.0.3410674708