Despite the wake-up call of September 11, 2001, terrorism remains a dire threat to the security of all civilized nations, making it imperative for leaders to develop better national, regional, and global strategies to counter its many forms. Counterterrorism Strategies examines how six countries have combated terrorist groups from the 1970s to the present and draws lessons that are applicable to todayÆs threats. Some of this important new bookÆs case studies are the U.S. pursuit of al Qaeda, ItalyÆs efforts against the extreme left-wing Red Brigades and extreme right-wing New Order, GermanyÆs battles with the Red Army Faction, FranceÆs struggles with separatist movements and international terrorist Carlos the Jackal, EgyptÆs experience with Islamist terrorism, and Sri LankaÆs long confrontation with the Tamil Tigers.

Counterterrorism Strategies shows that there are no simple or complete solutions to the dangers posed by determined and elusive terrorists, but several of the countries detailed here have had significant successes. The contributorsÆ analyses of the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of strategies used by these six countries offer a counterterrorism road map for the twenty-first century. This book is essential reading for policymakers, for counterterrorism scholars and professionals, and for members of the general public who are concerned about the direction of the international campaign against terrorism.