Calls for Internment of Suspected Terrorists are Becoming More Prevalent – But There are Other Ways to Deal with the Threat

by Mark Angelides

Not just in the UK, but throughout Europe and America, more and more people are calling for those on terrorist watch lists to be interred, and even some major politicians are floating the idea now, too. But historically, no one has ever been proud of taking this action. It is a step too far and risks the Liberties of everyone, not just potential Jihadis.
When sweeping new powers are awarded to a government, it is never long before the powers are used against ordinairy citizens; and in a world that is increasingly persecuting those with Conservative views (and especially those that prize the Second Amendment highly), how long would it take for politicians to begin using these laws as a way of hitting out at those who disagree politically?
Once we allow government new powers, you can be sure of two things:

1. They will never take these powers off the law books.
2. They will find ways to exercise these powers for political ends.

So what measures can be taken to remove the threat of terrorism without curtailing the freedoms of all? There are several that require nothing but political will:
Actively monitor all those that are on the Terrorist Watch List
In the UK, there are 23,000 people known to the security services who have at one point been considered a terrorist threat. At any one time, only the main 3,000 are prioritized with potentially 500 investigations actively taking place. The UK is already the most surveilled place on Earth; it would not take too much effort to legally acquire warrants to cross reference if any of these people come into contact with each other through digital tracking.
It would not be beyond the realms of madness to check out publically available Social Media accounts of people on the watch lists. If they are posting things publically that could be deemed a “hate crime”, then they can be either charged or better yet, investigated much more thoroughly.
Give the Potential Jihadis a Choice
To date, there are at least 450 know British citizens who have been for training with ISIS and then returned to the UK. Many are wondering why we are letting them back in the country. A lot of these guys (and some gals) post pictures on their public Facebook accounts and Twitter streams. If we have definite proof that they have been training with terrorist organizations, just refuse them entry back into the UK. Citizenship (especially for those not born in the UK) is a privilege, and if they are actively learning how to damage Britain from known terrorist groups, they should have their citizenship revoked. (Many will play it smarter and not be quite so open about what they are doing, but it will at least not make it easy for them to leave and come back).
Ban All Foreign Funding for Mosques from Countries Who Actively Promote Terrorism
A report that was commissioned by former Prime Minister, David Cameron, set out to look for information on where extremist Mosque funding was coming from. It was two years in the making, and now that it has been completed, the government has shut down publication of it because it might embarrass “friendly countries”. We know which nations export Wahhabism and Salafism, yet we allow them to build Mosques throughout Europe and put Hate Preachers in place whose sole job is to recruit and corrupt.
 
These methods will not end terrorism, but they will reduce the likelihood of a successful attack. Most importantly, they will not restrict the Liberties that are so hard won.  A bigger and more complete answer is needed, but why not try these actions while we sit and twiddle our thumbs waiting for a proper response?