The Closed Circle offers an unprecedented inside view into how one of the world's most influential Islamist groups operates. Lorenzo Vidino marshals unique interviews with prominent former members and associates of the Muslim Brotherhood in the West, shedding light on why and how people join and leave the organization.
Focusing on the July 2005 London bombings, the book explores Europe's pivotal role in the global War on Terror. It highlights the region as both a target and operational base for Islamist terrorists, emphasizing the significant implications for U.S. security. The text discusses how existing laws allow terrorists with European passports to enter the United States, noting that many attacks against the U.S., including 9/11, have connections to Europe. This analysis underscores the urgent need for a reassessment of security measures and counterterrorism strategies.
In the past few years, the MENA region witnessed a rise in jihadist extremism and radicalization, as countries in the area were rocked by a series of deadly terrorist attacks. As authorities responded to the threat, it became clear that in order to effectively counter the phenomenon, traditional repressive measures had to now be accompanied by alternative methods of prevention, rehabilitation and dissuasion. How have different governments around the Mediterranean responded? What sort of alternative measures have been taken? How effective have these policies been? What further steps can be taken to strengthen the response of the authorities? These are just some of the key issues that this ISPI Report seeks to cover. The experts in this volume illustrate the policies of contrast, prevention and de-radicalization that have been adopted by countries in the MENA region, revealing emerging trends, lessons learned and overviews of this security status