Are we Winning the Financial War on Terror?
By Matthew Levitt
Combating terror finance is often hailed as one of the true successes in the “war on terror.” But is it? Even after six years of following and freezing terrorists’ funds, American and European officials warn Al Qaeda still has both the capability and intent to conduct devastating attacks. Over the past year I have lectured in London, Brussels and Berlin on the utility of combating terror finance. I found receptive audiences among government officials and some bankers, but near universal incredulity among academics and analysts.
Critics fail to appreciate the benefits of prosecuting or designating terror financiers, and overlook the fact that these are only two of the tools available to target terror financiers. Indeed, the deterrent, preventive and disruptive benefits of the financial war on terror are significant.
My full article, written for Middle East Strategy at Harvard (MESH), can be found here.