Subscribe to our BlogCanada Tracking Over 200 Terrorism Suspects
By William Tucker
In a news report that flew under the radar, Reuters reported that the head of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) told a parliamentary committee that his organization was currently tracking over 200 individuals with suspected ties to al-Qaeda or other terrorist groups. From a Canadian perspective this is a substantial number. Although Canada is a large country land wise it only has a population of just over 33 million and an intelligence apparatus numbering about 2500. As I discussed in Wednesday's post terrorist groups use multiple names to disguise their activities and confuse law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Taking the report that Canada is tracking over 200 individuals it certainly looks as if CSIS has its hands full. Investigating terrorism, like criminals or foreign intelligence officers, takes a tremendous amount of man power. When we are in a phase in which terrorist activity is on the upswing it won't take long before people begin to get stretched and mistakes will be made.
Comments
William,
I think you are correct. My bet is that Canada should be tracking alot more than 200. Our northern border has many unattended crossings. I used to live in North Dakota, there is alot of open territory.
I enjoy reading your blog. I'll stay tuned. Thanks
Posted by: Edge Distance | May 15, 2010 9:58 PM