Report from Europe on Terrorism

I wanted to give you a firsthand report on the situation developing in the United Kingdom.  Yesterday I arrived in our offices at the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ) in Strasbourg, France.  The previous week, I had been in Israel meeting with a variety of government officials to discuss the current situation in the Middle East, including terrorism issues.  After meeting with the President of Israel, the Prime Minister and members of the Israeli Cabinet, it is clear that there is a united effort amongst Israeli government officials to do what is necessary to prevent the spread of terrorists activities in the Middle East region.

Upon arriving in Europe, news of the terrorists bombings in London and Scotland were reminiscent of previous summers terrorism activity in the U.K.  Unfortunately, there are reports right now that additional bombs have been found in the region, and security at public transport areas is very tight, as you can imagine.  In the days ahead, we will be meeting with a variety of European Parliament officials to discuss issues including national security.

We have 50 law students attending our current program with the ECLJ and Regent University.  Fortunately, former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, who works with us in this program, is in Strasbourg.  This morning I had an opportunity to discuss with him the current terrorism climate and ways to combat this significant threat.   The challenges that America, Israel and our European allies face are significant.  By training law students from around the world on national security issues, as well as international human rights, we are able to influence a generation of future leaders.  The times demand a serious response. 

On the front page of the Jerusalem Post today is a report that the terrorist group, Hamas, has tried to take over the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.  The report indicates that Hamas has invested millions of dollars to propagate its views and to secure control of this site.  I am confirming with our associates in Israel the status of this move by Hamas and how it will impact the region.  We will be updating this report on a regular basis throughout the next twelve days while we are at our ECLJ headquarters.