تمويل الارهاب

Abstract

Terrorism is a costly activity. Terrorists and terrorist organizations cannot operate without resources –––– financial and non-human. The present article sheds light on concepts, mechanisms, methods, means, efforts, measures and multiple dimensions associated with the broad subject of financing terrorism. Focus of attention is assigned on the relative contributions made by Saudi Arabia to control such financing. Financing of 9/11 attacks is cited as an illustrative example. In its preliminary discourse, the present article expounds on key issues of introductory nature –––– research objectives; research questions; research methodology; concept of terrorism; and the concept of financing terrorism. The concept of financing terrorism is dealt with candid precision. Finances are inevitable to terrorism, asserts the author. These are as indispensable to terrorism as is oxygen to the viable survival of human life. Essentially, both terrorists and terrorist organization need money to cover their expenses related to their avowed objectives –––– dissemination of their ideologies; launching terrorist targets and operations; articulating terrorist plans and strategies; advertisements; persuading public to join them; purchase of armaments, explosives and other supplies of weapons; training their recruits; catering; providing accommodations, transportation; and facilitating information-communication channels. Both kinds of sources –––– licit and illicit –––– are manipulated for funds raising and financial collection. Conspicuous example of licit sources are donations received from religious and charitable foundations. The next important question relates to the transfer of money from one point to another. This includes extra-territorial habitations as well. Even on this score, both legal and illegal channels are exploited under various fake names. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has pioneered its endeavors to control the financing of terrorism. It is an active member of Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The latter is championing its strides, on Arab level, to counter the financing of terrorism. In addition, the Kingdom has promulgated many acts –––– legislative and executive –––– that tend to facilitate the countering of terrorism financing. Moreover, the Kingdom has made its contributions with its participations to the dynamics of many Meetings –––– regional or global –––– held periodically on the subject. During such participations, it has contributed in offering constructive recommendations. Last but certainly not the least, Saudi concern on countering terrorism financing is implicit in its Law on Money Laundering. According to this Law, money-laundering is prohibited. Terrorism financing, according to some of its clauses, fall in the spectrum.