UN Action Against Terrorism: Fighting Fear

In August 2003 the UN Headquarters in Baghdad, based in the Canal Hotel, was the target of a very large vehicle borne IED, which was exploded next to the building. Since then, the immunity and neutrality of the United Nations has been directly challenged and UN staff can no longer consider themselves immune from attack by various extremist groups. The more recent attacks on the UN Offices in Algiers and also on a UN residence in Kabul have borne stark testimony to this fact. Ms. Heather Docalavich has written an interesting introductory book on the challenges that confront the world body in dealing with the spread of terrorism around the world. The book gives a brief overview of how terrorism has affected the work of the UN. The contents examine the history of terrorist activity, modern examples of terrorism and the various conventions and protocols passed by the UN in combatting terrorism world-wide. The second chapter deals with the work of the UN Security Council, in particular the passing of UN Security Council Resolution 1373, after the 11 September 2001 attacks in the United States. The chapter also discusses the monitoring of compliance requirements of member states in combatting terrorism. Chapter Three examines the work of various UN bodies such as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, which focuses om money laundering operations and criminal activity that supports terrorism. The remaining sections of this book examine various topics such as the Al Qaeda network, various strategies to prevent terrorist attacks and the responsibilities of various UN bodies to respond to biological, chemical and nuclear attack. The book concludes by looking back at the history of the work against terrorism, which began in 1937, when the League of Nations-the predecessor of the United Nations, drafted a Geneva Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of Terrorism. I liked this book because it was a brief overview of the UN's work in this important world concern and describes in everyday language the work of the various UN bodies, as well as giving a historical perspective of the problem of terrorism. The book is written in an easy-to-read style that captures the reader's interest. While possibly not a book for the advanced student of this topic, the book is a good library reference for students or those interested in the UN and its work. This book is a part of a broader series of books on the UN. In summary an interesting introductory reference book to the UN and its work on terrorism well suited to the student or a general library reference source. Well done, Heather Docalavich !