London attack calls for joint fight against terror

Flowers are laid at the scene after an attack on Westminster Bridge in London, Britain, March 22, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

Whether or not the Islamic State terrorist group was behind the bloodshed outside the British Parliament, the act of terror again underlines the pressing need for a response that goes beyond a case-by-case approach.

This is not the first attack of its kind on British soil. Nor in Europe. Less than a week ago, a lesser, abortive attack by a lone-wolf terrorist occurred in France, and several other attacks have taken place, or were foiled recently.

Europe faces a clear and present danger. But terrorism is not just Europe's problem. Nor can Europe fight it on its own.

Ironically, as a number of countries have become suspicious of their past commitment to globalization, terrorist forces are demonstrating a tendency to go global. And the recent rise of homegrown terrorism in different countries that claim allegiance to the IS and other terrorist groups only makes the picture messier.

For all their differences over standards and definitions, more and more governments have come to accept the reality that terrorism is a global vice that requires global responses.

Which is why the international community has displayed increasing solidarity after terror attacks, as we have witnessed in the wake of the attack in London.

It is heartening to see dozens of national leaders across the world vow solidarity in the face of the threat. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang were among the first to convey their condolences. As a recent victim of terrorism, both homegrown and imported, China has a keen awareness of the devastating potential of the evil and the importance of international cooperation to curtail it.

It is especially consoling to hear the president of Turkey vowing solidarity, and its prime minister appealing for "all countries" to join forces in the fight against terrorism. The country has itself been the victim of terrorist attacks and is at the forefront of the European refugee crisis, as well as the global anti-terror campaign.

Given it holds strategic importance in containing the spread of terrorism, European countries and Turkey need to mend relations so as to forge the closer collaboration necessary to tackle the refugee crisis and the threat of terrorism.

In the meantime, divergences over the approach to the Syria crisis pose another significant obstacle impeding the world's anti-terror campaign. There has been ample evidence that domestic strife in the war-torn country has rendered Syria both a safe haven and breeding ground of terror.

No talk of solidarity will suffice to make a difference until countries can maneuver meaningful consensus on divisive topics as these.