“Terrorism: the urban threat”

Sad anniversary that of September 11, 2001. To the incomparable images in history we add those of Madrid or London. In addition, the tsunami in Asia and Hurricane Katrina make us think of the extraordinary fragility of modern urban major cities. Acts of God or madmen of God, that kind of disasters, at a large scale, can no longer remain outside public debate. In effect, the protection of assets and people is the essence of the public power’s legitimacy and, in a democratic society, citizens have the right to know what the authorities do to protect them.
Currently, we are living the era of mass terrorism, a fourth world war without a name. It is enough to listen to the statements by Al-Qaeda leaders to believe it. It is only a matter of time before we become the next target. Fortunately, France is one of the countries that, at the level of its services, does the most to prevent terrorism in terms of intelligence, dismantling of cells, the fight against radical Islamism, extremist preachers and other apostles of hatred. It is necessary to continue those efforts and to support the bill proposed by Nicolas Sarkozy to strengthen our means of action. Although actions are taken at national level, the work at local levels is not enough. What measures has the Mayor of Paris taken? Apart from placing the images of the hostages in the façade of the City Hall or dedicating a White Night to the victims of terrorism, the action of the municipality is null. I am frightened by the consequences of an attack in the heart of Paris, particularly if it is carried out using weapons of mass destruction: nuclear, radiological, bacteriological or chemical weapons.
In recent days I spoke with the Chief of Police of New York about the measures they had taken in their city after September 11. I participated in a meeting with my friend Sam Nunn who presides over an original international NGO, Nuclear Threat Initiative, which tries to alternate with the G-8 in their efforts to prevent terrorists from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The next municipal campaign in Paris, including the internal primary elections within the UMP, should allow for a debate in front of all the citizens of Paris about this topic that I think is very important and difficult for the public opinion. It is unconceivable that the Mayor of stays out of this issue.