This second policy paper of the Expert Advisory Group (EAG) – European and South Mediterranean Actors: Partners in Conflict Prevention and Resolution – focuses on the “Changing Nature of Al-Qaida and Long Term Strategies to Contain Terrorism”. In the overview, Gerrit F. Schlomach presents the results of the discussions of the EAG and the papers presented during a workshop on the 29th to the 30th of September 2007 in Brussels.

In the absence of a general consensus on how to define terrorism, this policy paper focuses on Al-Qaida. Carlo Masala describes how the changing face of the organisation reflects a geographical and organisational adaptation strategy. In assessing the rise and activities of Fatah Al-Islam in Lebanon, Oussama Safa questions its possible links to Al-Qaida. In view of Al-Qaida’s past attempts to use other methods of mass destruction, Mohamed Abdel Salam suggests rethinking nuclear terrorism. The following contributions broaden the discussion by taking a deeper look into the general debate on terrorism. In a Northern perspective, Antje Nötzold assesses the impact of terrorist attacks on European Energy Security. In a view from the South, Ahmed Driss analyses the causes of terrorism in the region, while Fouad M. Ammor deepens the search for explanations of terrorism by highlighting the ideological factor.

The concluding authors recommend the promotion of better education and a debate on value change as cornerstones for long-term strategies to contain terrorism. Cagri Erhan and Markus Pösentrup highlight strengthening educational approaches. Against the background of controversial external democratisation strategies, Martin Beck advocates a value change in the Middle East based on universal values.