Commentary
Following the tragic events of 9/11, the Canadian government introduced a new tool in the so-called “war on terrorism.” Despite previous experiences with terrorism, such as the FLQ crisis in 1970 and the Air India bombing in 1985, the government felt the need for a more formal approach. This tool, known as “Listed Terrorist Entities,” aimed to publicly identify groups or individuals associated with terrorism. While being listed was not a crime in itself, any involvement with a listed entity could result in criminal charges.
The process of listing terrorist entities was not always straightforward. Some well-known groups like Al Qaeda and Hezbollah were listed early on, while others, like the Taliban, were added years later. The decision-making process for listing entities could also be influenced by political factors, as seen in cases where groups were delisted or added for questionable reasons.
Despite its intended purpose, the effectiveness of the list has been debated. While it can be useful in terrorism finance cases, it does not necessarily lead to active investigations by security agencies. Canada has also faced criticism for delays in listing certain groups or for seemingly following the lead of its allies in making listing decisions.
Overall, the listing process has become somewhat of a bureaucratic exercise that may not always result in tangible actions against terrorist threats. As the author reflects on decades of observing this process, they question the true impact and value of adding entities to the list. It raises concerns about whether the listing process is simply symbolic rather than a meaningful tool in combating terrorism.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
