The world has become accustomed to terrorists. The latest opinion poll in Britain (commissioned by the Spectator) found that the population is ready for stronger anti-terrorism measures; 73% agreed that “the West is in a global war with Islamic terrorists who threaten our way of life”, and only 8% believed that the West was winning this war. 69% believed that the police should be given the power to detain suspects for up to 90 days without charge, rather than being bound by a 28-day limit.

When asked whether Britain should change its foreign policy in response to terrorism, only 12% said it should be more conciliatory, while 53% of respondents thought the country should become more “aggressive”. Around 60% of Britons think the war will continue for at least another 10 years, while 44% think it will last 20.

According to a CBS poll, 17% of Americans consider terrorist attacks on US soil to be “very likely”, 47% – “quite likely”; 17% are completely confident in the government’s ability to protect the country, 51% are confident to a large extent. 35% of residents believe that America and its allies are winning the global war on terrorism, 41% – that it’s a tie so far, 20% – that the terrorists are winning. It is interesting that the polls have been conducted since 2000, and traditionally 31% to 52% are convinced of the US’s victory, while 9% to 20% are convinced of the terrorists’ victory. Although the very fact that the poll is repeated indicates that those who are for a tie are right.

As for Russians, according to Levada Center polls, since 1999 the share of those who fear becoming victims of a terrorist attack (for themselves or their loved ones) has not fallen below 70%. From 23% to 42% are “very afraid,” from 44% to 52% are “somewhat afraid.” In July 2006, the figures were 23% and 51%, respectively.

Without setting the task here to assess the real terrorist threat, we can nevertheless confidently conclude that the concept of terrorism has taken root in the public consciousness. And, like any social stereotype, it can and is already being used by the authorities or, more broadly, by forces that have a propaganda machine at their disposal.

The current anti-terrorist phraseology is remarkably reminiscent of the language of the Cold War. And then, in the fight against the “subversive activities” of the communists, democratic freedoms were also restricted and “witch hunts” were carried out. Just as now, huge budgets were spent on purchasing military equipment and dubious military campaigns. A similar picture is in Russia: it is hardly possible to trace a cause-and-effect relationship between the surge in terrorism, the cancellation of gubernatorial elections and the persecution of non-governmental organizations. Our military spending is also growing, and our own incomprehensible campaign is taking place.

Meanwhile, the British precedent – the prevention of terrorist attacks on planes last week – has shown that success can be achieved using old, proven methods: developing criminal organizations, introducing your own agents, or recruiting agents from among the members of these structures. Of course, here too you cannot do without restrictions on rights, in particular without wiretapping phones. Of course, it is easier to knock out money for a spy satellite or other expensive technical equipment than to finance an agent network – because there is less painstaking work and more money. Of course, it is much more difficult to monitor today's terrorists than the Italian mafiosi or the European leftists of the 1970s. They had a stable composition and connections, a clear hierarchy, while Al-Qaeda cells are created for the situation and are very mobile – today a militant in Pakistan, tomorrow in New Zealand, the day after tomorrow in England.

Nevertheless, it is the creation of an active security system – and this is primarily work with agents – that has prospects in the fight against terrorism. A passive system does not work: there will always be a liquid bomb for a new metal detector and it is impossible to provide first-class security for all schools.

From the editor: Habit of terrorism