State Sponsorship: An Impediment to the Global Fight against Terrorism

Abstract

Following the terrorist attack on the United States of America on 11 September 2001, global efforts against terrorism have increased. Notwithstanding these efforts, terrorist attacks continue across the globe amidst accusations that some States provide support for terrorists. This work examines the State sponsorship of terrorist groups in light of the global fight against terrorism. The methodology used here is doctrinal. This work finds that the continuous provision of resources to terrorist groups by some States against the dictates of relevant existing international legal setups operates as an impediment to the global fight against terrorism. It concludes that cutting off State support for terrorists remains the sine qua non for achieving success in the global war against terror. To do this requires the strengthening of international laws on terrorism, increasing diplomatic relations to expose involved States, imposing and enforcing strong sanctions against supporting States, reduction of such States’meddling in activities of other countries, increased assistance to failed States and decreased assistance to involved States.