War on Terror threatens solutions to terrorism

Surveillance, policing and controlling finances alone will not beat terrorism. If we are to win the ‘war on terror’, it is essential that we understand the motivations and rationales behind it. In order to understand the mindset of a suicide bomber or a home grown terrorist, it is vital that academics are able to interview potential terrorists and have access to the books they read.

The Attorney-General has indicated he is happy to meet with academics and talk to them about their projects. But the role and obligations of academics should be clear on the face of the law. Where relevant, there should be an express exemption for their work.

Even this is not sufficient. There needs to be education about how the law applies to academics. It is difficult enough for legal academics to understand the hundreds of pages of terrorism laws, let alone academics in other disciplines.

It is reasonable that academics should be required to report information and answer questions that may prevent a terrorist attack. On the other hand, they should be able to pursue research into the ideology and causes of terrorism and the motivation and psychology of terrorists without the threat of interference from government or the fear of committing a terrorism offence.