The currently adjourned trial of 24 Muslim immigrants accused of supporting al-Qaeda , belonging to the organization, and supporting the September 11 attacks is reflective of Europe collectively coming to grips with its relationship with its Islamic population and the radicalized elements within that population. This trial comes on the heels of the July 7 London bombing , for which the verdict is expected in September, and a year after the Madrid train bombings , which in retrospect also heightens the sensitivity of the integration issue. Although after the September 11 attacks, terrorist cells were known to be operating within and between European countries, and numerous alleged plots of planned attacks were uncovered, it was not until Europe itself was attacked that a public call to action became a galvanizing force. While European countries were used to dealing with terrorism, the ideology of the likes of al-Qaeda and its followers was a new development. Yet, in the aftermath of the Madrid bombings, there was sufficient shock that led to the ouster of the national government because of its international policies; this move handed terrorists a solid victory that would encourage subsequent attacks rather that quashing this tactic outright. However, many European countries seem to be realizing that they, too, may not be spared, regardless of Iraq policy and participation, and that the problem must be viewed in a much wider context.

The UK , for example, is seeking to deport radicalized elements and introducing stringent laws aimed at terrorist incitement, speech, and recruitment as well as additional immigration and deportation laws. France for some time has been actively trying to deport radicalized elements and does not seem to be waiting for its judicial system to catch up. Even normally very tolerant societies, such as the Netherlands , reacted with concern and fear after film-maker Theo Van Gogh was murdered by a radicalized youth who held dual Dutch-Moroccan nationality and who killed Van Gogh because of his controversial and unflattering film “Submission” (link available on Terrorist Attack Database entry) on Islam. While this attack was not a terrorist incident, it sent shockwaves through the country, and Dutch authorities began to look at the threat from within, calling for new legislation. Indeed, many see the judicial system as being too antiquated to deal with the modern reality of terrorism whereby terrorists or would-be terrorists and even xenophobes manipulate the freedoms and protections inherent in a democratic society. Yet, many feel uneasy when governments seek to change laws, curtail expression, and rescind immigration policies. Whether it is for security reasons or not, most citizens mourn the loss of their society?s principles and wonder how long it is before curtailments of freedom and invasion of privacy affect them.