Countering Terrorist and Closing Security Gaps - Germany
July 22, 2021, 10:57 am

Germany

Germany was working seriously to close the security Gaps to combat terrorism and makes a military contribution within the International coalition to the fight against ISIS. There is no doubt, that, terrorism requires a global response from the international community and the German government is helping to develop effective practical measures to combat terrorism at the international level. Germany contributes military resources to the fight against ISIS. Terrorist

Countering terrorism and violent extremism requires a comprehensive approach that also takes measures to address the political, social and economic causes. Another goal is to strengthen the rule of law. It is good to mention that, respect for human rights is a fundamental issue.

The German government plays an active role in international counter-terrorism coalition. The dismantling of the "ISIS caliphate" in 2017 and the intensified efforts of intelligence and law enforcement agencies to combat terrorists, mean that serious attacks, which occurred in Europe between 2014 and 2017, are becoming less likely now.

Neither the 2015 migration crisis nor the return of foreign fighters from ISIS has resulted in a threat to Europe's security thus far, although rejected migrants and asylum seekers have repeatedly carried out or attempted attacks.

Unfortunately an intelligence failure led to the Vienna attack in November 2020, when a "jihadist" attacked a number of innocent civilians with a machine gun. In recent years, EU countries have filled these security gaps that terrorists can exploit, for example in the field of finance, however, the European still faces dangers.

Security cooperation Danish and German authorities arrested fourteen suspects in an anti-terror operation on 12^th-Feb, 2021 on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack, according to the Danish Security and Intelligence Service.

The agency, known as PET, said in a statement that it had arrested thirteen suspects in separate incidents, and that German authorities had arrested another person in a case related to the investigation. The agency said, it arrested seven people between February 6 and 8 2021on charges of planning to carry out terrorist operations.

The suspects were charged with possession of "explosive-making materials", and incitement to commit the crime. The agency said court - 40 miles west of Copenhagen - had earlier ordered the detention of six other people, adding that those individuals were "all involved in the case". The agency reported:"We believe that there are individuals who have the intent and capacity to commit terrorist attacks in Denmark and in Germany, Here, the importance of regional and international security cooperation to confront terrorism that knows no borders appears. It also shows the importance of preventive operations in combating extremism and terrorism.

Germany and Europe have witnessed many terrorist operations, over the past years by terrorist groups who were only recently released from prison and were in contact with de-radicalization programs. These incidents raise the question of how to prevent or at least significantly reduce the risk of terrorists returning to extremist organizations again. Therefore, actors involved in prevention work need to take a look at the effectiveness of de-radicalization efforts.

The German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) in cooperation with the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) organized an international virtual workshop in May 2020 on how to prevent the recidivism of violent Islamic extremists. This workshop was held as part of the International Forum for Expert Exchange on Countering Islamic Extremism (InFoEx), providing BAMF's government network partners and civil society partners a platform to discuss challenges and good practices with several external experts.

Recommendations

- Program officials should establish coherent support networks to address needs and challenges after release.

- Those responsible for extremism and terrorism prevention programs should be aware of current trends online and offline and should have an open discussion about the re-recruitment efforts that ex-prisoners are likely to encounter.

- Researchers should study closely why some individuals re-engage in extremism and terrorism, with the goal being to avoid unnecessary measures.

-All actors, including also the prison administration and security services, must make clear what can realistically be achieved through the prevention of the third degree of violent extremism inside and outside the prison context.

- Enhancing security cooperation and information exchange at the national, regional and international levels.

by: Bonn- Jassim Mohamad

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.