European security and the Middle East : analysing the European Union's relationship with Syria

Abstract

Problems between Europe and the Middle East have existed for centuries but have become more conspicuous since September 11th and the "war on terror" began. It seems like much of the West has found a new threat to world order, namely militant Islam, but also continuing concern over Weapons of Mass Destruction, and the Arab/Israeli Conflict, issues which threaten regional stability and in turn may lead to terrorist activities. These threats have resulted in an ever-changing global security environment. Young Muslims are becoming increasingly aware that something is wrong in their society which must be put right. Notions of a clash between the rational West and irrational Islam only contribute to further hostility between "us and them". Such notions fail to show justice to important issues at stake and ignore shared values that provide a language for agreement. This dissertation looks at each of these threats in turn as well as some of the causes for terrorist attacks. Other issues questioning the credibility of European Union policies and initiatives will also be looked at.