Plenty of smoke and mirrors around

By its very multinational nature, the World Cup and its security is a matter of interest to governments and security agencies around the globe. For South Africa, too much is staked on its success. However, it does appear that there is a level of concern over South Africa’s ability to provide adequate security. At the same time, it seems many differing agendas have entered into the picture and fact is not always discernable from fiction. Furthermore, it seems some major intelligence agencies are loath to co-operate too closely with South Africa for fear of compromising their own intelligence and abilities.

After thorough research, a report prepared for Leadership Intelligence Bulletin has come to the conclusion that:

•         Many of the media reports purporting to have authoritative insight that terrorist attacks would mar the 2010 World Cup in South Africa are somewhat baseless and often quite sensationalist;

•         There appears to be substantial distrust among the various security agencies of different countries – particularly toward South Africa – and much rumour-mongering, unsubstantiated claims of threats, security lapses and incompetence, and others at play;

•         It may also be reasonably speculated, but remains unproven, that the terrorism threat may have been exaggerated by some Western players to promote their own longer term security interests;

•         Nonetheless, there are also very compelling, though not altogether proven, reasons to believe or speculate that a very real terrorist threat to the 2010 World Cup may exist;

•         However, no specific proven or evidenced security threat traceable to any specific organisation or individuals has been identified as being authentic to date;

•         A number of countries may have their own covert security arrangements in place, which could be 'justified' by these countries if need be by means of the threat warnings issued by them in the run-up to the event, or should any attack actually occur;

•         South Africa, in co-operation with various countries and Interpol, nonetheless has put in place extensive security arrangements, although there may be concerns over some aspects of South Africa’s security arrangements; and

•         There is no way in which any accurate forecast can be made regarding a possible security threat, but the potential for an attack should not be underestimated, and remains a possibility.

For the full report, click here