When trade and security clash

摘要

Last October, a discovery at the southern Italian port of Gioia Tauro shook the foundations on which world trade has grown so rapidly in the past half century. A suspected al-Qaeda terrorist was found inside a container. The Egyptian suspect, who later disappeared while on bail, was equipped in comfort for the duration of the container's intended sea voyage from Italy to Halifax in Canada. He carried plans of airports, an aviation mechanic's certificate and security passes. Intelligence sources say other containers similarly fitted out were found at the Italian port. This alarming discovery underlined the tension between the needs of international security and those of global trade. The Egyptian stowaway horrified America's security establishment. When officials looked at studies carried out before September 11th on the possibilities of using a container to smuggle nuclear-bomb components into the United States, their fears only grew. For the technology that has transformed trade in legitimate goods can also easily be used for illicit transport of people and materials.