Local Expert Weighs In On How To Combat Attacks Like One In Paris
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Terror tactics have shifted from suicide bombers to coordinated suicide attacks, and the carnage in Paris is just the latest example of how much damage can be done by a few well-organized, motivated individuals.
"This is an ideology that needs to be stamped out," says Malcolm Nance, a Philadelphia native who spent more than 30 years as a counter-terrorism expert for the military, including seven years in the Middle East.
He says these coordinated "run and gun" attacks with multiple shooters are particularly difficult to for police to defend against.
"The force commander on the scene had to literally throw everything he had on the site with very little planning. Had to do a hasty attack and flood that building because it was beyond an active shooter," he said. "In Philadelphia and other cities, you have to train for a mass attack."
READ: Latest On Paris Attacks
Nance says the jihadists are part of a relatively small cult that's destroying the entire reputation of Islam from the inside.
"They have these apolocaptic beliefs that they have to initiate a global war and clash of civilations with the west," he said. "You can kill as many of these people as you want. However, it's not the man power that's the issue -- it's the cult ideology that's infected them, that's infected parts of the Muslim world."
It's a rapidly growing global problem with wide-reaching affects.
"We can drop bombs and carry out raids and missions, but that's essentially stomping on ants," Nance said. "What you have to do is apply some sort of counter ideology warfare."
Nance currently serves as executive director of the "Terror Asymmetrics Project" which collects intelligence on terror groups and their activity. He belives the only way to eradacate the extemeists is for the world to assist Muslims with reclaiming their religion.
"The average Muslim in the world has nothing to do with this, and it's their religion which is being corrupted by this very small cult. Unfortunately, many in the west believe this is Islam's problem," he said. "Well, it's not Islam's problem. It's the world's problem. Islam is not to blame here, Islam is the victim."
The insurgents believe they have to fight in the holy war until death, and they can't be talked out of it.
"It's very easy to kill a man. It's very hard to kill an ideology."
You can hear more of Mike's interview with Malcolm Nance in the podcast below.
