Daesh shifted technically and tactically its method of carrying out terrorist operations in Istanbul; moreover, the assailant attacked at a vital time, New Year’s Eve celebrations, in spite of the warnings and the security measures that had been taken to face such potential danger.

This time, the attacker did not blow himself up or stayed at the site fighting until killed. On the contrary, he was able to flee the scene and go into hiding; he is still at large.

This gives an indication of the security challenges facing Turkey and other countries in the future, particularly since the fact that an operation of this magnitude could be carried out at a well-known tourist attraction in spite of all the security measures indicates that both the security system and the community could be infiltrated.

That one person was able to carry out such an operation means that there are elements working to facilitate all phases of the operation: access, mission and disappearance.

The strike came at a time Turkey is shifting its political position after the end of the battle for Aleppo, and starting to play a role in bringing parties to the negotiation table.

MORE:   http://jordantimes.com/opinion/amer-al-sabaileh/looming-new-threats

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