Ep 48. Analysis of the Paris Attacks

On this episode of Charlie Rose, season 24 episode 48, the focus is on the tragic terrorist attacks that took place in Paris on November 13, 2015. In this one-hour analysis, Charlie Rose brings together a panel of expert guests to discuss the attacks and their significance.

The panel features Peter Bergen, a leading expert on counterterrorism and author of several books, including "Manhunt: The Ten-Year Search for Bin Laden from 9/11 to Abbottabad," which provides insight into the inner workings of al-Qaeda; Ed Husain, a Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of "The Islamist: Why I Joined Radical Islam in Britain, What I Saw Inside and Why I Left"; and Andrew Sullivan, a conservative British writer, blogger, and former editor who has expressed concerns about Islamic extremism.

Charlie Rose moderates the discussion and poses questions to the panel members, who provide a range of perspectives on the Paris attacks. The first question Rose asks is how the panelists would describe the attacks and their impact. Bergen answers first, stating that the Paris attacks were among the most sophisticated and coordinated acts of terrorism seen in Europe since the 2004 Madrid bombings. He notes that the attackers were well-trained and well-armed and that their level of preparation suggests that this was not a spontaneous act. Husain agrees and adds that the Paris attacks reflect a broader trend of radicalization among young Muslims in Europe and elsewhere.

The panel then delves into a detailed analysis of the attackers themselves, their motivations, and the larger political and social context in which they operated. They discuss the role of ISIS in inspiring and directing the attacks, as well as the possibility that other terrorist groups or networks may have been involved. Sullivan brings up the idea that the Paris attacks, as well as other recent acts of terrorism, are part of a larger clash between Islam and the West that has been brewing for decades.

Throughout the discussion, the panelists offer their insights on a range of issues, including the nature of Islamic extremism, the failure of Western governments to address the problem effectively, and the broader geopolitical implications of the Paris attacks. They also consider possible strategies for preventing similar attacks from occurring in the future, including greater cooperation between law enforcement agencies, more effective counter-radicalization efforts, and increased engagement with Muslim communities.

The analysis is thoughtful and thought-provoking, and it provides a valuable perspective on one of the most significant events of 2015. Charlie Rose's skill as a moderator is on full display here as he guides the conversation and ensures that all panelists have an opportunity to share their views. In the end, the episode serves as a powerful reminder of the complex issues surrounding terrorism and the need for continued dialogue and engagement as we seek to confront this challenge.