The Islamist terrorist threat grips Europe: is Scotland a target?

The Islamic State terrorist attacks in Paris struck at the heart of France, retaliating for its military involvement in Syria and Iraq, its history of colonialism, its secularism and its hostility for the public display of religious symbols. Terrorism is an unpredictable phenomenon but certain countries are more at risk than others. The Scottish environment may well serve as a prophylactic against jihadi propaganda. Scotland hosts a well-integrated, relatively prosperous, small Muslim community that expresses feelings of belonging to the country.