Europe Tightens Stadium Security Amid Soccer Terror Threats
The Facts
Citing threats from Islamic State (IS), European countries involved in Tuesday and Wednesday's Champions League quarter-finals have announced the implementation of increased security surrounding the fixtures.
While a French government spokesperson stated that there had not been a "concrete threat" specifically aimed at the game, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin revealed that security had been "considerably reinforced."
The Spin
Narrative A
While groups such as IS are extremely unlikely to unveil plans of terrorism prior to their occurrence, and this stunt was most likely a form of propaganda, recent events in Moscow highlight the necessity for European nations not to fall complacent when it comes to dealing with security threats. Although no attack materialized, the scare is a reminder of the potential danger that IS continues to hold across the continent.
Narrative B
Terrorism, especially the threat of terrorism, is the desperate act of a group unable to wage war. Performatively demonstrating strength through the response to these threats is just playing by the same rulebook as those who want to spread fear where violence would be ineffective. France and other European nations should avoid whipping up too much rhetoric, or risk overstating the influence of fanatic minorities in a stable and democratic Europe.