Australia 'faces security dilemma': US

AAP:

A US think tank says Australia faces a major security dilemma with its vast land mass, a small population and a growing Muslim community creating the potential for a terrorist support network.

In an analysis of Australia's terrorist outlook following the attacks in London, United States private sector intelligence group Stratfor said Australian intelligence agencies were taking the threat seriously and had lifted their vigilance.

Stratfor said Australia had long been a difficult venue for terrorists, mainly because of its small Muslim immigrant population and lack of a network of safe houses and logistic support.

But that had changed with the arrival of significant number of Muslim immigrants since the 1980s.

"The growth of these communities has created the potential for a terrorist support network," it said.

"Melbourne and Sydney have growing populations of poor immigrants in urban areas that could provide recruitment and support bases for terrorist operatives."

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