We face a more dangerous enemy than Reagan faced. After all, we were able to observe the movements of the Soviet military. Because of the deceptive nature of today's enemy we have a much more complex national security situation. Al Qaeda is not affiliated with a country. Compared to lumbering Russian tanks, our terrorist enemy is colorless, odorless and far more lethal. We cannot monitor the movements of a few terrorists across the border as we observed the movements of nuclear submarines just off the coast of Maine. This reality of modern warfare places significant strain on our intelligence community. We must call upon the same sense of purpose Reagan displayed while facing down the Soviet Union.
The 9/11 Commission Report refers to America's “inability to imagine.” Though many among us wish to forget the horrors of 9/11, it is important that we never fail to imagine what could happen again.
This was reiterated by former FBI Director Mueller when he reminded us of Al Qaeda's ultimate goal of detonating a nuclear bomb on U.S. soil. A “Fatwa” issued in 2003 calls for the destruction of 10 million Americans. Previously, the Hart-Rudman Commission, also a bipartisan commission, warned in March 2001 that the primary threat to the United States was a nuclear or biological attack. We need to formulate our national security and foreign policy accordingly.
Given the chameleon-like nature of our enemy we must allocate resources accordingly, specifically with regard to intelligence gathering and the patrolling of our borders. Israel provides us a relevant, modern day example of how to deal with these threats. They have been dealing with similar threats for the duration of their existence. They do not seek solutions through the UN Security Council. Israel does not seek permission from the European Union to act in their own best interest.
Sadly, there are many Americans who are suggesting a UN/Eurocentric National Security Policy. Despite the situation in Iraq, the United States must continue to act in our own best interest. As Lee Hamilton, co-Chair of the Iraq Study Group said recently, “Prudence dictates that we stay on the offensive. We better learn how to take a punch and we better learn how to be responsive, and we better expect attacks to come.”
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