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From: "Total International Terrorist Attacks"
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Security
The world is more dangerous for many reasons, partly because we are not paying attention to the global system and its dynamics. Mistakes of our current administration have agitated an already challenging situation. We need to regain a leadership position as an example of freedom and democracy as a republic. We need to respect what it means to be American with healthy governance as intended by the founders of this great nation with the spirit and intentions that inspired our independence.
Protecting the Nation
The threat of global terrorism, the situation in Iraq and Iran have been at the forefront of the media of late. But other national security issues exist and we must continue to pay attention. Brinkmanship around the world is expected. Keeping the balance of power in line with the composition of wisdom in a fast changing world requires strength, courage and finesse. At the same time, global warming has entered the field of national security as a factor. As regions become challenged by food and water shortages, we can expect a rise in regional conflicts that could have international ramifications. This also brings the issue of immigration to the forefront as countries may have more and more reason to secure their own borders.
National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) 2007
As of 2004/5 the measurement of Terrorism Incidents was redefined.
To: "Total Significant International Terrorist Attacks"
This lowered the reported number of incidents reported.
The Bush administration reported:
Total Significant International Terrorist Attacks (2004)
- 651 Incidents (Attacks)
- 1,907 Dead
Here is the data in standard format:
Total (2004) - including all data that was not categorized as significant:
- 3170 Incidents (Attacks)
- 7,690 Fatalities
- 18,835 Injuries
- 6,086 Hostages
- 32,611 Victims
New data can be found at the Worldwide Incidents Tracking System web site: http://wits.nctc.gov/
Examining the Wisdom
What we have been told by our current administration is that we are safer. It is reasonable to assume that we can not spend 300 billion dollars every time terrorists spend 500,000 on an attack. We will have to be smarter than that.
The next president in America will inherit a vastly more complex scenario, in part, a result of current strategies employed. This is an important consideration for our next presidential election.
The link below at the U. S. National Counterterrorism Center shows "Total International Terrorist Attacks".
Communication is Key
Addressing current and developing threats and considering our intel strength as well as our ability to communicate our proper intentions to people around the world is primary.
Actions speak louder than words. Our actions should match our intended message. Justice and peace should be paramount. Peace for all peoples in all nations, as this is now what is required in order to enhance and protect the national security of America.
For those that would do harm to freedom and individual human rights, we must continue to protect against. The balance of power has never been easy or perfect. Keeping human rights at the forefront of our argument can keep the focus on the prize, that justice may bring greater peace to all nations and significantly enhance national security.
Orientation to current and future needs
Current Considerations
Addressing the situation at hand: While all nations work to gain position to strengthen their own economy and security, we must consider policies that have caused rifts that reduce our own ability to maintain strength. Ask any general or admiral: Having the most powerful military is not the best advantage when you get boots on the ground, if the people of the nation you are in do not support the effort. This is why we hear so much about hearts and minds. In all cases, for those that support democracy and individual human rights, we should do our utmost to achieve such ends.
The fight is on two fronts. One is to address the immediate threat of terrorism. The second is the means and methods that can lead to alleviating the stressors that cause terrorism and dictatorships. These two paths must be walked with reason and consideration to achieve the goal of greater peace.
Common sense may not seem to exist everywhere, but in our nation and in the world we must continue to raise it to a level where reason becomes a part of our daily lives. We must also realize that what is common sense in America is not the same as common sense elsewhere in the world. If you lived in a nation where militias rule the day your common sense would shift to primary needs. This must be a part of our consideration if we are to address long term solutions.
Future Considerations
Building the bridges of communication necessary to alleviate the stressors that exist between peoples, cultures, regions and nations in order to reduce the likelihood of conflict; Promote that which we, as a people, have in common around the world; examine our own perspectives and recognize needs to be addressed that are key to bringing people together rather than furthering the rift between peoples and nations.
