September 11, 2012
One year after its release, the Obama administration’s counterterrorism strategy remains flawed.
This strategy seeks to treat terrorism under (1) a law enforcement paradigm that failed to protect Americans from terrorism when it was adopted by the Clinton Administration before 9/11 and (2) a “small footprint” policy for overseas operations.
Today, as we remember the September 11 terrorist attacks, the administration must refocus its efforts in order to keep the homeland secure.
As Heritage Foundation experts Michaela Bendikova, Lisa Curtis and Jessica Zuckerman explain, “The U.S. needs to name its enemies, maintain the nation’s commitments abroad, fully fund the military, reach out to allies, and truly defend the home front.”
Part of the problem, they argue, lies in diminished defense budgets:
If Congress does not act, on January 2, 2013, across-the-board cuts will go into place. For the defense budget, this means additional half-trillion-dollar cuts on top of the large defense reductions that have already taken place. The Department of Defense has absorbed a $400 billion cut (called “efficiencies”) under former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Current Secretary Leon Panetta has had to cut over $400 billion pursuant to the Budget Control Act of 2011.
The defense budget has already absorbed about half of all spending cuts even though it represents less than a fifth of the federal budget. If the Obama Administration continues to weaken U.S. forces, the country will be unable to maintain its superpower status.
Without a well-funded defense, our country will not be able to keep up with our enemies’ adaptations and changes in strategy. And we must have a sustainable counterterrorism system that can respond decisively and quickly to any threats to our citizens.
Do you think investments in defense are the best antiterrorist tactic?
Bonnie Smith - September 11, 2012
Absolutely, our greatest defense IS a strong offense!
On this day especially, may we not have to learn the
Hard Way!
Bonnie