Combating Terrorism: In Search of a National Strategy
Abstract
Clearly, much has been done in recent years to ensure that America is prepared to counter the threat of terrorism. Yet, despite the many new legislative and programmatic initiatives, budgetary increases, and the intense governmental concern and attention they evince, America's capabilities to defend itself against the threat of terrorism and to preempt or respond to such attacks, arguably still remain inchoate and unfocused. Last November's suicide attack on the U. S. S. Cole tragically underscored these continued vulnerabilities. Indeed, within the United States it is by no means certain that we would be better able today to address an Oklahoma City-like bombing scenario than we were six years ago. The issue in constructing an effective counterterrorism policy is, however, no longer the question of more attention, bigger budgets and increased staffing that it once was: but of a need for greater focus, a better appreciation of the problem and firmer understanding of the threat, and, in turn, the development of a comprehensive national strategy. My testimony this morning will discuss how the absence of such a strategy has hindered our counterterrorism efforts by focusing on the critical importance of threat assessments in the development of such a national strategy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 27, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA391924
Entities
People
- Bruce Hoffman
Organizations
- RAND Corporation