Why Real Security

The events of September 11, 2001 etched the threat of jihadist terrorists into our collective memory. It was not the first act of terror aimed at Americans nor is it likely to be the last. Its zealous perpetrators, though, may not be the most destructive threat we face.

Global pandemics will take more victims. From Hurricane Katrina to California wildfires, catastrophic climate change is likely to wreak widespread destruction. Our unprecedented global indebtedness and growing manufacturing deficit are a far greater threat to our economic security.

Yet 9/11 proved that the threat posed by the violent extremists is real and present—and must be met. But rather than focus on that problem, the United States is mired in an occupation of Iraq that is worsening the terrorist threat and damaging our ability to respond to the other security concerns we face.