How Should the United States Respond to Terrorism?
POLICY FORUMMonday, November 27, 2000
12:00 p.m.
Featuring Anthony Cordesman, Center for Strategic and International Studies; John Parachini, Monterey Institute of International Studies; Bruce Hoffman, RAND Corporation; Ivan Eland, Cato Institute.
The Cato Institute
1000 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
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The recent bombing of the USS Cole is one of many incidents of terrorism directed against the United States. More than 40 percent of the world's terrorism is directed against U.S. targets. How should the United States respond to such attacks? Some experts suggest a military response, some would pursue the alleged perpetrators through the criminal justice system, and still others would beef up intelligence capabilities. To deal with potential attacks involving weapons of mass destruction, some analysts advocate extending the reach of law enforcement agencies or spending more on domestic preparedness programs; others would encourage a policy of U.S. military restraint overseas to attempt to reduce the motivation for terrorist attacks on U.S. targets. Which policy or combination of policies makes the most sense? The participants will discuss those issues.