NCJ Number
219115
Journal
Homeland Defense Journal Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2007 Pages: 16-20,22
Editor(s)
Don Philpott
Date Published
April 2007
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article presents the main findings and recommendations of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Future of Terrorism Task Force (FTTF).
Abstract
The FTTF's main finding is that the number and magnitude of terrorist attacks on the United States, its interests, and its allies will likely increase in the next 5 years. The FTTF report also advises that increasingly destructive weaponry is raising the likelihood that terrorist attacks will become more lethal and destructive in coming months and years. Further, the report concludes that although al Qaeda is the core promoter of the radical Islamist ideology and violent tactics that underlie the main terrorist threat, specific attacks in various countries may be planned and executed by al Qaeda-inspired Muslims who have lived in non-Muslim countries for years and may have had no direct contact with the main al Qaeda leadership. The FTTF's recommendations pertain to the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). One recommendation is that the Secretary of DHS establish an Office of Net Assessment within DHS to provide the Secretary with comprehensive analysis of future threats and the Nation's capabilities in meeting those threats. Another recommendation is that the Secretary of the DHS conduct a comprehensive examination every 4 years of all homeland security threats, assets, plans, and strategies. Other recommendations pertain to ways of increasing dialog with the Muslim community so as to foster trust and respect between Muslims and non-Muslims while reducing and preventing the radicalization of moderate Muslims. Other sets of recommendations pertain to DHS support for State, local, and private efforts to counter terrorist threats; DHS communication of accurate messages to the public; and the integration of national security and DHS policy.