The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, were a painful illustration of America’s vulnerability to international terrorism. We were forced to confront the fact that America’s enemies are willing to go to great lengths to destroy us, and in an increasingly globalized world, they have the means to inflict mass casualties.
Economic security is critically tied to national security. Minnesota’s economy was hurt by the actions of men thousands of miles away who plotted to kill Americans. Our resolve in fighting international terrorism already has been a key element of restoring economic growth.
The war on terrorism is a new kind of war, but one that can and must be won. America will need to use a wide range of tools to win this war.
- We must use financial tools to disrupt and seize terrorist funding.
- We must engage in intensive public diplomacy to show the world the true nature of America.
- We must make full use of our intelligence agencies and continue to improve the quality of our intelligence.
- We must use technology to defend our skies, our land borders, and our soldiers.
- We must close the schools in the Middle East that breed hatred and replace them with an education system that teaches tolerance.
- We must continue to work with our allies whenever possible.
- And we must strive to keep any confrontations between the terrorists and Americans far from American soil.
America’s involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq has made our nation safer from terrorism. While much progress remains to be made in both countries, it is indisputable that America has taken away the ability of terrorist organizations to operate with impunity in these once-safe havens. We reduced the number of countries that sponsor terror. And we helped average Iraqis and Afghans escape the bonds of their oppressors.
As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I will continue to do what I believe is necessary to protect American lives from international terrorism. I voted to approve funds to support our troops and rebuild Afghanistan and Iraq, and I will continue to fight for adequate funding for these endeavors. I have called for tough but creative approaches to address the regimes in Iran and Syria which continue to provide support for terrorism. I will continue to champion human rights, freedom of the press, and democracy, as well as programs like the Peace Corps that show the true nature of Americans.
Different circumstances require different approaches. I commend the President not only for his leadership in Iraq and in Afghanistan, but also for spurring Libya to reject terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. Using the right combinations of carrot and stick, America can and will win the war on terror.
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