We have to face a sobering reality, however, and we need to be clear about it. The terrorist threat is real and it is serious. Many people inside Washington and beyond maintain that a terrorist attack on some level inside our borders is inevitable and the United States must be ready. This Panel agrees with that assessment. This Panel is equally convinced, however, that much of the legitimate fear associated with the prospect of a terrorist attack can be substantially reduced.
Fear is the first weapon of terrorists.
We can blunt that weapon by being better prepared. We must begin with a vision, a national strategy that is synchronized, coherent and functional. You won't find such a thing in Washington right now. What you will find instead is a loosely coupled set of broad policy documents, plans and specific programs. Some of the current plans and programs in Washington are very good.