To counter these threats we maintain strong military forces forward deployed in the Gulf region. This forward presence serves to prevent both Iraq and Iran from expanding their territory or influence in the Gulf countries, thereby gaining control over the flow of oil to the world. Our presence also includes naval forces operating continuously in the Arabian Gulf, also enforcing United Nations' sanctions. Like Emerson, we too live in an age of revolution. One of our darkest fears in this new era is the specter of terrorism.
Terrorism hangs like a dark cloud over our hopes.
It is the antithesis of everything America stands for. Its perpetrators reject the rule of law and basic human decency. They are not able to achieve their goals either through conventional diplomatic or military means, so they seek to impose their will on others through acts of violence, almost always aimed at the innocent. Domestic terrorism is a crime against the order and tranquillity of our nation. International terrorism is an assault on the peace and stability of the world.