Abraham D. Sofaer Five Ways to Beat the Thugs Abraham D. Sofaer on steps we must take to counter the terrorist threat. Defending America, its interests, and its allies from terrorism is a complex undertaking. The military actions in Afghanistan and Sudan last summer were a welcome return to a more robust and rational policy. Judged by these standards, our performance has been woefully inadequate. Its benefits in the war against terror are potentially profound.
Technology can prevent or reduce the adverse effects of terrorist acts.
For example, air transport was made safe after a decade of hijackings with security procedures and screening devices. Satellite and electronic surveillance are the most obvious examples of how advanced technology can help us collect superior intelligence. Tomahawk missiles, and a naval force capable of delivering them anywhere in the world, are examples of the enhanced military capacity technology has made possible. The United States has failed to exploit its formidable, technological advantages in the war against terror. The Inman panel, appointed in response to the bombing of the U.S. embassy in Beirut in 1982, examined every U.S. diplomatic facility abroad.