In the article “Terrorist Threat ‘More Fluid and Complex than ever’, White House Says”, Mark Landler and Eric Schmitt describe the new counterterrorism strategy released by the White House. This is relevant to global security threats because it describes the extent to which terrorism is threatening countries, and the steps being taken (specifically in the United States) to stop it.
The White House released the first counterterrorism proposal since 2011. It vowed to fight “radical islamists” as well as Iran, while still embracing many of the principles of the Bush and Obama administrations. It said that terrorism is more widespread than ever before, and that the country has failed to mitigate the terrorist threat in the past. The plan was delayed by many months, as there was some internal disagreements on how the Trump administration should handle counterterrorism, and the use of the term “radical Islamic terrorism”. Policies set forth by this proposal include strengthened border security, more internet monitoring, cutting off financing and travel, and increased pressure on terrorist networks by government officials. It also emphazises the need for allied partners.
This article is significant because it describes major steps in counterterrorism efforts that have not been brought forth since 2011.
Landler, Mark, and Schmitt, Eric. “Terrorist Threat ‘More Fluid and Complex than ever’, White House Says.” The New York Times, 4 Oct. 2018, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/04/us/politics/trump-counterterrorism-strategy.html