Homeland Security Policy Institute Releases Commentary on Tumult in the Middle East

Feb. 18, 2011 - PRLog -- WASHINGTON — Today, Homeland Security Policy Institute Director Frank J. Cilluffo and Associate Director Sharon L. Cardash issued a Commentary that raises crucial questions about the future of counterterrorism in the Arab world in the wake of recent tumultuous events there. The authors contend that jihadis may “redouble their focus and efforts to strike the United States and Europe just as the U.S. and its Western allies are shifting their own gaze and substantial resources to Egypt and beyond.”

Cilluffo and Cardash write: “In the short run, the jihadis appear destined to take a backseat to democratic forces… This may leave jihadis feeling threatened, wanting and needing a win in order to demonstrate their continuing relevance and power.” The authors conclude that “U.S. officials at home and abroad would be well-advised to think creatively about where the next blind spot may be—and to illuminate and further exploit those of the jihadis as well.”


READ THE COMMENTARY: http://www.gwumc.edu/hspi/policy/commentary021_mideast.cfm.

About HSPI’s Commentary Series:

HSPI Commentaries are intended to promote better policy by fostering constructive debate among leading policymakers, academics, and observers. Designed to be timely and relevant, HSPI Commentaries seek to illuminate the issues of the day by raising important questions and challenging underpinning assumptions. Opinions expressed in Commentaries are those of the author(s) alone. Comments should be directed to hspi@gwu.edu.

About the GW Homeland Security Policy Institute:

Founded in 2003, The George Washington University Homeland Security Policy Institute (HSPI) is a nonpartisan “think and do” tank whose mission is to build bridges between theory and practice to advance homeland security through an interdisciplinary approach. By convening domestic and international policymakers and practitioners at all levels of government, the private and non-profit sectors, and academia, HSPI creates innovative strategies and solutions to current and future threats to the nation. For additional information about HSPI, please visit http://www.gwumc.edu/hspi/.

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The George Washington University Homeland Security Policy Institute (HSPI) is a nonpartisan “think and do” tank whose mission is to build bridges between theory and practice to advance homeland security through an interdisciplinary approach.