Global War on Terrorism and Our Backyard

I was surprised when I heard that the Global War on Terrorism was really a global war. I had thought that it mainly kept its business in the Middle East and sometimes reached over to Asia every once in a while. Now, Operation Enduring Freedom—Caribbean and Central America is happening in our own backyard. The operation is supposed to observe how terrorists like al Qaeda and others could utilize the drug-trafficking routes to attack us at our weak points. After finding out how and if the groups could use these openings to get into America, the counter terrorism group will try to prevent this and close up the holes in homeland security. Thirty-six members of Rhode Island’s national group are being sent to Homestead, Fl to the U.S. Special Operations Command. There is a lot of secrecy behind this move and the extension of the War on Terrorism. After 9/11 it was believed that South and Central America would be a natural place for terrorists to go to get closer to America but the jury is out now. Could this Global War be a way to keep an eye on Venezuela and Cuba? Or could this be more?

            Residents of certain cities may want to have south and Central America as well as the Caribbean watched because a renowned statistician and environmental risk expert reported the vulnerability of 132 American cities to Terrorism. Dr. Walter W. Piergorsch quantified their risk by assessing the cities’ socio-economic factors, natural and environmental hazards, and the cities’ infrastructure. Other considerations were critical industries, ports, railroads, bridges, tunnels, water/sewage systems and the age and weakness of the infrastructure. He also took into account the demographics of the cities to predict the impact of an attack; how many would be hurt or killed and the likely response. America’s Eastern and Southern seaboards are most vulnerable and the cities at greatest risk are New Orleans, LA; Baton Rouge, LA; Charleston, SC; Norfolk, VA; New York, NY and Newark, NJ; along with Washington, DC. One result was not anticipated was that the city at the number 10 spot is Boise, ID. Boise is at risk because of its position near a major dam, the high chance for forest fires. Nuclear power plants and military facilities were not taken were not seen as a high risk factor. These cities and their residents should evaluate their positions, their insurance, and their property. Maybe build up their infrastructure and make it less vulnerable and if that’s too much work they can always buy Property Terrorism Insurance from AIG.