Clark proposes joint counter-terrorism task force.
A Joint Counter-Terrorism Strike Force, composed of countries both in and out of NATO, is the centerpiece of the innovative homeland security strategy that Wes Clark described to a Concord, New Hampshire crowd on Wednesday. The primary purpose of the Strike Force will be to destroy al Qaeda. Its first mission will be to capture Osama bin Laden.
"George Bush hasn't done his job. Al Qaeda is at large. Our world is more divided. Our reputation has been compromised. Our homeland is unnecessarily at risk," Clark said in an address at the Franklin Pierce Law Center in Concord, New Hampshire. "We can - and we must - do better."
Clark's three-part Homeland Security Strategy involves isolating terrorists, instead of isolating the United States, recognizing that using military force may still be necessary, and protecting America's homeland.
To isolate the terrorists, Clark will launch a new Atlantic Charter, broadening the scope of NATO. Clark will commit to working together with our allies as a first, not a last, resort. He will also focus more on working with our Middle Eastern friends.
To fight terrorism, Clark will create a Joint Counter-Terrorism Strike Force. The Force will be composed of NATO nations and other allies, including countries like Jordan, South Africa, Singapore, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates.
Clark will upgrade NATO's intelligence capabilities, so that the Strike Force can act on the highest-quality counter-terrorism information.
"With help from Arab countries, who may have intelligence and access that Americans can't get," Clark said. "I will send that Strike Force into the border areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan where most believe bin Laden ... and his deputies continue to order terrorist attacks."
To protect America's homeland, Clark will invest $40 billion over two years in strengthening America's defenses by training and equipping first responders and undertaking construction projects to improve the security at ports, bridges, and tunnels.
Clark will also create a Civilian Reserve to mobilize the skills and talents of Americans. The Civilian Reserve will work with existing emergency response agencies to coordinate volunteer efforts at times of national emergency.
"With help from others," Clark concluded, "with a new relationship with key Islamic countries, with a strong homeland defense, and with the power of our military and joint operations, I pledge to you today that we will prevail in our fight against global terrorism. I will bring a higher standard of leadership to America, leadership that will win the war on terrorism while living up to our ideals, and retaining the respect of the world." |
