Homeland Security Issues a Year-End Threat Reminder

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is ending 2008 largely be restating what security principals already know – that “the terrorism threat to the United States over the next five years will be driven by instability in the Middle East and Africa, persistent challenges to border security and increasing Internet savvy.” That’s because these threats to U.S. security are long-term, and are generally recognized as such.

Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks are the most dangerous threats, but the most difficult to carry out. And al-Qaida continues to focus on U.S. targets that would cause economic and political turmoil.

These broad themes are included in a new Homeland Security intelligence assessment obtained by the Associated Press.  Such assessments typically go to law enforcement, intelligence officials and the private sector. 

There is also a prediction that in the next five years, terrorists will try to conduct a destructive biological attack, possibly one that could infest thousands of U.S. citizens. And the wrap-up indicates how terrorists are trying to evade Us.S. border security and place operatives inside the U.S. to carry out attacks.

We shouldn’t be expecting something basically new in Homeland Security assessments – what we already know and are gearing to prevent is pretty inclusive. What’s important is that we recognize that the threats are persistent and keep taking them seriously. Preparedness continues to matter greatly – and will for years ahead.