Retaking the Offensive against Radical Islam
May 11, 2009
Berman (Tehran Rising
), vice president for policy at the American Foreign Policy Council, offers a comprehensive strategy for reclaiming “the offensive” in the “global war on terror.” He expresses optimism cautiously, but warns that the gains—especially in Afghanistan—are tenuous and that the U.S. risks losing the initiative to the terrorists. He proposes a broad approach that emphasizes the political, economic and legal fronts in this long war, cautioning—as has Defense Secretary Robert Gates—that “the military should not... be the tip of the spear.” As concerned with Iran as with al-Qaeda, the author recommends an array of tactics—some more hopeful than helpful—including political outreach, an Iranian embargo, educational assistance, updated laws of war and disrupting terrorist fund-raising. There is much of interest, although the main thrust of Berman's argument—the need for a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy—is the new conventional wisdom. Nevertheless, Berman's careful analysis and thoughtful conclusions are a welcome addition to the ongoing debate about the way forward .