Occasional Paper #22:OP:1 

by Daniel A. Lindley

Lindley argues that the main purpose of the war on terrorism is to reduce the probability that terrorists will use weapons of mass destruction (WMD). While the events of September 11 were a catalyst, this threat is the real reason the United States and its allies must fight against terrorism. In addition to force, Lindley recommends a number of other steps in the campaign against terrorism: the United States must increase domestic preparedness against WMD attacks, limit proliferation of WMD, reduce enmity towards the United States, decrease dependence on Middle East oil, increase foreign aid, and employ legal tools. Lindley also assesses and sometimes rebuts critiques of the use of force and the war in Afghanistan.

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