Speaking at the 42nd Annual Munich Conference on Security Policy last week, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld told world leaders that terrorists “are on the defensive” but added that it will take a concerted effort by all nations to “succeed in the war on terror.” He added, “Most of the people in the Middle East do not share the violent ideology of al Qaeda or other violent extremists.” NATO countries must move ahead with making sure efforts to stop terror prevail, including ensuring the success of the nonproliferation security initiative, training the security forces of developing nations, and working in the Caucasus and Central Asia through Partnership for Peace programs.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
