Ridge Global CEO Tom Ridge, the nation’s first secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security addressed global security issues, including the recent terrorist plot to ship explosive devices to the United States, as well as the plot by Farooque Ahmed to bomb Washington, DC-area Metro stations.
Ridge made his observations at a forum at The George Washington University, in a moderated discussion with Frank Ciluffo, director of the school’s Homeland Security Policy Institute director.
“The US must engage effectively with the world to confront these issues,” said Ridge. At the same time, he cautioned, “We should accept the reality of a post-9/11 world. It’s about managing the risk, reducing the risk. You cannot create a fail-safe system.”
Commenting on the Yemeni plot, Ridge noted that “this is an instance where actionable intelligence probably saved lives…. Good intelligence promotes aggressive action, which prevents attacks.”
Secretary Ridge said he was encouraged that even in instances where allies had been critical of US policy, partners in the intelligence and law enforcement communities had been able to work together effectively.
“The diverse and complex threat environment, he said, “is the new reality, the new norm. Our security and economic prosperity depend on greater global engagement.”
To view the George Washington University Homeland Security Policy Institute forum with Secretary Ridge, please click here.