“I do think that that is something that is very much at the center of our policy making and our deliberations,” Benjamin said. “It very much affects our thoughts regarding our presence in particular parts of the world where we may not be wanted as much as we might think or might like.”
“It will certainly condition how we view any use of force and kinetic action because I think we have a more precise understanding about the relationship – I won’t claim we’ve fully cracked the code on this but we have a better understanding of the relationship between the use of force and the radicalization of those watching it,” Benjamin said.
Benjamin said the strategy depends on the relationship the United States has with a particular country or government, and each entity’s ability to fight terrorism on its own or in partnership with the United States.
“There’s a wide range of different circumstances in which we find terrorists, but the question is, ‘What’s the appropriate way to deal with them?’” Benjamin said. “What threat do they pose to us, what are the long-term implications for our security, but also for our ability to work with countries in that region?”
Benjamin said actions taken by the United States could have an impact on whether more people are radicalized around the world.
“We really just have to ask the question, ‘What’s the best way forward and how do we minimize the likelihood that we’re going to see more terrorists down the road?’” Benjamin said.
Blog Smith is inspired by the myth of Hephaestus in the creation of blacksmith-like, forged materials: ideas. This blog analyzes topics that interest me: IT, politics, technology, history, education, music, and the history of religions.