Forces of Islamic radicalism still a ‘threat’ to America after New Orleans attack, Marc Thiessen says
In the aftermath of the shooting at the 9/11 memorial in New Orleans, former Speechwriting Director and Columnist for The Washington Post Marc Thiessen has warned that the forces of Islamic radicalism remain a significant threat to America.
Speaking on the Hugh Hewlett Show, Thiessen underlined that the recent attack was a stark reminder that radical Islamic extremism has not disappeared, despite the successful efforts of the United States and its allies to defeat the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda.
“Now we’re seeing a new form of terrorism, a cyber-based terrorism, that’s emerging, and it’s dispersed and decentralized, and it’s more difficult to track,” Thiessen emphasized. “And it’s being fueled by propaganda and social media, which is making it easier for extremists to spread their message and recruit new followers.”
Thiessen also emphasized that the New Orleans attack was not an isolated incident, warning that these kinds of attacks could be repeated in the United States and around the world. He cited the 2015 San Bernardino attack and the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting as examples of sustained terrorist activity in the United States.
“This is a serious threat, and it’s not going away. We need to be very clear-eyed about the nature of this threat and the tactics that we need to use to defeat it,” Thiessen urged.
Thiessen’s warnings come as parts of the American public seem increasingly skeptical about the continued importance of the War on Terror. However, he believes that there is no room for complacency, and that the US government must remain vigilant and proactive in its efforts to counter radical Islamic extremism.
“The war on terror is not over, and it’s not won. We need to keep our eye on the ball and make sure that we’re doing everything we can to protect Americans here at home and around the world,” he emphasized.
