Cameron Harris

The UN crossed a new threshold in moving towards the authorization of offensive force by its troops. While initial results are positive, the US should respect and support international efforts and help in any way possible, thus helping to establish a healthy multi-lateral option to tackle international security concerns, and that can be used as a model in years to come.

Another African terror chief is possibly dead—now is not the time to back away from a continent that western nations have largely ignored, and seem to not want to remember. With the hopeful news of the death of Abubakar Shekau, the United States should continue to assist legitimate African governments in their efforts to combat terrorism across Africa. A continued offensive on behalf of the United States and its African allies would help to contain the spread of terrorism to a few isolated patches in the Middle East, as well as help the US in its larger strategic goals.

Recent events in Egypt highlight the need for increased attention on the flourishing (floundering?) Arab Spring. For where viable opportunities for democratic governance once flourished, an age old balance between religion and secularism is threatening the fragile democratic processes and institutions of these newly democratic nations. The U.S. can work with the current situation in order to help both our international image, as well as the struggling Arab states.