Two Years Later

September 15, 2003

Editor at Large

wo years after 19 terrorists turned four commercial jetliners into missiles, leveling the World Trade Center and severely damaging the Pentagon, federal agencies are still trying to figure out how best to secure the country from future attacks. That's not to say that nothing of consequence has been done, of course. Hundreds of thousands of troops have been mobilized, two wars have been prosecuted and a new security agency has been forged. Still, the vulnerabilities in a democratic society that thrives on trade and immigration remain enormous. Reducing those vulnerabilities, balancing risk and security, and building stronger organizations to prevent future attacks are likely to be challenges for years to come.

In our third special issue on homeland security, Government Executive takes a look at several of the most important challenges. We consider organizational issues at the Department of Homeland Security; we look at the relationship between the federal government and the private sector, which controls much of the critical infrastructure in the country; we examine the increasing demands placed on military reservists to support security operations at home and abroad; and we report on a new effort to sell American values in the Middle East.

The organizational challenges within Homeland Security are aptly described in two stories, one considering the role of the Coast Guard and another looking at the enduring problems of managing immigration. The way Homeland Security is now structured, it will soon support two air forces-one in the Coast Guard and another in the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement-flying different planes for the same mission. In addition, both organizations have their own intelligence collection and analysis programs, and both the Coast Guard and the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection have separate command structures responsible for seaport security. As far as immigration management goes, it's no surprise that the same problems that existed for years at the Immigration and Naturalization Service-poor morale, inadequate resources and outdated technology-have migrated to Homeland Security.

Three stories consider the complicated relationship, where security is concerned, between the federal government and the private sector. Organizations-both public and private-are eager to deploy anti-terrorism products and services, but no one wants to assume the tremendous financial burdens that could result from lawsuits should those measures fail in a future attack. In that light, we look at Homeland Security's attempt to provide liability protection to both sellers and buyers of anti-terrorism technology. Another story assesses emergency communications between Homeland Security and the major companies that oversee much of the country's critical infrastructure. We also consider the department's efforts to boost port security through grants to companies.

Another story about the role of military reservists in homeland security and national defense illustrates the need for a new balance in reserve component roles and missions. And finally, we look at how the federal government is trying to sell our values of tolerance and democracy abroad. It may be the most important sale this capitalist country ever attempts to make.

NEXT STORY: Government’s Work