The Case for a Holistic Approach to the Global War on Terror

By Christopher Hekimian

chrishekimian@cs.com

The Global War on Terror (GWOT) is being waged in response to attacks on America

and other western democracies from radical elements of the Islamic faith. These proponents of a

virulent form of Islam enjoy popular support from individuals that are poorly educated, socially

and economically deprived and often illiterate. Such individuals have no reason to think well of

western democracies and principles of freedom and democracy, which they know very little

about; and they have little reason to harbor ill will against militants with whom they share

culture, religious beliefs and from whom some benefits are derived.

While historically the US has been able to marshal effective military forces for purposes

of conventional warfare, asymmetric warfare against loosely federated terrorist organizations

willing to commit acts of terror against innocent civilians represents a much different challenge.

A different approach is needed.

In the medical context the term “holistic” refers to an approach to healing that does not

focus on treating any one particular ailment, but of treating a plurality of related causes, which

when addressed will improve the overall health of the patient, healing the particular ailment, and

others, indirectly. This paper presents the concept of a Holistic GWOT (H-GWOT). Such an

approach would address the causes of support for Islamo-fascists. Through people to people

engagement, support and understanding... examples of which are described in this paper,

the influence of radical clerics and militant groups might be reduced to nuisance level.

America’s handling of the GWOT has been reactionary and militaristic. Military action is
only part of the holistic cure for the disease of Islamo-fascist terror. The H-GWOT is proactive

would engage all aspects of western societal strengths. The executive departments of the US

government are used as examples of how all of the strengths of the west can be applied in order

to out flank the enemy in the battle for the hearts and minds of the world community. Those

individuals that would become terrorists must be provided more opportunities to become

teachers, physicians, engineers, and business owners.

Among the causes for animosity towards Americans are perceptions that:

• Americans are immoral

• Americans are poorly educated

• Americans are spoiled and do not appreciate the advantages that they enjoy

• Americans are wasteful consumers of world resources

Americans reading the list above might conclude that such perceptions are rooted in a simplistic

and misunderstood view of American culture. The people to people interaction that is

fundamental to the H- GWOT will help promote a mutual understanding between Americans and

peoples of “terror-risk 1” nations and would support a climate of mutual respect. A major

problem facing Americans is that America, through exercise of will and strength that only it

appears to have, is perceived by many as an arrogant “World Police”. Such a perception is

understandable when most of the world is treated only to images of our tanks, warships and

soldiers as opposed to anything more positive and humanistic. The H-GWOT addresses this

1 The term “terror-risk” refers to countries or regions that are engaged in warfare against

terrorism as well as countries, through economic or political problems are at risk of having their

population becoming sympathetic to terrorist causes.

problem through direct people to people interaction on real and visible projects and initiatives

that help individuals in terror-risk areas.

The H-GWOT approach would likely be popular to a significant portion of the American

electorate. It may represent the only aspects of the GWOT that many Americans would find

acceptable at all. One of the main reasons why the H-GWOT would be perceived positively by

the electorate is because it would provide a number of ways for regular citizens to be actively

involved in the solution. It is often the case that an inability to help leads to frustration. The spirit

of assistance and giving is demonstrated in the U.S. frequently... highlighted after natural

disasters and after the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. By the same token, it is very easy

to oppose something that you have no ownership in. Elements of the holistic approach, such as

cultural exchange and trade, are implicit invitations for involvement. Human faces will be

associated with the challenges and the solutions, on both sides of the collaborative equation.

The H-GWOT should succeed is because it capitalizes on the combined strengths of the

west in a way that empowers people. Terrorists simply cannot compete on such a basis. The H-

GWOT would draw on a wide range of government and private resources. Consequently, strong

leadership is essential. The case for each initiative must be presented in a compelling manner and

in a spirit of bipartisanship. Government agencies must be committed to their component of the

H-GWOT, as the Congress must be. 100% participation among the federal agencies is imperative

so there is no question of national commitment. Ownership of the H-GWOT is shared by the

military and the rest of the country.

The remainder of this paper presents specific initiatives that U.S. executive agencies

should pursue in support of the GWOT. While the US executive agencies were chosen as

examples, other government and non-government agencies should also be challenged to do their
parts. The challenges should extend to the people and governments of other nations as well. Each

of the following recommendations should be carried out in close partnership with the leadership

in the host governments and within the indigenous private industry.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA- Approx Budget $97B, Approx Staff 108,000).

The mission and capabilities of the USDA includes: Farm and foreign agricultural services; rural

development; protection of natural resources and the environment; marketing programs;

agricultural research, education and economics. Many of the services and functions that the

USDA provides to American farmers could benefit the agricultural industries of foreign, terror-

risk countries. Efforts to promote viable agricultural industries can be expected to benefit the

people of the terror-risk nations and by extension, the GWOT. The benefits include improved

employment conditions, improved GDP through export, decreased hunger, and improved overall

well-being and future for the country. The perception of the allied coalition can be expected to

improve.

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC-$6.3B, 38,000).

The mission areas of the DOC that are most relevant to the H-GWOT include: fostering

economic development; conducting the census and statistical analysis; fostering international

trade; and facilitating industrial development. Terror-risk countries can benefit from DOC’s

efforts to facilitate development of industry and international trade and export. Commercial

engagement and the growth of commercial industry within terror-risk countries can be expected

to result in long lasting economic benefits. Thousands of individuals who would otherwise be at

risk of becoming terrorists or terrorist sympathizers would instead be provided opportunities to

live prosperous and rewarding lives, like many are trying to do now under more difficult

circumstances.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).

Within the context of the H-GWOT, the DoD would have the added challenge of adapting their

mission and functions as the conditions in their areas of responsibilities change.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED-$63B, 4,500).

It appears that many countries that have become terror-risk states first lose their educational

establishments to the radically motivated elements that foment terrorist ideologies. The expertise

of the ED is needed to help rebuild a foundation for learning that can empower citizens with the

education that they need to function in the global, economic community. An educated populace

is needed for any society for to remain free and prosperous. To neglect the rebuilding of a fair

and tolerant educational infrastructure is to cede the youth of that country to the radicalized

forces. American schools cannot be neglected either. American public school curricula must be

infused with up to date knowledge about life and challenges in the terror-risk nations.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE-$23B, 116,000).

The mission areas of DOE include: energy security; nuclear security; and scientific study and

innovation. The DOE should establish programs within terror-risk nations that will help establish

energy independence and sound environmental practices tailored to the environment and

resources of the country in focus. Collaborative research initiatives should be fostered to these

ends. The challenge of energy independence is a high calling to individuals who might otherwise
be drawn into the terror subculture.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-$642B, 67,000).

The mission areas and capabilities of HHS that are most relevant to the H-GWOT include:

promoting affordable health care; biosurveillance; improving health centers and healthy family

development; Community and economic development programs and the National Institutes of

Health (research). Many of the initiatives that HHS is engaged in are critically needed in terror-

risk countries. Improved health care centers would be visible indicators of international care and

cooperation. They would support child and family health and help provide vaccinations, help

prevent and control outbreaks of disease. Indigenous medical resources could collaborate with

NIH on research that would have the potential to benefit all people and would help develop

prestige and enhance knowledge in the country of focus.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS-$33B, 160,000).

The DHS capabilities of border enforcement, port security, security screening of people and

cargo, aviation security, emergency response and counterterrorism and counterWMD efforts

represent areas of need for any terror threatened country. Establishing and maintaining

cooperation between DHS and agencies of similar purpose in terror-risk countries has the

potential to benefit both nations in terms of increased security through thwarting and deterring

attacks and through the sharing of intelligence. Any efforts to develop and improve the security

of terror-risk nations friendly to the US would have direct benefits for the US as those that would

engage in terror are denied resources, mobility and safety in those countries and are made to pay

a cost for their activities.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD-$40B, 10,600).

HUD addresses homelessness, administers to homebuyer grant programs, seeks to increase

minority homeownership through grants voucher programs for low-income home buyers. Within

the H-GWOT, HUD would have the role of assisting in the development of practical, low-cost

housing that would be consistent with the culture, resources and environment of the host nation.

Owning a home is often associated inherently with a commitment to function as a productive

citizen. Home ownership is a way for individuals to own a stake in their country and society.

Home ownership is a critical need for citizens of terror-risk countries. Many citizens in risk

regions have historically been denied land and home ownership. To help facilitate private home

ownership and to make the case for it at the highest levels of the host government, if necessary,

would be consistent with the highest American ideals and go far towards turning a population

away from militant extremists.

Department of Justice (DOJ- $23B, 112,000).

The challenge of DOJ within the context of the H-GWOT would be to assist the indigenous

judicial systems and law enforcement agencies in reforms, as necessary and to develop crime

fighting and detention capabilities that foster fairness and to develop confidence in the criminal

justice system. Assisting terror-risk nations in fighting corruption is key to the success of many

of the initiatives that are described in the plan described herein. Americans would benefit

directly through increased coordination between empowered host country law enforcement

agencies and U.S. and international law enforcement agencies.

Department of Labor (DOL-$51B, 17,000).

The mission areas of the DOL include job training and employment initiatives and collecting and

reporting labor statistics. A theme that underscores the discussion of the H-GWOT is that people

that are gainfully employed, have hope, a dream for the future, and the means to attain that

dream, are less likely to sympathize with terrorists or engage in terrorist activities. The DOL is

needed to manage the placement of individuals indigenous to terror-risk countries in jobs,

especially in the wake of the new jobs that would be introduced in the wake of other H-GWOT

initiatives. Detailed labor statistics would be important indicators of which areas of host

countries are most at risk of high unemployment and the swelling of pro-militant sentiments.

Department of State (DOS-$27B, 30,000).

The role of DOS in the H-GWOT would be a reemphasis of it’s current role of forming alliances

to benefit terror-risk countries directly and allied nations and the U.S., more indirectly. Each

element of the H-GWOT would have more effect if cooperation among more nations either can

be achieved. DOS must strive to achieve the maximum level of cooperation and participation.

Department of the Interior (DOI- $10B, 71,400).

The Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the

Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service are all

agencies of DOI. The DOI has the capabilities and experience necessary to assist in the

conservation and the preservation of natural resources and the presentation of culturally

significant sites and landmarks within countries of focus. The benefits of such activities include

those brought about from conservation, recreation, national pride and interest in learning.
Department of the Treasury (TD-$53B, 116,000).

The TD collects taxes, manages and accounts for the public debt, administers to federal finances,

and combats financial crime and terrorist financing. They also regulate and supervise financial

institutions and produce coins and currency. Nascent governments or reforming elements of

terror-risk countries will likely need assistance with problems that the TD deals with daily. These

problems include assisting in the collection and accounting for taxes and managing the public

debt. The banking systems of some terror-risk countries may require reform in order to fully

embrace the global marketplace and to provide investment opportunities to citizens and to

foreigners. The TD can assist in addressing the problem of counterfeit currency and in the

development of policies and regulation designed to reduce corruption in financial institutions.

Department of Transportation (DOT-$60B, 58,600).

The DOT administers to the US aviation system, interstate highway system and rail system.

Within the context of the H-GWOT, it is likely that terror-risk countries will be in need of

expertise regarding the planning and management of a modernized transportation infrastructure.

DOT has the required capabilities and experience to provide the necessary guidance and support.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA-$68B, 218,000).

The VA administers to health programs, disability programs, pension programs, vocational

rehabilitation and employment services, and administration of national cemeteries on behalf of

service veterans. For a country to be able to care for those that become disabled in it’s defense

reflects the highest moral values and is conducive to credibility and trust in the view of all
citizens. Countries engaged in or emerging from violent struggle need services like those the VA

provides. The VA should assist in the development of programs to benefit veterans and

emergency responders that are tailored to the needs and resources of terror-risk countries.

Conclusion. It has been the purpose of this paper to point out what should be obvious to the

reader at this point. The United States is currently employing only a tiny fraction of it’s

capabilities on behalf of the GWOT. The non-military resources and capabilities of the US are

arguably more important than the military ones in some cases. By the time the military is

necessary, it may be too late. The set of US executive agencies were selected as an example to

demonstrate how those kinds of capabilities can be employed to at once:

• Build and strengthen

• Develop trading partners

• Uncover new resources

• Empower Americans in support of emerging nations

• Empower citizens of emerging nations economically and politically

• Support interaction and understanding between Americans and people of other nations

• Build American credibility

• Spread democratic values

• Weaken the grip that terrorist have on populations

The H-GWOT is based upon the human-centric theme that people that are gainfully employed,

have hope, a dream for the future, and the means to attain that dream, are less likely to
sympathize with terrorists or engage in terrorism. Terror organizations cannot match our ability

to engage in an H-GWOT. Their capabilities do not extend beyond the use of bombs, the media

and fear tactics, and the threat of WMDs. The cost of the H-GWOT is high and would require

budgetary sacrifice for purely domestic programs, but based upon what is at stake, the cost is a

bargain.