Watson Coleman: “As we contemplate reforms to better equip us to prevent and fight terrorism, I hope we will bear in mind the importance…”

“As we contemplate reforms to better equip us to prevent and fight terrorism, I hope we will bear in mind the importance of the Western Hemisphere. As chairman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, I am encouraged by the opportunities we have to work cooperatively with our regional neighbors on issues we all can benefit from. We have shared interests in promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. We are stronger when we stand together as a hemisphere against terrorism, money laundering, and the trafficking of drugs, weapons, and people. Our greatest asset in the war on terror in Latin America and the Caribbean is the fact that we have so many willing partners throughout the region who share our values. I recently came across an interesting study, written by Michael Johnson of the Council on Hemispheric Affairs, that discusses the threat of international terrorist groups in the Triborder region of Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina. I hope my colleagues will read this study and reflect upon the importance of addressing terrorism wherever it exists around the world.”