pecific secular or religious
objectives, strive to subvert the rule of law and effect change through
violence and fear. These terrorists also share the misguided belief
that killing, kidnapping, extorting, robbing, and wreaking havoc to
terrorize people are legitimate forms of political action.

The struggle against international terrorism is different from any
other war in our history. We will not triumph solely or even primarily
through military might. We must fight terrorist networks, and all those
who support their efforts to spread fear around the world, using every
instrument of national power--diplomatic, economic, law enforcement,
financial, information, intelligence, and military. Progress will come
through the persistent accumulation of successes--some seen, some
unseen. And we will always remain vigilant against new terrorist
threats. Our goal will be reached when Americans and other civilized
people around the world can lead their lives free of fear from
terrorist attacks.

There will be no quick or easy end to this conflict. At the same time,
the United States, will not allow itself to be held hostage by
terrorists. Combating terrorism and securing the U.S. homeland from
future attacks are our top priorities. But they will not be our only
priorities. This strategy supports the National Security Strategy of
the United States. As the National Security Strategy highlights, we
live in an age with tremendous opportunities to foster a world
consistent with interests and values embraced by the United States and
freedom-loving people around the world. And we will seize these
opportunities.

This combating terrorism strategy further elaborates on Section III of
the the National Security Strategy by expounding on our need to destroy
terrorist organizations, win the "war of ideas," and strengthen
America's security at home and abroad. While the National Strategy for
Homeland Security focuses on preventing terrorist attacks within the
United States, the National Strategy for Combating Terrorism focuses on
identifying and defusing threats before they reach our borders.

While we appreciate the nature of the difficult challenge before us,
our strategy is based on the belief that sometimes the most difficult
tasks are accomplished by the most direct means.

Ours is a strategy of direct and continuous action against terrorist
groups, the cumulative effect of which will initially disrupt, over
time degrade, and ultima