Forum: Anti-terror bragging rights are a distraction

On the eighth anniversary of 9/11, Americans are wasting time squabbling over counterterrorism bragging rights, with former Bush administration officials hurling criticism and Obama team members attempting to deflect it. Rest assured, the nation's adversaries relish, rejoice in and reap benefits from the divisiveness.

Recently, in a rebuttal to former Vice President Dick Cheney, National Security Adviser James Jones suggested the United States is really less vulnerable today because of President Barack Obama's efforts to build bridges with other countries. It certainly makes sense that if more nations are on the same page, view terrorism as a collective problem and expand efforts to combat it, positive results should increase.

My concern, however, is that such discussions can distract us from the ongoing terrorism challenge or risk lulling us into thinking we are safer, if not safe altogether. Too many Americans already see 9/11 simply as history, an aberration, a tragedy that has little chance of happening again. After all, they point out, "nothing" has occurred in the United States since then. In fact, terrorists have planned and tried to carry out multiple attacks against U.S. targets since 2001. Thanks to a combination of stronger defenses, better intelligence, solid cooperation with allies and, yes, a bit of luck, we have been spared here at home - so far.

We cannot forget, though, that the terrorists are not giving up, have long-term perspectives, are endlessly resourceful and draw advantages from the element of surprise. They need only succeed once in a while to reignite fear and remind the world of their presence and capabilities, whereas we must remain vigilant without pause. Sept. 11, 2001, was one of those times when the terrorists succeeded, and it just happened to fall on the Bush administration's watch. Does that mean former President George W. Bush was somehow negligent, leaving America insufficiently guarded?

Actually, no. He essentially followed in the footsteps of the