Address at the World Trade Center of New Orleans

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On September 12th of this year, I was scheduled to travel to New York City to give a presentation, similar to this one, at a conference of insurance and risk management executives. The goals of my remarks were to highlight the security risks that U.S. citizens and corporations face abroad, and to attempt to convince my audience of the need for everyone who travels or lives overseas to develop a more proactive outlook toward security. Needless to say, that conference was cancelled following the terrorist attacks on September 11th. 

The atrocities of September 11th have eliminated the need to convince any American of the seriousness and immediacy of the terrorist threat, not only overseas but within our own borders as well. We are now faced with the challenge of determining the appropriate level of security precautions to employ in the whole range of daily activities, ranging from opening the mail to planning travel in the U.S. and abroad. While the scope of my comments is limited to the foreign environment, I want to emphasize that the foundation of any effective security program, be it on the individual or corporate level, lies with each person accepting responsibility for his personal security. 

I would like to begin by giving you some background information on the international terrorist threat to Americans in order to place current events in perspective. I believe this will also help you understand why many security specialists say that it was only a question of time before the United States suffered a massive terrorist attack. 

The United States has officially been at war with terrorism now for slightly more than two months, but international terrorists have been waging war against us for more than three decades. In fact, the U.S. has always been the terrorists’ top target. Consider the following: 

• According to State Department statistics, over the past 20 years, approximately one-third of all international terrorist attacks have been directed against U.S. citizens or interests.
• Throughout this period, this trend showed an increasing focus on U.S. targets, from 31 percent of all terrorist attacks in the 1980’s to 37 percent in the 1990’s.
• Most U.S. targets are commercial interests, as opposed to military or diplomatic facilities. Why? Because business-related targets are generally "softer"; that is, they are usually accessible to the general public and consequently have limited security measures.
• Of all facilities, U.S. and foreign, attacked by international terrorists between 1995 and 2000, 67 percent were business-related.
• A study by the Rand Corporation shows that nearly 800 U.S. citizens were killed by terrorist acts overseas between 1968 and 2000. Approximately one-half were private citizens; the rest were diplomatic or military personnel.
• Over 80 percent of these deaths were the result of attacks specifically directed against U.S. citizens or interests. Most of the remaining victims were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
• In the last two decades, more Americans have died as the result of terrorist attacks than in all military operations overseas.

In short, the events of September 11th, while representing the most horrific crime ever committed on our soil, were only the latest attack in the decades-long war being waged by international terrorists against American citizens, interests, and values. 

The United States has now committed all of its resources to eradicating global terrorism, and has forged an unprecedented international alliance dedicated to this goal. While I have no doubt of our ultimate victory, we must remember our leaders’ constant reminders that this conflict will be long and difficult, and will not end with the inevitable destruction of Usama bin-Laden’s al-Qaida network and the Taliban regime. 

One need only look at the State Department’s current list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations to realize that we are truly engaged in a world-wide campaign. Of the 28 organizations on this list, 22 have engaged in violent acts against U.S. citizens and interests, including bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings. Most of these groups are comprised of radical Islamic militants but others include the Japanese Red Army, Colombian and Philippine leftist guerrillas, and Greek militant nationalists. The areas of these groups’ activities include the Middle East, East Asia, South Asia, Central Europe, the former Soviet Union, and South America. 

Kidnapping for ransom is another threat of which international travelers should be aware. Reliable statistics are difficult to obtain as many kidnappings are not reported out of fear of retaliation by kidnappers, laws that prohibit payment of ransom, and pressure by foreign governments concerned about losing foreign investment and tourism revenues. However, a conservative estimate of the total number of kidnappings for ransom worldwide would be about 12,000. Over half of these kidnappings, about 7,000, occur in Latin America, mainly in Colombia, which had nearly 4,000 cases reported last year. Kidnappings are also on the rise in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela, Ecuador and Brazil. Outside of Latin America, countries of concern include Nigeria, Russia, India, Pakistan, Yemen and the Philippines. 

Virtually all of these kidnappings are crimes with economic motives, including those carried out by guerrilla groups. Very few kidnappings today have a strictly political objective. The value of ransoms paid worldwide probably exceeds four hundred million dollars. In Colombia alone, the government estimates that guerrillas, who are responsible for the majority of kidnappings there, took in over $80 million in ransoms last year. Also, kidnappers everywhere no longer limit their attention to wealthy families or business executives. Victims now include small businessmen, middle level managers, and middle class families. 

The good news for U.S. tourists and business travelers is that they are less likely to become kidnapping victims than local residents because most kidnappers usually require at least several weeks to identify their victims, surveil them to determine the victim’s routine, determine the best time and place to kidnap them, and practice the kidnapping before carrying it out. 

There are several reasons for the recent rise in kidnappings worldwide. The end of the Cold War has left irregular forces without the support of the superpowers, and many have turned to kidnapping and other crimes as new sources of revenues. Also, globalization, the opening of new markets to multinational corporations, and easing of travel restrictions have expanded the kidnappers’ target community. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the continuing wide disparity in income, education, and opportunities for a better life in developing countries have fueled resentment by the poor and disenfranchised against the rich and powerful. 

As frightening as all these statistics may be, I believe the most important point to bear in mind is that, each year throughout these decades of terrorist and criminal acts, millions of Americans have safely lived and traveled abroad, and continue to do so, even today. Air travel remains one of the safest means of transportation available. How confident am I of this assessment? Let me reply this way: Since September 11th, my wife and I have traveled to London where we spent a week visiting friends and sightseeing; I have traveled to Venezuela and Brazil on business trips totaling nearly three weeks; one of our sons spent ten days in Germany; and our other son took a Caribbean cruise, all without incident. 

Of course, it is impossible to completely eliminate all risk from travel, overseas or domestic, but the tourist or business traveler can control and reduce risk to a significant degree by implementing some simple but effective measures which can be summarized in two phrases: Be informed and be alert. 

First, do your homework. Take the time to consult appropriate sources of information on security conditions in your destination city and country. A good place to start is the State Department’s web site—www.state.gov. It contains a wealth of useful data. At a minimum, I recommend noting the addresses and phone numbers of the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in the cities you plan to visit; and consulting the Travel Warning notices which highlight countries and regions of high risk; Country Background Notes which provide an overview of the country’s government, economy, history and culture; and Consular Information Sheets that provide information on everything from visa requirements to current assessments of crime and security conditions in most countries. 

Other relevant publications available through this web site are "A Safe Trip Abroad", "Security Awareness Overseas—An Overview", and "Personal Security Guidelines for the American Business Traveler Overseas". These contain extensive recommendations on minimizing the risks from terrorism, street crime, political upheaval, espionage, and other emergencies. 

Before traveling, I recommend scanning the news concerning your country of destination. Read the international section of your local newspaper as well as those of the major U.S. and world dailies. If you read the language of your country of destination, go on-line and check the local media. The objective here is to determine if there are any recent developments that might negatively impact your stay in that country. 

Make sure your passport will be valid long enough to get you home, and that you apply for any necessary visas well in advance. Businessmen in particular should consult with the Embassy or nearest Consulate of the country of their destination to determine if their planned in-country activities will require a business visa. 

Make a copy of your passport and keep it separate from the hard copy. If your passport is lost or stolen, presenting the copy at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate will facilitate issuance of a replacement. 

If you plan to spend more than a few days abroad, I recommend registering with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy. When U.S. Embassies receive credible information of threats to local Americans, they will contact the U.S. citizens registered at the Embassy, residents as well as visitors. Many U.S. Embassies now have their own web pages that allow you to register on-line. If you have the time, register in person and ask the Embassy Security Officer for a current assessment of the security situation. 

Make sure you have a sufficient supply of any prescription drugs you may be taking. Be informed of any medical conditions that may affect you in the country you will be visiting. Remember that most American medical insurance is not accepted overseas. Prior to traveling, be aware of medical facilities available in your country of destination and acceptable means of payment. 

Other U.S. Government sources of information for the international traveler include the web sites of the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Customs Service, Department of Commerce, and Centers for Disease Control. Also, the number of commercial and other sources of information available on-line on terrorism, international crime, and security is limited only by the amount of time you’re willing to spend reading them. 

Secondly, while abroad, as at home, always be alert. Constantly be aware of your surroundings and what is going on within your orbit of vision and movement. Criminals in particular seek out individuals who seem preoccupied or careless because they represent the easiest prey, and the person who conveys confidence and deliberateness in her movements will likely discourage most criminals from making her their next victim. 

Prior to arrival at your destination, determine what transportation you will take from the airport to your hotel or lodging. If friends or coworkers cannot meet you, you may consider arranging in advance to have your hotel send a limousine to meet you. If you take a taxi, look for the clearly marked airport cabs. In many major airports, you pay the taxi fare in advance at a taxi desk inside the terminal. Unregulated cabs, usually identified by their drivers who approach travelers as they come out of baggage claim, should be avoided at all times. 

Upon arrival at the airport, keep close tabs on your carry-on luggage. The baggage claim area is often a favorite target zone for criminals looking for the unwary traveler. 

If you are staying in one place for an extended period of time, avoid a fixed routine in your daily movements. Your chances of being deliberately targeted by terrorists, kidnappers or common criminals are significantly reduced if you vary the times and routes of your daily movements. 

Avoid unsafe areas. Always know in advance what part of the country or city you plan to travel to, and consult reliable sources on the current security situation. For example, if you plan to engage in eco-tourism or explore the historic districts of certain cities, choose wisely. Americans have been kidnapped while bird watching in Colombia, scuba diving in the Philippines, and mountain climbing in the Kashmir region of India. A little research would have identified many other parts of the world where one could more safely engage in these activities. 

Keep a low profile. Avoid flashy clothes, excessive jewelry, expensive cameras, or clothing or baggage with corporate logos. Regardless of your ethnic background, it can be very easy to stand out as an American in a crowd. For example, next time you go to the airport, count the number of men wearing dark blue blazers, Polo shirts, and khaki slacks. 

Be suspicious of overly friendly locals who ask for the time, want to practice their English, or offer to exchange currency. Just move away from them. 

If at any time you notice something or someone that arouses your suspicion, don’t just dismiss it as "probably nothing". If walking, go to the nearest public establishment—such as a department store, hotel, bank or restaurant—that offers protection and seek assistance. Likewise, while driving, consult your rearview mirror regularly and, if you suspect you’re being followed, go the nearest public establishment and seek assistance. In either case, if the person who aroused your suspicion is an innocent passerby, no harm will be done. However, if it is a terrorist or criminal sizing you up as a potential victim, he is very likely to be discouraged by being "made" by you, and will move on to seek an easier victim. 

Corporations with employees who live or travel abroad on business must assume responsibility for the safety of their employees and assets through emergency planning. Just as most corporations have crisis management plans prepared to deal with domestic emergencies, separate plans are needed for the foreign environment. Companies need to be prepared to deal with such situations as coups d’état, acts of war, and crises that require the evacuation of employees and their families, in addition to acts of international terrorism. Corporate executives should define and communicate to appropriate employees company policies on responding to kidnapping and extortion. 

Companies involved in international business should contact the Overseas Security Advisory Council, established by the State Department to develop communication networks that provide Council members with the information and mechanisms needed to cope with security-related issues abroad. Affiliation with this Council is available to any American-owned or not-for-profit organization doing business overseas. 

These observations and suggestions are not intended to be all-inclusive but do represent the minimum steps I would recommend to any tourist or business traveler. Again, each traveler should assume responsibility for his own security, and make his own decision on whether or not to travel based on, first, the best available information; and, second, the level of risk the traveler is willing to assume. 

I would like to conclude by offering a personal observation on why I believe it is vitally important for us to remain active in international business and relations. The struggle against terrorism will not be limited to the military, diplomatic, intelligence, and law enforcement arenas. In fact, the root causes of terrorism lie deep below the headlines of the past two months. Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet summarized the real task before us in February 2000 when, speaking in open session before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, he stated: "The difficulty in destroying (the) threat (of terrorism) lies in the fact that (the) efforts (of the Intelligence Community) will not be enough to overcome the fundamental causes of the phenomenon—poverty, alienation, disaffection, and ethnic hatreds deeply rooted in history." 

I submit to you that, as members of the first World Trade Center dedicated to the vision of advancing world peace through trade and understanding, we have an historic opportunity to make a direct and lasting contribution to the realization of this vision, and eradicating the roots of terrorism, by serving as what President Bush calls "Ambassadors of American Values"; Ambassadors who represent and promote the very ideals which the terrorists seek to suppress—the free exchange of ideas and capital across borders, tolerance, diversity, and democratic government.