The United States has faced numerous challenges since the 9/11 attacks , the most difficult of which have included: the reform of the intelligence community; the development of legislation that protects both national security and civil liberties; and implementation of security measures designed to prevent the infiltration of terrorists into the United States and reduce the vulnerability of thousands of potential targets. The limited success that has been achieved to date has only been realized thanks to the overwhelming support of the majority of Americans: because of the agitation of the 9/11 victims; in response to the findings of national level commissions; only after the creation of a new government Department for Homeland Security; and a massive increase in defense and security spending; and because of the direct intervention and/or active support of both Congress and the President.

Yet, almost daily a new report is published that claims that too little is being done too late. This week, for example, an airline pilots’ advocacy group has delivered a stinging attack on the level of security at the nation?s airports (see this WAR Report), despite the best efforts of the Transportation Security Authority. Responding to the challenge of transnational terrorism has stretched the resources, commitment, and ingenuity of the most powerful nation on earth. Why then, would anyone be surprised that one year after the Madrid training bombings , the European Union is still ?Stalled in Terror Fight, as reported by the Washington Post?