The document is preceded by an introductory address by the president, and a separate section on the regions of the world focuses entirely on Europe, meduza writes, citing the White House. It emphasizes that European states remain important allies in the fight against terrorism, but they themselves face growing threats.
The authors of the strategy note that the continent is not only a target of terrorist organizations, but can also act as a “platform” for the formation of threats. The text argues that radical groups are taking advantage of weak border controls and the limited security resources of European countries to plan attacks both inside and outside Europe, including the United States.
It also mentions that illegal mass migration is seen as one of the channels through which terrorist networks can enter Europe.
The document calls on European countries to strengthen security measures, expand counter-terrorism programs and, as stated, to “reconsider the approach to freedom of speech” as well as to discuss the problem of radical Islamism more openly.
At the same time, the overall focus of the strategy is shifted toward the Western Hemisphere, where transnational drug cartels are named as the main threat. Russia is not mentioned in the document.
