Issue 304 Soft Targets 1 April 1, 2014

A soft target is a non-military target that is subject to destruction by enemies like terrorists. These are places where large numbers of people gather and their being attacked is used to place fear in a society to make the government or even that society give into the enemy’s demands. However, we are generally safe here in the United States, but what about abroad?

Safe afar: While the United States spends millions on defense of the soft targets like airports, other countries do not have the same type of security. In short, other countries are not as safe as the United States or they may have different definitions of security. Also, their laws are different as well with respect to law and crime. Therefore, you may be subject to terror by terrorists more readily in a country like Pakistan, or India, than say in France. Judicial systems may be more lenient toward terrorists and then there are some governments that use terrorists like special teams to support their causes (like Pakistan's intelligence service and Al Qaeda). So, no, you are not safe outside of the United States.

What you can do: I will not say not to travel. In fact flying is by statistics still the safest form of travel in the world. Also, many countries are wonderful destinations that one can generally feel safe in. So the saying "know before you go" comes into play. Basically do your research. The State Department has warnings on its website about potential threats to travelers ranging from physical violence, to basic diseases. Other websites offer similar advice as well. Also, it is smart to just avoid war torn countries in general as they are unstable for obvious reasons. Know if the country you are visiting is friendly or hostile to your home country so you know whether to go there, or to just avoid saying your nationality. All violence is generally preventable with a few exceptions.

Conclusion: Sure I know you are probably saying that I am not 100% safe either in the United States. And you are right about that. You are also right if you think that security can still be improved in some areas, while revised or reduced in others (speaking of "requirements" for security). But with the disappearance of that Jet liner going from Malaysia to Vietnam, and growing world tensions between Japan and China leaning over a series of islands, or Ukraine and Russia in conflict, it is smart to be a smart traveler. By the way, in other countries it is smart to stay on the crowded main streets over the back allies (unless those crowds are rioting of course). Be safe in all your travels my readers.