further open the Saleh government to criticism and increase the risk of anti-U.S. attacks. If the embassy relied on the host country to provide security and protection against terrorist threats, it was poor judgment.

No policy-maker likes to admit that his or her policy may be flawed, but de-emphasizing threat indicators is both irresponsible and arrogant. If such incidents are to be avoided in the future, there must be greater attention to the link between U.S. policy towards Israel and U.S. vulnerabilities in the region. There must also be a thorough review of the decision-making process--the rationale of CENTCOM and the embassy, the interface between intelligence and policy-makers and the needs of ship refueling and force protection measures. While a perfect policy of combating terrorism is impossible, unsubstantiated judgements and statements that it was bound to happen or a determined terrorist will succeed regardless are unacceptable excuses. Leaders learn from their mistakes and do not run from the heavy responsibilities entrusted in them.

Was the attack on the USS Cole tied to military and political negligence? Perhaps. Was it enabled by a lack of understanding ground realities, an unwillingness to listen to threat indicators, and policy-makers taking

unnecessary risks to make their mark?

Almost certainly.

John D. Moore is a former terrorism analyst with the U.S. State Department and political-military analyst with the Department of Defense covering Arabian Peninsula issues. He is currently pursuing graduate studies at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.