War on terrorism top priority for next decade, says Straw

[Khephra]

War on terrorism top priority for next decade, says Straw
By Ben Russell, Political Correspondent
03 December 2003


The war on terrorism was confirmed yesterday as Britain's top priority in foreign affairs for the next decade, as the Foreign Office finally excised its commitment to an "ethical dimension" in policy overseas.

Dominating the first list of the Government's long-term strategic priorities on the world stage were: combating international terrorist networks and the threat of weapons of mass destruction;protecting Britain from illegal immigration, drug trafficking and international crime; and protecting British energy supplies.

The requirements of security overshadowed Britain's relations with Europe and a commitment to environmentally sustainable development in the Government's list of eight key aims of foreign policy during the next 10 years.

Jack Straw, the Foreign Secretary, launching the document, said that, while the threats from the Cold War had receded, the dangers from terrorists and failing states had increased, and warned that Britain must remain ready to use force to counter threats overseas. He said: "What happens far away can have direct consequences for the UK's security and prosperity ... One of our starkest conclusions is that the boundary between foreign and domestic policy is increasingly blurred."

more..........

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/story.jsp?story=469530

[HawkerHurricane]

1. Stupid question for Mr. Straw:

If the War on Terrorism is your priority, why are you wasting your time in Iraq?

[T_i_B]

5. Good one!

That's exactly why I opposed the war on Iraq in the first place!

Now that Straw has admitted that this is top priority, will the Blairites please stop trying to draw a line under the whole sad sorry mess in Iraq and admit that they have f**ked up?

[aquart]

2. Dumbest priority in town.

[Rex]

3. So it's gonna take them 10 years to identify a new form of "ism"

and then declare war on it!!!

[Minstrel Boy]

7. lol!

Had to laugh, or I'd cry.

[moondust]

4. Where ya been, Jack?

Clinton had this message for the Lil Cowboy three years ago. You didn't get the memo?

[el_gato]

6. the new gravy train for the uber rich

straw is a scumbag