Lessons of Algiers, December 11, 2007 -- Again

Frank Hyland

I really dislike writing this piece, but apparently it is still necessary. I and thousands of others have written “it” thousands of times before over the years. There must be some magic number of times that, once reached, obviates the need for any further repetition. It appears, though, that the number hasn’t yet been reached, the lesson has not yet been learned. Without any further ado, then………………. Dear Secretary General:

I write to offer my condolences to you and to your staffers worldwide in the aftermath of the 11 December bombing of your offices in Algiers that killed ten of their colleagues. As others have expressed as well, this was a cowardly act carried out by subhuman perpetrators with absolutely no sense of decency. In that this attack follows on the bombing of the UN Headquarters in Baghdad on 19 August 2003, with the loss of the lives of 22 brave UN staffers, I should also note that my sorrow is tempered by anger. There are lessons being “taught” by the terrorists, but the audience also plays a crucial role - it absolutely must remain awake and be responsive. Others have learned these lessons; now it is the UN’s turn.
Lesson Number One: This may seem at first glance to be obvious or that I cite it in jest, but terrorists strike where, when, and how they are able to strike. That is, your facilities continue to fall into the category of “soft” targets as opposed to those that have been hardened - by being distant enough from the nearby roadway, by appropriate construction materials, by physical barriers, by armed security personnel.
Lesson Number Two: The term “UN Security” must be more than an oxymoron. Candlelight prayer vigils, public statements decrying attacks are all comforting, but insufficient in the prevention of further attacks. In fact, they are a “magnet,” in that the accompanying media coverage calls attention to the lack of security at your facilities. The protection of UN staffers must be the highest priority, far and away, of the United Nations. It cannot be in competition for time, money, and attention with, for example, the pursuit of a pact on global warming. Those killed in Baghdad and in Algiers will never feel that warmth because of the lack of an adequate UN physical security program.

Sincerely,

Frank Hylan