September 15, 2003

Phila. Think Tank To Recognize Local Political Leaders in War on Terrorism

PHILADELPHIA - On September 15, 2003, the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) will honor the leadership of U.S. Representative Robert A. Brady (D., Philadelphia), Speaker of the House John Perzel (R., Philadelphia) and Senate Majority Leader David “Chip” Brightbill (R., Lebanon) for their work in providing support to ensure the development of Homeland Security measures to protect the Commonwealth’s citizens and economy.

The ceremony will be held at the National Constitution Center (525 Arch Street, Phila.) to recognize the bipartisan effort required to address homeland security in a time of national crisis. Political leadership throughout the Commonwealth has responded to the events of 9/11 by transcending partisanship, and ensuring coordination between all levels of government and the private sector.

FPRI’s Center on Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security has been made possible through a $1 million grant from the Commonwealth, supported by Perzel and Brightbill. The Center is under the direction of Drs. Stephen Gale and Michael Radu, and has been established for a five-year term.

The program will begin with a breakfast reception at 9:00 a.m. followed by remarks by the three political leaders at 9:45 a.m., and then Q&A with the leaders of FPRI and its Center on Terrorism.

Recently hailed by Philadelphia Magazine as the “Best Local Think Tank,” FPRI works in conjunction with federal, state, and local government to undertake research on counter-terrorism and homeland security. The Center’s agenda focuses on identifying and analyzing sources of potential terrorist threats and managing the risks to the nation. The award from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has allowed the Center to expand its research and development programs, and promote technology transfer, for the benefit of private sector organizations and government agencies throughout the Commonwealth and the nation.

Speaker Perzel and Senator Brightbill are highly enthusiastic about the Center’s potential. “FPRI’s Center on Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security establishes Pennsylvania as a national leader in the effort to protect our nation against the on-going terrorist threat,” said Perzel. “The efforts of the Center place Pennsylvania at the forefront of the most vital issue of our day: securing the homeland against terrorism.” Added Brightbill, “This is an important day for the people of the Commonwealth and for the people of America. The leadership and staff of the Center, combined with the talent and resources of the Foreign Policy Research Institute, are a real powerhouse.”

The heart of that leadership is the Center’s co-chairs, Gale and Radu. Dr. Stephen Gale is an internationally renowned expert on terrorism and counter-terrorism, whom Congressman Brady calls, “one of the most imaginative thinkers on homeland security anywhere in the world,” and one of the reasons why the Center will be, in his words, “Philadelphia’s premiere contribution to the fight against terrorism.” Dr. Gale will be responsible for developing and directing the Center’s programs with government and private industry. Dr. Radu, an internationally respected specialist on terrorist groups worldwide, will be responsible for creating and maintaining the Center’s database on international terrorist groups and their capabilities.

“In the war on terrorism,” said Dr. Harvey Sicherman, President of the Foreign Policy Research Institute and a former aide to three U.S. secretaries of state, “the front is everywhere. American foreign policy cannot succeed unless it is backstopped by homeland security. That’s what our Center hopes to help, and we are delighted to accept bipartisan support for our effort.”

Gale says he hopes “to help local governments and private sector organizations to develop procedures for effectively and efficiently investing in homeland security.” He added that “the federal government possesses a wealth of experience in security, and we will play a vital role in making that experience accessible to state and local governments and the private sector.” According to Dr. Radu “the analysis of foreign terrorist groups and the experience of other countries in dealing with them will aid the U.S. effort to counter terrorist activities in the future.”

Founded in 1955, the Foreign Policy Research Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to bringing the insights of scholarship to bear on issues affecting America’s national security. FPRI publishes Orbis, a quarterly journal of world affairs, and E-Notes, a weekly email bulletin to some 25,000 key people in 85 countries. The Institute sponsors the Marvin Wachman Fund for International Education, which fosters civic and international literacy in the community and the classroom.

For more information, contact Alan Luxenberg, 215 732 3774, ext. 105 or email al@fpri.org FOREIGN POLICY RESEARCH INSTITUTE, 1528 Walnut Street, Suite 610, Philadelphia, PA 19102. ON THE WEB: WWW.FPRI.ORG