Meaning: This quote by journalist Sidney Blumenthal references the early awareness of former U.S. President Bill Clinton regarding the issue of international terrorism. During his presidency, Clinton faced significant challenges related to terrorism, including the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, and the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings in East Africa. These events prompted the Clinton administration to take a more proactive approach to combating terrorism on the international stage.

In the early 1990s, the threat of international terrorism was becoming increasingly apparent, and the Clinton administration recognized the need for a comprehensive strategy to address this global issue. This awareness was reflected in various policy initiatives and actions taken during Clinton's presidency. The administration focused on enhancing intelligence gathering and analysis capabilities to better understand and respond to the evolving tactics and threats posed by terrorist organizations.

One of the key moments that highlighted Clinton's early awareness of the problem of international terrorism was the response to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. This attack, carried out by a group with ties to international terrorism, underscored the growing threat posed by extremist groups operating beyond U.S. borders. In the aftermath of the bombing, the administration directed significant resources towards investigating and disrupting terrorist activities, both domestically and internationally.

Furthermore, the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, while perpetrated by domestic extremists, also raised concerns about the potential for terrorism to emanate from within the United States. This event prompted a reevaluation of the government's counterterrorism efforts and a recognition of the need for a comprehensive approach that addressed both domestic and international threats.

In response to the escalating threat of international terrorism, the Clinton administration pursued diplomatic and military actions to counter extremist groups. The administration worked with international partners to coordinate efforts to combat terrorism and sought to address the root causes of radicalization and violent extremism. Additionally, the U.S. military conducted operations against terrorist targets, including the 1998 airstrikes on al-Qaeda facilities in Afghanistan and Sudan following the U.S. embassy bombings.

Clinton's early awareness of the problem of international terrorism also led to the development of legislative and policy measures aimed at bolstering national security and enhancing the government's ability to prevent and respond to terrorist threats. This included initiatives to strengthen border security, improve information sharing between law enforcement and intelligence agencies, and enhance international cooperation on counterterrorism efforts.

Overall, Sidney Blumenthal's quote underscores the proactive stance taken by the Clinton administration in recognizing and addressing the problem of international terrorism. Through a combination of diplomatic, military, and legislative actions, the administration sought to confront the evolving threat posed by terrorist organizations and implement measures to protect the United States and its allies from acts of terrorism. Clinton's early awareness of the issue laid the groundwork for subsequent efforts to combat terrorism and shape U.S. national security policy in the years to come.

In conclusion, the quote by Sidney Blumenthal serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Clinton administration in confronting international terrorism and the proactive approach taken to address this critical issue. The administration's early awareness of the problem of international terrorism laid the foundation for comprehensive efforts to combat terrorist threats and implement measures to enhance national security.