Congressman Andrews Links Global Poverty to the Rise of Terrorism

Yesterday, Rep. Rob Andrews joined Congressman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) to address the Global Institute Center's (GIC) 2009 Conference titled “Food and Water - Basic Challenges to International Stability.” This event, which is part of a five part series, was intended to open dialogue on specific global challenges and international conflicts.  While the GIC's mission is to improve worldwide cooperation and understanding as an effort to reduce international tensions and improve living conditions globally, Congressman Andrews highlighted that reducing global poverty is essential to maintain national security.

Congressman Andrews specifically stressed the need for the United States to put more effort into supplying clean and healthy water supplies throughout the world. Studies indicate that as many as 1.1 Billion people worldwide lack access to potable water and that by 2025 at least 3 billion people in 90 different countries are expected to face severe water stress. Often in struggling countries, the lack of potable water has been a tool for terrorist organizations to manipulate and compel those in need. However, Congressman Andrews has indicated that by limiting aspects of poverty, such as the lack of clean drinking water, the United States can use non-military means to fight the war on terror.

Both Congressman Andrews and Congressman LoBiondo, who serve on the House Armed Services Committee, supported the need for the United States to expand its international strategy with regard to the war on terror. This plan goes far beyond military action; rather, combating poverty will eliminate the foundation of many terrorist organizations which is often an unstable and desperate state. However, to achieve this goal, it is essential that the United States improves its domestic economy so that it may better invest globally and serve this worldwide initiative.

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