Michael T. Klare

About the author: Michael T. Klare is a professor of peace and world security studies at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. His books include Rogue States and Nuclear Outlaws.

Making missile defense a leading national priority seems questionable after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. A ballistic missile defense system would not have prevented the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. America should put its efforts to construct an expensive and perhaps unworkable missile defense system on hold and instead concentrate on preventing future terrorist attacks.

Almost every aspect of U.S. military policy is likely to be affected by Tuesday's [September 11, 2001] terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, but one that is certain to come under intense scrutiny is the Bush administration's plan for...