Oklahoma Native Writes Book On Preventing Terrorism

Hovannah Johnson, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A New York Times reporter with Oklahoma roots is sharing his perspective on how terrorism affects America. Thom Shanker gave a talk and signed copies of his book Tuesday at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.

Shanker wrote "Counterstrike: The Untold Story of Americans Secret Campaign Against Al Queda". The author said this is not just another book about September 11 or war, but it focuses on the military and what civilians can do to prevent terrorism.

The Oklahoma native said here at home we have to be mindful that terrorists want recognition now more than ever, and they'd rather delay an attack than attempt and fail.

Shanker said the U.S. government may want to re-evaluate its strategy overseas.

"We should come up with a plan for what I call ‘Afghan good enough' to let them take over the security mission so it is not so much of abandoning or doing everything for them, but letting the Afghans do what they can to protect their own country," Shanker said.

The Pentagon reporter points out the military and civilians are tired.

"We have been at war for ten years now. That's the longest period of sustained conflict ever carried out by a volunteer force. The U.S. has been able to push off the day of the next attack but it's coming," Shanker said.

Click here to read an excerpt from the book.