On the Diplomatic Front

In the global war against terrorism, diplomacy is the instrument of power that builds political will and strengthens international cooperation. Diplomatic exchanges with other countries promote counterterrorism cooperation that serves our mutual interests. The U.S. builds capacity that bolsters the capabilities of our allies in the war against terrorism. Diplomacy helps us take the war to the terrorists, to cut off the financial, operational, and logistical resources they need and depend upon to survive.

The State Department and our personnel at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad are not alone in carrying out this mission. The Departments of Justice, Treasury, Homeland Security, Defense, CIA and many other federal agencies have critical missions in this regard, both at home and abroad. However, as the lead foreign affairs agency, the Department of State serves as the statutorily appointed coordinator and overall clearinghouse for the wide span of counterterrorism activities conducted overseas by the United States Government, through the office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism.