Editor’s Note on Special Issue on Maritime Terrorism

Dear Readers:

Jamestown presents this special issue on Maritime Terrorism in an on-going effort to address future threats in the War on Terror. Given al-Qaeda’s explicit goal of targeting centers of world commerce, the vulnerability of many international seaports and waterways presents a grave challenge to those charged with protecting these vital interests. By assessing potential threats and exposing weaknesses in maritime security, Jamestown hopes to draw much needed attention to this issue and thereby enhance our ability to prevent a catastrophic attack at sea.