An Objection To Arguments Against Deterrence

It is sometimes said that the President hasn't done anything to make America safer from terrorist attack. In this connection, it is sometimes said that the only kinds of attack on U.S. soil that could be deterred would be major ones, and that such efforts take years in the making. Therefore, it is said, the absence of such attacks proves nothing.

However, there have been significant arrests made in connection with smaller efforts here in the U.S. The existence of such arrests suggests a large-scale attacks is not the only ones that our enemies desire to inflict.

The argument against the absence of successful attacks is therefore invalid.