Past as Prologue

Ice storm cuts power in New Hampshire. From the Manchester Union-Leader.

Later today (Monday, December 15) President-elect Obama's National Security team will meet in Chicago. I would not want to be in charge of setting the agenda.

Last Sunday we remembered the attack on Pearl Harbor. On Monday white powder envelopes were received by many of the nation's Governors. More envelopes arrived on Tuesday and Wednesday. Talks with North Korea regarding its nuclear program stalled on Wednesday. On Thursday Belgian authorities conducted sixteen raids on suspected terrorist cells. In Morocco the Interior Ministry announced the arrest of several suspected terrorists who are accused of planning bank robberies to finance terrorist operations. On Thursday the World Health Organization confirmed another human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. On Friday an ice storm hit the Northeast United States knocking out power to millions. Earlier today the Boston Globe reported that at least 300,000 will continue without power for several days. On Saturday the Indian navy announced the arrest of 23 pirates in the Gulf of Aden. Intensive diplomatic efforts continued throughout the week in the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks. There were bombings in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Et cetera, et cetera.

Effective leadership often involves distinguishing between what is important and what is urgent. The distinction can sometimes be subtle.

The to-be-nominated Secretary of Homeland Security is a member of the National Security team. It has not yet been decided if there will be a White House Homeland Security Advisor.

Which of the incidents listed are Homeland Security incidents? Which are National Security incidents? Which are both?

Which of the incidents listed are important? Which are urgent? How did you decide?

Which of the incidents present the most likely threat to more Americans? Which present the most consequential threats? What are the top risks? How did you decide?

The new week began with an editorial in the Sunday Times arguing that the "National Guard is ideally designed to reinforce homeland security" and urging President-elect Obama to avoid over-using the Guard for missions abroad.

I understand the new national security team will meet for a couple of hours. Would be interesting to hear how they choose priorities. Just the last few days present a powerful prologue for their continued work.

NOTE TO READERS: This is the last MONDAY (P)REVEW expected to be published in 2008.