Respond to discussion

The threats which will pose problems in the future will be an increase in middle east unrest. The reason being is because of the demand for products coming from different parts of the world. Many now are realizing that if there is a disruption in the supply chain would bring the economy of not only the United States but will send a ripple effect through the global supply chain. Many now are looking at ways in which security can be improved. One of the first threats I see comes from the middle east due to the consistent uneasiness in that part of the world. One of the most dangerous spots in the Strait of Hormuz where Iran threatens to close it due to the sanctions against it. Iran feels the sanctions against it is unfair and should not be imposed. An important port which would be affected if the Strait were to be blocked would be the ports of UAE. This would change the oil production of the country and not only there but would cause a ripple effect throughout the world economies. “The UAE, one of the world's top oil producers, is currently looking at how it can face these emerging issues about the Gulf region's coastal and offshore zone security (West-Iran conflict threatens security, UAE official says, 2012).”

            The other threat to the security of the ports especially here in the United States is the government itself. The argument of the funding for the Coast Guard is a significant threat to Maritime port security. Since 9/11 a lot of the investment had been put into airline security on planes and airports since everyone believed since it happens before then, it could happen again. However, this has allowed for the Coast Guard to become depleted it will take years before the Coast Guard will become mission capable. However, during that time it will have to make some significant decisions on how to protect the coastline of the United States. This means that some of the patrols which it conducts will have to be cut due to lack of funding. “Instead of using resources to chase drug smugglers near the U.S. coastline, the commandant would prefer to replace larger ships that can operate away from the mainland, closer to trafficking hotspots such as the Caribbean (Margetta, 2012).”

           As I stated in one of my last forms if the Coast Guard budget is cut this affects the security of tankers which bring natural gas into ports. Because the logistics which is needed to protect the ship when it comes into the harbor to download its cargo are so amassed that if the steps which are taken to protect the ship is not done, there is a possibility of a disastrous outcome to the city of  Boston since it is the only city which LNG is unloaded. Also since much of the United States energy comes from the middle east many of the countries there do not have the security in place which is needed to make sure the ships are secure. Since safety is something that all can agree on should the Coast Guard be put under the DOD so its funding would be more stable? Alternatively, is it good right where it is now?