The Bureau of Counterterrorism will be the principal State Department link with the Department of Homeland Security, or DHS, on counterterrorism strategy and operations. The bureau will work in partnership with DHS to strengthen international cooperation on a wide range of homeland security issues, including transportation security, the interdiction of terrorist travel, and critical infrastructure protection. The United States depends on the strength of its partners and allies abroad in the fight against terrorism. With partners who are able to manage the threats within their borders and regions, the likelihood of U.S. forces being called into action is greatly reduced. The Bureau of Counterterrorism will work with other bureaus and agency partners to build international partner counterterrorism capacity in the civilian sector and will contribute to efforts in the military and defense sectors. Protecting the United States, the American people, and U.S. interests abroad will remain a challenge in the 21st century. New terrorist threats will require innovative strategies, creative diplomacy, and stronger partnerships. The establishment of the new Bureau of Counterterrorism will help the U.S. to meet this challenge.