Бывший губернатор Пенсильвании Марк Швайкер призвал усилить «умную силу» и срочно решить вопрос с Ираном

It was a small lunch crowd at the Pennsylvania press club Monday afternoon, where a former executive shared thoughts on 9/11 and took questions from a news savvy audience. “Is there an aspect to 9/11 that has not been reported, that you think should be publicized, 25 years later?” asked the Pennsylvania Press Club President, Francine Schertzer, during the luncheon. Former Republican Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker thought in silence for 6 seconds before answering. “I think we can expect the airlines and TSA to do their job. And I, I appreciate what they do. So that’s got to continue,” he said. Schweiker was the Pennsylvania Lt. Governor in 2001 when the 9/11 attacks happened. He then served as governor for the next three years, when then Gov. Tom Ridge took a position in the Bush administration. Schweiker spent most of his prepared remarks at the luncheon walking through the events of flight 93 that crashed at Shanksville. He also honored Pennsylvania volunteers, previewing an upcoming roundtable on Sep. 8 that will be hosted at the Shanksville High School and focus on volunteerism that surrounded 9/11. “What kind of drive, and compassion, and concern for others inclines you to get back in the car after you finish your shift. and still get over to southern Manhattan to help out?” Schweiker said. As a leader of the emergency response that happened 25 years ago, Schweiker was asked about preparedness of the U.S. today to counter any attacks. “I think our sense of vigilance and preparedness is high, in terms of a hard assets response, a military response,” he said. Specifically to the on going war, he compared Iran to an “OEM” (original equipment manufacturer) of terrorism around the world. “We have to deal with Iran. Now.” he said. “So I think we’re coming down to it, and it’s about time.” In an one on one interview, he was optimistic about economic sanctions the United States is starting. “Ideally, the national leadership on Iran realizes this, that it’s, it’s a world of hurt for their citizens and they have to come to their senses.” The former Republican governor did say the U.S. has grown lax on what he called “smart” power. “I just I don’t completely see, you know, the president’s outlook on the elimination of important efforts overseas, in terms of international relationships,” Schweiker said. The executive, who has stayed connected to homeland security since leaving office, voiced concern that recruitment to violent islamic groups is rising– and described “smart” power as the tools to combat cultural trends. He specifically referenced it’s worth budgeting money for the area. “In terms of international relationships, and foreign policy, and State Department operations, ambassadorial operations– it’s less than 1% [of spending],” Schweiker said. “I do think that it’s, regardless of who’s in the White House, an effective use of taxpayer funds.” A report from Interpol earlier this year shows that in recent years, young people are increasingly involved in terrorism-related activities. The report links the trend to multiple terroristic groups, not just factions of Islam. A 2025 article from the Center for Strategic and International Studies says jihadism has not increased within the United States. When asked if there was any crime or person involved in 9/11 that was not investigated or prosecuted satisfactorily… “No, with an asterisk. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. It’s just puzzling to me,” Schweiker said. “We did the job, but fell short on prosecution.”