strategic - adj. of or related to long-term aims or goals
advantage – n. something (such as a good position or condition) that helps to make someone or something better or more likely to succeed than others
key – adj. extremely important
lethal – adj. causing or able to cause death
maritime – adj. of or relating to sailing on the sea or doing business (such as trading) by sea
obstacle – n. something that makes it difficult to do something
dire – adj. requiring immediate action; very urgent; very serious or extreme
proceed – v. to go or move in a particular direction (figuratively)
taken into account – expression considered