Justin Hienz

Is Al Qaeda in Yemen Becoming More Dangerous?

August 29, 2013

As the United States and other world powers weigh the risks and rewards of a strike against Syria, there are rising concerns that destabilizing the Assad regime could give extremists – particularly al Qaeda – an opening to gain strength and weapons. The embassy closures earlier this month threw a spotlight on al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), with some suggesting the terrorists in Yemen are more powerful than ever. So are they?

Entering the Era of Homegrown Violent Extremism

Justin Hienz |

August 23, 2013

As the United States enters another chapter in the ongoing effort to protect U.S. citizens and assets, the phenomenon of homegrown terrorism is likely to take center stage, requiring a new approach and perspective toward homeland security. This is the subject of Homegrown Violent Extremism, a new book from counterterrorism expert and fellow Security Debrief contributor Erroll Southers.

The Power of Battle

Justin Hienz |

August 12, 2013

Chris Battle will be laid to rest in Savannah, Ga., this week. His grave overlooks the Wilmington River in the shade of old oak trees in the historic Bonaventure Cemetery. Since Chris’ death last week, there has been a vast outpouring of praise and remembrance from around the country. He was an important man to many people in many ways. To me, he was a writer.

In Loving Memory – Chris Battle

Justin Hienz |

August 8, 2013

It is with profound sadness that we share that Chris Battle died today. He was 45.

TSA Educating Fliers About Ramadan – Another Swing and a Miss

Justin Hienz |

July 19, 2013

The Transportation Security Administration recently posted on its website a notice about some of the religious activities the traveling public may see in airports during the current Islamic holy month of Ramadan. This was a well-meaning effort from TSA, but it left me asking – who is making these decisions about communications to the public? There are some big problems with this notice to travelers.

Facing Trouble Trend in Hidden Handguns, TSA Looks for Penknives

Justin Hienz |

June 25, 2013

Homeland Security Today recently reported that there is alarming trend of airline passengers attempting to take their handguns on board airplanes. While TSA is busy looking for these genuine threats, as well as explosives and other lethal items that could cause a plane crash or facilitate a hijacking, they are also spending valuable time and attention looking for a comparatively harmless item – penknives. The recent TSA penknife debacle was a complete failure for U.S. aviation security.

Not In My Graveyard – The Problem With Dead Terrorists

Justin Hienz |

May 21, 2013

With Boston Marathon bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev buried in a Virginia cemetery, the question of what to do with his body is answered. Yet, for more than a week, it was the subject of heated public debate. The case of Tsarnaev raises intriguing questions. What should be done with the bodies of mass murderers? Why are they such a point of contentious debate? Would there have been a similar outcry if Tsarnaev self-identified as Sovereign Citizen or Neo-Nazi?

Homeland Security is a Team Effort – A Tip to the FBI

Justin Hienz |

May 13, 2013

As editor of Security Debrief, I get a lot of interesting e-mails. Yet, a lot of what hits my inbox is just noise. Yesterday, however, I received an e-mail that was unlike any other. The first line of the e-mail read: “I have information which can help to prevent a terrorist attack from happening.”

Why April Seems To Attract Violence and Tragedy

Justin Hienz |

May 6, 2013

The fallout from the Boston bombings three weeks ago continues to impact national security. The country has a renewed enthusiasm for homeland security, and while the Boston bombings slipped up the security radar, if history is any teacher, it would seem the United States should be on high alert in April. Indeed, there appears to be a security phenomenon at work that defies efforts to protect the homeland, particularly during the third week.

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