Security Debrief

The Confluence of Drugs and Terror – 21st Century Organized Crime

October 14, 2011

The nexus between drugs and terrorism is growing at a rate far faster than most policy makers in Washington, D.C. choose to admit, and far fewer will even talk about. In many ways this is not an entirely new threat; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has testified over the past thirty-five years on the important role drugs play in funding terrorist organizations and insurgencies around the world. Many in our government, at all levels, simply do not understand the looming threat posed by the confluence of drugs and terror; therefore, they continue to ignore it.

HSPI Event Webcast Today Featuring Napolitano, Chertoff and Ridge

Security Debrief |

October 11, 2011

Please join The George Washington University Homeland Security Policy Institute today at 5:00 pm for a webcasted event featuring the Hon. Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security, the Hon. Michael Chertoff, Former Secretary of Homeland Security, and Hon. Tom Ridge, Former Secretary of Homeland Security. The secretaries will partake in a conversation about the future of homeland security, discussing how the nature of their work has evolved since the creation of the Department, and how to best move forward in this ever-evolving threat environment.

Refugees, Settlers and Borders: Addressing the Core Issues in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Security Debrief |

October 10, 2011

Media coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute tends to focus on issues that make for better sound bites. The media latches onto largely meaningless but ostensibly easily understandable concepts such as “peace process.” In fact, the core issue of this dispute has always been and will continue to be, regardless of the size or location of land swaps, whether the Palestinians and the larger Arab World are willing to ultimately accept the existence of a Jewish state in the Middle East or whether peace agreements with that country are really only temporary expediencies on the road towards “righting the historical wrong” of a Jewish state in the region.

It's the Ideology, Stupid

Security Debrief |

October 6, 2011

Today, it would be fair to say that U.S. counterterrorism efforts are tactically strong. We are well-positioned to tap the right phones, carry out surveillance of the right targets, and as a result we have a truly remarkable track record of preventing attacks. Where we remain inexcusably weak, however, is in the realm of strategic counterterrorism, or counter-radicalization. Engagement and counterterrorism initiatives are critical, but the wide space between them must be addressed. Missing are policies and programs that contest extremist narratives, empower and network mainstream voices, and promote the free exchange of ideas and publicly challenge extremist ideas.

Pre-Check: TSA Dips Its Toe into the Trusted Traveler Water

Security Debrief |

October 4, 2011

Kudos to TSA Administrator John Pistole and his team for launching “Pre-Check,” the new trusted traveler program developed by TSA with assistance from CBP and the travel community. With 10 years of experience since 9/11, it is time for DHS and TSA to develop a real trusted traveler program that recognizes that while we cannot eliminate all risk in the aviation system, passengers do present significantly different risk profiles.

Following al-Awlaki's Death, Questions Remain for Counter-Terrorism Efforts in Yemen

Security Debrief |

September 30, 2011

By Rob Strayer
The headline this morning is that Anwar al-Awlaki was killed by a drone strike in Yemen. He was not the symbolic leader for the al Qaeda movement that Osama bin Laden was, nor was he responsible for orchestrating the deaths of thousands, but in recent years, he played a more significant operational role than bin Laden. At this time, there are several open questions, some of which may be answered in the coming days and weeks.

Hamas Shifts to an Outside-In Operational Strategy

Security Debrief |

September 27, 2011

Historically, Hamas has limited its operational focus to Israel, with almost all of its attacks occurring within the West Bank, Gaza, and Israel proper. Although many non-Israelis have been killed in such attacks, most of them were unintended victims of inherently indiscriminate terrorist tactics. Recently, however, Hamas has expanded its area of operations. Information released by Israeli and American authorities suggests that the group has now extended its logistical efforts and even certain planning and operational activities as far afield as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Syria, Egypt, and China.

HSPI Ambassadors Roundtable Featuring Lt. Gen. Walter Semianiw

Security Debrief |

September 19, 2011

On Friday, September 23, 2011, for an HSPI Ambassadors Roundtable event, Lieutenant General Walter Semianiw, Commander, Canada Command, will share his unique perspective.

DHS Secretary Napolitano launches new web site for international students

Security Debrief |

September 16, 2011

DHS Secretary Napolitano visits UW–Madison; launches new web site for international students and exchange visitors Today, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano deliver remarks at UW–Madison highlighting innovative ways to encourage the best and brightest international students and scholars to study and remain in the U.S. and launched a new government website (studyinthestates.dhs.gov) […]

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