Security Debrief

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill – Time to turn "Lessons Learned" into "Lessons Applied"

September 16, 2011

On Wednesday, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) released their joint investigative report on the April 20, 2010, Deepwater Horizon incident in the Gulf of Mexico waters off Louisiana. There are a multitude of regulatory recommendations but two key lessons: 1) NEVER skip established safety routines and protocols, and 2) ALWAYS address risk into your decision-making.

Cybersecurity – Stop Attacking Pearl Harbor

Security Debrief |

September 15, 2011

Again the other day, another of our government cyber leaders delivered the usual canned speech about how we must increase our defenses – read expand budgets/personnel – to defend ourselves against an “electronic Pearl Harbor.” And so, once again, the muscles in the back of my neck begin to stiffen wondering when they are going to stop saying this and if, some day, they will arrive in the 21st century. Cyber attacks – they are not wars – are not about total destruction but death by a thousand cuts.

Importance of Effective Public-Private Partnerships in Security Efforts

Security Debrief |

September 14, 2011

By Chris Wiesinger
Recently, CSC joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in one of the first of what promised to be a full season of 10 years after 9/11 retrospectives. The over-arching theme of remarks centered on and around a recognition of the importance of effective public-private partnerships in countering an evolving threat that has no physical, political, bureaucratic, or corporate boundaries. Today, we recognize that the only way to respond effectively to this difficult threat environment is through active, consensual collaboration between government, the private sector and citizens.

A Message from DHS – Remain Vigilant During 9/11 Weekend

Security Debrief |

September 9, 2011

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano issued a statement urging the public to remain vigilant throughout the 9/11 anniversary weekend.

Homeland Security is Economic Security

Security Debrief |

September 9, 2011

The attacks on September 11 resulted in a decade-long Global War on Terror, the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and expenditure of billions of dollars to secure our country, which have all had a significant impact on our current economic crisis. President Obama’s Job Creation Plan is an opportunity to actively link our economic security with our nation’s security. The plan should not only focus on “shovel ready jobs” and infrastructure but should also help this nation build the long-term capacity to protect itself in a sustainable way.

The Real New Middle East Order – Part IV: "An Emerging New Order"

Security Debrief |

September 7, 2011

What has been termed the “Arab Spring” could potentially pose the gravest challenge the United States has ever faced in the Middle East. Yet, when one tracks the reactions and positions of the US foreign policy establishment, one is left with a state of confusion and bewilderment. In this fourth part of The Real New Middle East Order series, we will resume the process of explaining the Real New Middle East Order focusing on the post-9/11 period.

HSPI Preparedness, Response and Resilience Task Force Comments on the Draft National Preparedness Goal

Security Debrief |

September 6, 2011

The Homeland Security Policy Institute’s Preparedness, Response and Resilience Task Force just released its comments on the Draft National Preparedness Goal, which is called for in Presidential Policy Directive 8 (PPD-8). The Task Force argues that the Draft National Preparedness Goal isn’t much of an improvement over past versions, and to truly advance national preparedness doctrine, a new National Preparedness Goal must include a more robust recognition of the importance of risk management, among other things.

On the Hunt for Al Qaeda's American Recruits: A Conversation Catherine Herridge

Security Debrief |

September 6, 2011

Please join the Homeland Security Policy Institute on Thursday, September 8th, 2011, for a Policy & Research Forum Event featuring Fox News National Correspondent, Catherine Herridge, author of the book “The Next Wave: On the Hunt for Al Qaeda’s American Recruits,” a comprehensive look at the evolving homegrown terrorist threat within our borders.

Global Entry Program – A Great Concept that Must Go Further

Security Debrief |

September 2, 2011

As we approach the 10th anniversary of the attacks of “9/11,” we should take a look back over the past decade and see what strides we’ve made in the effort to make our border safer. In an positive development for the tourism industry and for frequent travelers across the Canada and Mexico border, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced last week the latest new feature of the Global Entry Program. The program is an ingenious way to address both the needs of a 21st century economy and the concerns of national security.

Contributor: