Security Debrief

Blackwater Moves Strategically, Portrays it Innocently

July 24, 2008

It is always interesting to see the spin placed on a cold hard business decision for the media. Put simply, Eric Prince and his staff have played a blinder over the last 48 hours. Inviting the press into their headquarters, Eric Prince explained that Blackwater Worldwide would be reducing the reliance on security, particularly as this part of the business was an unintended consequence and never part of the overall business plan.

Looking to Our Airports

Security Debrief |

July 22, 2008

On a recent flight I noticed that within a couple of hundred meters there were residential, pseudo residential or mixed residential / commercial areas, which brought to mind one of the classic attacks by the Provisional IRA – the mortaring of London’s Heathrow airport. What are the implications? If there is a perceived threat of such an asymmetric attack, then every space where a vehicle can be parked within the range of an improvised system must be subject to some kind of monitoring.

Denver: Legislating Against the Outdated Lessons of the Last War

Security Debrief |

July 21, 2008

Recent legislation in Denver has outlawed the materials necessary to obstruct passage and access, such as chains, handcuffs, etc, and ‘noxious materials’, such as fecal matter. One would have thought the latter was already covered by statute, but perhaps not. The Denver City Council stated that having learned the lessons of Seattle, they are determined to equip the police with the ability to ensure good public order.

Debating the DHS Transition

Security Debrief |

July 16, 2008

There is a broad debate taking place among think tanks, journalists, and policymakers about the future of DHS and the next administration’s approach to homeland security. I have seen and heard some thoughtful, informed discussions about the best ideas for homeland security. I am also hearing some ill-informed and downright silly comments from people who should know better.

The Irony of Congressoinal Hearings on 9/11 Recommendations

Security Debrief |

July 16, 2008

The irony is a little too delicious to pass up. The House Homeland Security Committee is holding hearings this month on how well the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission are being implemented by the Department of Homeland Security. Guess what won’t be on the agenda? Congress’s own failure to act.

Admiral Brian Peterman: A Public Servant Who Will Be Missed

Security Debrief |

July 16, 2008

A terrorist operative hoping to use the flow of international commerce against us found his job all the more difficult because of the security programs which Admiral Peterman oversaw and directed.

They're Still Out There

Security Debrief |

July 11, 2008

A close and trusted friend of mine has recently concluded pre-deployment training to join a major Private Military Company (PMC) that will support a government department’s own security apparatus. The PMC – that shall remain nameless, as shall the friend and the government department– set deployment standards on its own and will also face additional set of higher standards from the government. The reasoning for this is unclear.

New FBI Profiling Program Raises Concerns

Security Debrief |

July 7, 2008

I understand the American-Muslim and civil rights organizations concerns with this new Justice Department program. It is clearly a program that will have to be closely monitored to ensure that civil rights and liberties are not trampled. Strong independent oversight is a must. The FBI, under Hoover, and current Director Robert Mueller (as evidenced by the Inspector General’s Report on National Security Letters), has had problems in “self-monitoring.”

When It Isn't Free Speech

Security Debrief |

July 2, 2008

Say what you like, the right to free speech not only protects speech, it also prohibits the more excessive and arbitrary lawmaking currently being witnessed in Sydney, Australia, prior to the World Youth Day. For those of you who are not up to speed on World Youth Day, it is an event where the World’s Catholic Youth assemble in one city and is scheduled to take place in Sydney later this month.

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