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.
Media coverage of the overthrow of the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) government in Egypt by the military has generally been lopsided and focused on the military’s various violations of human rights. Americans often believe that every conflict involves “good guys” and “bad guys.” I would argue that we have to stop looking for good guys where we are not likely to find any and instead focus on our interests, which are to support the army in its efforts to stabilize Egypt.
With the recent court ruling calling New York’s “Stop and Frisk” tactic “unconstitutional,” there is no way this White House has the political capital to pull off Ray Kelly’s confirmation for the DHS position. Ray Kelly is a tough guy. He helped keep the city that doesn’t sleep safe for nearly a dozen years, but in Cabinet nominations, timing and politics are essential ingredients.
Chris Battle’s funeral was held in the heat and humidity of southeastern Georgia. At 45, Chris Battle’s life was far too short, yet his legacy will live for decades to come. Standing in Bonaventure Cemetery, I know in the deepest recesses of my heart that is not a cliché. Chris Battle lived life to the fullest.
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.
I blog because of Chris Battle. Chris had this idea for a dedicated site of experienced homeland security professionals to “tell it like it is” and from time to time “to take it to the man!” If we saw something stupid, “let’s call it out,” and if the call-out could be done with some humor, so much the better. The vision would become what people today know as Security Debrief.
It is with profound sadness that we share that Chris Battle died today. He was 45.
For those homeland security soothsayers who have burned up the traditional and social media wires since the announcement that DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano is leaving, most have regurgitated the same short list of qualified candidates to assume the position. There are three names that have not yet been mentioned publicly but deserve a close look: Juliette Kayyem, Alan Bersin and Jim Sinegal.
Today is the anniversary of Chris Battle’s birth. He is a victorious 45 years old. It was Chris who had the idea of starting Security Debrief. Whatever success this blog has had in advancing the debate on homeland security issues is directly due to Chris’ vision, persistence, integrity and persuasion. Happy Birthday Chris!
For all of the names being bounced around for DHS Secretary, a couple have caught me by surprise, but none of them was as jaw dropping as the news that the Congressional Black Caucus is encouraging President Obama to nominate Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee as a replacement for outgoing-DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano. I can only hope that others see her consideration for one of the toughest jobs in the world for what it really is – an unrealistic and unfunny joke.
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