Security Debrief

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

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.

Remembering September 11, 2001

Media Watch |

September 6, 2011

That day. That horrific day. Remembering September 11, 2001. « Estote Parati That day. That horrific day. September 11, 2001 was a day like many others where we all got up and went about our business on a beautiful sunny fall day. We were completely unaware of the sickening plot that 19 homicidal maniacs […]

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.

Congress Must "Shape Up," 9/11 Commission member says

David Olive |

September 1, 2011

Yesterday the 9/11 Commission members got together and talked about their views on what has been learned, and what has been done, since their report was issued several years back. One pointed resonated: Congress needs to reform the way it conducts homeland security oversight. Is anyone on the Hill willing to lead this effort?

Biometric Exit System Unnecessary and Unviable

admin |

September 1, 2011

Tom Kean and Lee Hamilton have been two of the nation’s most outstanding public servants, and the report of the 9/11 Commission was an extraordinary document. The two chairmen should be commended for their steady efforts, including the release yesterday of a 10th Anniversary Report Card under the auspices of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s National Security Preparedness Group. But among the group’s list of nine major unfinished recommendations, there is one that deserves to remain unfinished – the construction of a biometric exit system – and for good and sensible reasons.

Resolving a Clash of Cultures – A Mission versus Organizational Focus

Jeff Gaynor |

September 1, 2011

As America approaches the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, DHS veterans and homeland security practitioners are reassessing the Department’s performance and the direction the Department must take to continuously improve its operations and address the security and operational resilience challenges before the nation. At DHS, two cultures (one mission focused and one organizationally focused) remain operative. These near mutually exclusive and competing cultures are responsible for the historic and continuing “challenges” facing DHS.

Unapologetic Preparedness in Wake of Hurricane Irene

admin |

September 1, 2011

Just in case anyone missed the news in the past week, the eastern U.S. experienced the shaking of an earthquake followed by torrential rains and winds associated with Hurricane Irene. By all accounts, local, state and federal officials along with their brethren in the non-governmental and private sectors performed well during their preparation and response. In between TV pundits, we caught glimpses of ordinary Americans talking in serious terms about what they, their families and their communities were doing to be prepared. It was the type of informed talk that has been a long time coming and is sweet to hear.

Border Watchlisting a Decade after 9/11

Janice Kephart |

September 1, 2011

The tedious process of watchlisting and making watchlists available to our frontline border and aviation operators is the most important tool our nation has to curtail attempted “legitimate” terrorist travel — meaning, those terrorists who seek to use our border and aviation system to enter the United States. The 9/11 Commission recommended significant changes to watchlisting, including merging 11 disparate watchlists into one base list. Today, this single list is simply termed the “Terrorist Watchlist.”