Critical Releases in Homeland Security: March 7, 2012

"The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years (FY) 2012-2016 presents the Department's goals, derived from the conclusions of the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR) and the Bottom-Up Review (BUR). The goals include objectives and key performance indicators that are essential for implementation and execution of the Department's responsibilities. This Plan, like the QHSR process that preceded it, reflects the core principles identified in the Open Government Plan. These three principles--transparency, public participation, and collaboration--are the basic tenets of Open Government. This Strategic Plan describes the Department's Strategic Performance Plan Measures in the context of the QHSR and the homeland security missions. The Plan continues the Department's efforts to prioritize frontline operations while maximizing the effectiveness and efficiency of every taxpayer dollar the Department receives. The Plan also describes the Department's efforts to provide essential support to national and economic security, and to mature and strengthen DHS [Department of Homeland Security] as an institution."

"This year's 'Economic Report of the President', prepared by the Council of Economic Advisers, describes the emergency rescue measures taken to end the recession and support the ongoing recovery, and lays out a blueprint for an economy built to last. It explains how we are restoring our strengths as a Nation--our innovative economy, our strong manufacturing base, and our workers--by investing in the technologies of the future, in companies that create jobs here in America, and in education and training programs that will prepare our workers for the jobs of tomorrow. We must ensure that these investments benefit everyone and increase opportunity for all Americans or we risk threatening one of the features that defines us as a Nation--that America is a country in which anyone can do well, regardless of how they start out."

"The executive branch must utilize all elements of national power - including military, intelligence, law enforcement, diplomatic, and economic tools - to effectively confront the threat posed by al-Qa'ida and its associated forces, and must retain the flexibility to determine how to apply those tools to the unique facts and circumstances we face in confronting this diverse and evolving threat. Under the Authorization for Use of Military Force of September 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-40) (2001 AUMF), the executive branch has the authority to detain in military custody individuals who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, and persons who harbored those responsible for the September 11 attacks, as well as individuals who are part of or substantially supported Taliban or al-Qa'ida forces or associated forces that are engaged in hostilities against the United States or its coalition partners. Section 1021 of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2012 (Public Law 112-81) (NDAA) affirms that authority."

"On 13-14 September 2011, the Conflict Records Research Center (CRRC) at the Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS), National Defense University (NDU), and the Johns Hopkins University Center for Advanced Governmental Studies, hosted a conference to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Entitled 'Ten Years Later: Insights on al-Qaeda's Past & Future through Captured Records,' the conference explored what scholars and policy-makers knew about al-Qaeda and Associated Movements (AQAM) before 9/11 and what they have learned since, offering thoughts about the future of AQAM as well as directions for future research and policy."

"Aside from the intelligence and law enforcement officials who work daily to keep the United States homeland safe from terrorism, the vast majority of Americans have likely never heard of Zachery Chesser, a young American now serving a 25-year sentence on several terrorism-related charges. Yet, Chesser is significant because he is part of a trend which, if not addressed, threatens the security of our homeland. That is why his story is being described in this report. First, some background: In recent years, the United States has experienced an increase in the number of terrorist plots and attacks within the homeland, including by U.S. citizens.1 Between September 11, 2001 and February 2012, there were more than 53 cases of homegrown Islamist extremists planning and/or carrying out acts of terrorism against the United States.2 In the past 12 months alone, there have been 11 homegrown cases […]."