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U.S. Anti-Terror Strategy and the 9/11 Commission Report [August 12, 2004]
"On July 22, 2004 the 9/11 Commission released its final report. The report calls for changes to be made by the executive branch and Congress to more effectively protect our nation in an age of modern terrorism and provides forty-one concrete recommendations. This paper addresses the components of the Administrations 2003 National Strategy for Combating Terrorism and the potential impact, if any, of key recommendations of the 9/11 Commission on the strategy. Generally, the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission as they relate to strategy content and implementation appear consistent with, and supportive of, the National Strategy. Few question the 9/11 Commission Reports overarching premise that U.S. counter-terrorism structure, strategy, and implementation can be improved."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael
2004-08-12
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U.S. Anti-Terror Strategy and the 9/11 Commission Report [Updated February 4, 2005]
"On July 22, 2004 the 9/11 Commission released its final report. The report calls for changes to be made by the executive branch and Congress to more effectively protect our nation in an age of modern terrorism and provides forty-one concrete recommendations. Generally, the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission as they relate to strategy content and implementation appear consistent with, and supportive of, the National Strategy. Few question the 9/11 Commission Report's overarching premise that U.S. counter-terrorism structure, strategy, and implementation can be improved."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael
2005-02-04
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International Terrorism: Threat, Policy, and Response [August 9, 2006]
"This report examines international terrorist actions, threats, U.S. policies and responses. It reviews the nation's use of tools at its disposal to combat terrorism, from diplomacy, international cooperation, and constructive engagement to physical security enhancement, economic sanctions, covert action, and military force. A modern trend in terrorism appears to be toward loosely organized, self-financed, international networks of terrorists. Increasingly, radical Islamist groups, or groups using religion as a pretext, pose a serious threat to U.S. interests and to friendly regimes. Of concern as well is the growing political participation of extremist Islamist parties in foreign nations. Also noteworthy is the apparent growth of cross-national links among different terrorist organizations, which may involve combinations of military training, funding, technology transfer, or political advice. Looming over the entire issue of international terrorism is the specter of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Iran, seen as the most active state sponsor of terrorism, has been secretly conducting- and now openly seeks- uranium enrichment, and North Korea has both admitted to having a clandestine program for uranium enrichment and claimed to have nuclear weapons. Indications have also surfaced that Al Qaeda has attempted to acquire chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael
2006-08-09
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International Drug Trade and U.S. Foreign Policy [July 21, 2006]
"Efforts to significantly reduce the flow of illicit drugs from abroad into the United States have so far not succeeded. Moreover, over the past decade, worldwide production of illicit drugs has risen dramatically: opium and marijuana production has roughly doubled and coca production tripled. The effectiveness of international narcotics control programs in reducing consumption is a matter of ongoing concern. Despite apparent national political resolve to deal with the drug problem, inherent contradictions regularly appear between U.S. anti-drug policy and other national policy goals and concerns. Pursuit of drug control policies can sometimes affect foreign policy interests and bring political instability and economic dislocation to countries where narcotics production has become entrenched economically and socially. Drug supply interdiction programs and U.S. systems to facilitate the international movement of goods, people, and wealth are often at odds. U.S. international narcotics policy requires cooperative efforts by many nations that may have domestic and foreign policy goals that compete with the requirements of drug control. One contentious issue has been the congressionally-mandated certification process, an instrument designed to induce specified drug-exporting countries to prioritize or pay more attention to the fight against narcotics businesses. Current law requires the President, with certain exceptions, to designate and withhold assistance from countries that have failed demonstrably to meet their counternarcotics obligations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael
2006-07-21
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International Terrorism: Threat, Policy, and Response [August 16, 2006]
"This report examines international terrorist actions, threats, U.S. policies and responses. It reviews the nation's use of tools at its disposal to combat terrorism, from diplomacy, international cooperation, and constructive engagement to physical security enhancement, economic sanctions, covert action, and military force. A modern trend in terrorism appears to be toward loosely organized, self financed, international networks of terrorists. Increasingly, radical Islamist groups, or groups using religion as a pretext, pose a serious threat to U.S. interests and to friendly regimes. Of concern as well is the growing political participation of extremist Islamist parties in foreign nations. Also noteworthy is the apparent growth of cross-national links among different terrorist organizations, which may involve combinations of military training, funding, technology transfer, or political advice. Looming over the entire issue of international terrorism is the specter of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Iran, seen as the most active state sponsor of terrorism, has been secretly conducting - and now openly seeks - uranium enrichment, and North Korea has both admitted to having a clandestine program for uranium enrichment and claimed to have nuclear weapons. Indications have also surfaced that Al Qaeda has attempted to acquire chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael
2006-08-16
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International Terrorism: Threat, Policy, and Response [Updated January 3, 2007]
"This report examines international terrorist actions, threats, U.S. policies and responses. It reviews the nation's use of tools at its disposal to combat terrorism, from diplomacy, international cooperation, and constructive engagement to physical security enhancement, economic sanctions, covert action, and military force. A modern trend in terrorism appears to be toward loosely organized, self financed, international networks of terrorists. Increasingly, radical Islamist groups, or groups using religion as a pretext, pose a serious threat to U.S. interests and to friendly regimes. Of concern as well is the growing political participation of extremist Islamist parties in foreign nations. Also noteworthy is the apparent growth of cross-national links among different terrorist organizations, which may involve combinations of military training, funding, technology transfer, or political advice. Looming over the entire issue of international terrorism is the specter of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Iran, seen as the most active state sponsor of terrorism, has been secretly conducting - and now openly seeks - uranium enrichment, and North Korea has both admitted to having a clandestine program for uranium enrichment and claimed to have nuclear weapons. Indications have also surfaced that Al Qaeda has attempted to acquire chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael
2007-01-03
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International Drug Trade and U.S. Foreign Policy [Updated November 6, 2006]
"Efforts to significantly reduce the flow of illicit drugs from abroad into the United States have so far not succeeded. Moreover, over the past decade, worldwide production of illicit drugs has risen dramatically: opium and marijuana production has roughly doubled and coca production tripled. The effectiveness of international narcotics control programs in reducing consumption is a matter of ongoing concern. Despite apparent national political resolve to deal with the drug problem, inherent contradictions regularly appear between U.S. anti-drug policy and other national policy goals and concerns. Pursuit of drug control policies can sometimes affect foreign policy interests and bring political instability and economic dislocation to countries where narcotics production has become entrenched economically and socially. Drug supply interdiction programs and U.S. systems to facilitate the international movement of goods, people, and wealth are often at odds. U.S. international narcotics policy requires cooperative efforts by many nations that may have domestic and foreign policy goals that compete with the requirements of drug control. One contentious issue has been the congressionally-mandated certification process, an instrument designed to induce specified drug-exporting countries to prioritize or pay more attention to the fight against narcotics businesses. Current law requires the President, with certain exceptions, to designate and withhold assistance from countries that have failed demonstrably to meet their counternarcotics obligations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael
2006-11-06
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North Korean Counterfeiting of U.S. Currency [Updated August 8, 2007]
"The United States has accused the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea) of counterfeiting U.S. $100 Federal Reserve notes (supernotes) and passing them off in various countries. This is one of several illicit activities by North Korea apparently done to generate foreign exchange that is used to purchase imports or finance government activities abroad. Although Pyongyang denies complicity in any counterfeiting operation, at least $45 million in such supernotes of North Korean origin have been detected in circulation, and estimates are that the country has earned from $15 to $25 million per year over several years from counterfeiting. The illegal nature of any counterfeiting activity makes open-source information on the scope and scale of DPRK counterfeiting and distribution operations incomplete. South Korean intelligence has corroborated information on North Korean production of forged currency prior to 1998, and certain individuals have been indicted in U.S. courts for distributing such forged currency. Media reports in January 2006 state that Chinese investigators have independently confirmed allegations of DPRK counterfeiting. For the United States, North Korean counterfeiting represents a direct attack on a protected national asset; might undermine confidence in the U.S. dollar and depress its value; and, if done extensively enough, potentially damage the U.S. economy. The earnings from counterfeiting also could be significant to Pyongyang and may be used to purchase weapons technology, fund travel abroad, meet 'slush fund' purchases of luxury foreign goods, or even help fund the DPRK's nuclear program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael; Nanto, Dick Kazuyuki
2007-08-08
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North Korea: Terrorism List Removal? [Updated April 6, 2007]
"The issue of North Korea's inclusion on the U.S. list of terrorism-supporting countries has arisen twice in recent U.S.-North Korean diplomacy. In 2000, North Korea demanded that the Clinton Administration remove North Korea from the terrorism-support list before North Korea would send a high level envoy to Washington and accept the Clinton Administration's proposal to begin negotiations with the United States over the North Korean missile program. In 2003, multilateral negotiations involving six governments began over North Korea's nuclear programs in the wake of North Korea's actions to terminate its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the 1994 U.S.-North Korean Agreed Framework. In the six party talks, North Korea demanded that in return for a North Korean 'freeze' of its plutonium nuclear program, the United States agree to a number of U.S. concessions, including removing North Korea from the U.S. terrorism-support list."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Niksch, Larry A.; Perl, Raphael
2007-04-06
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North Korea: Terrorism List Removal? [Updated July 30, 2007]
"The issue of North Korea's inclusion on the U.S. list of terrorism-supporting countries has arisen twice in recent U.S.-North Korean diplomacy. In 2000, North Korea demanded that the Clinton Administration remove North Korea from the terrorism-support list before North Korea would send a high level envoy to Washington and accept the Clinton Administration's proposal to begin negotiations with the United States over the North Korean missile program. In 2003, multilateral negotiations involving six governments began over North Korea's nuclear programs in the wake of North Korea's actions to terminate its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the 1994 U.S.-North Korean Agreed Framework. In the six party talks, North Korea demanded that in return for a North Korean 'freeze' of its plutonium nuclear program, the United States agree to a number of U.S. concessions, including removing North Korea from the U.S. terrorism-support list. […] Assuming cessation of DPRK terrorism support, Administration policymakers would face a number of options that include (1) downgrading the DPRK to the 'not fully cooperating' category; (2) removing the DPRK from both the 'state sponsors' list and 'not fully cooperating' lists, including it instead in an informal 'countries of concern' warning category; (3) relaxing further sanctions against North Korea that can be done by presidential waiver; and (4) doing nothing and retaining North Korea on both the 'state sponsors' list and 'not fully cooperating' list. Congress would potentially have a direct role in a removal of North Korea from the terrorism list, because the executive branch must notify Congress before actual removal and Congress would have the option to initiate legislation to block removal."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael; Niksch, Larry A.
2007-07-30
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North Korean Crime-for-Profit Activities [February 16, 2007]
"Strong indications exist that the North Korean (Democratic People's Republic of Korea or DPRK) regime is involved in illicit drug production and trafficking, as well as production and trafficking in counterfeit currency, cigarettes, and pharmaceuticals, with drug trafficking likely decreasing and counterfeiting of cigarettes expanding. Overall, the reported scale of this activity is significant and arguably provides important foreign currency resources to the military-oriented North Korean state. Media reports also indicate that North Korea may engage in insurance fraud as a matter of state policy. DPRK crime-for-profit activities are reportedly orchestrated by a special office charged with bringing in foreign currency under the direction of the ruling Korean Worker's Party…A challenge facing policymakers is how to balance pursuing anti-drug, counterfeiting, and crime policies vis-a-vis North Korea against effectively pursuing other high priority U.S. foreign policy objectives including (1) limiting possession and production of weapons of mass destruction; (2) limiting ballistic missile production and export; (3) curbing terrorism, and (4) addressing humanitarian needs. This report may be periodically updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nanto, Dick Kazuyuki; Perl, Raphael
2007-02-16
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North Korean Counterfeiting of U.S. Currency [Updated January 17, 2007]
"The United States has accused the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea) of counterfeiting U.S. $100 Federal Reserve notes (supernotes) and passing them off in various countries. […] Although Pyongyang denies complicity in any counterfeiting operation, at least $45 million in such supernotes of North Korean origin have been detected in circulation, and estimates are that the country has earned from $15 to $25 million per year from counterfeiting. […] For the United States, North Korean counterfeiting represents a direct attack on a protected national asset; might undermine confidence in the U.S. dollar and depress its value; and, if done extensively enough, potentially damage the U.S. economy. The earnings from counterfeiting also could be significant to Pyongyang and may be used to purchase weapons technology, fund travel abroad, meet "slush fund" purchases of luxury foreign goods, or even help fund the DPRK's nuclear program. U.S. policy toward the alleged counterfeiting is split between law enforcement efforts and political and diplomatic pressures. […] In December 2006, North Korea agreed to return to the six-party talks on its nuclear weapons program, but during the talks Pyongyang refused to discuss denuclearization officially until the Banco Delta financial sanctions were lifted. It is not known whether North Korea currently is engaged in supernote production, but such notes suspected to be from earlier production runs reportedly are readily available in a Chinese town just north of the DPRK border. […]"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael; Nanto, Dick Kazuyuki
2007-01-17
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Drug Trafficking and North Korea [December 5, 2003]
"At least 50 documented incidents in more than 20 countries around the world,
many involving arrest or detention of North Korean diplomats, link North Korea to drug trafficking. Such events, in the context of credible, but unproven, allegations of large scale state sponsorship of drug production and trafficking, raise important issues for the United States and its allies in combating international drug trafficking. The challenge to policy makers is how to pursue an effective counter drug policy and comply with U.S. law which may require cutting off aid to North Korea while pursuing other high-priority U.S. foreign policy objectives including: (1) limiting possession and production of weapons of mass destruction; (2) limiting ballistic missile production and export; (3) curbing terrorism, counterfeiting, and international crime; and (4) addressing humanitarian needs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael
2003-12-05
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Terrorism: U.S. Response to Bombings in Kenya and Tanzania: A New Policy Direction? [Updated September 1, 1998]
"On August 20, 1998 the United States launched retaliatory and preemptive missile strikes against training bases and infrastructure in Afghanistan used by groups affiliated with radical extremist and terrorist financier Usama bin Laden. A "pharmaceutical" plant in Sudan, making a critical nerve gas component, was destroyed as well. This is the first time the U.S. has unreservedly acknowledged a preemptive military strike against a terrorist organization or network. This has led to speculation that faced with a growing number of major attacks on U.S. persons and property and mounting casualties, U.S. policymakers may be setting a new direction in counter-terrorism-- a more proactive and global policy, less constrained when targeting terrorists, their bases, or infrastructure. Questions raised include: What is the nature and extent of any actual policy shift; what are its pros and cons; and what other policy options exist? Issues of special concern to Congress include: (1) U.S. domestic and overseas preparedness for terrorist attacks and retaliatory strikes; (2) the need for consultation with Congress over policy shifts which might result in an undeclared type of war; and (3) sustaining public and Congressional support for a long term policy which may prove costly in: (a) dollars; (b) initial up-front loss of human lives, and (c) potential restrictions on civil liberties. Whether to change the presidential ban on assassinations, and whether to place Afghanistan on the 'terrorism' list, warrants attention as well. This short report is intended for Members and staffers who cover terrorism, as well as U.S. foreign and defense policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael
1998-09-01
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Terrorist Attack on USS Cole: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated January 30, 2001]
"On October 12, 2000, the U.S. Navy destroyer Cole was attacked by a small, explosives-laden boat during a brief refueling stop in the harbor of Aden, Yemen. The suicide terrorist attack killed 17 members of the ship's crew, wounded 39 others, and seriously damaged the ship. Evidence developed to date suggests that it may have been carried out by Islamic militants with possible connections to the terrorist network led by Usama bin Ladin. The FBI, Defense Department, and Navy launched investigations to determine culpability for the attack and to review procedures. A broad DoD review of accountability was conducted by a special panel. On January 9, 2001, the panel issued its report which avoided assigning blame but found significant shortcomings in security against terrorist attacks, including inadequate training and intelligence. On January 23, 2001, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman, John Warner, announced intentions for the Committee to hold its own investigation. Issues for Congress include the adequacy of (1) procedures by U.S. forces to protect against terrorist attacks; (2) intelligence related to potential terrorist attacks; and (3) U.S. anti-terrorism policy and response. This report will be updated if major new developments warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael; O'Rourke, Ronald
2001-01-30
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Trends in Terrorism: 2006 [March 12, 2007]
"On April 28, 2006, the Department of State sent to Congress its annual report on global terrorism: 'Country Reports on Global Terrorism 2005'. The 262-page report provides an annual strategic assessment of trends in terrorism and the evolving nature of the terrorist threat, coupled with detailed information on anti-terror cooperation by nations worldwide. The report and underlying data portray a threat from radical Jihadists that is becoming more widespread, diffuse, and increasingly homegrown, often with a lack of formal operational connection with al Qaeda ideological leaders such as Osama Bin Laden or Ayman al Zawahiri. […] Emerging trends that may require enhanced policy focus for the 110th Congress are (1) attacks that aim to cause economic damage such as attacks on transportation infrastructure, tourism, and oil installations, (2) the growing number of unattributed terrorist attacks, and (3) the growing power and influence of radical Islamist political parties in foreign nations. Recent suggestions that al Qaeda remains operationally active are of growing concern as well. The State Department report suggests an immediate future with a larger number of 'smaller attacks, less meticulously planned, and local rather than transnational in scope.' If so, some adjustment in implementation of United States anti-terror strategy and tactics to reflect a more international law enforcement oriented approach, such as that envisioned in the February 2003 'National Strategy for Combating Terrorism', may be warranted. As the global economic, political, and technological landscapes evolve, data being collected to identify and track terrorism may need to change. This report will not be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael
2007-03-12
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Terrorism and National Security: Issues and Trends [March 9, 2006]
"International terrorism has long been recognized as a serious foreign and domestic security threat. This issue brief examines international terrorist actions and threats and the U.S. policy response. As the 9/11 Commission report released on July 19, 2004, concludes, the United States needs to use all tools at its disposal, including diplomacy, international cooperation, and constructive engagement to economic sanctions, covert action, physical security enhancement, and military force. […] As terrorism is a global phenomenon, a major challenge facing policy makers is how to maximize international cooperation and support, without unduly compromising important U.S. national security interests. A significant issue facing policymakers is how to minimize the economic and civil liberties costs of an enhanced security environment. The issue of how to combat incitement to terrorism -- especially in instances where such activity is state sponsored or countenanced -- perplexes policymakers as well. On July 22, 2004, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States ('9/11 Commission') issued its final report. On December 17, 2004, the President signed the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, establishing a National Intelligence Director and National Counterterrorism Center."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael
2006-03-09
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Terrorism and National Security: Issues and Trends [Updated February 2, 2006]
"In what many see as a major setback to faltering Middle East peace efforts, Hamas won 76 out of 132 seats in the Palestinian Authority's Parliamentary elections on January 25, 2006. Hamas is one of the more than 30 organizations the United States and other governments have designated as terrorist organizations. Its leaders have repeatedly called for the destruction of Israel and the organization uses terrorist attacks against civilians as a tactic to achieve that goal. Concern exists that should a Hamas-controlled government support terrorism in deed as well as rhetoric, a new Palestinian state might well be declared a state sponsor of terrorism, lose foreign aid, and face economic sanctions. Moreover, absent a meaningful renunciation of terrorism, nations are reviewing the pros and cons of continuing foreign assistance to a Hamas-controlled Palestinian Authority."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael
2006-02-02
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Terrorism and National Security: Issues and Trends [February 21, 2006]
"International terrorism has long been recognized as a serious foreign and domestic security threat. This issue brief examines international terrorist actions and threats and the U.S. policy response. As the 9/11 Commission report released on July 19, 2004, concludes, the United States needs to use all tools at its disposal, including diplomacy, international cooperation, and constructive engagement to economic sanctions, covert action, physical security enhancement, and military force. A modern trend in terrorism is toward loosely organized, self-financed, international networks of terrorists. Another trend is toward terrorism that is religiously- or ideologically-motivated. Radical Islamic fundamentalist groups, or groups using religion as a pretext, pose terrorist threats of varying kinds to U.S. interests and to friendly regimes. A third trend is the apparent growth of cross-national links among different terrorist organizations, which may involve combinations of military training, funding, technology transfer, or political advice. […] As terrorism is a global phenomenon, a major challenge facing policy makers is how to maximize international cooperation and support, without unduly compromising important U.S. national security interests. A growing issue bedeviling policymakers is how to minimize the economic and civil liberties costs of an enhanced security environment. The issue of how to combat incitement to terrorism -- especially in instances where such activity is state sponsored or countenanced -- perplexes policymakers as well. On July 22, 2004, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States ('9/11 Commission') issued its final report. On December 17, 2004, the President signed the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, establishing a National Intelligence Director and National Counterterrorism Center."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael
2006-02-21
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Terrorism, the Future, and U.S. Foreign Policy [Updated April 11, 2003]
This issue brief examines international terrorist actions and threats and the U.S. policy response. Available policy options range from diplomacy, international cooperation and constructive engagement to economic sanctions, covert action, physical security enhancement and military force. Questions relate to whether U.S. policy and organizational mechanisms are adequate to deal with both state sponsored or abetted terrorism and that undertaken by independent groups. Non-traditional harm such as computer "violence" may not be included as well. Such activity may well be on the rise. Faced with such prospects, governments are increasingly likely to consider utilizing covert operations to protect their citizenry. Another issue is whether PDD 62, which established a terrorism coordinator at the National Security Council (NSC), takes too much of the terrorism decision making process out of the realm of congressional oversight as NSC members do not generally testify before Congress. Radical Islamic fundamentalist groups pose a major terrorist threat to U.S. interests and friendly regimes. Nations facing difficult challenges include Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Pakistan, and to a lesser degree, Russia and Saudi Arabia. Iran has been aggressively seeking nuclear weapons technology and is seen as the most active state sponsor of the seven states on the State Department's terrorism list. Sanctions have not deterred such activity to any meaningful degree. Some see utility in creation of an informal "watch-list" of nations not currently qualifying for inclusion on the terrorism list.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael
2003-09-13
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National Commission on Terrorism Report: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated February 6, 2001]
On June 5, 2000, the National Commission on Terrorism (NTC), a congressionally
mandated bi-partisan body, issued a report providing a blueprint for U.S. counterterrorism policy with both policy and legislative recommendations. The report could be significant in shaping the direction of U.S. policy and the debate in Congress. It generally argues for a more aggressive U.S. strategy in combating terrorism. Critics, however, argue that NTC conclusions and recommendations ignore competing U.S. goals and interests; i.e. that a proactive strategy might lead to the curbing of individual rights and liberties, damage important commercial interests, and widen disagreements between the U.S. and its allies over using the "stick" as opposed to the "carrot" approach in dealing with states that actively support or countenance terrorism.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael
2001-02-06
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Taliban and the Drug Trade [October 5, 2001]
There is evidence that many terrorist organizations and some rogue regimes pressed for cash rely on the illicit drug trade as a source of income. In the case of Afghanistan, reports indicating that the drug trade is a major source of income for the Taliban have received growing attention. According to some reports, the regime uses poppy-derived income to arm, train and support fundamentalist groups including the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) and the Chechen resistance. There have also been allegations of Osama bin Laden's personal involvement in drug trafficking to finance al Qaeda's activities. U.S. foreign drug policy currently focuses on reducing illicit drug supply to the United States, and only to a lesser extent on denying funding to organized international criminal or terrorist groups. Should the latter objectives receive greater priority, some policy and organizational realignment may be necessary.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael
2001-10-05
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Department of State's Patterns of Global Terrorism Report: Trends, State Sponsors, and Related Issues [June 1, 2004]
"This report highlights trends and data found in the State Departments annual Patterns of Global Terrorism report, (Patterns 2003) and addresses selected issues relating to its content. On April 29, 2004, the Department of State released its annual Patterns of Global Terrorism report. Data at release showed minimal change in the number of terrorist attacks worldwide in 2003 over 2002 levels- a decrease from 198 attacks to 190. In 2003, the overall number of reported anti-U.S. attacks remained more or less constant as well, 82 anti-U.S. attacks in 2003 as opposed to 77 attacks in the previous year. In 2003, the number of persons killed in international terrorist attacks was 307, down from 725 in 2002. In 2003, persons wounded numbered 1,593, down from 2013 the previous year. In 2003, as in 2002, both the highest number of attacks (70) and highest number of casualties (159 dead and 951 wounded) continued to occur in Asia. Notably, the report defines terrorist acts as incidents directed against noncombatants. Thus, attacks in Iraq on military targets are not included."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael
2004-06-01
