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• Yemen: Background and U.S. Relations [June 8, 2011]

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  "Unrest in the Arab world has amplified existing political tension in Yemen. Sustained mass protests and President Ali Abdullah Saleh's attempts to preempt a broad crisis with concessions have concentrated U.S. and international attention on the daunting array of political and development challenges facing Yemen. Congress and U.S. policymakers may be concerned with prospects for stabilizing Yemen and establishing strong bilateral relations with future Yemeni leaders. With limited natural resources, a crippling illiteracy rate, and high population growth, some observers believe Yemen is at risk for becoming a failed state. In 2009, Yemen ranked 140 out of 182 countries on the United Nations Development Program's Human Development Index, a score comparable to the poorest sub-Saharan African countries. Over 43% of the population of nearly 24 million people lives below the poverty line, and per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated to be between $650 and $800. Yemen is largely dependent on external aid from Persian Gulf countries, Western donors, and international financial institutions, though its per capita share of assistance is below the global average. […] Whether terrorist groups in Yemen, such as Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), have a long-term ability to threaten U.S. homeland security may determine the extent of U.S. resources committed to counterterrorism and stabilization efforts there. Some believe these groups lack such capability and fear the United States might overreact; others assert that Yemen is gradually becoming a failed state and safe haven for Al Qaeda operatives and as such should be considered an active theater for U.S. counterterrorism operations."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell

  2011-06-08
• U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command: Comparison of Decontamination Technologies for Biological Agent on Selected Commercial Surface Materials

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  The BW-IRP is a multi-year program designed to identify, evaluate, and demonstrate the best practical approaches to improve BW domestic preparedness. Through the use of multiagency workshops on bioterrorism response the BW-IRP developed a response template that could function as a model for cities to use when developing their own bio terrorism response plan. Along with the medical response template, 28 gaps in biological warfare response were identified. One response gap identified was how do you decontaminate a public building after a bio terrorism attack. This test and associated report address the gap of how to decontaminate a building that has been contaminated with a biological agent. This study evaluates available technologies (mostly research-scale) on the basis of to what level these technologies reduce the spore contamination on panels of different materials, which represent office environments. The testing platform consisted of six vertical surfaces, each made of a different material which could be commonly found in a typical civilian office environment. These test surfaces were uniformly contaminated with the bacterial agent simulant, bacillus globigii, BG and then sampled to determine the concentration level of the contamination at time zero (t=0). The test participants decontaminated the panels using their technology and procedure. The following day, the test panels were sampled again by swabbing to check for surviving BG spores. Performing best in the overall rankings were University of Michigan (U.Mich.), Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) and Lawrence Livermore Laboratory (LLNL). The data suggest that the material surfaces most receptive to decontamination of agent simulant BG are Painted Metal, Painted Wallboard and Panel Fabric. The decontamination technologies were less effective on the porous surfaces. No technology was able to fully-decontaminate all surfaces in this test.

  U.S. Army Chemical and Biological Defense Command

  O'Connor, Laurel E.

  2001-04
• Memorandum of Agreement between the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence on Guidelines for Access, Retention, Use, and Dissemination by the National Counterterrorism Center of Terrorism Information Contained within Datasets Identified as Including Non-Terrorism Information and Information Pertaining Exclusively to Domestic Terrorism

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  "Section 102A(b) of the National Security Act of 1947, as amended, provides that '[u]less otherwise directed by the President, the Director of National Intelligence shall have access to all national intelligence and intelligence related to the national security which is collected by any Federal department, agency, or other entity, except as otherwise provided by law or, as appropriate, under guidelines agreed upon by the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence.' This Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) establishes such guidelines between the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence as called for in section 102A of the National Security Act of 1947, as amended, to govern the access, retention, use, and dissemination by [National Counterterrorism Center] of terrorism information that is contained within datasets that are identified as including non-terrorism information and information pertaining exclusively to domestic terrorism."

  United States. Department of Justice. Office of the Attorney General; United States. Office of the Director of National Intelligence

  2008
• State and Local Anti-Terrorism Training Program

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  To help our nation's law enforcement and intelligence agencies confront these threats, the State and Local Anti-Terrorism Training (SLATT) Program provides training in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting extremist criminal activity, including activity that is inspired by international events. This focus distinguishes SLATT training from first responder and related weapons of mass destruction/nuclear, biological, and chemical response training provided to emergency service personnel. In response to the September 11 attacks, SLATT expanded its training and research on foreign-inspired terrorism to include specific organizations believed to be involved in the attacks. SLATT is a joint effort of the Institute for Intergovernmental Research (IIR) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It is funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) of the U.S. Department of Justice. BJA provides leadership and resources to state, local, and tribal governments and communities to reduce crime, violence, and drug abuse and to strengthen the nation's criminal justice system. BJA provides this assistance through formula and discretionary grants, training and technical assistance, publications, and the BJA Web site.SLATT specialized courses are designed for state and local law enforcement executives, command personnel, intelligence officers, investigators, training directors, and prosecutors. Terrorism Overview and Identification of Terrorist and Extremist Crimes---Offers a global perspective of terrorism and criminal extremism by addressing international, domestic, and special-interest groups, organizations, and ideologies. Richard R. Nedelkoff, Directorww.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA.

  United States. Bureau of Justice Assistance

  2002-04
• Combating Terrorism: Protecting the United States, Parts I and II: Hearings Before the Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans Affairs and International Relations of the Committee on Government Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred Seventh Congress, Second Session, March 12 & 21, 2002

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  From the opening statement of Christopher Shays: "How prepared are we for the next act of terrorism? Long before the events of September 11, 2001, panels of experts and special commissions identified critically needed actions to improve counterterrorism preparedness and response. The General Accounting Office, GAO and others, called for timely, integrated threat assessments and a comprehensive national strategy to combat terrorism as early as 1998. The U.S. Commission on National Security, 21st Century, also called the Hart-Rudman Commission, proposed creation of a cabinet level homeland security department to streamline and consolidate counterterrorism programs spread across more than 40 Federal departments and agencies. Governors and mayors joined the call for better first responder training and improved public health systems. In the wake of the airline and anthrax attacks last year, air travel has been made somewhat safer, border security strengthened, and medical stockpiles are being augmented. The President created the Office of Homeland Security, and Governor Ridge has as his first priority formulation of a national strategy framework for domestic preparedness and consequence management. But there are signs the passage of time and pictures of a war being fought on the other side of the world may be inducing a false sense of security here at home. All checked baggage on airlines is not yet being screened. Seaports remain avoidably vulnerable. Proposals to merge border security functions have met stubborn resistance." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Paul L. Bremer III, Randall J. Larsen, Joseph Cirincione, Henry L. Hinton, Frank Keating, Peter Verga, Kenneth O. Burris, James Caruso, Joseph R. Green, Stephen McHale, Edwin Meese III, William Raub, and Christopher Shays.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2003
• S. Hrg. 107-212: Legislative Options to Strengthen Homeland Defense: Hearing before the Committee on Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundred Seventh Congress, First Session, October 12, 2001

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  S. Hrg. 107-212: This hearing discusses and examines various legislative proposals to strengthen homeland security. S. 1449 would create a statutory White House office with a Senate-confirmed director responsible for coordinating government-wide terrorism policy. A House bill, sponsored by Representatives Gibbons and Harman, would also create a White House office with strong budget authority to coordinate programs to defend against terrorism and other homeland threats. The second bill is S. 1534, a proposal that would establish a Department of National Homeland Security. This bill would bring under a single administrative umbrella the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Customs Service, the Border Patrol, the Coast Guard and other offices responsible for critical infrastructure protection. These agencies would be organized into three functional directorates for prevention, protection and preparation to respond. The head of the department would be a cabinet secretary who would be subject to Senate confirmation and thus, accountable to Congress and the American people. The Committee will also hear from Senator Smith about legislation he has offered to create a Domestic Terrorism Preparedness Council that would be charged with developing and implementing a terrorism preparedness plan. Representative Gilchrist has a similar measure pending in the House. Statements, letters, and material submitted for the record include those of the following: Joseph I. Lieberman, Fred Thompson, Robert F. Bennett, Daniel K. Akaka, Richard J. Durbin, George V. Voinovich, Susan M. Collins, Carl Levin, Jean Carnahan, Jim Bunning, Bob Graham, Arlen Specter, Bob Smith, Wayne T. Gilchrest, Jane Harman, Mac Thornberry, Lee H. Hamilton, Barry R. McCaffrey, Charles G. Boyd, Stephen E. Flynn, Thomas H. Stanton, Comptroller General of the U.S. General Accounting Office, August 6, 2001, prepared statement, Dianne Feinstein, Jim Gibbons, Steven C. LaTourette, and Ivo H. Daalder.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2002
• Vulnerability Methodology Assessment Report

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  "In July 2002, the President approved the 'National Strategy for Homeland Security,' establishing a road map for the national effort to prevent and respond to acts of terrorism in the United States. The 'National Strategy' recognizes the vital role of state and local public safety agencies in providing for the security of our homeland. In February 2003, the President signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Resolution, 2003, Public Law 108-7 that provides state and local governments with the vital funding they require to participate in the national effort to combat terrorism. In April 2003, the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003, provided additional funds to expand and continue these efforts. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) reflects the intent of Congress and the Administration to enhance and quantify the preparedness of the nation to combat terrorism. Whereas most states and municipalities have strengthened their overall capability to respond to acts of terrorism involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive (CBRNE) weapons, there continues to be room for improvement in meeting our national priorities of preventing and responding to terrorist attacks."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office for Domestic Preparedness

  Mencer, Constance Suzanne, 1947-

  2003-12-16
• Personal Perspective: Evolution of Intelligence Reform, 2002-2004

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  "Preliminary accounts explaining how and why major organizational reform of the US intelligence establishment finally occurred after 9/11 have appeared. So far, none has been satisfactory, although I believe Michael Allen (currently the staff director of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) and former senior National Security Council (NSC) official) is preparing a good one. There are some gaps in published knowledge that I can help fill. Before I provide my view of the events that led directly to the passage of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (IRTPA) of December 2004, I wish to offer a perspective on the basic choices that were to be made with intelligence reorganization. Because the legislation itself involved so many points of detail, fundamental issues can be obscured. The basic issues were: How much centralized managerial authority was required? Where should this authority be located in the government? A starting point was the struggle between CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia, and the Pentagon. This long-running tug-of-war was complicated by 9/11 and the increased salience of domestic intelligence that followed. Then the issue was complicated again by the Iraq War controversy and arguments about analytical quality and detachment. All three of these concerns influenced the law that emerged at the end of 2004. Apart from the broader reorganization of the Intelligence Community (IC), another significant reform was the establishment of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). This innovation has been important in counterterrorism (CT) work. It has also spurred some attention as a novel way of organizing other joint work, federal and intergovernmental. The NCTC model is also getting some notice from folks puzzling over how to organize cybersecurity work."

  United States. Central Intelligence Agency

  Zelikow, Philip, 1954-

  2012-09
• Leveraging Rural America in the Fight against Terrorism in America through the Use of Conservation Districts

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  From the thesis abstract: "A vast, untapped resource is available to the federal government and the Department of Homeland Security in the war on terror. The citizens that comprise rural America have long been ignored by the efforts to wage the war on terror, and have been told, along with their urban counterparts, that the government would wage the war on terror, not citizens. […]The findings and recommendations of this research advocate the creation of a domestic intelligence-gathering network, which utilizes the nation's 2,946 local conservation districts to interact with rural citizens. Conservation districts, as a unit of local government, occupy a unique place in their local communities due to their nonregulatory nature. As a result, they have a high degree of trust in their local communities. Conservation districts would forge a partnership with rural Americans and state fusion centers for information gathering purposes. Intelligence analysts would analyze that information at the state fusion center and use it to support the war on terror. In this way, the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. intelligence community could leverage rural America as a force multiplier."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)

  Eller, William L.

  2010-03
• Forging a Framework to Improve the Emergency Management Community's Ability to Respond to a Nuclear or Radiological Weapons Attack

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  From the thesis abstract: "Despite dire predictions from the federal government, academia, and private research institutions about the threat posed by nuclear and radiological terrorism, the federal government has yet to develop an overarching organizational framework to collectively plan and prepare for the horrendous consequences of such an attack. In addition, the federal government has yet to develop even a modest program to provide technical planning and preparedness assistance to those local officials charged with coordinating the response to nuclear or radiological terrorism â€" the local emergency manager. In order to reduce the loss of life, social panic, and the direct and indirect economic loss caused by a nuclear or radiological terror attack, the federal government should pursue the creation of a suite of strategic national and regional organizational innovations designed explicitly to prepare our nation's emergency management community and other first responders for their critical roles during a large-scale radiological response. First amongst these innovations should be the promulgation of a new Homeland Security Presidential Directive establishing a Domestic Nuclear Preparedness Office. Such organizational improvements, coupled with an aggressive field-level technical assistance planning, training, and exercise outreach campaign, will enable the United States to build a sophisticated and coordinated nuclear and radiological terrorism preparedness and response system."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)

  Massey, Patrick J.

  2007-03
• Bioterrorism: Legislation to Improve Public Health Preparedness and Response Capacity [January 31, 2002]

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  From the Document: "The recent anthrax attacks, though small in scale compared to the scenarios envisioned by bioterrorism experts, strained the public health system and raised concern that the nation is insufficiently prepared to respond to bioterrorist attacks. Improving public health preparedness and response capacity offers protection not only from bioterrorist attacks, but also from naturally occurring public health emergencies. In December 2001, the House and Senate each passed legislation (H.R. 3448, S. 1765) to improve the public health systems capacity to respond to bioterrorism. This legislation builds on the programs and authorities established in Title III of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act by the Public Health Threats and Emergencies Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-505, Title I). While the two bills are similar in many respects, there are several key differences that will be addressed in conference. The Senate bill (S. 1765) would authorize a total of $3.25 billion in FY2002 to increase the public health systems bioterrorism preparedness and response capability, including $640 million to expand the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile (NPS), $509 million to purchase smallpox vaccine, and $1.46 billion for grants to state and local health departments and hospitals. S. 1765 would also strengthen regulation of domestic and imported food by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and give the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) new authority to safeguard the nations agricultural industry from the threat of bioterrorism."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Redhead, C. Stephen; Vogt, Donna U.; Tiemann, Mary

  2002-01-31
• National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC)--Responsibilities and Potential Congressional Concerns [January 15, 2010]

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  "The National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) was established in 2004 to ensure that information from any source about potential terrorist acts against the U.S. could be made available to analysts and that appropriate responses could be planned. Investigations of the 9/11 attacks had demonstrated that information possessed by different agencies had not been shared and thus that disparate indications of the looming threat had not been connected and warning had not been provided. [...] Two recent incidents--the assassination by an Army Major of some 13 individuals at Fort Hood Army Base on November 5, 2009 and the failed attempt to trigger a bomb on an airliner approaching Detroit on December 25, 2009--led to increased concern about counterterrorism capabilities domestically and internationally. An Executive Branch assessment of the December bombing attempt concluded that, whereas information sharing had been adequate, analysts had failed to 'connect the dots' and achieve an understanding of an ongoing plot. Attention has focused on the NCTC which is responsible for ensuring both the sharing of information and for all-source analysis of terrorist issues. Congressional hearings have been scheduled to review what was known in advance about the individuals involved in these two incidents. Congress may choose to go further to review the statutory responsibilities of NCTC as well as the record of the Center since it was established in 2004. This Report will be updated as more information becomes available."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Best, Richard A.

  2010-01-15
• State and Local Perspectives on Federal Information Sharing, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence of the Committee on Homeland Security, United States House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, Second Session, September 8, 2016

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  This testimony compilation is from the September 8, 2016 hearing, "State and Local Perspectives on Federal Information Sharing," before the House Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence. From the opening statement of Subcommittee Chairman Peter King: "While carrying out critical security and public safety missions, U.S. law enforcement is facing an increased threat environment. Since September 11, 2001, there have been 166 plots within the United States linked to Islamist terror groups with the vast majority occurring since 2009. In May, FBI Director Comey stated that the Bureau has over 800 open cases related to individuals in the U.S. with links to ISIS [Islamic State of Iraq and Syria]. The terror group has called for attacks against law enforcement directly. In January 2015, a statement from the now deceased spokesman for ISIS, Abu Mohammad al-Adnani, called on supporters to 'rise up and kill intelligence officers, police officers, soldiers, and civilians.' [...] Also troubling is the increase in domestic threats against law enforcement. In some tragic instances, these threats have turned into violence. The National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund website reports there have been 11 shooting ambush attacks on law enforcement in 2016 to date." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Richard Beary, Mike Sena, and Cedric Alexander.

  United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security

  2016-09-08
• Terrorist Financing and State Response [Self-Study Course]

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  This self-study course was developed by the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security. "This course examines exactly how far we have come in our understanding of the ways in which terrorists raise, store, and transfer funds. It also evaluates challenges facing the U.S. government and international community in responding to this problem. In each module, we use a mix of official reports, academic papers, and other works to explore the subject and identify problems with the received wisdom about terrorist financing. Our goal is to develop the knowledge to critically assess claims about terrorist financing and the tools to think seriously about how to combat it. Developing an understanding of how tenuous knowledge about this subject is will make us better consumers of policy recommendations and intelligence reports. More importantly, it will make us better producers of government policy." The course includes the following modules: Module 1: Managing Terrorist Organizations; Module 2: Historical Overview of Terrorist Financing; Module 3: Mechanisms for Raising, Transfer, and Storage of Terrorist Funds; Module 4: Case Studies in Terrorism Financing; Module 5: Domestic Responses to Terrorism Financing; and Module 6: International Responses to Terrorism Financing.

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security

  Shapiro, Jacob

  2011-06
• Intelligence Reform: The 'Phoenix' of 9/11?

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  From the thesis abstract: "On Wednesday, 12 September 2001 before the dust had settled in Lower Manhattan, the attacks began on the Intelligence Community. Someone had to shoulder the blame and the most logical target was the Intelligence Community which is responsible for warning policy- makers of looming crises and threats to our national security. Shortly thereafter, Congress launched a joint inquiry, conducted by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. The inquiry concluded that the Intelligence Community had plenty of strategic warning regarding an imminent spectacular" event prior to 11 September, but lacked actionable" intelligence to tell specifically when, where, and how such an attack might occur. This paper argues that the pre-911 I national security structure was not optimized to deal with complex transnational threats, such as international terrorism, which blur the lines between national security and crime. It shows how our strategic focus which served U.S. policy makers well during the Cold War fell short in warning against terrorism. It explains how the mandate to protect civil rights and preserve enduring American values has clashed with security concerns and U.S. interests. Further, the paper reviews the recommendations of various recent committees regarding intelligence reform. It concludes by recommending a revised national security structure that more effectively integrates foreign and domestic intelligence collection and analysis without compromising the rights of U.S. citizens-and one that will enhance our ability to preempt, disrupt and defeat terrorism."

  Army War College (U.S.)

  Schalch, Margaret E.

  2003-04-07
• Law vs. War: Competing Approaches to Fighting Terrorism

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  "The readings in this volume address one of the fundamental assumptions underlying the conduct of the War on Terrorismthe nature of our enemy, whether perpetrators of terrorist activities are criminals or soldiers (combatants). Although the United States recognizes that terrorist acts are certainly illegal, it has chosen to treat, in many ways, perpetrators as combatants; but much of the world, including many of our traditional allies, have opted for a purely legalistic approach. Disagreement about assumptions is not the only basis for divergent policies for confronting terrorism, but certainly explains much of our inability to agree on strategies to overcome what we recognize as a serious common and persistent international problem. The three articles in this collection of readings were produced from a conference entitled Beyond the U.S. War on Terrorism: Comparing Domestic Legal Remedies to an International Dilemma. The conference was sponsored by the John Bassett Moore Society of International Law, University of Virginia School of Law, in cooperation with the Strategic Studies Institute, U.S. Army War College, and was held February 25-26, 2005. This well-organized conference brought together an outstanding array of speakers, representing academia, government, military, and practitioners; individuals who are at the center of the debate about applying legal remedies to our most pressing international issuethe War on Terrorism."

  Army War College (U.S.). Strategic Studies Institute

  Boyne, Shawn; German, Michael

  2005-07
• S. Hrg. 112-436; Serial No. J-112-50: Oversight of the U.S. Department of Justice, Hearing Before the Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, First Session, November 8, 2011

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  From the opening statement of Patrick J. Leahy: "When Attorney General Holder was here in May, details were just emerging about the successful military and intelligence operation that killed Osama bin Laden, which did provide a measure of justice and closure for Americans resulting from the horrific attacks of September 11th. That was not an isolated success; during the last few years, the Obama administration has successfully reinvigorated, retooled, and refocused our National security efforts. Now, the Attorney General, as he is in any administration, is a key member of that national security team. Under his leadership, the Justice Department last month foiled an assassination attempt in the United States of the Saudi Ambassador to the United States and prevented a major act of terrorism on U.S. soil. Last week, four men in Georgia were arrested in a domestic terrorism plot, accused of planning to use guns, bombs, and the toxic poison ricin to kill Federal and State officials. Earlier this year, the Christmas Day bomber, who was convicted in Federal court, pled guilty and faced a possible life sentence. Now, we have to ensure that we do all we can to assist efforts to bring terrorists to justice by providing the administration with the full array of authorities and options we need in our counterterrorism efforts. […] I urge that as they engage in important oversight, Senators respect the need for law enforcement and prosecutors to do their jobs to address the serious threat of violence posed by these brutal drug cartels. I do not think anyone wants to hamper the efforts of law enforcement agents against the Mexican cartels, including the ongoing criminal investigation and prosecution related to the tragic murder of Agent Brian Terry." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Chuck Grassley; Patrick J. Leahy; Eric H. Holder, Jr.; Jon Corzine; Pat Quinn; Robert F. McDonnell; Jack Markell; Chris Collins; Ed Emmett; Pat Quinn; Mitch Daniels; Michael R. Bloomberg; Roosevelt Allen, Jr.; Robert Moore; Lyndon Bode; Stephen Nodine; Sam Cochran; Carlos A. Gimenez; Michael A. Delaney; Sonny Perdue; David A. Paterson; Marlin N. Gusman; Howard R. Bradley; Martin O'Malley; Michel Claudet; Andre J. Spano; Chuck Canterbury; and Ronald Weich.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2012
• Air Force Antiterrorism (AT) Program

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  Air Force Antiterrorism (AT) Program. The Air Force AT program seeks to deter or blunt terrorist acts against the US Air Force by giving guidance on collecting and disseminating timely threat information, creating awareness programs, allocating funds and personnel, and implementing defensive measures. The US position on terrorism is unequivocal: Firm opposition to terrorism in all its forms and wherever it takes place. Several national security decision directives as well as the statements by the President and senior officials confirm this policy: The US Government is opposed to domestic and international terrorism and is prepared to act in concert with other nations or unilaterally when necessary to prevent or respond to terrorist acts.

  United States. Department of the Air Force

  1998-03-17
• Terrorism and National Security: Issues and Trends [Updated April 21, 2006]

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  "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."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Perl, Raphael

  2006-04-21
• Morocco: Current Issues [December 20, 2011]

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  "The United States government views Morocco as an important ally against terrorism and a free trade partner. Congress appropriates foreign assistance funding for Morocco for counterterrorism and socioeconomic development, including funding in support of a five-year, $697.5 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) aid program agreed to in 2007. Congress also reviews and authorizes Moroccan purchases of U.S. defense articles. U.S. officials have expressed support for Morocco's political reform efforts while reiterating strong support for the monarchy. Morocco's comprehensive approach to countering terrorism involves security measures, economic reforms, control of religious outlets, education, and international cooperation. Morocco experienced devastating terrorist attacks in 2003, and Moroccan nationals have been implicated in attacks and plots overseas. In April 2011, after years without a major domestic attack, a bomb exploded at a tourist café in Marrakesh, killing 17 people, mostly Europeans. Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), considered the greatest regional threat, has not mounted a successful attack in Morocco and denied responsibility for the April bombing. However, individual Moroccans have joined AQIM outside of the country and the group has reportedly attempted to use Moroccan territory as a transit point for regional smuggling operations. Morocco's human rights record is uneven. A number of abuses have been documented along with constraints on freedom of expression. At the same time, the 2004 Family Code is a significant initiative that could improve the socioeconomic rights of women if fully implemented. The king has also sought to provide a public record of abuses perpetrated before he ascended the throne in 1999 and to enhance the rights of ethnic Berbers (Amazigh/Imazighen), the original inhabitants of the region."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Arieff, Alexis

  2011-12-20
• Philippines and the United States 2004-2005: Defining Maturity

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  From the Introduction: '"2004 was an important year for the security relationship between the United States and the Philippines. After several years of rapid improvement, a relatively minor event--the decision to withdraw a small Philippine military contingent from Iraq one month early in response to kidnapper threats to kill a Filipino truck driver--became a symbolically defining moment in the relationship. While both countries acknowledged the overall importance of the partnership, the challenge was to frame the stakes as being more than emboldening terrorists versus protecting Philippine citizens. In other words, 2004 was a year that challenged the maturity of the relationship, with both sides examining how its interests were being served while recognizing the potential for a divergence of those interests going forward.The challenge for the Philippine government was to ensure that the U.S. continued to see a strong relationship with the Philippines as strategically important. The dilemma between saving the life of a Filipino, and potentially others who lived and worked abroad,while remaining strategically significant to the U.S. is symbolic of the general perception in the Philippines of the relationship with the United States. On the one hand, a strong relationship with the U.S. is critical to the well being of the country for a variety of economic, social and political reasons. On the other hand, there is an underlying fear that the security of the Filipino people will be sacrificed for the sake of the relationship. In 2004 President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said she would put the Filipino people first in the equation. That decision was consistent with the approach her administration has taken to the American global war on terror. By emphasizing the Philippine dimension of that war,she has worked to enlist American support for a new domestic economic development and reform agenda focused on underlying causes rather than on the involvement of international terrorists. For Arroyo, this has been driven primarily by the imperatives of political survival. Her message to the U.S. has been that combating terrorism in the Philippines is more nuanced than a 'with us or with the terrorists' formulation."

  Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies

  Baker, Carl

  2005-02
• Military Strategy for Central Asia

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  "After 11 September 2001, Central Asia rose from relative strategic obscurity to major importance as the United States began to prosecute the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). Central Asia is geographically critical to the GWOT with basing and over-flight access for U.S. and coalition forces conducting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, as well as for NATO forces participating in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul. The region's weak and poorly developed state institutions make some of the Central Asian states - if not all of them - potentially ripe for domestic instability and external antagonisms. Since gaining their independence in 1991, Central Asian nations have witnessed a bloody civil war in Tajikistan, insurgent activity in the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan, and assassination attempts on the Turkmen and Uzbek presidents. The region has become a nexus of increased political, military, economic, and religious interest and activities of regional and external powers. Given renewed U.S. interest in Central Asia, the nation requires a military strategy for the region. This paper will propose such a strategy after examining several issues relating to the development of such a strategy. What U.S. interests are at stake in Central Asia? What objectives(s) (ends) should the United States pursue, given the complex strategic environment in and around Central Asia? What methodologies or concepts (ways) should the nation employ in using the military instrument of power to achieve these ends and with what resources (means)? Finally, what are the risks facing the U.S. in implementing this strategy?"

  Army War College (U.S.)

  Chicky, Jon E.

  2004-05-03
• Army Reserve Role in Military Support to Civil Authorities: A New Approach for the 21st Century

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  Natural and manmade disasters are dynamic, untimely and stressful occurrences. Scientists from around the world have predicted ever-increasing, dramatic changes to the global environment. International terrorism and other asymmetric threats will increase within our borders. The potential for disasters has never been greater. During the foreseeable future, the U.S. military is expected to operate in a climate of tight budgets and increased missions while reducing its personnel. The time has come for the U.S. Army Reserve to play a key leadership role in domestic disaster relief. This country's military was founded on the concept of the citizen-soldier, dedicated to the nation. This paper will explore new ways the U.S. Army Reserve can be used as a significant team-player in the management of military response to domestic disaster relief operations, given an uncertain and volatile future in the 21st Century.

  Army War College (U.S.)

  Fraley, James A., Jr.

  1998
• Fast Guns and the Posse Comitatus Act

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  Transnational threats, such as terrorism and international drug crime, and civil disturbances bode future domestic support operations in the realm of law enforcement for the U.S. military. The reserve components will play a key role in the growing homeland defense mission and will have to be integrated into the mission to provide the United States with an effective deterrent to potential domestic crises. The Posse Comitatus Act (PCA) generally precludes the use of federal forces to perform law enforcement actions. There are numerous constitutional and statutory exceptions to the PCA which allow U.S. military forces to conduct law enforcement operations. This paper examines national and military strategy focused on the homeland defense policy within the context of the ends-ways-means model. Countervailing civil-military relations policy concerns arising out of the PCA are identified and the history of federal forces use under the PCA discussed. Finally recommendations are made for an overarching homeland defense policy.

  Army War College (U.S.)

  Gallavan, Christopher G.

  1999-04-15
• Department of Defense's Preparation to Support Domestic Emergencies as a U.S. Vital Interest

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  Emerging threats of terrorism and WMD pose the greatest danger to U. S. vital interests at home over the next 20 years. DoD is actively engaged in military assistance to civil authorities (MACA) and its role is growing. The frequent use of military forces in supporting domestic operations and the growing probability of asymmetrical threats directed against the territory and citizens of the United States requires a significantly increased emphasis on the military's role to support MACA. Despite recent changes to improve DoD structure and control of MACA, DoD remains unprepared to respond to domestic disasters and the emerging threats to our homeland. This paper examines emerging threats to U. S. vital interests at home, reviews current policies, describes the complex and fragmented procedures for providing MACA, and makes recommendations to improve DoD's ability to provide MACA in order to enhance security at home. This paper recommends transferring executive agency responsibility to CINCUSJFCOM as the single agency to coordinate MACA policy, planning and response; that DoD adopt MACA as a core mission in order to program and resource requirements, that the National Strategy address both conventional and asymmetric threats to our nation, and that the National Guard adopt this larger role for MACA.

  Army War College (U.S.)

  Crook, Kenneth R.

  2000-04-10
• Analysis of the U.S. Water Infrastructure from a Security Perspective

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  "The U.S. National Security Strategy for Homeland Security identifies the U.S. water infrastructure as one of the nation's critical infrastructures. Experts and several reports to Congress point out the vulnerabilities of domestic water supply and distribution systems to terrorism and the ramifications of a successful attack. Starting in the late 1990s, the federal government implemented a host of actions intended to protect domestic water supplies. Despite these efforts, critical vulnerabilities remain within the water infrastructure, especially in understanding threat vulnerabilities, in developing long-term federal funding strategies, in appropriate information-sharing, and in incorporating technologies. This paper analyzes the nation's water infrastructure, reviews relevant threat vulnerabilities, and explores needed responses by federal, state, and local governments and private industry authorities. This paper identifies open strategic issues needing immediate attention and provides recommendations for a unified, comprehensive strategy to address the security concerns within the U.S. water infrastructure."

  Army War College (U.S.)

  Grosskruger, Paul L.

  2006-03-15
• Pakistan, Madrassas, and Militancy

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  "Following the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, the US government has become increasingly concerned with madrassas, Islamic schools of religious education in Central and South Asia. U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Secretary of State Colin Powell denounced these religious seminaries as radical institutions which produce Islamic jihadists capable of threatening U.S. national security and interests. This thesis examines the history and current evidence available on madrassas. Specifically, it analyzes their historical evolution and reaction to domestic, regional and international developments. It finds that there is little evidence to connect madrassas to transnational terrorism, and that they are not a direct threat to the United States. However, Pakistani madrassas do have ties to domestic and regional violence, particularly Sunni-Shia sectarian violence in Pakistan and the Pakistani-Indian conflict in Kashmir, making them a regional security concern. This thesis argues that the best path for combating religious militancy in madrassas is by helping to create better alternatives to madrassa education, including state run and private schools, and not by targeting madrassas directly."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)

  Billquist, Daniel L.; Colbert, Jason M.

  2006-12
• Serial No. 114-22: Crude Oil Export Ban: Helpful or Hurtful? Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, First Session, April 14, 2015

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  This is the April 14, 2015 hearing on "Crude Oil Export Ban: Helpful or Hurtful?" held before the House Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade. From the opening statement of Ted Poe: "The United States is now the largest crude oil producer in the world. We have more oil than we can refine or store. The majority of U.S. refineries were built to handle heavy, sour crude, but oil production is light, sweet crude. The United States' refineries cannot keep up with the new production. Normally producers would simply pump oil into storage containers, but experts say those storage tanks could fill up before the end of this very month. Instead of exporting excess oil like producers get to do in other nations, the ban is already forcing U.S. oil producers to leave oil in the ground and lay off workers. About 50 percent of the working rigs in my home state of Texas have had to shut down in just the last 6 months. Seventy thousand oil workers have been laid off since Thanksgiving. The solution to this problem is clear: Export crude oil; have the ban lifted so that it can be exported. Critics of lifting the ban are afraid the United States' oil exports will lead to higher domestic gas prices. However, many studies have debunked this myth. Gas prices are more closely linked to the international market, or Brent Price, than the domestic price of crude because refined products like gasoline are traded freely on the international market. So the more crude oil we have, the more we can put on the international market, and the lower the international price of crude. The lower the international price of crude the lower the price of gas for America. " Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Michael McCaul, Joe Barton, Jason Grumet, Elizabeth Rosenberg, Jason Bordoff, and Stephen Kretzmann.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2015
• Report to Congress on the Role of the Department of Defense in Supporting Homeland Security

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  "Homeland security is a concerted national effort to prevent terrorist attacks within the U.S., reduce Americas vulnerability to terrorism, minimize damage, and assist in the recovery from attacks. The Department of Defense (DoD) role in homeland security can be summarized as follows: (1) homeland defense, the military protection of United States territory, domestic population, and critical defense infrastructure and assets from external threats and aggression; and (2) civil support, support to U.S. civil authorities for domestic emergencies and for designated law enforcement and other activities. Civil support missions are undertaken by the Department where its involvement is appropriate and where a clear end state for the Departments role is defined. The Department will seek reimbursement for civil support missions when authorized by law."

  United States. Department of Defense

  2003-09
• Community Engagement for Collective Resilience: The Rising System

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  From the thesis abstract: "Since the inception of the United States Department of Homeland Security, the American public has been told that it has a prominent role to play in the 'War on Terror.' However, this role has not been clearly defined. This thesis explores the viability of community engagement as a tool to promote public safety and homeland security. Research was primarily conducted through a literature review (to understand how engagement impacts safety), and a comparison of four case studies of safety-centric engagement programs in the U.S. and United Kingdom. While several of the programs in the case studies have proven to be effective at developing trust and improving security, the U.S. federal government has not effectively worked with these resources to improve its understanding of the domestic security landscape. This thesis contends that a new system is necessary to connect the federal government to local engagement programs. This may be accomplished with a domestic coordination and engagement system, referred to as the 'Rising System' for the purposes of this thesis. The goal of the Rising System would be threefold: To link federal, state, and local governments; to build on existing community policing and outreach efforts to help at-risk communities identify their greatest challenges; and to provide a forum where community members can safely work with their government to develop solutions."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)

  Farrell, John L.

  2012-09