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National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) [July 11, 2018]
"The National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) is one of several mission centers operating within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. NCTC was established in August 2004 as the primary U.S. government organization responsible for analyzing and integrating all intelligence - except intelligence solely related to domestic terrorism - pertaining to terrorism and counterterrorism (CT)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
DeVine, Michael E.; Peters, Heidi M.
2018-07-11
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Serial No. 115-87: U.S. Department of State Counterterrorism Bureau: The FY 2018 Budget, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, First Session, September 7, 2017
This is the September 7, 2017 hearing on "U.S. Department of State Counterterrorism Bureau: the FY 2018 Budget" held before the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. From the opening statement of William R. Keating: "Terrorist attacks, we have witnessed, take innocent lives and wreak havoc in communities not just domestically but around the world. And they underscore how critical the issue is for promoting greater security for us here at home and for our families around the world because of these great and challenging threats. [...] We cannot shut down terrorist financing networks, support new democratic governments, stimulate investment and economic growth, track foreign fighters, and train law enforcement and counterterrorism units on securing our communities by ourselves. Yet these and so many other steps are necessary and if we want to live in a world we do not have to wake up daily to new developments in the fight against terror, we will have to address these issues. And our diplomats, Foreign Service officers, and countless individuals serving their country at the State Department make our partnerships and cooperation with other countries possible. State Department funding provides the relief, training, and investment that is critical for generating the stability and security needed for eradicating the threat of terrorism." Statements, Letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Nathan Alexander Sales.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2018
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Serial No. 115-38: Looking North: Assessing the Current Threat at the U.S.-Canada Border, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, Second Session, November 14, 2017
This is November 14, 2017 hearing on "Looking North: Assessing the Current Threat at the U.S.-Canada Border," held before the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security of the Committee on Homeland Security. From the opening statement of Martha McSally: "When Congress talks about border security, it is usually in reference to the Southwest Border where my community is. However, we cannot ignore the threats we face along the Northern Border. At almost 4,000 miles long, including a long, liquid border with the Great Lakes, our shared border with Canada is a situational awareness challenge that requires a much different strategy than that on the Southwest Border. To address these challenges, DHS needs to develop a coherent Northern Border strategy and implementation plan to protect our northern frontier. Last year, Congressman John Katko led Congressional efforts to pass the Northern Border Threat Analysis Act. This legislation required DHS to focus its attention on National security threats that originate along our Northern Border. The Department finally released a threat analysis this past summer with plans to release the full strategy in January 2018, and an implementation plan to follow that shortly thereafter. Threats identified in the Northern Border analysis include domestic Canadian terror plots and radicalized individuals attempting to enter the United States illegally. Similar to the Southern Border, transnational criminal organizations that control the bidirectional flow of illicit drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, ecstasy, and marijuana, also pose a threat." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Michael Dougherty, Scott A. Luck, Kevin Kelly, and Michael Marchand.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2018
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Serial No. 115-37: Combating Homegrown Terrorism, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on National Security of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, First Session, July 27, 2017
This is the July 27, 2017 hearing on "Combating Homegrown Terrorism" held before the Subcommittee on National Security of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. From the opening statement of Ron DeSantis: "In the words of DHS Secretary John Kelly, the United States is experiencing a, quote, 'unprecedented spike in homegrown terrorism.' Currently, the FBI has open terrorism investigations in all 50 States. As of June 2017, the U.S. Government has charged 128 individuals with offenses related to the Islamic State over the last three years. Radical Islamic extremism is the primary driver of this problem and deserves the government's immediate attention. In recent years, the Federal Government has sought to combat this problem under the guise of a program called Countering Violent Extremism, or CVE. Three cities were used to conduct pilot programs: Los Angeles, Boston, and Minneapolis. Minneapolis is a particularly troublesome area, as it is a major center of Islamic terrorist activity. The region is home to the largest concentration of Somali refugees and has been the epicenter for domestic radicalization. [...] Today, the subcommittee seeks to understand what this administration's policy is for countering violent extremism. According to DHS, this policy is currently under review, and DHS has declined to share any details about this process, including when this review is supposed to be complete and which organizations are participating. For Congress' immediate purposes, we must determine what is driving DHS's agenda: the assumptions of the Obama era about countering this threat or the President's pledge to put political correctness aside and defeat the Islamic State at home and abroad." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Kerry Sleeper, George Selim, Raheel Raza, Adnan Kifayat, and Seamus Hughes.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2018
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S. Hrg. 115-397: Open Hearing on Foreign Influence Operations' Use of Social Media Platforms (Third Party Expert Witnesses), Hearing Before the Select Committee on Intelligence of the United States Senate, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, Second Session, August 1, 2018
This is the August 1, 2018 hearing on "Open Hearing on Foreign Influence Operations' Use of Social Media Platforms (Third Party Expert Witnesses)," held before the United States Senate Committee on Intelligence. From the opening statement of Richard Burr: "We're here to discuss a threat to the Nation that this Committee takes every bit as seriously as terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, espionage and regional instability. Today we're talking about how social media platforms have enabled foreign influence operations against the United States. Every member of this Committee and the American people understand what an attack on the integrity of our electoral process means. Election interference from abroad represents an intolerable assault on the democratic foundation this republic was built on. The Committee, in a bipartisan fashion, has addressed this issue head on. In May, we released the initial findings of our investigation into Russia's targeting of election infrastructure during the 2016 election. Today's hearing is an extension of that effort. But in some ways it highlights something far more sinister, the use of our own rights and freedoms to weaken our country from within. It's also important that the American people know that these activities neither began nor ended with the 2016 election. As you can see on the one graph on display to my left, your right, the Kremlin began testing this capability on their domestic population several years ago, before using it against their foes in the Near Abroad and on the United States and Western democracies." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Todd Helmus, Renee DiResta, John Kelly, Laura Rosenberger, and Philip Howard.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2018
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National Strategy for Combating Terrorist and Other Illicit Financing
"The United States has the world's largest financial system. On any given day, U.S. financial institutions process trillions of dollars of transactions originating both domestically and from all across the globe. The stability and transparency of the U.S. financial system make it an attractive destination for trade and investment, but also make the United States an attractive target for illicit finance activity. This activity can include fundraising by terrorist groups and their supporters and facilitators; financial transactions that facilitate weapons of mass destruction (WMD) proliferators; and money laundering by drug-trafficking organizations, organized crime groups, and perpetrators of fraud. To address the risk of these activities, the U.S. government has developed a robust anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/ CFT) framework built upon sound laws and regulations, effective implementation, and balanced enforcement."
United States. Department of the Treasury
2018
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South Carolina National Guard Secure Area Duty Officer Program: A Reserve Component Active Shooter Contingency Case Study
From the thesis abstract; "On July 16, 2015, five military reservists were murdered during an active shooter attack on two reserve component military facilities. This act of domestic terrorism was only the latest in a series targeting U.S. military facilities in recent years. Since the Fort Hood Massacre in 2009, at least 37 military personnel have been killed and 55 wounded while at their place of duty in the United States. In response to this threat the South Carolina National Guard, in collaboration with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, established an active shooter contingency program called the Secure Area Duty Officer Program, or SADOP. The focus of this single case study thesis is to determine whether SADOP is an effective method to mitigate risk posed by the dynamic active shooter threat. The assertion that this innovative approach achieves its purpose is supported by the deliberate development methodology and interviews with key decision makers instrumental in the crisis-action response concept planning and program implementation. The findings of this study indicate that SADOP resourcefully employs a force protection framework tailored to the success of the reserve component as opposed to obliging its organizations to utilize legacy force-protection regulations designed by and for the active component of the military."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Ramey, Barry N.
2017-12
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Armed Conflict in Syria: Overview and U.S. Response
"The Syrian civil war, now in its seventh year, continues to present new challenges for U.S. policymakers. Following a deadly chemical weapons attack in Syria on April 4, 2017, and subsequent U.S. defensive strikes against Syrian military infrastructure and pro-Syrian regime forces, several Members of Congress have called on the President to consult with Congress about Syria strategy. Some Members have questioned the President's authority to launch strikes against Syria in the absence of specific prior authorization from Congress. In the past, some in Congress have expressed concern about the international and domestic authorizations for such strikes in Syria, their potential unintended consequences, and the possibility of undesirable or unavoidable escalation of the Syria conflict. [...] U.S. officials and Members of Congress continue to debate how best to pursue U.S. regional security and counterterrorism goals in Syria without inadvertently strengthening U.S. adversaries or alienating U.S. partners. The Trump Administration and Members of the 115th Congress--like their predecessors--face challenges inherent to the simultaneous pursuit of U.S. nonproliferation, counterterrorism, civilian protection, and stabilization goals in Syria's evolving conflict."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humud, Carla E.; Blanchard, Christopher M.; Nikitin, Mary Beth Dunham
2017-10-13
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Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: S. 1884: Reporting Efficiently to Proper Officials in Response to Terrorism Act of 2017
"S. 1884 would require the primary government agency investigating an act of terrorism that occurs in the United States to report to the Congress not later than one year after completing the investigation. That agency would have to collaborate with the Department of Homeland Security and other federal bodies as appropriate. The report would identify weaknesses in national security and recommend additional measures to improve homeland security and prevent terrorist acts. In recent years there have been few incidents of domestic terrorism, so CBO expects that implementing S. 1884 would require a small number of reports each year, on average. Based on the cost of similar activities, CBO estimates that providing the reports would cost less than $500,000 annually; such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds."
United States. Congressional Budget Office
2017-10-12
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Antiterrorism Assistance Program: State Should Improve Data Collection and Participant Oversight, Statement of Jason Bair, Acting Director, International Affairs and Trade, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives
"I am pleased to be here to discuss our work regarding the Department of State's (State) management of its Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) program. Building partner capacity is a central focus of U.S. counterterrorism strategy, and the ATA program is among State's mechanisms for accomplishing that goal. ATA's primary mission is to enhance foreign partners' capabilities to prevent acts of terrorism, address terrorism incidents when they do occur, and apprehend and prosecute those involved in such acts. In fiscal years 2012 through 2016, State allocated about $715 million to the ATA program, which it reports to have used to train about 56,000 security force officials from more than 34 partner nations. At least 2,700 of those participants were trained at facilities in the United States. In December 2015, media reports alleged potential security vulnerabilities at a subcontracted training facility used by ATA in the United States and suggested possible weaknesses in State's management of the ATA program, including the vetting of potential participants, the security of training facilities, and the unauthorized departure of participants from ATA training. My testimony today summarizes the findings from our September 2017 report, which is being released today, on State's ATA program management. This testimony addresses for fiscal years 2012 through 2016, (1) the steps State has taken to ensure that facilities used for domestic ATA training align with applicable facility and equipment security requirements, (2) State's vetting of domestic ATA participants for human rights concerns and terrorist activity screening, and (3) State's ability to oversee ATA participants, including those trained in the United States."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Bair, Jason
2017-10-04
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Antiterrorism Assistance: State Department Should Improve Data Collection and Participant Oversight, Report to the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives
"State's ATA [Antiterrorism Assistance] program aims to enhance foreign partners' capabilities to prevent acts of terrorism, address terrorism incidents when they do occur, and apprehend and prosecute those involved in such acts. In fiscal years 2012 through 2016, State allocated about $715 million to the ATA program, which it reports to have used to train about 56,000 security force officials from more than 34 partner nations. At least 2,700 of those participants were trained at facilities in the United States. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review ATA program management. This report examines, among other objectives, (1) State's ability to oversee ATA participants trained in the United States and (2) the steps State has taken to ensure that facilities used for domestic ATA training align with applicable security requirements. GAO conducted fieldwork at two domestic training facilities selected because they provide tactical training; analyzed State and DHS data and documentation related to fiscal year 2012 through 2016 domestic training participants; and interviewed State and DHS officials, including those who oversee ATA training for three partner nations receiving significant ATA training. GAO also interviewed contractors who help implement the ATA program and analyzed related documents."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2017-09
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Domestic Terrorism: An Overview [August 21, 2017]
"The emphasis of counterterrorism policy in the United States since Al Qaeda's attacks of September 11, 2001 (9/11) has been on jihadist terrorism. However, in the last decade, domestic terrorists-people who commit crimes within the homeland and draw inspiration from U.S.-based extremist ideologies and movements-have killed American citizens and damaged property across the country. Not all of these criminals have been prosecuted under federal terrorism statutes, which does not imply that domestic terrorists are taken any less seriously than other terrorists. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) do not officially designate domestic terrorist organizations, but they have openly delineated domestic terrorist 'threats'. These include individuals who commit crimes in the name of ideologies supporting animal rights, environmental rights, anarchism, white supremacy, anti-government ideals, black separatism, and beliefs about abortion. The boundary between constitutionally protected legitimate protest and domestic terrorist activity has received public attention. This boundary is highlighted by a number of criminal cases involving supporters of animal rights-one area in which specific legislation related to domestic terrorism has been crafted. The Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (P.L. 109-374) expands the federal government's legal authority to combat animal rights extremists who engage in criminal activity. Signed into law in November 2006, it amended the Animal Enterprise Protection Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-346)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bjelopera, Jerome P.
2017-08-21
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National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) [August 18, 2017]
"The National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) is one of several mission centers operating within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. NCTC was established in August 2004 as the primary U.S. government organization responsible for analyzing and integrating all intelligence - except intelligence solely related to domestic terrorism - pertaining to terrorism and counterterrorism (CT)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2017-08-18
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Saudi Arabia: Background and U.S. Relations [June 6, 2017]
"In recent years, shared concerns over Sunni Islamist extremist terrorism and Iranian government policies have provided some renewed logic for continued strategic cooperation. Political upheaval and conflict in the Middle East and North Africa appear to have strained bilateral ties, but the Trump Administration has stated its intent to strengthen ties to the kingdom. Successive U.S. Administrations have referred to the Saudi government as an important partner, and U.S. arms sales and related security cooperation programs have continued with congressional oversight and amid some congressional opposition [...] U.S. policymakers have sought to coordinate with Saudi leaders on regional issues and help them respond to domestic economic and security challenges. Saudi authorities are attempting to reorient and revitalize the nation's economy, while streamlining public expenditure. Shared security challenges have long defined U.S.-Saudi relations, and questions about Saudi domestic and foreign policy may become more pertinent as leadership changes occur in the kingdom and as conflicts and competition continue in the Middle East region. Saudi leaders' assertiveness in confronting perceived threats and the effects of their sharpening tensions with Iran could affect U.S. security interests, including with regard to Yemen, Egypt, Bahrain, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq. Congress may examine these developments when considering the scope, terms, and merits of ongoing U.S.-Saudi partnership, proposed arms sales, and security commitments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2017-06-06
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Armed Conflict in Syria: Overview and U.S. Response [April 7, 2017]
"A deadly chemical weapons attack in Syria on April 4, 2017, and a U.S. military strike in response on April 6 have returned the conflict--now in its seventh year--to the forefront of international attention. In response to the April 4 attack, some Members of Congress called for the United States to conduct a punitive military operation. These Members and some others since have praised President Trump's decision to launch a limited strike, with some calling on the president to consult with Congress about Syria strategy. Other Members have questioned the president's authority to launch the strike in the absence of specific prior authorization from Congress. In the past, some in Congress have expressed concern about the international and domestic authorizations for such strikes, their potential unintended consequences, and the possibility of undesirable or unavoidable escalation. Since taking office in January 2017, President Trump has stated his intention to 'destroy' the Syria-and Iraq-based insurgent terrorist group known as the Islamic State (IS, also known as ISIL, ISIS, or the Arabic acronym Da'esh), and the president has ordered actions to 'accelerate' U.S. military efforts against the group in both countries. U.S. officials and Members of Congress continue to debate how best to pursue U.S. regional security and counterterrorism goals in Syria without inadvertently strengthening U.S. adversaries or alienating U.S. partners. The Trump Administration and Members of the 115th Congress-like their predecessors-face challenges inherent to the simultaneous pursuit of U.S. nonproliferation, counterterrorism, civilian protection, and stabilization goals in a complex, evolving conflict."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humud, Carla E.; Blanchard, Christopher M.; Nikitin, Mary Beth Dunham
2017-04-07
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Review of Domestic Sharing of Counterterrorism Information
"In response to a request from the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Offices of Inspector General (OIG) of the Intelligence Community (IC), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) conducted a review of the domestic sharing of counterterrorism information. The OIGs concluded that the partners in the terrorism-related Information Sharing Environment - components of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), DHS, DOJ, and their state and local partners - are committed to sharing counterterrorism information. The partners' commitment to protecting the nation is illustrated by the actions taken before, during, and following terrorism-related incidents, as well as by programs and initiatives designed to improve sharing of counterterrorism information. However, the OIGs also identified several areas in which improvements could enhance information sharing. To share information effectively, the federal, state, and local entities actively involved in counterterrorism efforts must understand each other's roles, responsibilities, and contributions, especially with the involvement of multiple agencies, such as the DOJ's Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and DHS' U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in complex investigations. […] Our review resulted in 23 recommendations to help improve the sharing of counterterrorism information and ultimately, enhance the Nation's ability to prevent terrorist attacks. We discuss our findings in detail in the Findings and Recommendations section of the report."
United States. Office of the Director of National Intelligence
2017-03
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Serial No. 115-6: The Future of Counterterrorism: Addressing the Evolving Threat to Domestic Security, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, First Session, February 28, 2017
This is the February 28, 2017 hearing on "The Future of Counterterrorism: Addressing the Evolving Threat to Domestic Security," held before the U.S.House Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence of the Committee on Homeland Security. From the opening statement of Peter T. King: "We have an opportunity to carefully improve the homeland security of the United States. To whatever extent possible, this must include bipartisan cooperation and an eye on the vital issue of the safety and security for Americans. It is absolutely necessary to make progress as our adversaries will only continue to evolve. This hearing today provides our first step." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Edward F. Davis III, Thomas Joscelyn, Robin Simcox, and Peter Bergen.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2017-02-28
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Human Smuggling and Trafficking Center: Fact Sheet
"Section 7202 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA) established the Human Smuggling and Trafficking Center (HSTC) to achieve greater integration and overall effectiveness in the U.S. Government's enforcement and other response efforts to address the separate but related issues of human smuggling, human trafficking, and criminal facilitation of clandestine terrorist travel. In 2015, a National Security Council Deputies Committee refocused the HSTC's mission on human trafficking exclusively, in recognition of the creation and advancement of other entities managing the other mission sets. [...] Human trafficking is a serious human rights issue both domestically and across the globe. The HSTC brings together law enforcement, intelligence, and diplomacy specialists from U.S. government agencies to convert information into intelligence that enables law enforcement, policy and diplomatic actions."
Human Smuggling and Trafficking Center (U.S.)
2017?
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Serial No. 115-67: State Department's Antiterrorism Assistance Program: The GAO Review, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, First Session, October 4, 2017
This is the October 4, 2017 hearing on "State Department's Antiterrorism Assistance Program: The GAO Review" held before the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. From the opening statement of Ileana Ros-Lehtinen: "The Antiterrorism Assistance Program, ATA, is one of the State Department's key tools in advancing some of our national security interests. Its primary mission is to enhance the capabilities of foreign partner nations with the goal of allowing them to better detect, deter, and prevent acts of terrorism. The program also gives our partners the tools, the skills, and training required to respond to acts of terror and to apprehend and prosecute the individuals responsible for these atrocious acts. According to the State Department, since the program was first implemented in 1983, 84,000 personnel from 154 countries have been provided training, and the United States has provided bilateral ATA assistance to 34 partner nations. And while the majority of the ATA training occurs in host countries, or at regional facilities, we do perform a considerable amount of activities here in the U.S. This domestic training includes tactical training, which State has subcontracted out to just two facilities, one in Virginia and the other in North Carolina. And it was concerns that there may be lax security and oversight in at least one of these facilities that has led to the report that GAO [Government Accountability Office] is here to testify on today." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Jason Bair.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2017
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Reducing the Threat of Nuclear Terrorism - a Report Card on the Obama Administration's Efforts
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis seeks to explain if President Barack Obama's efforts to reduce nuclear terrorism have had a meaningful impact. Key areas of observation include how well efforts have been implemented and how effectively the president has fostered domestic and international support. Early in his presidency, President Obama declared to the world that the United States would lead a concerted effort to reduce the threat of nuclear terrorism. Combined with the Nuclear Security Summits, the president's efforts quickly established reducing the threat of nuclear terrorism as a top priority for his administration. Over the ensuing eight years, President Obama diligently supported nonproliferation measures by enhancing the domestic and international nonproliferation architecture. The president's integrative approach wove nonproliferation efforts together that had, traditionally, not been used to reduce the threat of nuclear terrorism. The findings of this thesis indicate that most of the programs were successful but problems remain, particularly in areas linked to further arms reductions and international nonproliferation. The next president can further these efforts by continuing the integrative approach, crafting a more cooperative relationship with Congress and expanding threat reduction activities beyond Russia."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Hargraves, Drew P.
2016-12
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Return of Foreign Fighters to Central Asia: Implications for U.S. Counterterrorism Policy
"Central Asia is the third largest point of origin for Salafi jihadist foreign fighters in the conflagration in Syria and Iraq, with more than 4,000 total fighters joining the conflict since 2012 and 2,500 reportedly arriving in the 2014-2015 timeframe alone. As the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) continues to lose territory under duress from U.S.-led anti-ISIL coalition activities, some predict that many may return home bent on jihad and generating terror and instability across Central Asia. Yet several factors indicate that such an ominous foreign fighter return may not materialize. Among these factors are that a majority of Central Asians fighting for ISIL and the al-Nusra Front in Syria and Iraq are recruited while working abroad in Russia, often from low-wage jobs under poor conditions making the recruits ripe for radicalization. In addition, many of those heading for jihad in Syria and the Levant expect that they are on a 'one way journey,' some to martyrdom but most for a completely new life, and do not plan a return. Most Central Asian states face their greatest risk of domestic instability and violent extremism as a reaction to political repression and counterterrorism (CT) policies that counter-productively conflate political opposition and the open practice of Islam with a domestic jihadist threat. If improperly calibrated, greater U.S. CT assistance to address foreign fighter returns may strengthen illiberal regime short-term focus on political power consolidation, overplay the limited risks of foreign fighter returns, and increase the risks of domestic unrest and future instability."
National Defense University. Institute for National Strategic Studies
Lynch, Thomas Francis, 1960-; Bouffard, Michael; King, Kelsey . . .
2016-10
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Saudi Arabia: Background and U.S. Relations [September 20, 2016]
"The kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ruled by the Al Saud family since its founding in 1932, wields significant global influence through its administration of the birthplace of the Islamic faith and by virtue of its large oil reserves. Close U.S.-Saudi official relations have survived a series of challenges since the 1940s. In recent years, shared concerns over Sunni Islamist extremist terrorism and Iranian government policies have provided some renewed logic for continued strategic cooperation. Political upheaval and conflict in the Middle East and North Africa appear to be straining bilateral ties, but the full effect has yet to be determined. [...] Current U.S. policy seeks to coordinate with Saudi leaders on regional issues and help them respond to domestic economic and security challenges. Time will tell whether U.S. initiatives and, more importantly, Saudi leaders' decisions will ensure stability. Shared security challenges have long defined U.S.-Saudi relations, and questions about Saudi domestic and foreign policy may become more pertinent as leadership changes occur in the kingdom and as conflicts and competition continue in the Middle East region. Saudi leaders' assertiveness in confronting perceived threats and the effects of their sharpening tensions with Iran could affect U.S. security interests, including with regard to Yemen, Egypt, Bahrain, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran. Congress may examine these developments when considering the scope, terms, and merits of ongoing U.S.-Saudi partnership, proposed arms sales, and security commitments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2016-09-20
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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
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
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Sovereign Citizen Movement: An Empirical Study on the Rise in Activity, Explanations of Growth, and Policy Prescriptions
From the thesis abstract: "The United States faces a domestic threat that is largely ignored by counterterrorism practitioners and policy: the Sovereign Citizens Movement. The adherents of this antigovernment movement have committed violent, even terroristic, acts and employed paper terrorism tactics. The group clogs courts and harasses government officials, but a paucity of hard data on the Sovereigns has stymied any concerted or unified response. Law enforcement officials have yet to determine how many Sovereigns are active in the United States, where they are concentrated, or whether the movement is gaining adherents. This thesis addresses the dearth of information on the Sovereign Citizens Movement. It relies on both quantitative and qualitative research, providing a detailed analysis of 548 court cases. The assessment of the group's targets, related court vulnerabilities, and relevant statewide statistics can be harnessed into quality policy decisions. This work proves the increasing trend in Sovereign Citizen activities, exposes the gaps in the present literature and domestic terrorism policy, and provides recommendations for prescriptive policy changes across the spectrum of agencies responsible for countering domestic terrorist threats." Supplemental statistical information for this thesis may be found at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=797197]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Slater, Brian S.
2016-09
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Mass Shootings and Terrorism: CRS Products [Updated June 24, 2016]
From the Document: "On Sunday, June 12, 2016, approximately 50 people were killed (including the alleged assailant), and 53 more were injured in an attack on a nightclub in Orlando, FL, that catered to the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. The alleged assailant was armed with a 5.56 caliber Sig Sauer rifle and a 9mm Glock semiautomatic. The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has reported that these weapons were legally purchased in Florida. During the assault on the nightclub, the alleged assailant reportedly called 911 to pledge allegiance to ISIS [Islamic State of Syria and Iraq]. The assailant was killed by police after a standoff that lasted approximately three hours. This incident is the worst mass shooting in U.S. history to date. CRS [Congressional Research Service] has several different products on issues relevant to the mass shooting incident in Florida. These issues include mass murder with firearms, firearms regulation, domestic terrorism, and hate crime. Below are key products on these issues. Congressional clients may contact the authors of the individual reports for additional information on the issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lake, Jennifer E.
2016-06-24
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Mass Shootings and Terrorism: CRS Products [June 13, 2016]
"On Sunday, June 12, 2016, approximately 50 people were killed (including the alleged assailant), and 53 more were injured in an attack on a nightclub in Orlando, FL, that catered to the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. The alleged assailant was armed with an AR-15-type assault rifle and a pistol. The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has reported that these weapons were legally purchased in Florida. During the assault on the nightclub, the alleged assailant reportedly called 911 to pledge allegiance to ISIS [Islamic State of Iraq and Syria] . The assailant was killed by police after a standoff that lasted approximately three hours. This incident is the worst mass shooting in U.S. history to date. CRS [Congressional Research Service], has several different products on issues relevant to the mass shooting incident in Florida. These issues include mass murder with firearms, firearms regulation, domestic terrorism, and hate crime." This report contains a list of key reports on these issues.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lake, Jennifer E.
2016-06-13
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Sifting Domestic Terrorism from Hate Crime and Homegrown Violent Extremism [June 13, 2016]
"Domestic terrorism, hate crime, and homegrown violent extremism are three fairly distinct concepts that federal law enforcement agencies use to categorize key types of criminals whose illegal activities are at least partly ideologically motivated. […] Domestic terrorism cases differ from ordinary criminal activity in key ways. Most importantly, unlike ordinary criminals--who are often driven by self-centered motives such as profit and tend to opportunistically seek easy prey--domestic terrorists are driven by a cause or ideology. If the motives involved eventually align with the definition laid out in 18 U.S.C. §2331(5), presumably the case becomes a domestic terrorist investigation. […] Current federal law defines hate crimes to include any crime against either person or property in which the offender intentionally selects the victim because of the victim's actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, disability, or sexual orientation. Hate crimes may appear to involve ideological issues. However, as described by one FBI official, a 'hate crime' 'generally involve[s] acts of personal malice directed at individuals' and is missing the broader motivations driving acts of domestic terrorism. […] The FBI and DHS have popularized the phrase 'homegrown violent extremist' (HVE). It divides domestic terrorists from U.S.-based terrorists motivated by the ideologies of foreign terrorist organizations. According to DHS and the FBI, a HVE is 'a person of any citizenship who has lived and/or operated primarily in the United States or its territories who advocates, is engaged in, or is preparing to engage in ideologically-motivated terrorist activities (including providing support to terrorism) […]."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bjelopera, Jerome P.
2016-06-13
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Saudi Arabia: Background and U.S. Relations [April 22, 2016]
"The kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ruled by the Al Saud family since its founding in 1932, wields significant global influence through its administration of the birthplace of the Islamic faith and by virtue of its large oil reserves. Close U.S.-Saudi official relations have survived a series of challenges since the 1940s. In recent years, shared concerns over Sunni Islamist extremist terrorism and Iranian government policies have provided a renewed logic for continued strategic cooperation. Political upheaval and conflict in the Middle East and North Africa appear to have strained bilateral ties, but the full effect has yet to be determined. [...] Current U.S. policy seeks to coordinate with Saudi leaders on regional issues and help them respond to domestic economic and security challenges. Time will tell whether U.S. initiatives and, more importantly, Saudi leaders' decisions will ensure stability. Shared security challenges have long defined U.S.-Saudi relations, and questions about Saudi domestic and foreign policy may become more pertinent as leadership changes occur in the kingdom and as conflicts and competition continue in the Middle East region."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2016-04-22
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Lone Wolf Threat: A Different Approach
From the thesis abstract: "Domestic and international terrorism has arrived on the home front of the U.S. However, there is an emergent aspect to the terrorism threat that is rearing its head, the Lone Wolf. In developing a methodology and analytical model to combat this asymmetric and almost undetectable terrorist, four case studies are examined of lone wolf terrorism. From these case studies, and using the maturation of radical intent methodology presented, an analytical model with trigger points are revealed where the lone wolf can become visible and a Golden Moment is identified in which intelligence communities and law enforcement agencies can employ asymmetric strategic approaches to aid in interdicting the lone wolf terrorist."
Joint Forces Staff College (U.S.). Joint Advanced Warfighting School
Holder, James M.
2016-03-24
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Readout Of Secretary Johnson's Meeting With Republic Of Korea Minister Of Public Safety And Security Park [March 23, 2016]
On March 23, the Department of Homeland Security issued the following press release: "WASHINGTON-- Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Deputy Administrator Joe Nimmich, Coast Guard Rear Admiral Mark Butt, and DHS Assistant Secretary for International Affairs and Chief Diplomatic Officer Alan Bersin met with Republic of Korea Minister of Public Safety and Security Park Inyong to discuss a range of shared homeland security-related issues, including critical infrastructure protection, counterterrorism cooperation, and lessons learned on disaster management and preparedness. Secretary Johnson and Minister Park discussed the importance of domestic information sharing and coordination to prepare for and respond to disasters, including terrorist incidents. The two sides also shared lessons learned regarding effective communication with domestic stakeholders as well as means to foster unity of effort among government agencies. Both sides committed to continue dialogue and cooperation. Secretary Johnson and Minister Park emphasized opportunities for increased cooperation on emergency preparedness and management, especially between U.S. Coast Guard, FEMA, and the Republic of Korea Ministry of Public Safety and Security. Secretary Johnson underscored the Department's willingness to provide training and support to enhance international partners' emergency management capabilities while strengthening bilateral relationships."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Press Office
2016-03-23
