 IA FORUM ARTICLES |
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| Analysis of global counterterrorism efforts and steps forward, arguing we need to refocus our collective efforts away from the 'state of security' towards the 'conditions of security'. By Cornelia Beyer. (05/07/2012) |
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| Deconstructing Terrorism for Securing Energy |
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| Author presents a common strategic framework of antiterrorism and energy protection policies. By Alexandra Dobra. (06/02/2011) |
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| IA-Forum speaks with U.S. Army Colonel Paul Bricker, a Black Hawk helicopter pilot, about the recent raid on bin Laden’s compound, from a pilot’s perspective. By Cynthia Iris (05/09/2011) |
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| Hezbollah: Analysis of Violence |
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| An analysis of Hezbollah and their use of violence to achieve their goals. By Sarah Cohler. (02/25/2011) |
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| IA Forum speaks with E.J. Hogendoorn, International Crisis Group, Horn of Africa Project Director, about al-Shabaab transnational attacks and Somalia. By Matthew Bush. (IA-Forum, 08/10/2010) |
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| IA-Forum speaks with Dr. Michael Scheuer about his new book, "Marching Toward Hell: America and Islam After Iraq", terrorism, and the Middle East. (IA-Forum, 03/21/2008) |
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| IA-Forum speaks with Richard Jackson, author of ‘Critical Terrorism Studies: A New Research Agenda’ about the case for critical terrorism studies. By William Taggart (01/30/2008) |
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| IA-Forum Interview: Richard Weitz |
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| IA-Forum discusses security issues with Richard Weitz, Senior Fellow and Director of Program Management at the Hudson Institute, and author of 'Revitalising US-Russian Security Cooperation: Practical Measures'. By Jason Miks. (IA-Forum, 1/14/2007) |
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| Intenational Affairs Forum Interview: Peter Beinart and Scott McConnell |
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| Peter Beinart, editor-at-large of the New Republic and Scott McConnell, current editor of The American Conservative, discuss questions about the UN and US foreign policy. By Jason Miks. (IA-Forum, 11/13/2006 and 11/18/2006) |
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| IA-Forum Interview: Ilan Berman |
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| IA-Forum speaks with Ilan Berman (Vice President, American Foreign Policy Council) about Iran and his latest book, Tehran Rising. (IA-Forum, 3/20/2006) |
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| Justifications for Terrorism |
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| Analyzes terrorism, validity of causes terrorism claims to achieve, and alternate routes to achieve goals desired by terrorists. By Emily Caponetti. (7/25/2005) |
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| Terrorism |
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| Dr. Abdul Aziz Said examines supply and demand side terrorism; and the path for conflict resolution. |
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| Colin L. Powell memo to the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs |
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| Draft Decision Memorandum for the President on the Applicability of the Geneva Convention to the Conflict in Afghanistan. (by Colin L. Powell, 01/26/2002) |
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| White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales memo to the President |
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| Decision Re Application of the Geneva Convention of Prisoners of War to the Conflict With Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. (by Alberto R. Gonzales, 1/25/2002) |
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| EDITORIALS |
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| Author reflects on the Oslo attacks in 2011 and what constitutes terrorism. By Cornelia Beyer. (01/10/2012) |
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| Author presents case fo abating terrorism in East Africa through economic growth. By Matthew Bush. (IA-Forum, 10/02/2010) |
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| M. Ashraf Haidari, Political Counselor of the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington, DC., responds to Thomas L. Friedman statement that some countries in the region are "two-faced" in the war against terrorism, defending President Hamid Karzai's policies. By M. Ashraf Haidari. (08/10/2010) |
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| FEATURED ELSEWHERE
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| Avoiding the pitfalls that generally confront the study of terrorism -- either expressing outrage at such inhumane behavior or dismissing one man's terrorist as another man's freedom fighter -- authors Ami Pedahzur and Arie Perliger dispassionately study the backgrounds, social networks, and motives of the terrorists. By L. Carl Brown. (Foreign Affairs - Jan/Feb 2010) |
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| Millions of dollars are being pumped into hearts and minds projects from Kabul to Kandahar. Trouble is, it's not working. And it might even be making things worse. By Andrew Wilder and Stuart Gordon. (ForeignPolicy.com/12/01/2009) |
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| The news from Afghanistan all year has been dispiriting, and the last few weeks have been especially tough in terms of the violence. Yet most foreign and Afghan officials and officers who the author encountered on a recent weeklong visit sponsored by the U.S. military are guardedly optimistic about our prospects. By Michael O'Hanlon. (The Washington Times/Brookings Institute, 11/18/2009) |
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| Recent arguments for the War in Afghanistan have focused on building civilian security to fight against counter-insurgency. This article shows that some tougher choices may need to be considered. (Foreign Policy by Michael Scheuer 10-12-2009) |
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| A piece highlighting the lengths India is currently willing to go to in order to have a positive relationship with Afghanistan. (Ajai Shulka, The Business Standard, 08/09/2009) |
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| The war in Afghanistan has been compared to America's failure in Vietnam, however, this article suggests that its closer to the Soviet's involvement in Afghanistan when it invaded in 1989. (Foreign Policy 09-04-2009 by Artemy Kalinovsky |
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| To be sure, the fighting isn’t over, but the hard part is actually what comes next. Success will be short lived without a comprehensive, long-term strategy to ensure stability. By David Kampf (Asia Chronicle, 08/16/2009) |
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| Though the situation in Afghanistan is grave, it is far from hopeless. In an attempt to find a way forward, author Ronald E. Neumann analyzes the specific issues which must be addressed for the Afghan problem to be resolved. (Council on Foreign Relations, July 2009) |
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| The Bush administration is gone, but covert operations are still going on, writes Conn Hallinan. (Foreign Policy In Focus, 05/26/2009) |
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| What is happening to Al-Qaida: is it still a threat to its enemies, and if so how grave? By Fawaz A Gerges. (Open Democracy, 05/13/2009) |
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| 40th edition of SIPRI Yearbook provides comprehensive data and analysis of military spending, armaments, security, conflicts, non-proliferation and arms control around the world during past year. (SIPRI, June 2009) |
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| The lack of faith between India and Pakistan is preventing a concerted effort to combat terrorist threats. By Jawed Nazvi (DAWN, 04/02/2009) |
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| No political solution is in sight to conflict in Sri Lanka even as the prolonged war spells misery to hapless citizens caught in the crossfire. By B. Murlidhar Reddy (Frontline, 04/11/2009) |
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| The breadth and complexity of the security challenges facing the United States abroad often defy solution through the application of military force alone. The Sustainable Security Program at the Center for American Progress over the past year generated a series of analyses to examine alternative approaches to conventional notions of national security. By Reuben Brigety. (The Center for American Pr |
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| Although governments remain justifiably concerned about the possibility of CBRN attacks, U.S. intelligence and law enforcement officials warn Congress of the greater likelihood of ‘low tech’ attacks on ‘soft targets’ similar to those in Mumbai. Terrorists may choose these rather than more complex attacks because, quite simply, they work. (Press Trust of India, 1/9/09) |
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| Secretary of Defense asserts that the U.S. cannot modernize its conventional forces to deal with future near peer threats at the cost of disregarding the capabilities necessary to deal with the type of wars it is currently engaged in. The U.S. must synchronize its military and civilian efforts and build the capacity of allies and partner nations. By Robert Gates (Foreign Affairs, Jan-Feb 2009) |
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| Pro-Islamist elements of Pakistan’s largest intelligence service, ISI, have been a conspicuous part of the directorate for 30 years, purposely positioned by the government to employ Islamic conservatism to deal with corruption and religious and ethnic conflict. It remains uncertain whether Pakistan’s newly elected civilian government will be able to dismantle them. (Strategy Page, 12/15/08) |
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| A CSIS report lays out recommendations for cyber security to be used by incoming president Barack Obama. Among its recommendations are a comprehensive national security strategy for cyberspace and the creation of a cabinet-level post to coordinate cyber security efforts. By Siobhan Gorman (Wall Street Journal, 12/8/08) |
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| Although some note that bureaucratic turf wars are more structural rather than personality-driven, the appointment of the well respected Joseph Demarest as Asst. Director in Charge of the FBI’s NY Division is seen as likely to improve cooperation between the NYPD and FBI on terrorism threats. By Judith Miller (City Journal, 12/11/08) |
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| The recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai by militant Islamists, resulting in more than 170 deaths, may lessen the prospects for an Indo-Pakistani détente, which many consider a crucial element in stabilizing Afghanistan and engaging Al-Qaeda. By Jim Lobe (Global Intelligence News / IPS, 12/4/08) |
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| Article on the implications of the Yemen bombing by the United States.By Scott Shane, Mark Mazzetti and Robert F. Worth
(The New York Times, 08/14/2010) |
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| This article discusses growing security concerns in North Africa as Al Qaeda spreads its influence in the region By By Eric Schmitt and Souad Mekhennet. (International Herald Tribune, 7/9/2009) |
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| In order to protect lower Manhattan from terrorist threats, the NYPD Counterterrorism Bureau establishes a command center near Wall Street partly modeled on London’s “ring of steel” surveillance measures. By Tom Hays (Associated Press, 11/18/08) |
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| Troop number increase is argued as the most correct path to achieve agreeable results in Afghanistan. By Michael O'Hanlon. (The Washington Times/ Brookings Institution, 11/18/2009) |
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| Intelligence officials note that trends such as regional instability may be accelerated by the current global economic crisis. A shift to a more Asia-centric globe could also gain momentum. On the home front, the financial crisis may make the US vulnerable to attacks by Al-Qaeda, especially at a time of political transition to a new administration. By Joby Warrick (Washington Post, 11/15/08) |
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| Some predict that in order to maintain flexibility and not hamper the ability of intelligence and military to combat terrorists, President-elect Obama is unlikely to rescind Bush’s directive allowing covert action in countries that the US is not engaged in war with. By Pamela Hess (Associated Press, 11/11/08) |
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| The spread of the terrorist threat across the globe is identified by Michael Vickers (ASD/SOLIC&IC) as the long-term strategic challenge in the GWOT. He asserts it is primarily an intelligence war and its main instrument is a “global counterterrorism network” that has a ubiquitous presence; using a network to fight a network. (Washington Institute PolicyWatch 1421: Special Forum Report, 11/4/08) |
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| A report by two former Treasury Department intelligence officials includes an analysis of the evolution of terrorist financing since 2001. They contend that a viable counterterrorism strategy must also comprise efforts to counter terrorist financial flows that include “regular and ongoing reassessment”. By Matthew Levitt and Michael Jacobson (Washington Institute Policy Focus #89, 11/08) |
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| A RAND study requested by DHS, Office of Intelligence & Analysis provides a framework for debate on the pros and cons of creating a domestic intelligence agency. Many policy choices must be considered, their merits depending on how the “domestic intelligence problem” is defined. By Gregory F. Treverton (RAND Research Brief, 10/20/08) |
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| A Stimson Center report discusses the need for improved intelligence sharing in a threat environment that includes pandemics, natural disaster, and terrorism with much relevant information outside traditional collection mechanisms. The issue is made more complicated by a wider array of customers and stakeholders. By Katherine McIntire Peters (Government Executive, 10/20/08) |
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| The National Research Council contends that there are fundamental problems with applying commercial data mining tools to the tracking of terrorists. Among the legal, technological and logistical problems noted are civil liberties issues and inadequate sample sizes. By Eric Lichtblau (New York Times, 10/8/08) |
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| A forthcoming National Intelligence Estimate to be issued after the November elections cautions a decline for Afghanistan’s central authority. Among the factors cited are continued cross-border attacks by Pakistan-based militants, the growth of the heroin trade, and rampant corruption within the Karzai regime. By Mark Mazzetti and Eric Schmitt (New York Times, 10/9/08) |
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| Pakistan chooses former head of Military Operations as Director General of its intelligence agency, ISI. This and more than a dozen other appointments come amidst US concerns over ISI loyalties and pressure for reform. By Marsha Reid (Geopolitical Monitor Weekly Forecasts 10/6/08) |
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| Congress has authorized funds to begin implementation of the DHS National Applications Office (NAO) program to utilize geospatial intelligence capabilities for domestic purposes. It will enhance port and border security as well as aid law enforcement and first responders. Still, civil liberties advocates worry about government intrusion into private lives. By Jay Fraser (ThreatsWatch, 10/5/08) |
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| India national security advisor is briefed on the operations of the DHS by Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis of the Department of Homeland Security to learn how better to coordinate the country’s intelligence and law enforcement in its own fight against terrorism. (The Times of India, 9/29/08) |
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| Mismanaged “war on terror” has stirred extremism, threatening to rip Pakistan apart, writes Ahmed Rashid. (Yale Global, 09/19/2008) |
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| A report by the House Committee on Homeland Security criticizes the DHS for being behind the rest of the intelligence community in its OSINT efforts. The Committee says not enough has been done to provide actionable information to state and local law enforcement. By Stephanie Condon (CNET, 9/12/08) |
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| Claims by Al-Qaeda that they have a functioning and effective terrorist network in the Maghreb region of North Africa and examined. Although a number of recent terror attacks seem to support the claims, any actual network is weaker than Al-Qaeda would have us believe (The Economist 09/11/2008) |
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| An examination of the post-September movements of Al-Qaeda as they recovered from the US-led invasion of Afghanistan and moved their base of operations to the remote tribal areas of Pakistan. (Studies in Conflict and Terrorism, September 2008, registration required $26). |
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| The situation in Iraq is improving. With the right strategy the United States will eventually be able to draw down troops without sacrificing stability. By Biddle, O'Hanlon & Pollack (Foreign Affairs, 09/13/2008) |
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| Addressing continuing concerns about ISI loyalties, the CIA confronts Pakistan with evidence of ties between its intelligence service and militant groups operating in the country’s tribal areas. By Mark Mazzetti and Eric Schmitt (New York Times, 7/30/08) |
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| After two and a half years of heated debate over the balance between security and civil liberties, the U.S. Senate approves the largest overhaul of surveillance law in three decades. It facilitates emergency wiretapping powers and provides immunity for telephone companies that cooperated with the NSA after 9-11. By Eric Lichtblau (New York Times, 7/10/08) |
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| The author asserts that the military actions-side of the War on Terror has done little to diminish the terrorist threat to the U.S. He advocates a more ‘subtle’ global strategy, one that develops alliances with foreign governments, strengthens the capabilities of their security forces, and minimizes America’s visible role. By Brian Burton (Armed Forces Journal, 6/08) |
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| The author writes that many lawmakers and senior intelligence and law enforcement officials overseeing the War on Terror do not know the difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims, the primary religious division in the Muslim world. By Jeff Stein. (New York Times, 10/17/2006) |
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| The author, the victim of an Anthrax letter attack in 2001, admonishes the FBI for not adequately investigating this case with as much importance as it deserves. By Tom Daschle. (Washington Post, 10/15/2006) |
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| The author discusses the potential threats that Hezbollah poses to the US in the Middle East and globally. Additionally, the author suggests how the US should respond. By Christopher Hamilton. (Washington Institute for Near East Policy, 9/28/2006) |
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| The media's summary of the National Intelligence Estimate's report on "Trends in Global Terrorism" is "impressionist and imprecise," the columnist laments. By Robert Kagan. (Washington Post, 9/26/2006) |
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| The author writes that five years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Osama bin Laden has arguably lost his appeal as the leader of Al Qaeda and a US target. By Lawrence Wright. (New York Times, 9/22/2006) |
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| The Op-Ed page notes that while the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, are foremost in Americans’ minds, terrorists have struck in several cities elsewhere around the world. (New York Times, 9/11/2006) |
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| Ten professionals with experience in security and counter-terrorism talk about how to prevent future terrorist attacks in America. (New York Times, 9/10/2006) |
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| ROUND TABLE FORUM |
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| IA-Forum asks: "The head of the U.K.'s domestic security service MI5 announced at the beginning of January that the threat of an immediate terrorist attack on Britain had receded. In the light of these claims how effective do you think the U.K.'s approach to tackling the terrorist threat has been?" |
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| International Affairs Forum asked seven Pakistan experts: "Domestic criticism of Pakistani leader Gen. Pervez Musharraf is growing, and almost six years after military action in Afghanistan began, key Al-Qaeda leaders are believed to be hiding along the border with Pakistan. But does the U.S. have any real choice but to back Musharraf?" |
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