Report
20 November 2008
Experts agree that the release of a new tape by Al Qaeda’s second in command Ayman al-Zawahri indicates that Al Qaeda feels threatened and is on its heels after Obama’s resounding victory. President-elect Obama’s diverse background, along with his pledge to reverse many of the policies and approaches of the Bush administration, has served to dramatically improve America’s image, especially in the Muslim world.
Press Release
Washington, D.C. 20 November 2008
Report
18 November 2008
The Center for American Progress has released a report highlighting the need for a strategic overhaul in the US relationship with Pakistan. It points toward a policy which recognizes the linked challenges presented by Pakistan, Afghanistan and India; broadens the US relationship with Pakistan beyond military and intelligence coordination; and supports good governance and the forces of democracy within Pakistan.
Report
28 October 2008
The Bush administration had no official comment concerning a clandestine attack by U.S. Special Operations forces into Syria. Senator Obama also refused to comment publicly on such a sensitive military operation. Yet the McCain campaign responded with a press release that argued that this operation would not have happened in an Obama administration and attacked Obama for advocating diplomatic engagement with Syria. McCain’s argument is not just reckless but incoherent.
Report
24 October 2008
With only two weeks left until the election, John McCain had another difficult week on the national security front. From Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama, to the Iraqi government's undermining McCain's position on withdrawal of US forces, to the Al Qaeda web-video vote for the Republic nominee for President, the Maverick has had a rough couple of days.
Report
23 October 2008
Twenty-five years ago today, a suicide bomber destroyed the U.S. Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. The tragedy demonstrated a point brought home on 9/11/01 -- that terrorism is a national security challenge we ignore at our peril.
Report
22 October 2008
Today, both the Associated Press and Washington Post report that Al-Qaeda-linked websites are celebrating the U.S. financial crisis and looking to the U.S. elections as a way to promote four more years of policies that work to Al-Qaeda’s advantage.
Report
15 October 2008
A new National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) concludes that Pakistan is “on the edge” and that the situation there is “very bleak.” The Pakistan NIE confirms that Al Qaeda has found a safe haven along the border with Afghanistan and says that the Pakistani government is too weak and divided to take effective action. This rebuffs the past approach advocated by President Bush and supported by Senator McCain. Led by Senator Biden, Progressives have put forth a comprehensive plan that seeks to address the terrorist threat, strengthen Pakistani democracy, and promote economic development.
Report
2 October 2008
This week General McKiernan, the top commander in Afghanistan, and General David Petraeus made an obvious point: “Afghanistan is not Iraq.” Both insisted that the challenges in Afghanistan are very different than the ones in Iraq and therefore require a very different strategy and approach.
