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African Terrorist Groups Starting To Cooperate, U.S. Says: feat. Bruce Hoffman and Rick "Ozzie" Nelson; Bloomberg, June 25, 2012; Director Bruce Hoffman and Adjunct Professor Rick "Ozzie" Nelson speak to Bloomberg's David Lerman about increased coordination between terrorist groups in Africa. Professor Hoffman highlights the role of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. "Its ability to distribute largess and train other groups has put it in a position of being a power broker," he says. "It gives al- Qaeda the opportunity, even while the center is being pulverized, to expand the movement on the periphery and extend its longevity." Professor Nelson, meanwhile, notes that “(r)ight now, these groups are not threatening the U.S. homeland in any way comparable to what al-Qaeda was doing three or four or five years ago."

Director Bruce Hoffman and Adjunct Professor Rick "Ozzie" Nelson speak to Bloomberg's David Lerman about increased coordination between terrorist groups in Africa. Professor Hoffman highlights the role of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. "Its ability to distribute largess and train other groups has put it in a position of being a power broker," he says. "It gives al- Qaeda the opportunity, even while the center is being pulverized, to expand the movement on the periphery and extend its longevity." Professor Nelson, meanwhile, notes that “(r)ight now, these groups are not threatening the U.S. homeland in any way comparable to what al-Qaeda was doing three or four or five years ago."

Does the Obama administration have a leak problem?: feat. Paul Pillar; MPR, June 14, 2012; CSS Senior Fellow Paul Pillar appears on Minnesota Public Radio to discuss the commonplace leaking of sensitive or classified information, as well as what steps can or should be taken to mitigate related negative impacts.

CSS Senior Fellow Paul Pillar appears on Minnesota Public Radio to discuss the commonplace leaking of sensitive or classified information, as well as what steps can or should be taken to mitigate related negative impacts.

'Mindfulness' to reduce stress becoming more popular: feat. Elizabeth Stanley; CBS News, Jun 14, 2012; Professor Elizabeth Stanley discusses the science and mechanics of Mindfulness-based Mind Fitness Training. "There's something very empowering about learning how and why the body and mind respond under stress," says Prof. Stanley.

Professor Elizabeth Stanley discusses the science and mechanics of Mindfulness-based Mind Fitness Training. "There's something very empowering about learning how and why the body and mind respond under stress," says Prof. Stanley.

U.S.-Pakistan relations hit new low: feat. Christine Fair; Maclean's, June 10, 2012; Professor Christine Fair discusses Pakistan's selective of those with ties to militany groups in the wake of the sentencing of doctor Shakil Afridi for collaborating with U.S. intelligence agents hunting for Osama bin Laden. “There are slews of people who by any standard of respectful rule of law should be in jail,” says Professor Fair. “The very fact that you’ve got a bunch of known terrorists, international terrorists, who are not law-and-order issues for Pakistan just demonstrates how out of sync Pakistan is with the world.”

Professor Christine Fair discusses Pakistan's selective of those with ties to militany groups in the wake of the sentencing of doctor Shakil Afridi for collaborating with U.S. intelligence agents hunting for Osama bin Laden. “There are slews of people who by any standard of respectful rule of law should be in jail,” says Professor Fair. “The very fact that you’ve got a bunch of known terrorists, international terrorists, who are not law-and-order issues for Pakistan just demonstrates how out of sync Pakistan is with the world.”

Death of Al Qaeda No. 2 means more decentralization, experts say: feat. Daniel Byman and Paul Pillar; The Los Angeles Times, June 6, 2012; The LA Times' Emily Alpert turns to Professor Daniel Byman and Senior Fellow Paul Pillar for their take on the death of Abu Yahya al Libi and its implications for the future of Al Qaeda. "We haven’t been talking for some time about direction from some core group hiding out in South Asia," says Dr. Pillar. "Their role is best described as exhortation – not direction."

The LA Times' Emily Alpert turns to Professor Daniel Byman and Senior Fellow Paul Pillar for their take on the death of Abu Yahya al Libi and its implications for the future of Al Qaeda. "We haven’t been talking for some time about direction from some core group hiding out in South Asia," says Dr. Pillar. "Their role is best described as exhortation – not direction."

CIA Kills al Qaeda's No. 2: feat. Bruce Hoffman; The Wall Street Journal, June 5, 2012; Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to WSJ's Siobham Gorman about the killing of al Qaeda second-in-command Abu Yahya al-Libi by a U.S. drone strike. "This is a tremendous loss in prestige," says Professor Hoffman. "It shows you are going to be targeted and taken out."

Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to WSJ's Siobham Gorman about the killing of al Qaeda second-in-command Abu Yahya al-Libi by a U.S. drone strike. "This is a tremendous loss in prestige," says Professor Hoffman. "It shows you are going to be targeted and taken out."

US Senate approves tougher Iran sanctions: feat. Paul Pillar; Reuters, May 22, 2012; Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks to Reuters' Roberta Rampton and Susan Cornwell about new U.S. sanctions against Iran. "The biggest requirement now for getting an agreement is not to pile on still more sanctions, but instead to persuade the Iranians that if they make concessions the sanctions will be eased," says Dr. Pillar.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks to Reuters' Roberta Rampton and Susan Cornwell about new U.S. sanctions against Iran. "The biggest requirement now for getting an agreement is not to pile on still more sanctions, but instead to persuade the Iranians that if they make concessions the sanctions will be eased," says Dr. Pillar.

Lockerbie bomber Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi dies at 60, report says: feat. Bruce Hoffman; The Washington Post, May 20, 2012; Director Bruce Hoffman discusses the past of recently-deceased Lockerbie bomber Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi. "The indictment, based on very firm forensic evidence, clearly and incontrovertibly pointed a spotlight on a blatant act of state-sponsored terrorism and implicated two Libyan agents acting in its commission," says Professor Hoffman.

Director Bruce Hoffman discusses the past of recently-deceased Lockerbie bomber Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi. "The indictment, based on very firm forensic evidence, clearly and incontrovertibly pointed a spotlight on a blatant act of state-sponsored terrorism and implicated two Libyan agents acting in its commission," says Professor Hoffman.

Negotiating peace with Taliban difficult: feat. Christine Fair; CNN, May 17, 2012; Professor Christine Fair speaks to CNN's Ashley Fantz about the United States' diplomatic efforts as part of its eventual withdrawal from Afghanistan. "[The United States] has been fighting for nearly 11 years, and we've already said we're not leaving until 2014," says Dr. Fair. "Talking is not only our best option, it's our only option. We should expect that it will be accompanied by violence."

Professor Christine Fair speaks to CNN's Ashley Fantz about the United States' diplomatic efforts as part of its eventual withdrawal from Afghanistan. "[The United States] has been fighting for nearly 11 years, and we've already said we're not leaving until 2014," says Dr. Fair. "Talking is not only our best option, it's our only option. We should expect that it will be accompanied by violence."

US Investigates American Support of Iranian Dissident Group: feat. Paul Pillar; Voice of America, May 15, 2012; Director of Studies Paul Pillar discusses the PR tactics employed by the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) in its pursuit of removal from the State Department's list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations. "The MEK has used a number of names, or front organizations, as the conduits for financing this campaign," says Dr. Pillar. "If you look at some of the big advertisements in the newspapers, it won't say the Mujahedin-e Khalq. It will say something like 'British scholars on behalf of Iran' or something like that."

Director of Studies Paul Pillar discusses the PR tactics employed by the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) in its pursuit of removal from the State Department's list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations. "The MEK has used a number of names, or front organizations, as the conduits for financing this campaign," says Dr. Pillar. "If you look at some of the big advertisements in the newspapers, it won't say the Mujahedin-e Khalq. It will say something like 'British scholars on behalf of Iran' or something like that."

Outing Of Al-Qaida Double Agent May Benefit CIA: feat. Bruce Hoffman; NPR, May 9, 2012; Director Bruce Hoffman comments on the possible deterrent effect of the recent outing of an al-Qaida operative who was a double agent for Saudi intelligence. "In any counterterrorist operation, it's not only foiling the terrorist attack that's important," says Dr. Hoffman. "What that's designed to do is lengthen the planning chain of a terrorist operation, which in turn, in the future, will give us more time to identify an operation as it unfolds and more time to interdict and to stop it."

Director Bruce Hoffman comments on the possible deterrent effect of the recent outing of an al-Qaida operative who was a double agent for Saudi intelligence. "In any counterterrorist operation, it's not only foiling the terrorist attack that's important," says Dr. Hoffman. "What that's designed to do is lengthen the planning chain of a terrorist operation, which in turn, in the future, will give us more time to identify an operation as it unfolds and more time to interdict and to stop it."

Washington's war of words against Iran: feat. Paul Pillar; The Guardian, May 8, 2012; Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks to The Guardian's Jasmin Ramsey about the prevailing discourse around Iran that is permeating Washington. In Dr. Pillar's view, "sanctions against Iran have come to be treated as if they are an end, rather than a means."

Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks to The Guardian's Jasmin Ramsey about the prevailing discourse around Iran that is permeating Washington. In Dr. Pillar's view, "sanctions against Iran have come to be treated as if they are an end, rather than a means."

'US will be dragged into conflict if Israel hits Iran': feat. Colin Kahl; The Jerusalem Post, May 5, 2012; JPost's Hilary Leila Krieger interviews Professor Colin Kahl regarding his forecast of what a near-term Israeli strike on Iran might mean for the United States and the region. "No one should delude themselves that ... the prospect of America getting dragged into this is minor. It's not," warns Dr. Kahl.

JPost's Hilary Leila Krieger interviews Professor Colin Kahl regarding his forecast of what a near-term Israeli strike on Iran might mean for the United States and the region. "No one should delude themselves that ... the prospect of America getting dragged into this is minor. It's not," warns Dr. Kahl.

Pakistan: A militant most wanted: feat. Christine Fair; The Financial Times, May 1, 2012; Professor Christine Fair discusses the dynamic between Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) with Matthew Green of The Financial Times. "For all practical purposes the organisations are really the same," says Dr. Fair, describing the manner in which LeT leaders rebranded themselves under JuD's banner following the former group's official banning by the Pakistani government.

Professor Christine Fair discusses the dynamic between Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) with Matthew Green of The Financial Times. "For all practical purposes the organisations are really the same," says Dr. Fair, describing the manner in which LeT leaders rebranded themselves under JuD's banner following the former group's official banning by the Pakistani government.

After Bin Laden, Al-Qaida Still Present As Movement: feat. Daniel Byman and Phil Mudd; NPR, May 1, 2012; Professor Daniel Byman and Adjunct Professor Phil Mudd speak to NPR's Dina Temple-Raston about al-Qaida's transformation from coherent organization to decentralized movement. "Ideology dies a slow death. Ideas have a half-life of years or decades, and this idea [of al-Qaida-ism] is quite deeply rooted, I think, in extremist circles," says Prof. Mudd. "So we have groups that primarily had a local agenda, a local focus, local fighters, and now they are somewhat of an al-Qaida flavor to them, and that 'somewhat' is really the key," adds Dr. Byman.

Professor Daniel Byman and Adjunct Professor Phil Mudd speak to NPR's Dina Temple-Raston about al-Qaida's transformation from coherent organization to decentralized movement. "Ideology dies a slow death. Ideas have a half-life of years or decades, and this idea [of al-Qaida-ism] is quite deeply rooted, I think, in extremist circles," says Prof. Mudd. "So we have groups that primarily had a local agenda, a local focus, local fighters, and now they are somewhat of an al-Qaida flavor to them, and that 'somewhat' is really the key," adds Dr. Byman.

The Agenda: Osama bin Laden, May Day Protest, April Jobs Report: feat. Christine Fair; The Takeaway, April 30, 2012; Professor Christine Fair appears on The Takeaway with John Hockenberry and Celeste Headlee to discuss the one-year anniversary of Osama bin Laden's death in Pakistan.

Professor Christine Fair appears on The Takeaway with John Hockenberry and Celeste Headlee to discuss the one-year anniversary of Osama bin Laden's death in Pakistan.

Al-Qaeda is weaker without bin Laden, but its franchise persists: feat. Bruce Hoffman; The Washington Post, April 27, 2012; Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to The Post's Greg Miller about Ayman al Zawahiri's first year at the helm of al Qaeda. "I don’t think he’s been the disaster people expected," says Professor Hoffman, adding that "terrorist groups don’t hitch themselves to falling stars."

Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to The Post's Greg Miller about Ayman al Zawahiri's first year at the helm of al Qaeda. "I don’t think he’s been the disaster people expected," says Professor Hoffman, adding that "terrorist groups don’t hitch themselves to falling stars."

Analysis: Pakistan's Parliament Takes Stand on US Ties: feat. Christine Fair; Voice of America, April 15, 2012; Professor Christine Fair comments on the impact of NATO supply routes through Pakistan having been shut down. "We’re paying a higher price because we’re moving things through the air," says Dr. Fair. "But even though we’re moving them through the air at a higher price, we’re not having to worry about blockages, we’re not having to worry about pilferage. We’re paying more, but we’re actually getting what we’re paying for. So the big issue for the United States will be the drones."

Professor Christine Fair comments on the impact of NATO supply routes through Pakistan having been shut down. "We’re paying a higher price because we’re moving things through the air," says Dr. Fair. "But even though we’re moving them through the air at a higher price, we’re not having to worry about blockages, we’re not having to worry about pilferage. We’re paying more, but we’re actually getting what we’re paying for. So the big issue for the United States will be the drones."

For Iran talks, trying to divine supreme leader's intent: feat. Paul Pillar; Reuters, April 13, 2012; Director of Studies Paul Pillar comments on the role of Iran's Supreme Leader in the ongoing standoff over that country's nuclear program. "He is on record as having made a statement that would not make it shameful or a sign of weakness to come to an understanding with the West ... that clearly rules out a nuclear weapon," says Professor Pillar.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar comments on the role of Iran's Supreme Leader in the ongoing standoff over that country's nuclear program. "He is on record as having made a statement that would not make it shameful or a sign of weakness to come to an understanding with the West ... that clearly rules out a nuclear weapon," says Professor Pillar.

Defending Afghanistan: are Afghan forces ready?: feat. Christine Fair; The Christian Science Monitor, April 8, 2012; Professor Christine Fair speaks to CSM's Howard LaFranchi about the prospects for Afghanistan once US troops leave the country. "I don't think there's any way to come out of this that Afghanistan is going to be more stable than when we went in," says Dr. Fair. "A lot of people, including me, expect another civil war."

Professor Christine Fair speaks to CSM's Howard LaFranchi about the prospects for Afghanistan once US troops leave the country. "I don't think there's any way to come out of this that Afghanistan is going to be more stable than when we went in," says Dr. Fair. "A lot of people, including me, expect another civil war."

The Specter of Iranian Nuclear Development: Five Minutes with Professor Bruce Hoffman: feat. Bruce Hoffman; Georgetown Journal of International Affairs, April 6, 2012; Director Bruce Hoffman answers questions from the the official publication of Georgetown's Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service. "I think a more forceful and open debate about this than perhaps some of the wishful thinking that permeates our assumptions about Iran needs to occur so we are not caught off guard and so that the government does not further lose the confidence and trust of the American people," says Dr. Hoffman. "It may be that sanctions will work—it may be that we have the time—but I do not think we really know these things for sure."

Director Bruce Hoffman answers questions from the the official publication of Georgetown's Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service. "I think a more forceful and open debate about this than perhaps some of the wishful thinking that permeates our assumptions about Iran needs to occur so we are not caught off guard and so that the government does not further lose the confidence and trust of the American people," says Dr. Hoffman. "It may be that sanctions will work—it may be that we have the time—but I do not think we really know these things for sure."

Alleged Pakistani Terrorist to United States: Come Get Me: feat. Christine Fair; PBS, April 6, 2012; Professor Christine Fair discusses prominent Pakistani militant Hafiz Saeed's reaction to the $10 million US reward for his arrest with Sumaira Latif of PBS's Newshour. "It is widely believed that Lashkar-e-Taiba/Jamaat-ud-Dawa enjoys extensive ties to the ISI and the army," says Dr. Fair. "The Punjab provincial government has also supported the organization financially."

Professor Christine Fair discusses prominent Pakistani militant Hafiz Saeed's reaction to the $10 million US reward for his arrest with Sumaira Latif of PBS's Newshour. "It is widely believed that Lashkar-e-Taiba/Jamaat-ud-Dawa enjoys extensive ties to the ISI and the army," says Dr. Fair. "The Punjab provincial government has also supported the organization financially."

Officials: Bin Laden Had Pakistani Help—Not Necessarily Musharraf’s: feat. Bruce Hoffman; The Daily Beast, April 2, 2012; Director Bruce Hoffman comments on the role that elements of the Pakistani government may have played in aiding Osama bin Laden during his time in hiding, which would have been a "very tightly held secret, perhaps even from his immediate family." According to Dr. Hoffman: "This may not have been in any of the papers or documents seized at Abbottabad because we are finding out just now about this from his wives."

Director Bruce Hoffman comments on the role that elements of the Pakistani government may have played in aiding Osama bin Laden during his time in hiding, which would have been a "very tightly held secret, perhaps even from his immediate family." According to Dr. Hoffman: "This may not have been in any of the papers or documents seized at Abbottabad because we are finding out just now about this from his wives."

Ghosts of Iraq Haunting C.I.A. in Tackling Iran: feat. Paul Pillar; The New York Times, March 31, 2012; Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks to NYT's James Risen about the impact that intelligence mistakes on Iraq have had on analysts presently working on Iran. "Because intelligence officials are human beings, one cannot rule out the possibility of the tendency to overcompensate for past errors," says Dr. Pillar.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks to NYT's James Risen about the impact that intelligence mistakes on Iraq have had on analysts presently working on Iran. "Because intelligence officials are human beings, one cannot rule out the possibility of the tendency to overcompensate for past errors," says Dr. Pillar.

Mohamed Merah and the War on Terror’s New Front: feat. Bruce Hoffman; The Daily Beast, March 22, 2012; Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to The Daily Beast's Christopher Dickey about the role of al Qaeda in lone wolf attacks like the one undertaken by Mohamed Merah in France. "This is right out of the bin Laden-Zawahiri playbook," says Professor Hoffman. "Even if [Merah] isn’t directly part of the al Qaeda firmament it may not matter because, for Zawahiri looking at the news, he’s thinking, 'They are listening to me vicariously, and this strategy works.'"

Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to The Daily Beast's Christopher Dickey about the role of al Qaeda in lone wolf attacks like the one undertaken by Mohamed Merah in France. "This is right out of the bin Laden-Zawahiri playbook," says Professor Hoffman. "Even if [Merah] isn’t directly part of the al Qaeda firmament it may not matter because, for Zawahiri looking at the news, he’s thinking, 'They are listening to me vicariously, and this strategy works.'"

Pro-Con Case for Striking Iran Debated by GU Professors: feat. Colin Kahl and Matthew Kroenig; Georgetown University News, March 20, 2012; CSS Professor Colin Kahl and Department of Government Professor Matthew Kroenig debate the merits of a military strike on Iran's nuclear program before a diverse audience of Georgetown students, faculty, and other members of the community. The debate, one in a series that the two professors have undertaken, follows the publication of their dueling pieces - "Time to Attack Iran" and "Not Time to Attack Iran" - in Foreign Affairs magazine.

CSS Professor Colin Kahl and Department of Government Professor Matthew Kroenig debate the merits of a military strike on Iran's nuclear program before a diverse audience of Georgetown students, faculty, and other members of the community. The debate, one in a series that the two professors have undertaken, follows the publication of their dueling pieces - "Time to Attack Iran" and "Not Time to Attack Iran" - in Foreign Affairs magazine.

Mitt Romney’s defense budget target is lofty: feat. Paul Pillar; The Boston Globe, March 19, 2012; Director of Studies Paul Pillar comments on presidential candidate Mitt Romney's statements regarding the proposed defense budget. "Romney’s numbers simply don’t add up," says Professor Pillar, who "questioned how Romney can increase defense spending so dramatically while also promising to slash the deficit."

Director of Studies Paul Pillar comments on presidential candidate Mitt Romney's statements regarding the proposed defense budget. "Romney’s numbers simply don’t add up," says Professor Pillar, who "questioned how Romney can increase defense spending so dramatically while also promising to slash the deficit."

Taliban threaten to behead troops: feat. Paul Pillar; The Washington Times, March 13, 2012; Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks about public opinion in Afghanistan with Ashish Kumar Sen. "The shooting incident in Kandahar province enhances the ability of Taliban leaders to play off popular anger against NATO and the United States," says Prof. Pillar. "The series of incidents that has angered Afghans has strengthened public support for the Taliban. Much of that support is now based on widespread opposition among ordinary Afghans to the Western military presence in their country."

Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks about public opinion in Afghanistan with Ashish Kumar Sen. "The shooting incident in Kandahar province enhances the ability of Taliban leaders to play off popular anger against NATO and the United States," says Prof. Pillar. "The series of incidents that has angered Afghans has strengthened public support for the Taliban. Much of that support is now based on widespread opposition among ordinary Afghans to the Western military presence in their country."

Rethinking Afghanistan After Civilian Killings: feat. Christine Fair; The Takeaway, March 13, 2012; Professor Christine Fair appears on The Takeaway with John Hockenberry and Celeste Headlee to discuss the situation in Afghanistan in the wake of the alleged rampage by an American Army Staff Sergeant who allegedly killed 16 Afghan civilians.

Professor Christine Fair appears on The Takeaway with John Hockenberry and Celeste Headlee to discuss the situation in Afghanistan in the wake of the alleged rampage by an American Army Staff Sergeant who allegedly killed 16 Afghan civilians.

Analysis: How would Iran respond to an Israeli attack?: feat. Daniel Byman; BBC News, March 6, 2012; Professor Daniel Byman discusses potential repercussions of an Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear program. "Israel and Iran are already striking at each other (Israel with more success and doing so in a way that is more targeted)," Dr. Byman notes. "However, these recent attacks were not well executed, suggesting that Iran's services' professionalism is uneven."

Professor Daniel Byman discusses potential repercussions of an Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear program. "Israel and Iran are already striking at each other (Israel with more success and doing so in a way that is more targeted)," Dr. Byman notes. "However, these recent attacks were not well executed, suggesting that Iran's services' professionalism is uneven."

Saudi, Qatari plans to arm Syrian rebels risk overtaking cautious approach favored by U.S.: feat. Daniel Byman; The Washington Post, March 1, 2012; Professor Daniel Byman speaks to The Washington Post's Karen DeYoung about the "fundamental disparity between opposition forces and the Syrian government" in the ongoing hostilities in that country. In Dr. Byman's view, "it’s very hard to level that playing field," as military supplies coming from outside Syria are likely to take the form of "small arms, automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenades, perhaps mortars — things that in the end won’t stand up to a tank."

Professor Daniel Byman speaks to The Washington Post's Karen DeYoung about the "fundamental disparity between opposition forces and the Syrian government" in the ongoing hostilities in that country. In Dr. Byman's view, "it’s very hard to level that playing field," as military supplies coming from outside Syria are likely to take the form of "small arms, automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenades, perhaps mortars — things that in the end won’t stand up to a tank."

Obama’s defense budget and the Asia Pivot: feat. Thomas McNaugher; School of Foreign Service, February 29, 2012; Professor Thomas McNaugher discusses the new proposed defense budget and its implications for the 'Asian Pivot" with Sumitha Narayanan (SSP'13) in an interview for the East Asian National Resource Center in the School of Foreign Service.

Professor Thomas McNaugher discusses the new proposed defense budget and its implications for the 'Asian Pivot" with Sumitha Narayanan (SSP'13) in an interview for the East Asian National Resource Center in the School of Foreign Service.

White House Faces Continuing Questions on Iran, Possible Israeli Action: feat. Colin Kahl; Voice of America, February 28, 2012; Professor Colin Kahl discusses the possibility of an Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear program with VOA's Dan Robinson. "The only person that knows the answer to that question is Netanyahu," Dr. Kahl says of whether Israel would give the United States actual notice prior to launching an attack. "But I think there is a concern that the Israelis wouldn't want the United States to discourage them from taking action at the last minute and therefore they may only give the United States a few hours notice."

Professor Colin Kahl discusses the possibility of an Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear program with VOA's Dan Robinson. "The only person that knows the answer to that question is Netanyahu," Dr. Kahl says of whether Israel would give the United States actual notice prior to launching an attack. "But I think there is a concern that the Israelis wouldn't want the United States to discourage them from taking action at the last minute and therefore they may only give the United States a few hours notice."

WikiLeaks’s Stratfor Emails Roil U.S. Intelligence Community: feat. Paul Pillar and Tara McKelvey; The Daily Beast, February 28, 2012; Director of Studies Paul Pillar comments on the WikiLeaks release of emails from Stratfor in an article penned by SSP Adjunct Professor Tara McKelvey. "There’s not even an attempt to justify it," Dr. Paul Pillar tells Prof. McKelvey. "It’s just, 'We got it, and we’re hackers.' We should treat that with the contempt it deserves."

Director of Studies Paul Pillar comments on the WikiLeaks release of emails from Stratfor in an article penned by SSP Adjunct Professor Tara McKelvey. "There’s not even an attempt to justify it," Dr. Paul Pillar tells Prof. McKelvey. "It’s just, 'We got it, and we’re hackers.' We should treat that with the contempt it deserves."

US officials believe Iran sanctions will fail, making military action likely: feat. Colin Kahl; The Guardian, February 17, 2012; Professor Colin Kahl discusses the strategic thinking surrounding proposed strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. "With the European oil embargo and US sanctions on the central bank, the Israelis probably have to give some time now to let those crippling sanctions play out," says Dr. Kahl. He adds: "It's not that the Israelis believe the Iranians are on the brink of a bomb. It's that the Israelis may fear that the Iranian programme is on the brink of becoming out of reach of an Israeli military strike, which means it creates a 'now-or-never' moment."

Professor Colin Kahl discusses the strategic thinking surrounding proposed strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. "With the European oil embargo and US sanctions on the central bank, the Israelis probably have to give some time now to let those crippling sanctions play out," says Dr. Kahl. He adds: "It's not that the Israelis believe the Iranians are on the brink of a bomb. It's that the Israelis may fear that the Iranian programme is on the brink of becoming out of reach of an Israeli military strike, which means it creates a 'now-or-never' moment."

Israeli attack on Iran would be complex operation: feat. Colin Kahl; USA TODAY, February 13, 2012; Professor Colin Kahl discusses the unpredictability of a potential Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear program. "The Israelis are extraordinarily creative," says Prof. Kahl. "Nobody knows exactly how they would do it."

Professor Colin Kahl discusses the unpredictability of a potential Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear program. "The Israelis are extraordinarily creative," says Prof. Kahl. "Nobody knows exactly how they would do it."

Op-Ed: U.S. Should Use 'Tough Love' In Syria: feat. Daniel Byman; NPR, February 13, 2012; Professor Daniel Byman discusses his Washington Post op-ed advocating action against Syria's Bashar al-Assad on NPR's "The Opinion Page." "If we want to get Assad out, we have to work with the Syrians for them to do it, and the opposition is the key to that," says Dr. Byman. He cautions, however, that "if the Syrian people believe they're abandoned, if they believe that no one is standing by them, then they're going to turn, out of desperation, to groups like al-Qaida, where al-Qaida could say we are here to defend you."

Professor Daniel Byman discusses his Washington Post op-ed advocating action against Syria's Bashar al-Assad on NPR's "The Opinion Page." "If we want to get Assad out, we have to work with the Syrians for them to do it, and the opposition is the key to that," says Dr. Byman. He cautions, however, that "if the Syrian people believe they're abandoned, if they believe that no one is standing by them, then they're going to turn, out of desperation, to groups like al-Qaida, where al-Qaida could say we are here to defend you."

Diplomat Attacks Raise Specter of Escalating Israel-Iran War: feat. Paul Pillar; Bloomberg, February 14, 2012; Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks to Bloomberg's John Walcott about car bombings of Israeli diplomatic vehicles in New Delhi and Tbilisi. "The most likely possibility is that this is Iranian retaliation for assassinations of the scientists," says Dr. Pillar. "Even the method used was the same as the most recent such assassination."

Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks to Bloomberg's John Walcott about car bombings of Israeli diplomatic vehicles in New Delhi and Tbilisi. "The most likely possibility is that this is Iranian retaliation for assassinations of the scientists," says Dr. Pillar. "Even the method used was the same as the most recent such assassination."

Israel teams with terror group to kill Iran's nuclear scientists, U.S. officials tell NBC News: feat. Daniel Byman; NBC News, February 9, 2012; Professor Daniel Byman speaks to Richard Engel and Robert Windrem of NBC News about Israel's reported use of MEK agents to assassinate Iranian nuclear scientists. "In theory, states cannot be terrorist, but if they hire locals to do assassinations, that would be state sponsorship," says Dr. Byman. "You could argue that they took action not to terrorize the public, the purpose of terrorism, but only the nuclear community. An argument could also be made that degrading the program means that you don’t have to take military action and thus, this is a lower level of violence and that really these are military targets, where normally terrorist targets are civilians."

Professor Daniel Byman speaks to Richard Engel and Robert Windrem of NBC News about Israel's reported use of MEK agents to assassinate Iranian nuclear scientists. "In theory, states cannot be terrorist, but if they hire locals to do assassinations, that would be state sponsorship," says Dr. Byman. "You could argue that they took action not to terrorize the public, the purpose of terrorism, but only the nuclear community. An argument could also be made that degrading the program means that you don’t have to take military action and thus, this is a lower level of violence and that really these are military targets, where normally terrorist targets are civilians."

Gilani government 'in trouble' over contempt charges: feat. Christine Fair; ABC News, February 3, 2012; Professor Christine Fair is interviewed by Ashley Hall of Australia's ABC News regarding the contempt charges facing Pakistani prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. "It is not the end of his government but he is officially in trouble," says Dr. Fair. "I think that the Supreme Court has become the new tool through which the military takes action against civilians," she adds.

Professor Christine Fair is interviewed by Ashley Hall of Australia's ABC News regarding the contempt charges facing Pakistani prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. "It is not the end of his government but he is officially in trouble," says Dr. Fair. "I think that the Supreme Court has become the new tool through which the military takes action against civilians," she adds.

U.S. Fears Iran's Links to al Qaeda: feat. Bruce Hoffman; The Wall Street Journal, February 3, 2012; Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to WSJ's Siobham Gorman about the potential for a cooperative relationship between al Qaeda and the leadership of Iran. ""For al Qaeda core, it's one of their best hopes of reviving themselves," Prof. Hoffman says of the embattled terrorist group's leadership.

Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to WSJ's Siobham Gorman about the potential for a cooperative relationship between al Qaeda and the leadership of Iran. ""For al Qaeda core, it's one of their best hopes of reviving themselves," Prof. Hoffman says of the embattled terrorist group's leadership.

Deep in the Sinai, a looming crisis threatens Egypt-Israel peace treaty: feat. Bruce Hoffman; The National, February 1, 2012; Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to Bradley Hope of The National about growing security concerns in the Sinai Peninsula. "Sinai has become a major topic in security circles in the US," says Prof. Hoffman. "The security gap that has opened up could have a significant impact on regional security."

Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to Bradley Hope of The National about growing security concerns in the Sinai Peninsula. "Sinai has become a major topic in security circles in the US," says Prof. Hoffman. "The security gap that has opened up could have a significant impact on regional security."

Obama’s War of Words With Iran Is Unlike Bush’s Iraq Campaign: feat. Paul Pillar; Bloomberg, February 1, 2012; Director of Studies Paul Pillar comments on the escalating war of words between Washington and Tehran. “The administration, even though it does not want a war, is talking tough about Iran not only in the hope of swaying the Iranians but also because of the political need to do so and to try to hold off pressure from warhawks in both the United States and Israel,” says Prof. Pillar.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar comments on the escalating war of words between Washington and Tehran. “The administration, even though it does not want a war, is talking tough about Iran not only in the hope of swaying the Iranians but also because of the political need to do so and to try to hold off pressure from warhawks in both the United States and Israel,” says Prof. Pillar.

Court driven coup in Pakistan?: feat. Christine Fair; ABC News, January 17, 2012; Professor Christine Fair speaks to Eleanor Hall of Australia's ABC News about the increasing tension between Pakistan's executive branch, its military, and its judiciary. According to Prof. Fair, "the political ties of the Supreme Court to the opposition is an open secret. What is less obvious is the tacit cooperation between the military and the Supreme Court..." In her view, "The problem with Pakistan's democracy is that none of these governments are able to serve out their entire terms... In fact, they have every expectation that the government will be prorogued, that in fact they'll even go to jail."

Professor Christine Fair speaks to Eleanor Hall of Australia's ABC News about the increasing tension between Pakistan's executive branch, its military, and its judiciary. According to Prof. Fair, "the political ties of the Supreme Court to the opposition is an open secret. What is less obvious is the tacit cooperation between the military and the Supreme Court..." In her view, "The problem with Pakistan's democracy is that none of these governments are able to serve out their entire terms... In fact, they have every expectation that the government will be prorogued, that in fact they'll even go to jail."

Iran crisis: Can conflict be averted?: feat. Paul Pillar; BBC News, January 11, 2012; Dr. Paul Pillar analyzes the seemingly intractable stand-off between Iran and the United States. "Iranian leaders probably believe the true objective of the West and especially the United States is regime change, not an agreement," says Professor Pillar. "The West has given the Iranians little reason to think otherwise."

Dr. Paul Pillar analyzes the seemingly intractable stand-off between Iran and the United States. "Iranian leaders probably believe the true objective of the West and especially the United States is regime change, not an agreement," says Professor Pillar. "The West has given the Iranians little reason to think otherwise."

Al-Qaeda Members Gripe Over Cash Crunch as U.S. Targets Funding: feat. Paul Pillar; Bloomberg, January 9, 2012; Director of Studies Paul Pillar comments on the limits of going after terrorist financing as a means of neutralizing the threat a group poses. "Most terrorist operations that are big enough to get our attention are pretty cheap," says Prof. Pillar. "And most terrorist organizations don’t need extensive infrastructures."

Director of Studies Paul Pillar comments on the limits of going after terrorist financing as a means of neutralizing the threat a group poses. "Most terrorist operations that are big enough to get our attention are pretty cheap," says Prof. Pillar. "And most terrorist organizations don’t need extensive infrastructures."

Lull in Strikes by U.S. Drones Aids Militants in Pakistan: feat. Christine Fair; The New York Times, January 7, 2012; Professor Christine Fair speaks to The Times' Eric Schmitt about the effect that the suspension of U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan has had on militant groups there. "They’re taking advantage of the respite," says Dr. Fair. "It allows them to operate more freely."

Professor Christine Fair speaks to The Times' Eric Schmitt about the effect that the suspension of U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan has had on militant groups there. "They’re taking advantage of the respite," says Dr. Fair. "It allows them to operate more freely."

Terrorists Struggle To Gain Recruits On The Web: feat. Bruce Hoffman; NPR, December 29, 2011; Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to Dina Temple-Raston about the emerging use of social media by militant and terrorist groups. "I don't think anyone is going to be radicalized or mesmerized by this media to pick up a gun or throw a bomb," says Professor Hoffman. "But it does provide a very extraordinarily important first step. It certainly serves that purpose."

Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to Dina Temple-Raston about the emerging use of social media by militant and terrorist groups. "I don't think anyone is going to be radicalized or mesmerized by this media to pick up a gun or throw a bomb," says Professor Hoffman. "But it does provide a very extraordinarily important first step. It certainly serves that purpose."

Pentagon’s Iraq Adviser Returns as Professor: feat. Colin Kahl; The Hoya, December 21, 2011; Georgetown's student newspaper highlights the return of Dr. Colin Kahl to the CSS faculty following an extended public service leave during which he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East. "I'm turning back into an academic pumpkin after a three-year leave," quipped Dr. Kahl, whose performance in government earned him the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service.

Georgetown's student newspaper highlights the return of Dr. Colin Kahl to the CSS faculty following an extended public service leave during which he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East. "I'm turning back into an academic pumpkin after a three-year leave," quipped Dr. Kahl, whose performance in government earned him the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service.

Kim Jong-il death: Did US intelligence fail?: feat. Paul Pillar; BBC News, December 21, 2011; Director of Studies Paul Pillar offers his take on the notion that the delay in learning of Kim Jong-Il's death constituted an intelligence failure. "The term 'intelligence failure' tends to get used, extremely broadly, to refer to anything that surprises us or, even more broadly, any sudden bit of news about an event overseas when that news does not come to us from our own governments," says Dr. Pillar. "There always will be much the West will not know about a country as closed and tightly controlled as North Korea, no matter how effectively Western security services are operating."

Director of Studies Paul Pillar offers his take on the notion that the delay in learning of Kim Jong-Il's death constituted an intelligence failure. "The term 'intelligence failure' tends to get used, extremely broadly, to refer to anything that surprises us or, even more broadly, any sudden bit of news about an event overseas when that news does not come to us from our own governments," says Dr. Pillar. "There always will be much the West will not know about a country as closed and tightly controlled as North Korea, no matter how effectively Western security services are operating."

Pervasive insecurity in Mexico: If this isn't 'terror,' what is?: feat. Bruce Hoffman; The Christian Science Monitor, December 3, 2011; Director Bruce Hoffman comments on the debate over whether the ongoing violence in Mexico constitutes terrorism. "Scholars agree, terrorism has to be political: a fundamental political change sought through violence," says Dr. Hoffman, noting that the goals of Mexican cartels are at their core economic, rather than political. "Mislabeling terrorism makes for bad laws and bad policies," he adds. "You get into problems when you conflate two forms of violence."

Director Bruce Hoffman comments on the debate over whether the ongoing violence in Mexico constitutes terrorism. "Scholars agree, terrorism has to be political: a fundamental political change sought through violence," says Dr. Hoffman, noting that the goals of Mexican cartels are at their core economic, rather than political. "Mislabeling terrorism makes for bad laws and bad policies," he adds. "You get into problems when you conflate two forms of violence."

U.S.-Pakistan relations, a new 'all-time low'?: feat. Christine Fair; NBC News, November 30, 2011; Professor Christine Fair delves into the reasons behind the continued worsening of relations between the United States in Pakistan and finds that the use of the media by the Pakistani government is partly to blame. "The problem is that there's not really a source of information that's geared to inform," says Prof. Fair. "They're geared to massage perceptions of events, and the Pakistani government love taking their citizens for a ride on the victim bus."

Professor Christine Fair delves into the reasons behind the continued worsening of relations between the United States in Pakistan and finds that the use of the media by the Pakistani government is partly to blame. "The problem is that there's not really a source of information that's geared to inform," says Prof. Fair. "They're geared to massage perceptions of events, and the Pakistani government love taking their citizens for a ride on the victim bus."

The Last Friendly Pakistani: feat. Christine Fair; National Journal, November 23, 2011; Professor Christine Fair discusses the context behind the resignation of Pakistani ambassador Husain Haqqani with National Journal's Michael Hirsh. Dr. Fair identifies Imran Khan as the Pakistani military's preferred replacement for the increasingly unpopular President Asif Ali Zardari, who is implicated along with Haqqani in the memo scandal. "He supports the Afghan Taliban," says says, "and he doesn’t support military action against Pakistan Taliban."

Professor Christine Fair discusses the context behind the resignation of Pakistani ambassador Husain Haqqani with National Journal's Michael Hirsh. Dr. Fair identifies Imran Khan as the Pakistani military's preferred replacement for the increasingly unpopular President Asif Ali Zardari, who is implicated along with Haqqani in the memo scandal. "He supports the Afghan Taliban," says says, "and he doesn’t support military action against Pakistan Taliban."

Pakistan's US ambassador quits over 'memogate': feat. Paul Pillar; ABC News, November 23, 2011; Director of Studies Paul Pillar is interviewed on the Australian news program "The World Today" regarding the abrupt departure of Pakistani ambassador Husain Haqqani. "(T)here are aspects to it that would not strike one as the work either of ambassador Haqqani or of president Zardari," says Prof. Pillar says of the disputed memo that prompted Haqqani's resignation. "There were too many fishy things here with regard to whether this really did come from president Zardari."

Director of Studies Paul Pillar is interviewed on the Australian news program "The World Today" regarding the abrupt departure of Pakistani ambassador Husain Haqqani. "(T)here are aspects to it that would not strike one as the work either of ambassador Haqqani or of president Zardari," says Prof. Pillar says of the disputed memo that prompted Haqqani's resignation. "There were too many fishy things here with regard to whether this really did come from president Zardari."

Palestinians May Lose More Than Gain From Unesco Membership: feat. Daniel Byman; Bloomberg, November 1, 2011; Professor Daniel Byman comments on the Palestinian effort to gain recognition as a state within UN bodies. “The UNESCO decision is another short-term political victory for Palestinian leader Abbas, enabling him to demonstrate to Palestinians that he is moving forward," says Dr. Byman. "Long-term success, however, will remain elusive."

Professor Daniel Byman comments on the Palestinian effort to gain recognition as a state within UN bodies. “The UNESCO decision is another short-term political victory for Palestinian leader Abbas, enabling him to demonstrate to Palestinians that he is moving forward," says Dr. Byman. "Long-term success, however, will remain elusive."

Killing al-Qaeda’s Middle Managers May Be Key to its Destruction: feat. Bruce Hoffman and Peter Neumann; Bloomberg, October 26, 2011; Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to John Walcott about targetting the middle of al-Qaeda's hierarchy in light of the release of a report, co-authored by Adjunt Professor Peter Neumann, that emphasizes the importance of the terrorist group's 'middle managers.' "The problem is that no one generally knows who these people are, so eliminating them lacks the same drama, or sense of catharsis, that taking out a high-value target does," notes Dr. Hoffman

Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to John Walcott about targetting the middle of al-Qaeda's hierarchy in light of the release of a report, co-authored by Adjunt Professor Peter Neumann, that emphasizes the importance of the terrorist group's 'middle managers.' "The problem is that no one generally knows who these people are, so eliminating them lacks the same drama, or sense of catharsis, that taking out a high-value target does," notes Dr. Hoffman.

Afghans wonder, too, about strategic pact with India: feat. Christine Fair; The Miami Herald, October 26, 2011; Professor Christine Fair discusses the logic behind the recently signed strategic partnership between India and Afghanistan. "India can't claim to be a regional power, much less a global power, if it can't manage to achieve some modicum of its strategic goals in Afghanistan," says Dr. Fair. "This is about India trying to step up its regional position. I don't see it as much more than that."

Professor Christine Fair discusses the logic behind the recently signed strategic partnership between India and Afghanistan. "India can't claim to be a regional power, much less a global power, if it can't manage to achieve some modicum of its strategic goals in Afghanistan," says Dr. Fair. "This is about India trying to step up its regional position. I don't see it as much more than that."

Some U.S. officials question response to Iran plot: feat. Paul Pillar; Reuters, October 14, 2011; Director of Studies Paul Pillar comments on the response by Obama administration officials to the purported Iranian plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the United States. "They're in a re-election mode and making sure that they sound ... tough on Iran," says Dr. Pillar. "It just gives additional red meat for those who would like to push us toward even more confrontation, especially in the use of military force."

Director of Studies Paul Pillar comments on the response by Obama administration officials to the purported Iranian plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the United States. "They're in a re-election mode and making sure that they sound ... tough on Iran," says Dr. Pillar. "It just gives additional red meat for those who would like to push us toward even more confrontation, especially in the use of military force."

Israeli soldier swaps raise questions: feat. Daniel Byman; USA TODAY, October 13, 2011; Professor Daniel Byman discusses the Israeli-Palestinian prisoner swap that yielded Gilad Shalit's release with Jim Michaels of USA Today. "They realize it has a price, and they're willing to pay it," says Dr. Byman of Israeli calculations with respect to negotiating exchanges of and with terrorists. "The problem is the price keeps getting bigger."

Professor Daniel Byman discusses the Israeli-Palestinian prisoner swap that yielded Gilad Shalit's release with Jim Michaels of USA Today. "They realize it has a price, and they're willing to pay it," says Dr. Byman of Israeli calculations with respect to negotiating exchanges of and with terrorists. "The problem is the price keeps getting bigger."

How Close Is Al-Qaida To Defeat?: feat. Bruce Hoffman; NPR, October 13, 2011; Director Bruce Hoffman shares his analysis of claims that al-Qaida is near defeat with NPR's Dina Temple-Raston. "A movement like al-Qaida that is more than two decades old, even as weak as it is now, its survival isn't predicated on two to three people or four or five people," says Professor Hoffman. "We may force the collapse of al-Qaida in one place, but I believe its strategy in recent years has been to replicate itself in other locations."

Director Bruce Hoffman shares his analysis of claims that al-Qaida is near defeat with NPR's Dina Temple-Raston. "A movement like al-Qaida that is more than two decades old, even as weak as it is now, its survival isn't predicated on two to three people or four or five people," says Professor Hoffman. "We may force the collapse of al-Qaida in one place, but I believe its strategy in recent years has been to replicate itself in other locations."

Analysis: U.S. strikes on al Qaeda hallmarks of stealthier war: feat. Paul Pillar; Reuters, October 4, 2011; Director of Studies Paul Pillar comments on the use of unmanned drones in US operations against al Qaeda. "The thing that made a difference (for the U.S. campaign against al Qaeda) is the drone technology itself and the clear policy decision to rely fairly heavily on this in the absence of a lot of other good alternatives," says Dr. Pillar.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar comments on the use of unmanned drones in US operations against al Qaeda. "The thing that made a difference (for the U.S. campaign against al Qaeda) is the drone technology itself and the clear policy decision to rely fairly heavily on this in the absence of a lot of other good alternatives," says Dr. Pillar.

With the death of Awlaki, Al-Qaeda nears its tipping point: feat. Bruce Hoffman; National Post, October 1, 2011; Director Bruce Hoffman discusses the killing of Anwar al-Awlaki with Stewart Bell of Canada's National Post. "Prof. Hoffman said Mr. Awlaki was not pivotal to al-Qaeda but his death demonstrated the transcontinental reach of U.S. counter-terrorism. Al-Qaeda had suffered unprecedented damage this year and if it is to survive it will have to change its operation style, he added. “The question is, can they change?”"

Director Bruce Hoffman discusses the killing of Anwar al-Awlaki with Stewart Bell of Canada's National Post. "Prof. Hoffman said Mr. Awlaki was not pivotal to al-Qaeda but his death demonstrated the transcontinental reach of U.S. counter-terrorism. Al-Qaeda had suffered unprecedented damage this year and if it is to survive it will have to change its operation style, he added. “The question is, can they change?”"

Mind fitness routines fight combat stress: feat. Elizabeth Stanley; Marine Corps Times, October 3, 2011; James K. Sanborn profiles Professor Elizabeth Stanley's Mind Fitness training program, which the U.S. Marine Corps has begun adopting. "Just like physical exercise changes our body, our muscles, our cardiovascular system, ... if we do these exercises that train our attention and concentration, we are beginning to rewire the brain," says Prof. Stanley. "We are building new neural pathways."

James K. Sanborn profiles Professor Elizabeth Stanley's Mind Fitness training program, which the U.S. Marine Corps has begun adopting. "Just like physical exercise changes our body, our muscles, our cardiovascular system, ... if we do these exercises that train our attention and concentration, we are beginning to rewire the brain," says Prof. Stanley. "We are building new neural pathways."

Killing raises questions over al-Qaeda’s future: feat. Paul Pillar; Financial Times, September 30, 2011; Director of Studies Paul Pillar remarks on the continuity between the current and previous presidential administrations in their use of unmanned aerial drones for counterterrorism operations. "The drone strikes reflect the ability of this particular tool to score what are seen as victories and to have an immediate impact," says Dr. Pillar. "Most people associate the Bush administration with a more military approach to counter-terrorism, but when you look up close there’s a lot more that’s the same than is different."

Director of Studies Paul Pillar remarks on the continuity between the current and previous presidential administrations in their use of unmanned aerial drones for counterterrorism operations. "The drone strikes reflect the ability of this particular tool to score what are seen as victories and to have an immediate impact," says Dr. Pillar. "Most people associate the Bush administration with a more military approach to counter-terrorism, but when you look up close there’s a lot more that’s the same than is different."

Awlaki: From San Diego Cleric To Wanted Terrorist: feat. Bruce Hoffman; NPR, September 30, 2011; Director Bruce Hoffman describes the uncertainty regarding Anwar al-Awlaki's role and status within al-Qaida, as well as the implications of his death for the group. "Al-Awlaki's role [in al-Qaida] has never been that clear," says Dr. Hoffman. "If he indeed managed to make this transition from cleric to skilled propagandist to operational leader, that's pretty unique. But what was his actual role in operations is up for debate."

Director Bruce Hoffman describes the uncertainty regarding Anwar al-Awlaki's role and status within al-Qaida, as well as the implications of his death for the group. "Al-Awlaki's role [in al-Qaida] has never been that clear," says Dr. Hoffman. "If he indeed managed to make this transition from cleric to skilled propagandist to operational leader, that's pretty unique. But what was his actual role in operations is up for debate."

Kenya Trips Spark Interest: feat. Donald Daniel; The Hoya, September 30, 2011; Professor Donald Daniel speaks to Georgetown's student newspaper about his experiences as part of a University service trip to Kenya, including St. Aloysius Gonzaga High School in Nairobi. "What I took away from the trip wasn't the hardship. There's a lot of bad stuff going on in the world, but there are also a lot of good things in the world," said Dr. Daniel. "St. Aloysius put those students in an atmosphere consistent with their human dignity. That's what being a school in the Jesuit tradition is about."

Professor Donald Daniel speaks to Georgetown's student newspaper about his experiences as part of a University service trip to Kenya, including St. Aloysius Gonzaga High School in Nairobi. "What I took away from the trip wasn't the hardship. There's a lot of bad stuff going on in the world, but there are also a lot of good things in the world," said Dr. Daniel. "St. Aloysius put those students in an atmosphere consistent with their human dignity. That's what being a school in the Jesuit tradition is about."

US Empowered Pakistan Spy Agency: feat. Christine Fair; Voice of America, September 28, 2011; Professor Christine Fair speaks to VOA's Gary Thomas about the relationship between Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence and regional militant groups. "There’s a constellation of Taliban actors, basically overlapping networks that have ties with [Gulbuddin] Hekmatyar, Haqqani, all of which is sort of on a tactical basis when it suits them," she says. "They all have different sort of relationships with what reconciliation means, and they all have different relationships with the ISI."

Professor Christine Fair speaks to VOA's Gary Thomas about the relationship between Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence and regional militant groups. "There’s a constellation of Taliban actors, basically overlapping networks that have ties with [Gulbuddin] Hekmatyar, Haqqani, all of which is sort of on a tactical basis when it suits them," she says. "They all have different sort of relationships with what reconciliation means, and they all have different relationships with the ISI."

In The Hunt For Al-Qaida, Drone Program Expands: feat. Bruce Hoffman; NPR, September 26, 2011; CSS Director Bruce Hoffman discusses the expansion of the U.S. aerial drone program to the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. In Dr. Hoffman's view, "We've been so effective at weakening al-Qaida's core that the threat has now migrated to the periphery — and it isn't surprising that as it has migrated to the periphery we would adopt the same tactics that we used in South Asia to address that threat."

CSS Director Bruce Hoffman discusses the expansion of the U.S. aerial drone program to the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. In Dr. Hoffman's view, "We've been so effective at weakening al-Qaida's core that the threat has now migrated to the periphery — and it isn't surprising that as it has migrated to the periphery we would adopt the same tactics that we used in South Asia to address that threat."

Winona native, Middle East expert speaks at WSU about terrorism: feat. Daniel Byman; Winona Daily News, September 27, 2011; Professor Daniel Byman is profiled by his hometown newspaper on the occasion of his visit and lecture. Dr. Byman described the appeal of discussing Al Qaeda outside of the Washington area: "The danger of living in Washington is you think everything that matters is in Washington. It's good for me to be exposed to people and ideas outside D.C."

Professor Daniel Byman is profiled by his hometown newspaper on the occasion of his visit and lecture. Dr. Byman described the appeal of discussing Al Qaeda outside of the Washington area: "The danger of living in Washington is you think everything that matters is in Washington. It's good for me to be exposed to people and ideas outside D.C."

The Haqqani Network's Influence in Pakistan and Afghanistan: feat. Christine Fair; The Takeaway, September 26, 2011; Prof. Christine Fair speaks to John Hockenberry and Celeste Headlee about the Haqqani network and the support it receives from Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence.

Prof. Christine Fair speaks to John Hockenberry and Celeste Headlee about the Haqqani network and the support it receives from Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence.

Afghan Assassination Threatens Peace Talks, Pakistan Relations: feat. Christine Fair; Businessweek, September 20, 2011; Professor Christine Fair discusses the role of the Haqqani network in the assassination of Burhanuddin Rabbani and the associated implications for the U.S.-Pakistan relationship. "Our allies are their enemies, and their enemies are our allies. As we go into the endgame in Afghanistan, it’s becoming increasingly clear that our interests are different," observes Dr. Fair.

Professor Christine Fair discusses the role of the Haqqani network in the assassination of Burhanuddin Rabbani and the associated implications for the U.S.-Pakistan relationship. "Our allies are their enemies, and their enemies are our allies. As we go into the endgame in Afghanistan, it’s becoming increasingly clear that our interests are different," observes Dr. Fair.

Analysts: US Anger With Pakistan Runs Precariously High: feat. Christine Fair; Voice of America, September 23, 2011; Professor Christine Fair speaks with VOA's Meredith Buel about growing U.S. anger toward Pakistan with regard to its role in the AfPak theater. "Everyone knows that the ISI supports, trains, mans missions, sees both the Afghan Taliban and elements that are allied to it, like the Haqqani network, as their assets," says Dr. Fair. "So there is just this frustration that we have to treat them like an ally, but in fact they are operating against us and our interests."

Professor Christine Fair speaks with VOA's Meredith Buel about growing U.S. anger toward Pakistan with regard to its role in the AfPak theater. "Everyone knows that the ISI supports, trains, mans missions, sees both the Afghan Taliban and elements that are allied to it, like the Haqqani network, as their assets," says Dr. Fair. "So there is just this frustration that we have to treat them like an ally, but in fact they are operating against us and our interests."

Taliban Attacks US Embassy in Kabul: feat. Christine Fair; The Takeaway, September 14, 2011; Professor Christine Fair appears on John Hockenberry and Celeste Headlee's show to discuss the state of Afghan security forces and to what extend they are able to operate effectively without heavy foreign support.

Professor Christine Fair appears on John Hockenberry and Celeste Headlee's show to discuss the state of Afghan security forces and to what extend they are able to operate effectively without heavy foreign support.

Bush and Obama, Shoulder to Shoulder: feat. Bruce Hoffman; The New York Times, September 11, 2011; Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to Mark Landler and Eric Schmitt about the state of American counterterrorism at the 10th year anniversary of 9/11. “We can say we turned a corner with Al Qaeda, but we can’t say we turned a corner in the war on terrorism,” says Professor Hoffman.

Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to Mark Landler and Eric Schmitt about the state of American counterterrorism at the 10th year anniversary of 9/11. “We can say we turned a corner with Al Qaeda, but we can’t say we turned a corner in the war on terrorism,” says Professor Hoffman.

Security Experts Explore Post-9/11 U.S. Intelligence Efforts: feat.
Bruce Hoffman, Paul Pillar, and Jennifer Sims; Georgetown University News, September 12, 2011; The faculty of the Security Studies Program offered their assessment of the ten years since September 11, 2011 at a series of panels commemorating the anniversary of the attacks. Speakers explored the long-term impact of 9/11 on U.S. intelligence efforts, foreign policy and the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally, they offered a forecast of the trajectory of the war on terrorism over the coming decade.

The faculty of the Security Studies Program offered their assessment of the ten years since September 11, 2011 at a series of panels commemorating the anniversary of the attacks. Speakers explored the long-term impact of 9/11 on U.S. intelligence efforts, foreign policy and the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally, they offered a forecast of the trajectory of the war on terrorism over the coming decade.

Shadowy Figure: Al Qaeda's Size Is Hard to Measure: feat. Bruce Hoffman; The Wall Street Journal, September 10, 2011; Director Bruce Hoffman discusses estimates of Al Qaeda's membership with WSJ's Carl Bialik. "Terrorism is not a numbers game," stresses Dr. Hoffman. "That is the point of terrorism: A small number of dedicated, well-trained, and highly motivated individuals can have a disproportionate impact on any society's sense of security and profoundly affect government policies."

Director Bruce Hoffman discusses estimates of Al Qaeda's membership with WSJ's Carl Bialik. "Terrorism is not a numbers game," stresses Dr. Hoffman. "That is the point of terrorism: A small number of dedicated, well-trained, and highly motivated individuals can have a disproportionate impact on any society's sense of security and profoundly affect government policies."

White House Stresses Both Vigilance and 9/11 Remembrance: feat. Bruce Hoffman; The New York Times, September 7, 2011; CSS Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to the New York Times' Mark Landler and Eric Schmitt about the terrorist threats that remain at the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. “It’s undeniable that there’s been tremendous progress in the war on terrorism,” says Prof. Hoffman. “But the collective sigh of relief that we’d like to breathe is less clear.”

CSS Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to the New York Times' Mark Landler and Eric Schmitt about the terrorist threats that remain at the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. “It’s undeniable that there’s been tremendous progress in the war on terrorism,” says Prof. Hoffman. “But the collective sigh of relief that we’d like to breathe is less clear.”

Is Palestine a ‘Phantom State’?: feat. Daniel Byman; Tablet, August 25, 2011; In a follow-up to the article he recently co-authored with SFS Professor Charles King, Dr. Daniel Byman discusses whether Palestine fits the parameters of a "phantom state" with Tablet's Marc Tracy.

In a follow-up to the article he recently co-authored with SFS Professor Charles King, Dr. Daniel Byman discusses whether Palestine fits the parameters of a "phantom state" with Tablet's Marc Tracy.

Sidelined al-Qaeda awaits 'spring' harvest: feat. Paul Pillar; Asia Times, August 19, 2011; Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks to Asia Times' Mariann Ormholt about al-Qaeda's response to the Arab Spring. Professor Pillar finds that the terrorist group's prospects have worsened in light of successful regime changes in the Arab world: "It has shown that you don't need to go to extreme violent efforts to accomplish political change."

Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks to Asia Times' Mariann Ormholt about al-Qaeda's response to the Arab Spring. Professor Pillar finds that the terrorist group's prospects have worsened in light of successful regime changes in the Arab world: "It has shown that you don't need to go to extreme violent efforts to accomplish political change."

Helicopter Crash Highlights American Strategy in Afghanistan: feat. Christine Fair; The Takeaway, August 8, 2011; Professor Christine Fair discusses the evolution and transformation of the insurgency in Afghanistan and its effect on U.S. strategy.

Professor Christine Fair discusses the evolution and transformation of the insurgency in Afghanistan and its effect on U.S. strategy.

Despite heavy losses in helicopter crash, special ops likely to remain: feat. Paul Pillar; Stars and Stripes, August 7, 2011; Director of Studies Paul Pillar assesses the likelihood of continued heavy reliance on special operations forces (SOF) in the Afghan theater in the wake of the high-casualty downing of a helicopter on a SOF mission. "The shooting down of the helicopter was not due to any fundamental shortcoming in special operations themselves," says Dr. Pillar.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar assesses the likelihood of continued heavy reliance on special operations forces (SOF) in the Afghan theater in the wake of the high-casualty downing of a helicopter on a SOF mission. "The shooting down of the helicopter was not due to any fundamental shortcoming in special operations themselves," says Dr. Pillar.

Pakistan remains focused upon India: feat. Christine Fair; Small Wars Journal, August 6, 2011; Professor Christine Fair is interviewed by Octavian Manea on the topic of the Pakistan's military, its India-centric security outlook, and the interplay of internal militant groups.

Professor Christine Fair is interviewed by Octavian Manea on the topic of the Pakistan's military, its India-centric security outlook, and the interplay of internal militant groups.

As budget cuts linger, a call to spare special operations funds: feat. Bruce Hoffman; Stars and Stripes, August 4, 2011; CSS Director Bruce Hoffman discusses the cost-effectiveness of special operations forces in light of impending defense budget cuts.

CSS Director Bruce Hoffman discusses the cost-effectiveness of special operations forces in light of impending defense budget cuts.

Mumbai Response Points to Security Gaps: feat. Christine Fair; The Wall Street Journal, July 16, 2011; Professor Christine Fair speaks to Megha Bahree and Geeta Anand about the failure of Indian state governments to take adequate measures in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. "What's not available is the political will at the state level," says Prof. Fair.

Professor Christine Fair speaks to Megha Bahree and Geeta Anand about the failure of Indian state governments to take adequate measures in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. "What's not available is the political will at the state level," says Prof. Fair.

As U.S. wars wind down, drones gain new prominence: feat. Paul Pillar; Reuters, July 15, 2011; Director of Studies Paul Pillar comments on the pros and cons of using unmanned aerial drones as a weapon against militants in denied areas. "We must bear in mind as we make each individual decision about a drone strike that the immediate positive results always have to be weighed against the potentially longer-term consequences, given how it's perceived and possible resentment," he cautions.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar comments on the pros and cons of using unmanned aerial drones as a weapon against militants in denied areas. "We must bear in mind as we make each individual decision about a drone strike that the immediate positive results always have to be weighed against the potentially longer-term consequences, given how it's perceived and possible resentment," he cautions.

Happening Now: Biometrics: feat. Gary Shiffman; Fox News, July 12, 2011; Adjunt Professor Gary Shiffman appears on Fox News to discuss biometrics and the applications of this technology sphere to homeland security.

Adjunt Professor Gary Shiffman appears on Fox News to discuss biometrics and the applications of this technology sphere to homeland security.

Karzai's Half-Brother Killed in Kandahar: feat. Christine Fair; The Takeaway, July 12, 2011; Professor Christine Fair appears on The Takeaway to discuss what the death of Afghan President Hamid Karzai's half-brother, Ahmed Wali Karzai, will mean for the war effort in Afghanistan.

Professor Christine Fair appears on The Takeaway to discuss what the death of Afghan President Hamid Karzai's half-brother, Ahmed Wali Karzai, will mean for the war effort in Afghanistan.

Popularity Of Drones Takes Off For Many Countries: feat. Christine Fair; NPR, July 11, 2011; Professor Christine Fair elaborates on the complexity of U.S. drone operations in a conversation with NPR's Jackie Northam. "You have lawyers, you have targeteers, you have intelligence operatives, you actually have pilots who are manning the drones. These are not 14-year-old kids right out of basic training, playing around with a joy stick," says Prof. Fair.

Professor Christine Fair elaborates on the complexity of U.S. drone operations in a conversation with NPR's Jackie Northam. "You have lawyers, you have targeteers, you have intelligence operatives, you actually have pilots who are manning the drones. These are not 14-year-old kids right out of basic training, playing around with a joy stick," says Prof. Fair.

Panetta: U.S. ‘within reach’ of defeating al-Qaeda: feat. Bruce Hoffman; The Washington Post, July 9, 2011; Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to Craig Whitlock about Defense Secretary Leon Panetta's comments that a victory over al-Qaeda is within reach. “Al-Qaeda’s obituary has been written countless times over the past decade,” says Professor Hoffman. “Each iteration has proved to be ephemeral, as the moment has continually shown itself to have a deeper bench than we imagine.”

Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to Craig Whitlock about Defense Secretary Leon Panetta's comments that a victory over al-Qaeda is within reach. “Al-Qaeda’s obituary has been written countless times over the past decade,” says Professor Hoffman. “Each iteration has proved to be ephemeral, as the moment has continually shown itself to have a deeper bench than we imagine.”

Libyan Soldiers May Stay Post-Qaddafi as NATO Allies Cite Lesson From Iraq: feat. Daniel Byman; Bloomberg, June 30, 2011; Professor Daniel Byman offers commentary on what to do with a post-Qaddafi Libyan military. "Completely disbanding the army would be a mistake, as you don’t want to suddenly put lots of young men, especially armed ones, on the streets," he warns.

Professor Daniel Byman offers commentary on what to do with a post-Qaddafi Libyan military. "Completely disbanding the army would be a mistake, as you don’t want to suddenly put lots of young men, especially armed ones, on the streets," he warns.

Terrorist Attack on Kabul Hotel: feat. Christine Fair; The Takeaway, June 29, 2011; Professor Christine Fair discusses the attack on the Hotel Intercontinental in Kabul with John Hockenberry and Celeste Headlee.

Professor Christine Fair discusses the attack on the Hotel Intercontinental in Kabul with John Hockenberry and Celeste Headlee.

Analysis: No turning back for Obama on Afghan war: feat. Christine Fair; Associated Press, June 25, 2011; Professor Christine Fair speaks to AP's Ben Feller about the course of the Obama administration's Afghanistan policy. "His trajectory is, quite frankly, a sobering embrace of reality," says Prof. Fair.

Professor Christine Fair speaks to AP's Ben Feller about the course of the Obama administration's Afghanistan policy. "His trajectory is, quite frankly, a sobering embrace of reality," says Prof. Fair.

Afghan drawdown looms over Petraeus CIA hearing: feat. Paul Pillar and Bruce Riedel; Reuters, June 23, 2011; Director of Studies Paul Pillar and Adjunct Professor Bruce Riedel speak to Reuters' Phil Stewart about the impact that David Petraeus's time in Afghanistan is likely to have on his confirmation and transition as head of the CIA.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar and Adjunct Professor Bruce Riedel speak to Reuters' Phil Stewart about the impact that David Petraeus's time in Afghanistan is likely to have on his confirmation and transition as head of the CIA.

Al-Qaida’s Business Savvy Sows Uncertain Future: feat. Bruce Hoffman; Voice of America, June 21, 2011; Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to VOA's JulieAnn McKellogg about the corporate nature of al-Qaida's organization structure, a likely imprint of Osama bin Laden's background as a businessman. Prof. Hoffman also describes the change in al-Qaida recruitment volume over time.

Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to VOA's JulieAnn McKellogg about the corporate nature of al-Qaida's organization structure, a likely imprint of Osama bin Laden's background as a businessman. Prof. Hoffman also describes the change in al-Qaida recruitment volume over time.

How Soon Could U.S. Troops Exit Afghanistan?: feat. Christine Fair; The Takeaway, June 20, 2011; Professor Christine Fair appears on The Takeaway with John Hockenberry and Celeste Headlee to discuss U.S. options for withdrawing from Afghanistan and the dynamics surrounding this eventuality.

Professor Christine Fair appears on The Takeaway with John Hockenberry and Celeste Headlee to discuss U.S. options for withdrawing from Afghanistan and the dynamics surrounding this eventuality.

Automated Classification?: feat. Jennifer Sims; DefenseNews, June 19, 2011; Director of Intelligence Studies Jennifer Sims speaks to Sean Reilly about the role of technological developments in managing the ever-increasing amount of classified material produced by the government.

Director of Intelligence Studies Jennifer Sims speaks to Sean Reilly about the role of technological developments in managing the ever-increasing amount of classified material produced by the government.

Al-Zawahiri Takes Lead of al-Qaida, Vowing 'Blood for Blood' for Bin Laden Death: feat. Daniel Byman; PBS, June 16, 2011; Professor Daniel Byman appears on PBS Newshour to talk about the ascension of Ayman al-Zawahri as emir of al-Qaida and the context within which the change in leadership is taking place.

Professor Daniel Byman appears on PBS Newshour to talk about the ascension of Ayman al-Zawahri as emir of al-Qaida and the context within which the change in leadership is taking place.

Pakistan Detains C.I.A. Informants: feat. Christine Fair; The Kojo Nnamdi Show, June 15, 2011; Professor Christine Fair appears on The Kojo Nnamdi Show to discuss the arrest of Pakistani informants who worked with the CIA leading up to the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound.

Professor Christine Fair appears on The Kojo Nnamdi Show to discuss the arrest of Pakistani informants who worked with the CIA leading up to the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound.

Canada recognizes Libya's rebel council as legitimate voice: feat. Daniel Byman; The Globe and Mail, June 14, 2011; Professor Daniel Byman speaks to Campbell Clark about the makeup and status of Libya’s rebel council in the wake of its recognition by the Canadian government as the legitimate voice of the Libyan people.

Professor Daniel Byman speaks to Campbell Clark about the makeup and status of Libya’s rebel council in the wake of its recognition by the Canadian government as the legitimate voice of the Libyan people.

Another Leader's Death Is A Set Back For Al-Qaida: feat. Bruce Hoffman; NPR, June 13, 2011; CSS Director Bruce Hoffman discusses the implications of al-Qaida operative Fazul Abdullah Mohammed's death on NPR's Morning Edition.

CSS Director Bruce Hoffman discusses the implications of al-Qaida operative Fazul Abdullah Mohammed's death on NPR's Morning Edition.

Intel agencies aim to automate secrecy: feat. Jennifer Sims; Federal Times, June 13, 2011; Director of Intelligence Studies Jennifer Sims speaks to Sean Reilly about the use of digital technology in assisting with classification and declassification of documents. "We don't have sufficient agility in this domain, in my view," says Prof. Sims.

Director of Intelligence Studies Jennifer Sims speaks to Sean Reilly about the use of digital technology in assisting with classification and declassification of documents. "We don't have sufficient agility in this domain, in my view," says Prof. Sims.

An Antiterror Roadmap: feat. Daniel Byman; The Wall Street Journal, June 13, 2011; Professor Daniel Byman's new book, A High Price: The Triumphs and Failures of Israeli Counterterrorism, is reviewed by Gabriel Schoenfeld in The Wall Street Journal.

Professor Daniel Byman's new book, A High Price: The Triumphs and Failures of Israeli Counterterrorism, is reviewed by Gabriel Schoenfeld in The Wall Street Journal.

U.S. Probes If Pakistan Colluded With Militants: feat. Bruce Hoffman; NPR, June 13, 2011; CSS Director Bruce Hoffman speaks about the relationship between Pakistan and militant groups with Julie McCarthy and Steve Inskeep of NPR's Morning Edition. Prof. Hoffman says that "there's already tremendous concern in the Congress and elsewhere that the aid we're giving Pakistan is not being well spent, that it's not resulting in the cooperation that we expect."

CSS Director Bruce Hoffman speaks about the relationship between Pakistan and militant groups with Julie McCarthy and Steve Inskeep of NPR's Morning Edition. Prof. Hoffman says that "there's already tremendous concern in the Congress and elsewhere that the aid we're giving Pakistan is not being well spent, that it's not resulting in the cooperation that we expect."

US must reconsider strategy in fighting War on Terror: feat. Christine Fair; International Business Times, June 9, 2011; Professor Christine Fair discusses the report on income and support for militancy in Pakistan that she co-authored with three colleagues. "There is a powerful draw to that [economic] narrative," Prof. Fair says of the common assumption that greater poverty leads to greater support for terrorism, which the report's findings dispute.

Professor Christine Fair discusses the report on income and support for militancy in Pakistan that she co-authored with three colleagues. "There is a powerful draw to that [economic] narrative," Prof. Fair says of the common assumption that greater poverty leads to greater support for terrorism, which the report's findings dispute.

Key Al-Qaida Leader Owes Rise To Unlikely Ally: Iran: feat. Bruce Hoffman and Rick "Ozzie" Nelson; NPR, June 1, 2011; Director Bruce Hoffman and SSP graduate Rick "Ozzie" Nelson speak to NPR's Dina Temple-Raston about senior al-Qaida operative Saif al-Adel and the history of his detention and release by Iran.

Director Bruce Hoffman and SSP graduate Rick "Ozzie" Nelson speak to NPR's Dina Temple-Raston about senior al-Qaida operative Saif al-Adel and the history of his detention and release by Iran

Al-Qaida's Paper Trail: A 'Treasure Trove' For U.S.: feat. Bruce Hoffman and Rick "Ozzie" Nelson; NPR, May 31, 2011; Director Bruce Hoffman and alumnus Rick "Ozzie" Nelson (SSP'99) discuss al-Qaida's extensive record-keeping and the repercussions thereof. "(It) may be an effective way to run any organization, but also results in a windfall of intelligence to any counterterrorist agency or intelligence community charged with dismantling that organization," notes Prof. Hoffman. Nelson believes that the group's leadership must demonstrate that they can quickly recover from the loss of their founder and the documents he possessed: "It's important for them to show they are operationally in control of the organization, and they're not doing that."

Director Bruce Hoffman and alumnus Rick "Ozzie" Nelson (SSP'99) discuss al-Qaida's extensive record-keeping and the repercussions thereof. "(It) may be an effective way to run any organization, but also results in a windfall of intelligence to any counterterrorist agency or intelligence community charged with dismantling that organization," notes Prof. Hoffman. Nelson believes that the group's leadership must demonstrate that they can quickly recover from the loss of their founder and the documents he possessed: "It's important for them to show they are operationally in control of the organization, and they're not doing that."

Pakistan Conspiracy Theory Dangerous, Scholar Says: feat. Christine Fair; Georgetown University News, May 2011; Professor Christine Fair answers questions about the United States' relationship with Pakistan. In Prof. Fair's view, "the United States has no choice but to engage with Pakistan. Our troops in Afghanistan are dependent upon Pakistan for supplies. We need to remain engaged because of that as well as nuclear proliferation and terrorism."

Professor Christine Fair answers questions about the United States' relationship with Pakistan. In Prof. Fair's view, "the United States has no choice but to engage with Pakistan. Our troops in Afghanistan are dependent upon Pakistan for supplies. We need to remain engaged because of that as well as nuclear proliferation and terrorism."

After bin Laden, Still No Choice for U.S. with Pakistan: feat. Christine Fair; National Bureau of Asian Research, May 26, 2011; Professor Christine Fair responds to questions on the state of U.S.-Pakistani relations from NBR's Graham Webster. She finds that "the leaderships of both countries know that they need each other in ways that are both humiliating and difficult to explain to publics that are ever more outraged and appalled by the perfidy of the other."

Professor Christine Fair responds to questions on the state of U.S.-Pakistani relations from NBR's Graham Webster. She finds that "the leaderships of both countries know that they need each other in ways that are both humiliating and difficult to explain to publics that are ever more outraged and appalled by the perfidy of the other."

Taming the U.S. Government’s Secrecy Machine: feat. Jennifer Sims; Miller-McCune, May 26, 2011; Director of Intelligence Studies Jennifer Sims, a member of the Public Interest Declassification Board, discusses the challenges of creating an effective and expedient declassification system. “This multiagency review of a single document exponentially increases the amount of work involved and the number of eyes that have to review the document,” says Prof. Sims. “But that’s all just dealing with the paper documents. The real challenge is going to be handling the volume of digital material that’s being generated every day now.”

Director of Intelligence Studies Jennifer Sims, a member of the Public Interest Declassification Board, discusses the challenges of creating an effective and expedient declassification system. “This multiagency review of a single document exponentially increases the amount of work involved and the number of eyes that have to review the document,” says Prof. Sims. “But that’s all just dealing with the paper documents. The real challenge is going to be handling the volume of digital material that’s being generated every day now.”

Chicago Trial To Put Pakistan Spy Agency On The Spot: feat. Christine Fair; NPR, May 23, 2011; Professor Christine Fair discusses the high degree of scrunity being applied to the trial of Tahawwur Rana for his alleged role in the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. "For those, in the wake of bin Laden, who are out for blood, this is another opportunity to bludgeon Pakistan for its various, numerous shortcomings in the war on terror," says Prof. Fair.

Professor Christine Fair discusses the high degree of scrunity being applied to the trial of Tahawwur Rana for his alleged role in the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. "For those, in the wake of bin Laden, who are out for blood, this is another opportunity to bludgeon Pakistan for its various, numerous shortcomings in the war on terror," says Prof. Fair.

Two U.S. Terrorism Cases Have Ties To Pakistan: feat. Christine Fair; NPR, May 16, 2011; Professor Christine Fair speaks to NPR's Dina Temple-Raston about the purported involvement of elements of Pakistani intelligence in the terrorist attack in Mumbai. "It was a big deal before Osama bin Laden was killed, but it is an even bigger deal now because in part there is so much frustration across the U.S. government with Pakistan," says Prof. Fair.

Professor Christine Fair speaks to NPR's Dina Temple-Raston about the purported involvement of elements of Pakistani intelligence in the terrorist attack in Mumbai. "It was a big deal before Osama bin Laden was killed, but it is an even bigger deal now because in part there is so much frustration across the U.S. government with Pakistan," says Prof. Fair.

Why stay in Afghanistan if the reasons for being there no longer exist?: feat. Paul Pillar; Nieman Watchdog, May 16, 2011; Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks at length with John Hanrahan of Harvard's Nieman Foundation for Journalism. Prof. Pillar challenges the "conventional wisdom" that Afghanistan could become a haven for al Qaeda in the event of American withdrawal. He cautions that counterinsurgency has seemingly morphed into an end in and of itself, skewing cost-benefit calculations of continued American involvement.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks at length with John Hanrahan of Harvard's Nieman Foundation for Journalism. Prof. Pillar challenges the "conventional wisdom" that Afghanistan could become a haven for al Qaeda in the event of American withdrawal. He cautions that counterinsurgency has seemingly morphed into an end in and of itself, skewing cost-benefit calculations of continued American involvement.

The Double Game: feat. Christine Fair; The New Yorker, May 16, 2011; Professor Christine Fair speaks to Lawrence Wright about U.S. aid to Pakistan. She notes that "demand-driven" economic assistance that characterized earlier forms of aid was effective, "but we haven’t done it for decades.”

Professor Christine Fair speaks to Lawrence Wright about U.S. aid to Pakistan. She notes that "demand-driven" economic assistance that characterized earlier forms of aid was effective, "but we haven’t done it for decades.”

Intelligence Gains from Osama Bin Laden's Compound: feat. Bruce Hoffman; The Diane Rehm Show, May 9, 2011; Director Bruce Hoffman provides his analysis of the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound, what the information taken from it reveals about al-Qaida, and the overall implications for counterterrorism. Says Prof. Hoffman: "across the board, it seems, even in his isolation, he still exercised a degree of leadership that I think was really unimaginable to most people perhaps outside the intelligence community."

Director Bruce Hoffman provides his analysis of the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound, what the information taken from it reveals about al-Qaida, and the overall implications for counterterrorism. Says Prof. Hoffman: "across the board, it seems, even in his isolation, he still exercised a degree of leadership that I think was really unimaginable to most people perhaps outside the intelligence community."

Bin Laden’s Operational Role Debated: feat. Paul Pillar; Voice of America, May 13, 2011; Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks to VOA's Gary Thomas about what the evidence taken from Osama bin Laden's compound reveals about the role that he played in al-Qaida's operations during his years in hiding. "I don’t think that it changes the overall perception of the role that bin Laden had been playing over the last few years - a perception shared by most experts - and that would be one in which he was not out of the operational business entirely by any means, but his principal role was one of publicist, ideologist, source of ideology, symbol," says Prof. Pillar.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks to VOA's Gary Thomas about what the evidence taken from Osama bin Laden's compound reveals about the role that he played in al-Qaida's operations during his years in hiding. "I don’t think that it changes the overall perception of the role that bin Laden had been playing over the last few years - a perception shared by most experts - and that would be one in which he was not out of the operational business entirely by any means, but his principal role was one of publicist, ideologist, source of ideology, symbol," says Prof. Pillar.

Bin Laden: Exposing Pakistan's paradoxes: feat. Christine Fair; Al Jazeera English, May 13, 2011; Professor Christine Fair weighs in on the political and security predicament that Pakistan finds itself in post-Abbottabad. "This is Pakistan reaping the whirlwind of decades of dangerous policies," says Prof. Fair.

Professor Christine Fair weighs in on the political and security predicament that Pakistan finds itself in post-Abbottabad. "This is Pakistan reaping the whirlwind of decades of dangerous policies," says Prof. Fair.

Signs of Leadership Void as Al Qaeda Pushes On: feat. Daniel Byman; The New York Times, May 12, 2011; Professor Daniel Byman speaks to The New York Times' Scott Shane about Al Qaeda's operations in the wake of Osama bin Laden's death. Prof. Byman highlighted the challenges facing bin Laden's successors: “You have to press the flesh. You have to hold meetings. That’s not easy if you’re busy trying to stay alive.”

Professor Daniel Byman speaks to The New York Times' Scott Shane about Al Qaeda's operations in the wake of Osama bin Laden's death. Prof. Byman highlighted the challenges facing bin Laden's successors: “You have to press the flesh. You have to hold meetings. That’s not easy if you’re busy trying to stay alive.”

Pakistani Intelligence: Friend or Foe?: feat. Christine Fair; Associated Press, May 11, 2011; Professor Christine Fair discusses the role of the Pakistani ISI in supporting militant groups and allegations that it was aware of Osama bin Laden's whereabouts. "I really don't believe they knew," Prof. Fair said of the ISI's leadership, while noting that lower-level agents had been implicated in past incidents.

Professor Christine Fair discusses the role of the Pakistani ISI in supporting militant groups and allegations that it was aware of Osama bin Laden's whereabouts. "I really don't believe they knew," Prof. Fair said of the ISI's leadership, while noting that lower-level agents had been implicated in past incidents.

Working In Shadows: Best U.S. Policy Toward Iran?: feat. Paul Pillar; NPR, May 11, 2011; Director of Studies Paul Pillar discusses the potential use and benefits of employing covert action as a means of hindering Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons, including its value in inducing paranoia. "I expect they assume that the United States as well as Israel is responsible for a great deal of what is happening, whether or not they are indeed responsible," Prof. Pillar says of the Iranian leadership's take on the setbacks that have plagued the program.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar discusses the potential use and benefits of employing covert action as a means of hindering Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons, including its value in inducing paranoia. "I expect they assume that the United States as well as Israel is responsible for a great deal of what is happening, whether or not they are indeed responsible," Prof. Pillar says of the Iranian leadership's take on the setbacks that have plagued the program.

Pakistan's ISI Under Microscope: feat. Christine Fair; The Takeaway, May 10, 2011; Professor Christine Fair discusses the scrutiny that has come to bear on Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence in the wake of the rain on Osama bin Laden's hideout. Professor Fair cautions against jumping to conclusions and stresses the need for looking at the evidence when gauging the ISI's culpability.

Professor Christine Fair discusses the scrutiny that has come to bear on Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence in the wake of the rain on Osama bin Laden's hideout. Professor Fair cautions against jumping to conclusions and stresses the need for looking at the evidence when gauging the ISI's culpability.

Covert War With Iran: A 'Wilderness Of Mirrors': feat. Paul Pillar; NPR, May 10, 2011; Director of Studies Paul Pillar discusses clandestine efforts by Western services again the Iranian regime and its pursuit of nuclear weapons. He also notes that "a bombing can take place as the work of a small group or cell that on its own initiative decides to cause problems for the regime," as opposed to necessarily being a foreign-directed effort.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar discusses clandestine efforts by Western services again the Iranian regime and its pursuit of nuclear weapons. He also notes that "a bombing can take place as the work of a small group or cell that on its own initiative decides to cause problems for the regime," as opposed to necessarily being a foreign-directed effort.

What Will Happen To Al Qaeda Now That Bin Laden's Dead?: feat. Bruce Hoffman; Business Insider, May 9, 2011; Director Bruce Hoffman responds to questions from Grace Wyler about Al Qaeda's post-Osama bin Laden future. ""For Al Qaeda, it is kind of a put-up-or-shut-up moment," says Prof. Hoffman. "They have to stage an attack not just to avenge bin Laden's death but also to show that they are still relevant, as a threat to the U.S. and to the global jihad movement."

Director Bruce Hoffman responds to questions from Grace Wyler about Al Qaeda's post-Osama bin Laden future. ""For Al Qaeda, it is kind of a put-up-or-shut-up moment," says Prof. Hoffman. "They have to stage an attack not just to avenge bin Laden's death but also to show that they are still relevant, as a threat to the U.S. and to the global jihad movement."

After bin Laden raid, might US-Pakistan cooperation get better?: feat. Paul Pillar; The Christian Science Monitor, May 6, 2011; Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks to Howard LaFranchi about the possibility that the raid on Osama bin Laden's hideout, while embarassing for Pakistan, will actually lead to greater U.S.-Pakistan counerterrorism collaboration. "But in private, they owe us something.... We do expect more cooperation,” says Prof. Pillar.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks to Howard LaFranchi about the possibility that the raid on Osama bin Laden's hideout, while embarassing for Pakistan, will actually lead to greater U.S.-Pakistan counerterrorism collaboration. "But in private, they owe us something.... We do expect more cooperation,” says Prof. Pillar.

The next in line to head al-Qaeda: feat. Daniel Byman; PRI's The World, May 3, 2011; Professor Daniel Byman sits for an interview with Lisa Mullins to discuss Ayman al-Zawahiri's likely ascension to the leadership of al-Qaeda.

Professor Daniel Byman sits for an interview with Lisa Mullins to discuss Ayman al-Zawahiri's likely ascension to the leadership of al-Qaeda.

Perspectives on the Death of Osama bin Laden: feat. Christine Fair; Background Briefing, May 2, 2011; Professor Christine Fair speaks with Ian Masters about the situation in Pakistan and what changes are likely to occur with the death of Osama bin Laden.

Professor Christine Fair speaks with Ian Masters about the situation in Pakistan and what changes are likely to occur with the death of Osama bin Laden.

US-Pak relations after bin Laden's death: feat. Christine Fair; Al Jazeera English, May 4, 2011; Professor Christine Fair appears on "Inside Story" to discuss Pakistan's role in Osama bin Laden's years in hiding, as well as the tacit and active support that has been given to militant groups by elements of the state.

Professor Christine Fair appears on "Inside Story" to discuss Pakistan's role in Osama bin Laden's years in hiding, as well as the tacit and active support that has been given to militant groups by elements of the state.

U.S. Is on Alert for Hastened Plots: feat. Bruce Hoffman; The Wall Street Journal, May 4, 2011; Director Bruce Hoffman discusses Ayman al-Zawahiri and his prospects for replacing Osama bin Laden as the emir of Al-Qaeda.

Director Bruce Hoffman discusses Ayman al-Zawahiri and his prospects for replacing Osama bin Laden as the emir of Al-Qaeda.

Is CIA's 'triumph' a turning point for maligned agency?: feat. Jennifer Sims; St. Petersburg Times, May 5, 2011; Director of Intelligence Studies Jennifer Sims speaks to St. Pete Times correspondent Susan Taylor Martin about the use of "aggressive interrogation techniques" in the intelligence community.

Director of Intelligence Studies Jennifer Sims speaks to St. Pete Times correspondent Susan Taylor Martin about the use of "aggressive interrogation techniques" in the intelligence community.

Terrorism threat remains, experts say: feat. Bruce Hoffman; The Washington Post, May 2, 2011; Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to Ashley Halsey III about the continuing threat of terrorism despite the death of Osama bin Laden. “One has to assume that al-Qaeda has any number of operations underway,” says Prof. Hoffman. “They need a success. A failed attack will continue to make them appear incompetent.”

Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to Ashley Halsey III about the continuing threat of terrorism despite the death of Osama bin Laden. “One has to assume that al-Qaeda has any number of operations underway,” says Prof. Hoffman. “They need a success. A failed attack will continue to make them appear incompetent.”

Al-Qaida's Resilience May Mean Its Survival: feat. Bruce Hoffman; NPR, May 2, 2011; Director Bruce Hoffman appears on All Things Considered to discuss Al-Qaida ability to withstand the loss of its founder and the ways in which it is likely to evolve.

Director Bruce Hoffman appears on All Things Considered to discuss Al-Qaida ability to withstand the loss of its founder and the ways in which it is likely to evolve.

Professor Bruce Hoffman Speaks on al-Qaida's Future: feat. Bruce Hoffman; Georgetown University News, May 2, 2011; Director Bruce Hoffman talks about the future of al-Qaida in the aftermath of Osama bin Laden's death. Prof. Hoffman says the uprisings for freedom in the Middle East and North Africa may well "drown out" the death of bin Laden and al-Qaida's message.

Director Bruce Hoffman talks about the future of al-Qaida in the aftermath of Osama bin Laden's death. Prof. Hoffman says the uprisings for freedom in the Middle East and North Africa may well "drown out" the death of bin Laden and al-Qaida's message.

Bin Laden Death: Terrorism Killer or Creator?: feat. Christine Fair and Lydia Khalil; The Takeaway, May 2, 2011; Professor Christine Fair and former NYPD counterterrorism analyst Lydia Khalil (SSP'05) analyze how the world of terrorism is likely to react to the death of Osama bin Laden.

Professor Christine Fair and former NYPD counterterrorism analyst Lydia Khalil (SSP'05) analyze how the world of terrorism is likely to react to the death of Osama bin Laden.

What follows Osama bin Laden?: feat. Daniel Byman; Minnesota Public Radio, May 3, 2011; Professor Daniel Byman discusses the potential strategic, diplomatic, and political impact of the death of Osama bin Laden.

Professor Daniel Byman discusses the potential strategic, diplomatic, and political impact of the death of Osama bin Laden.

Bin Laden's death creates leadership void: feat. Bruce Hoffman and Philip Mudd; USA Today, May 3, 2011; Director Bruce Hoffman and Adjunct Professor Philip Mudd share their views on what effect the death of Osama bin Laden is likely to have on Al-Qaida's future.

Director Bruce Hoffman and Adjunct Professor Philip Mudd share their views on what effect the death of Osama bin Laden is likely to have on Al-Qaida's future.

Al-Qaida's Next Leader: After Bin Laden, Who?: feat. Bruce Hoffman and Rick "Ozzie" Nelson; NPR, May 3, 2011; Director Bruce Hoffman and Rick "Ozzie" Nelson (NSSP'99) speak with NPR's Dina Temple-Raston regarding the prominent figures in Al-Qaida that are positioned to fill the vacuum left at the top of the organization by Osama bin Laden's demise.

Director Bruce Hoffman and Rick "Ozzie" Nelson (NSSP'99) speak with NPR's Dina Temple-Raston regarding the prominent figures in Al-Qaida that are positioned to fill the vacuum left at the top of the organization by Osama bin Laden's demise.

Reaction to Death of Osama bin Laden: feat. Paul Pillar; The Diane Rehm Show, May 2, 2011; Director of Studies Paul Pillar appears on The Diane Rehm Show to discuss the the long road to Osama bin Laden's death and what the future of the war on terrorism will look like.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar appears on The Diane Rehm Show to discuss the the long road to Osama bin Laden's death and what the future of the war on terrorism will look like.

Analysis: bin Laden leaves a scattered, diffuse al Qaeda: feat. Paul Pillar; Reuters, May 2, 2011; Director of Studies Paul Pillar shares his thoughts on the implications of Osama bin Laden's death with Phil Stewart and William Maclean of Reuters.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar shares his thoughts on the implications of Osama bin Laden's death with Phil Stewart and William Maclean of Reuters.

Blurred Line: Military and Intelligence: feat. Paul Pillar; The Takeaway, April 29, 2011; Director of Studies Paul Pillar appears on The Takeaway to discuss the changing relationship between the CIA and the military in light of Gen. David Petraeus's nomination to be the next CIA Director.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar appears on The Takeaway to discuss the changing relationship between the CIA and the military in light of Gen. David Petraeus's nomination to be the next CIA Director.

Exclusion of US firms from IAF jet deal a setback for ties: feat. Christine Fair; The Economic Times, April 29, 2011; Professor Christine Fair comments on India's decision to exclude Boeing and Lockheed Martin from a high-profile, multi-billion dollar fighter jet deal. "Hopefully it will vitiate some of the Panglossian optimism that has surrounded the prospects of US large-ticket sales to India," says Prof. Fair. "There are other opportunities that the two countries should be exploring that are important and less politically laden."

Professor Christine Fair comments on India's decision to exclude Boeing and Lockheed Martin from a high-profile, multi-billion dollar fighter jet deal. "Hopefully it will vitiate some of the Panglossian optimism that has surrounded the prospects of US large-ticket sales to India," says Prof. Fair. "There are other opportunities that the two countries should be exploring that are important and less politically laden."

Pakistan to US Ops: Get Out: feat. Christine Fair; The Takeaway, April 12, 2011; Professor Christine Fair appears on The Takeaway to discuss Pakistan's growing pushback against U.S. clandestine operations on its territory in the wake of the Raymond Davis incident.

Professor Christine Fair appears on The Takeaway to discuss Pakistan's growing pushback against U.S. clandestine operations on its territory in the wake of the Raymond Davis incident.

Has the Libya Mission Hurt America?: feat. Paul Pillar; Rolling Stone, April 11, 2011; Director of Studies Paul Pillar sits for an interview with Rolling Stone to discuss the objectives and potential repercussions of the United States' intervention in Libya.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar sits for an interview with Rolling Stone to discuss the objectives and potential repercussions of the United States' intervention in Libya.

Pakistan cozies up to China: feat. Christine Fair; Maclean's, April 6, 2011; Professor Christine Fair offers a counterweight to perceptions that China and Pakistan are developing a particularly tight alliance. “The Pakistan-China marriage looks like a love marriage but it’s also a marriage of convenience. The only difference is, China doesn’t complain about Pakistan, but we do,” she says.

Professor Christine Fair offers a counterweight to perceptions that China and Pakistan are developing a particularly tight alliance. “The Pakistan-China marriage looks like a love marriage but it’s also a marriage of convenience. The only difference is, China doesn’t complain about Pakistan, but we do,” she says.

Don't Blame the Spies: An Interview with Paul Pillar: feat. Paul Pillar; The Politic, April 6, 2011; Director of Studies Paul Pillar responds to questions from Yale University's The Politic on a wide range of topics, including the Middle East, the practice of intelligence, and the future direction of U.S. policy.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar responds to questions from Yale University's The Politic on a wide range of topics, including the Middle East, the practice of intelligence, and the future direction of U.S. policy.

Robert Gates: No US 'boots on ground' in Libya: feat. Bruce Hoffman; The Guardian, March 31, 2011; Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to The Guardian's Paul Harris about CIA involvement on the ground in Libya. "If the CIA does not exist for this purpose, then what's the point?" asks Prof. Hoffman.

Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to The Guardian's Paul Harris about CIA involvement on the ground in Libya. "If the CIA does not exist for this purpose, then what's the point?" asks Prof. Hoffman.

Libya: Is the U.S. Prepared for a Long-Term Engagement?: feat. Daniel Byman; The Brookings Institution, March 21, 2011; Professor Daniel Byman assesses the situation in Libya and lays out the many uncertainties and open questions looming over U.S. involvement in the ongoing conflict.

Professor Daniel Byman assesses the situation in Libya and lays out the many uncertainties and open questions looming over U.S. involvement in the ongoing conflict.

Libya: History Behind the Headlines: feat. Daniel Byman; The Kojo Nnamdi Show, March 21, 2011; Professor Daniel Byman appears on The Kojo Nnamdi Show to discuss the history of Libya under Moammar Qaddafi and the long-wary relationship between his regime and the United States.

Professor Daniel Byman appears on The Kojo Nnamdi Show to discuss the history of Libya under Moammar Qaddafi and the long-wary relationship between his regime and the United States.

Hopes for a Qaddafi Exit, and Worries of What Comes Next: feat. Paul Sullivan; The New York Times, March 21, 2011; Adjunct Professor Paul Sullivan speaks to The New York Times' David Kirkpatrick about the uncertainty surrounding potential post-Qaddafi outcomes in Libya.

Adjunct Professor Paul Sullivan speaks to The New York Times' David Kirkpatrick about the uncertainty surrounding potential post-Qaddafi outcomes in Libya.

"Blood Money" Payments in Pakistan?: feat. Christine Fair; The Kojo Nnamdi Show, March 17, 2011; Professor Christine Fair discusses the Raymond David case, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and the broader security context in Pakistan with prominent Washington radio host Kojo Nnamdi.

Professor Christine Fair discusses the Raymond David case, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and the broader security context in Pakistan with prominent Washington radio host Kojo Nnamdi.

Inside Terrorism: An Interview with Bruce Hoffman: feat. Bruce Hoffman; The Politic, March 15, 2011; CSS Director Bruce Hoffman sits for an interview with Yale University's The Politic in which he gives his assessment of a wide range of terrorism-related issues.

CSS Director Bruce Hoffman sits for an interview with Yale University's The Politic in which he gives his assessment of a wide range of terrorism-related issues.

A Shooting in Pakistan Reveals Fraying Alliance: feat. Christine Fair and Seth Jones; The New York Times, March 12, 2011; Assistant Professor Christine Fair and Adjunct Professor Seth Jones discuss the role of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan and the dynamics of its relationship with the Pakistani state.

Assistant Professor Christine Fair and Adjunct Professor Seth Jones discuss the role of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan and the dynamics of its relationship with the Pakistani state.

King Hearings To Revisit 'Radical Muslim' Question: feat. Bruce Hoffman; NPR, March 10, 2011; CSS Director Bruce Hoffman shares his view of the King radicalization hearings in conversation with NPR's Liz Halloran.

CSS Director Bruce Hoffman shares his view of the King radicalization hearings in conversation with NPR's Liz Halloran.

Relations Strained Between CIA, Pakistan's ISI: feat. Christine Fair; NPR, March 8, 2011; Professor Christine Fair speaks to NPR's Rachel Martin about the increasingly fraught relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan. Prof. Fair identifies the diametrically opposing views of Pakistani militant groups that the two sides hold as being a "fundamental difference" in their respective points of view.

Professor Christine Fair speaks to NPR's Rachel Martin about the increasingly fraught relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan. Prof. Fair identifies the diametrically opposing views of Pakistani militant groups that the two sides hold as being a "fundamental difference" in their respective points of view.

Obama administration prepares for possibility of new post-revolt Islamist regimes: feat. Paul Pillar; The Washington Post, March 3, 2011; Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks to The Washington Post's Scott Wilson about the Intelligence Community's nuanced view of political Islamism as a diverse phenomenon.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks to The Washington Post's Scott Wilson about the Intelligence Community's nuanced view of political Islamism as a diverse phenomenon.

The Case of Raymond Davis and a Crisis Between Two Uneasy allies; Washington and Islamabad: feat. Christine Fair; KCRW, February 23, 2011; Professor Christine Fair talks with "To the Point" host Warren Olney about the Raymond Davis affair and its impact on, and illumination of, U.S.-Pakistani relations.

Professor Christine Fair talks with "To the Point" host Warren Olney about the Raymond Davis affair and its impact on, and illumination of, U.S.-Pakistani relations.

A 'Vacuum' In Libya: An Opening For Al-Qaida?: feat. Bruce Hoffman; NPR, February 27, 2011; CSS Director Bruce Hoffman discusses the implications of the Libyan uprising for al-Qaida with NPR's Dina Temple-Raston. "I think Libya presents to al-Qaida one of the best opportunities to reinvigorate itself and its message in the Middle East and especially in North Africa," says Dr. Hoffman.

CSS Director Bruce Hoffman discusses the implications of the Libyan uprising for al-Qaida with NPR's Dina Temple-Raston. "I think Libya presents to al-Qaida one of the best opportunities to reinvigorate itself and its message in the Middle East and especially in North Africa," says Dr. Hoffman.

Davis Spy Crisis: Top U.S., Pakistan Spooks in Talks: feat. Christine Fair; Time, February 26, 2011; Professor Christine Fair speaks to Time's Omar Waraich about the state of U.S.-Pakistani relations in the wake of the Raymond Davis affair. She warns that the Pakistani regime is in danger of losing what support it has left in Washington.

Professor Christine Fair speaks to Time's Omar Waraich about the state of U.S.-Pakistani relations in the wake of the Raymond Davis affair. She warns that the Pakistani regime is in danger of losing what support it has left in Washington.

Intelligence Lapse on Egypt Debated: feat. Paul Pillar; Voice of America, February 9, 2011; Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks to VOA's Gary Thomas about the debate over whether American intelligence agencies were caught off guard by the political upheaval in Egypt. Dr. Pillar argues that policymakers and the public have had inflated expectations of intelligence agencies’ powers of prediction since the earliest days of the CIA in 1947.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks to VOA's Gary Thomas about the debate over whether American intelligence agencies were caught off guard by the political upheaval in Egypt. Dr. Pillar argues that policymakers and the public have had inflated expectations of intelligence agencies’ powers of prediction since the earliest days of the CIA in 1947.

Moscow Blast May Not Lead To More Security In U.S.: feat. Gary Shiffman; NPR, January 27, 2011; Director of Homeland Security Studies Gary Shiffman discusses infrastructure protection with NPR's Alan Greenblatt in the wake of the bombing at Moscow's Domodedovo airport. "Security is risk management," says Dr. Shiffman. "People are always going to be able to get through whatever sort of defenses you put up. The goal is to make the high-value targets harder to strike."

Director of Homeland Security Studies Gary Shiffman discusses infrastructure protection with NPR's Alan Greenblatt in the wake of the bombing at Moscow's Domodedovo airport. "Security is risk management," says Dr. Shiffman. "People are always going to be able to get through whatever sort of defenses you put up. The goal is to make the high-value targets harder to strike."

New Terrorism Adviser Takes A 'Broad Tent' Approach: feat. Christine Fair and Peter Neumann; NPR, January 24, 2011; Professor Christine Fair and Visiting Fellow Peter Neumann speak to NPR's Dina Temple-Raston about the appointment of Quintan Wiktorowicz as senior director for global engagement at the National Security Council. Dr. Fair and Dr. Neumann discuss Wiktorowicz's seminal work and research on radicalization in Muslim communities.

Professor Christine Fair and Visiting Fellow Peter Neumann speak to NPR's Dina Temple-Raston about the appointment of Quintan Wiktorowicz as senior director for global engagement at the National Security Council. Dr. Fair and Dr. Neumann discuss Wiktorowicz's seminal work and research on radicalization in Muslim communities.

In New Military, Data Overload Can Be Deadly: feat. Elizabeth Stanley; The New York Times, January 16, 2011; Professor Elizabeth Stanley's research on mindfulness-based mind fitness training is cited by Thom Shanker and Matt Richtel in their assessment of the challenges related to information overload that the members of the military face in their operations abroad.

Professor Elizabeth Stanley's research on mindfulness-based mind fitness training is cited by Thom Shanker and Matt Richtel in their assessment of the challenges related to information overload that the members of the military face in their operations abroad.

Combating Violent Extremism: The Counterradicalization Debate in 2011: feat. Peter Neumann; PolicyWatch, January 7, 2011; Visiting Fellow Peter Neumann discusses the underlying principles and core components of radicalization before the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

Visiting Fellow Peter Neumann discusses the underlying principles and core components of radicalization before the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

NPR Exec Resigns After Juan Williams Fiasco: feat. Bruce Hoffman; NPR, January 7, 2011; Director Bruce Hoffman shares his expertise on NPR's "Tell Me More" in the wake of the controversy involving the security patdown of India's ambassador to the United States.

Director Bruce Hoffman shares his expertise on NPR's "Tell Me More" in the wake of the controversy involving the security patdown of India's ambassador to the United States.

Slain Pakistani governor opposed to blasphemy law: feat. Christine Fair; The Washington Times, January 4, 2011; Professor Christine Fair speaks to Ashish Kumar Sen about the assassination of Punjab Gov. Salmaan Taseer and its implications for the future of Pakistan.

Professor Christine Fair speaks to Ashish Kumar Sen about the assassination of Punjab Gov. Salmaan Taseer and its implications for the future of Pakistan.

An al-Qaeda link in British terrorism case?: feat. Peter Neumann; The Washington Post, December 30, 2010; CSS Visiting Fellow Dr. Peter Neumann speaks to The Washington Post about the role of the internet in the radicalization and militancy of nine men arrested in Britain on terrorism charges.

CSS Visiting Fellow Dr. Peter Neumann speaks to The Washington Post about the role of the internet in the radicalization and militancy of nine men arrested in Britain on terrorism charges.

'Human Factor' Proves Key Obstacle To Terrorism: feat. Bruce Hoffman and Ozzie Nelson; NPR, December 21, 2010; Director Bruce Hoffman and Rick "Ozzie" Nelson (SSP'99) discuss the role of human error in attempted terrorist attacks, and the lessons to be taken from it, with NPR correspondent Dina Temple-Raston.

Director Bruce Hoffman and Rick "Ozzie" Nelson (SSP'99) discuss the role of human error in attempted terrorist attacks, and the lessons to be taken from it, with NPR correspondent Dina Temple-Raston.

Pakistan's Extremist Havens: What Options Does U.S. Have?: feat. Christine Fair; PBS, December 17, 2010; Professor Christine Fair appears on PBS Newshour with Margaret Warner and discusses the Pakistani government's strategic interests and behavior toward militants, both in Afghanistan and on the territory of Pakistan itself.

Professor Christine Fair appears on PBS Newshour with Margaret Warner and discusses the Pakistani government's strategic interests and behavior toward militants, both in Afghanistan and on the territory of Pakistan itself.

Train Your Brain: feat. Elizabeth Stanley; Military Times, November 2010; Professor Elizabeth Stanley's work on Mind Fitness Training and its utilization by a group of Marines is profiled by Jon R. Anderson of Military Times. “Mind fitness can be maintained even in high-demand and high-stress contexts by regularly engaging in certain mental exercises,” Prof. Stanley explains.

Professor Elizabeth Stanley's work on Mind Fitness Training and its utilization by a group of Marines is profiled by Jon R. Anderson of Military Times. “Mind fitness can be maintained even in high-demand and high-stress contexts by regularly engaging in certain mental exercises,” Prof. Stanley explains.

Analysis: WikiLeaks may set back U.S. intelligence sharing: feat. Paul Pillar; Reuters, November 29, 2010; Director of Studies Paul Pillar discusses the impact of the latest Wikileaks disclosure on the U.S. Intelligence Community with Reuters' Phil Stewart. "This will be a force in swinging (the pendulum) in favor of less sharing and more control," says Prof. Pillar, adding in the short term he saw pressure for "more restrictions."

Director of Studies Paul Pillar discusses the impact of the latest Wikileaks disclosure on the U.S. Intelligence Community with Reuters' Phil Stewart. "This will be a force in swinging (the pendulum) in favor of less sharing and more control," says Prof. Pillar, adding in the short term he saw pressure for "more restrictions."

TSA Scrambles to Combat the Outcry Over Body Scanning: feat. Bruce Hoffman; Time, November 23, 2010; CSS Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to Time's Alex Altman about the uproar over enhanced TSA screening policies. "When you have the terrorist group you're doing this against crowing about their success, forcing us to spend exponentially greater amounts of money," says Prof. Hoffman, "we have to step back and ask the sensible question of, How much is enough?"

CSS Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to Time's Alex Altman about the uproar over enhanced TSA screening policies. "When you have the terrorist group you're doing this against crowing about their success, forcing us to spend exponentially greater amounts of money," says Prof. Hoffman, "we have to step back and ask the sensible question of, How much is enough?"

NATO prepares to transfer authority in Afghanistan: feat. Christine Fair; PBS, November 19, 2010; Jon Meacham of PBS's "Need to Know" interviews Professor Christine Fair about the realities of American counterinsurgency efforts in Afghanistan and the dynamics of the broader security situation in the region.

Jon Meacham of PBS's "Need to Know" interviews Professor Christine Fair about the realities of American counterinsurgency efforts in Afghanistan and the dynamics of the broader security situation in the region.

Villaraigosa names panel to review security at LAX: feat. Bruce Hoffman; Los Angeles Times, November 18, 2010; Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has named CSS Director Bruce Hoffman to a newly-created panel tasked with thoroughly reviewing security measures at Los Angeles International Airport, which has been identified as a top potential target for terrorists.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has named CSS Director Bruce Hoffman to a newly-created panel tasked with thoroughly reviewing security measures at Los Angeles International Airport, which has been identified as a top potential target for terrorists.

Foreign policy conference focuses on Middle East: feat. Christine Fair; The Daily Princetonian, November 15, 2010; Caleb Kennedy highlights Professor Christine Fair's contributions at the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination’s 10th Anniversary Colloquium hosted by Princeton. Prof. Fair underscored the counterproductive results of some American strategies in the AfPak region, such as the considerable sums that have ended up being routed to militants.

Caleb Kennedy highlights Professor Christine Fair's contributions at the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination’s 10th Anniversary Colloquium hosted by Princeton. Prof. Fair underscored the counterproductive results of some American strategies in the AfPak region, such as the considerable sums that have ended up being routed to militants.

Meditation Fit for a Marine: feat. Elizabeth Stanley; Men's Journal, November 11, 2010; Vanessa Gregory profiles the real-world implementation of Professor Elizabeth Stanley's mindfulness training program by a group of Marines.

Vanessa Gregory profiles the real-world implementation of Professor Elizabeth Stanley's mindfulness training program by a group of Marines.

Al-Qaida, Affiliates Show Greater Coordination: feat. Bruce Hoffman; NPR, November 11, 2010; CSS Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to NPR counterterrorism correspondent Dina Temple-Raston about the relationship between "Al-Qaeda Central" and regional affiliates like Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula in the wake of the failed package bomb plot.

CSS Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to NPR counterterrorism correspondent Dina Temple-Raston about the relationship between "Al-Qaeda Central" and regional affiliates like Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula in the wake of the failed package bomb plot.

At Odds with U.S., Pakistan Deepens Ties with China: feat. Christine Fair; Time, November 1, 2010; Professor Christine Fair discusses China's strategic influence in South Asia and its relationship with Pakistan.

Professor Christine Fair discusses China's strategic influence in South Asia and its relationship with Pakistan.

US treads cautiously in Arabian Peninsula: feat. Paul Pillar; Financial Times, November 1, 2010; Director of Studies Paul Pillar discusses the U.S. government response to the package bomb plot and cautions about the risks of allying more closely with the Yemeni regime.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar discusses the U.S. government response to the package bomb plot and cautions about the risks of allying more closely with the Yemeni regime.

Terrorists may have conducted a dry run of cargo bomb plot: feat. Bruce Hoffman; McClatchy Newspapers, November 1, 2010; CSS Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to McClatchy's Jonathan S. Landay and Greg Gordon about the use of disguised bombs as a vector by which terrorists can attack airplanes.

CSS Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to McClatchy's Jonathan S. Landay and Greg Gordon about the use of disguised bombs as a vector by which terrorists can attack airplanes.

City’s Security Threatened: feat. Gary Shiffman; The Hoya, October 29, 2010; Director of Homeland Security Studies Gary Shiffman speaks to The Hoya, Georgetown's biweekly student newspaper, about the security challenges faced by the university and the National Capital Region.

Director of Homeland Security Studies Gary Shiffman speaks to The Hoya, Georgetown's biweekly student newspaper, about the security challenges faced by the university and the National Capital Region.

Who's Actually Running Pakistan?: feat. Christine Fair; NPR, October 13, 2010; NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks to Professor Christine Fair about political dynamics in Pakistan and some of the important actors who wield power and influence there.

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks to Professor Christine Fair about political dynamics in Pakistan and some of the important actors who wield power and influence there.

A Dissenting Opinion: feat. Paul Pillar; Dartmouth Alumni Magazine, November/December 2010; ABC News reporter Matthew Mosk profiles CSS Director of Studies Paul Pillar (a 1969 alumnus of Dartmouth College) and his analysis of the War in Afghanistan.

ABC News reporter Matthew Mosk profiles CSS Director of Studies Paul Pillar (a 1969 alumnus of Dartmouth College) and his analysis of the War in Afghanistan.

Troops’ PTSD May Be Reduced With Mind Fitness: feat. Elizabeth Stanley; Georgetown University, October 2010; Georgetown's Office of Communications profiles Professor Elizabeth Stanley and her ongoing work studying, researching, and teaching Mindfulness-based Mind Fitness Training as employed by military personnel.

Georgetown's Office of Communications profiles Professor Elizabeth Stanley and her ongoing work studying, researching, and teaching Mindfulness-based Mind Fitness Training as employed by military personnel.

Dispute Reveals Weakness In Afghan Supply Route: feat. Christine Fair; NPR, October 4, 2010; In the wake of attacks on NATO convoys in Pakistan, NPR's Corey Flintoff turns to Professor Christine Fair for analysis. Prof. Fair notes an overlooked but extremely important party in the equation: Pakistani gangsters who control the supply routes and utilize them to run protection rackets.

In the wake of attacks on NATO convoys in Pakistan, NPR's Corey Flintoff turns to Professor Christine Fair for analysis. Prof. Fair notes an overlooked but extremely important party in the equation: Pakistani gangsters who control the supply routes and utilize them to run protection rackets.

Bin Laden may be using climate to bolster image: analyst: feat. Paul Pillar and Michael Scheuer; Agence France Presse, October 1, 2010; Director of Studies Paul Pillar and adjunt professor Michael Scheuer speak to AFP's Olivier Knox about Osama bin Laden's public relations strategy, which is seeking to capitalize on pressing concerns about natural disasters, climate change, and humanitarian relief in the Muslim world.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar and adjunt professor Michael Scheuer speak to AFP's Olivier Knox about Osama bin Laden's public relations strategy, which is seeking to capitalize on pressing concerns about natural disasters, climate change, and humanitarian relief in the Muslim world.

Bin Laden mulling a cease-fire: feat. Paul Pillar; Federal News Radio, September 22, 2010; Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks to J.J. Green about the implausibility of Osama Bin Laden pursuing a cease-fire in the wake of Noman Benotman's letter to Bin Laden urging him to consider a six-month cessation of hostilities.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks to J.J. Green about the implausibility of Osama Bin Laden pursuing a cease-fire in the wake of Noman Benotman's letter to Bin Laden urging him to consider a six-month cessation of hostilities.

Afghan Elections Marred by Violence, Fraud: feat. Christine Fair; The Takeaway, September 20, 2010; Professor Christine Fair appears on The Takeaway with John Hockenberry and Celeste Headlee to analyze the recent Afghan parliamentary elections and the development of that country's political system.

Professor Christine Fair appears on The Takeaway with John Hockenberry and Celeste Headlee to analyze the recent Afghan parliamentary elections and the development of that country's political system.

Hawks to doves: can the military succeed in Afghanistan?: feat. Paul Pillar; 89.3 KPCC, September 14, 2010; Director of Studies Paul Pillar discusses the costs and benefits of the continuing and prolonged U.S.-led counterinsurgency effort in Afghanistan.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar discusses the costs and benefits of the continuing and prolonged U.S.-led counterinsurgency effort in Afghanistan.

The Diane Rehm Show: feat. Nancy Youssef; NPR, September 10, 2010; Current SSP student Nancy Youssef appears on the Diane Rehm Show to discuss the situations in Iraq and Afghanistan, particularly the continuing failure to form a government in the former and the epidemic level of corruption in the latter.

Current SSP student Nancy Youssef appears on the Diane Rehm Show to discuss the situations in Iraq and Afghanistan, particularly the continuing failure to form a government in the former and the epidemic level of corruption in the latter.

U.S. effort to help Afghanistan fight corruption has complicated ties: feat. Christine Fair; The Washington Post, September 10, 2010; The Washington Post's Greg Miller speaks to Professor Christine Fair about the role that American money plays in the seemingly endemic corruption in Afghanistan.

The Washington Post's Greg Miller speaks to Professor Christine Fair about the role that American money plays in the seemingly endemic corruption in Afghanistan.

In Afghanistan, Buying Friends Doesn't Buy Loyalty: feat. Paul Pillar; National Public Radio, August 30, 2010; Director of Studies Paul Pillar describes the dynamics of working with unsavory actors to achieve short-term goals and the ways in which these methods have been employed by intelligence services historically. This interplay has come to the forefront as a result of developments in Afghanistan, which Dr. Pillar also addresses.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar describes the dynamics of working with unsavory actors to achieve short-term goals and the ways in which these methods have been employed by intelligence services historically. This interplay has come to the forefront as a result of developments in Afghanistan, which Dr. Pillar also addresses.

American Concerns Over Karzai Deepen: feat. Christine Fair; The Wall Street Journal, August 29, 2010; Professor Christine Fair discusses the critical role of corruption and governance in the effort to stabilize Afghanistan with WSJ's Adam Entous.

Professor Christine Fair discusses the critical role of corruption and governance in the effort to stabilize Afghanistan with WSJ's Adam Entous.

Facing Afghan mistrust, al-Qaeda fighters take limited role in insurgency: feat. Bruce Hoffman; The Washington Post, August 23, 2010; CSS Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to The Washington Post's Craig Whitlock about the role played by al-Qaeda members in the ongoing insurgency in Afghanistan. Their role as battlefield force multipliers must be balanced against Afghan popular wariness of foreigners, according to Dr. Hoffman's analysis of the calculations of Taliban commanders.

CSS Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to The Washington Post's Craig Whitlock about the role played by al-Qaeda members in the ongoing insurgency in Afghanistan. Their role as battlefield force multipliers must be balanced against Afghan popular wariness of foreigners, according to Dr. Hoffman's analysis of the calculations of Taliban commanders.

U.S. Drawdown From Iraq Underway: feat. Colin Kahl; Newsroom Magazine, August 18, 2010; Professor Colin Kahl, who is presently on leave to serve as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Affairs, describes various processes underway as part of the transition in Iraq. Dr. Kahl highlights both the transition from a Defense-led American presence to one in which the State Department is the lead agency, as well as the continuing role of DoD operations going forward.

Professor Colin Kahl, who is presently on leave to serve as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Affairs, describes various processes underway as part of the transition in Iraq. Dr. Kahl highlights both the transition from a Defense-led American presence to one in which the State Department is the lead agency, as well as the continuing role of DoD operations going forward.

Militants Overtake India as Top Threat, Says Pakistan's ISI: feat. Bruce Hoffman; The Wall Street Journal, August 16, 2010; CSS Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to WSJ's Siobhan Gorman about the importance of the recently disclosed assessment by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence, which lists internal militants as the greatest threat to the country's security.

CSS Director Bruce Hoffman speaks to WSJ's Siobhan Gorman about the importance of the recently disclosed assessment by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence, which lists internal militants as the greatest threat to the country's security.

Corruption in Mexico's Police Force: feat. Gary Shiffman; Fox News, August 9, 2010; Director of Homeland Security Studies Gary Shiffman discusses the security situation in Mexico in the wake of the suspension of four police commanders accused of having ties to drug cartels. Professor Shiffman lays out the challenges of controlling a situation that spreads across two borders, while also cautioning that the true story in this situation, and many others, remains murky.

Director of Homeland Security Studies Gary Shiffman discusses the security situation in Mexico in the wake of the suspension of four police commanders accused of having ties to drug cartels. Professor Shiffman lays out the challenges of controlling a situation that spreads across two borders, whil ealso cautioning that the true story in this situation, and many others, remains murky.

Terrorizing Ourselves: Why U.S. Counterterrorism Policy Is Failing and How to Fix It: feat. Paul Pillar; CSPAN2, August 7, 2010; Director of Studies Paul Pillar appears on BookTV to discuss the book "Terrorizing Ourselves" and offer his critical perspective on the state of American counterterrorism. Dr. Pillar, a contributor to the book, is joined on the program by co-editor Christopher Preble.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar appears on BookTV to discuss the book "Terrorizing Ourselves" and offer his critical perspective on the state of American counterterrorism. Dr. Pillar, a contributor to the book, is joined on the program by co-editor Christopher Preble.

A World Without Nukes?: feat. Keir Lieber; National Public Radio, August 3, 2010; Professor Keir Lieber debates documentary filmmaker Lucy Walker on the prospects for a world without nuclear weapons on WBUR's On Point with Tom Ashbrook.

Professor Keir Lieber debates documentary filmmaker Lucy Walker on the prospects for a world without nuclear weapons on WBUR's On Point with Tom Ashbrook.

Despite vast US aid, Pakistan likes Al Qaeda more than America: feat. Christine Fair; The Christian Science Monitor, July 30, 2010; Professor Christine Fair lays out various proximate causes for high levels of hostility toward the United States among Pakistanis.

Professor Christine Fair lays out various proximate causes for high levels of hostility toward the United States among Pakistanis.

Afghan Leaks: Is the U.S. Keeping Too Many Secrets?: feat. Paul Pillar; Time, July 30, 2010; Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks to Time's Alex Altman about the expansion of access to classified information that is a byproduct of an expansion in volume of classified material.

Director of Studies Paul Pillar speaks to Time's Alex Altman about the expansion of access to classified information that is a byproduct of an expansion in volume of classified material.

Afghan-Pakistan Relations Thaw, For Now: feat. Christine Fair; Voice of America, July 23, 2010; Professor Christine Fair, in the midst of an extended stint in Pakistan, speaks to VOA's Gary Thomas about Indian strategic calculations in Afghanistan.

Professor Christine Fair, in the midst of an extended stint in Pakistan, speaks to VOA's Gary Thomas about Indian strategic calculations in Afghanistan.

Web Chat: The Ongoing War on Terrorism: feat. Daniel Byman; The Brookings Institution, July 21, 2010; Professor Daniel Byman participates in a Brookings web chat on the topic of the ongoing war on terror, U.S. strategies for dealing with terrorism abroad, and the presence of militant groups in volatile nations.

Professor Daniel Byman participates in a Brookings web chat on the topic of the ongoing war on terror, U.S. strategies for dealing with terrorism abroad, and the presence of militant groups in volatile nations.

Is Director Of National Intelligence A Viable Post?: feat. Paul Pillar; National Public Radio, July 20, 2010; Director of Graduate Studies Paul Pillar discusses the challenges, contradictions, and pitfalls of the Director of National Intelligence position with NPR's Rachel Martin.

Director of Graduate Studies Paul Pillar discusses the challenges, contradictions, and pitfalls of the Director of National Intelligence position with NPR's Rachel Martin.

Hillary Clinton's Pakistan trip: More talk, less action: feat. Christine Fair; The Christian Science Monitor, July 18, 2010; Professor Christine Fair speaks to CSM's Ben Arnoldy about Pakistan's strategic interests in Afghanistan, as well as the limits to Islamabad's ability to control militant elements on either its territory or Afghanistan's.

Professor Christine Fair speaks to CSM's Ben Arnoldy about Pakistan's strategic interests in Afghanistan, as well as the limits to Islamabad's ability to control militant elements on either its territory or Afghanistan's.

Countering Terrorism With Mockery: feat. Daniel Byman and Christine Fair; The New York Times, July 15, 2010; Robert Mackey, writing on The New York Times' blog The Lede, cites and discusses the recent article "The Case for Calling Them Nitwits" by professors Daniel Byman and Christine Fair.

Robert Mackey, writing on The New York Times' blog The Lede, cites and discusses the recent article "The Case for Calling Them Nitwits" by professors Daniel Byman and Christine Fair.

After Attacks in Uganda, Worry Grows Over Group: feat. Bruce Hoffman; The New York Times, July 12, 2010; CSS Director Bruce Hoffman discusses the implication's of Al Shabab's foray into transnational terrorism in light of the July 11 bombings in Uganda.

CSS Director Bruce Hoffman discusses the implication's of Al Shabab's foray into transnational terrorism in light of the July 11 bombings in Uganda.

Terrorizing Ourselves: feat. Paul Pillar; C-SPAN, June 18, 2010; Director of Graduate Studies Paul Pillar discusses topics related to Terrorizing Ourselves: Why U.S. Counterterrorism Policy is Failing and How to Fix It (Cato Institute, 2010), to which he is a contributor.

Director of Graduate Studies Paul Pillar discusses topics related to Terrorizing Ourselves: Why U.S. Counterterrorism Policy is Failing and How to Fix It (Cato Institute, 2010), to which he is a contributor.

In responding to West, Iran stresses its naval abilities in Persian Gulf: feat. Daniel Byman; The Washington Post, July 6, 2010; Professor Daniel Byman gauges Iranian claims of naval parity with the U.S. in the Persian Gulf.

Professor Daniel Byman gauges Iranian claims of naval parity with the U.S. in the Persian Gulf.

Russian spy ring allegations send new chill through relations: feat. Paul Pillar; Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, June 30, 2010; Director of Graduate Studies Paul Pillar speaks to McClatchy Newspapers about the continuing relevance of intelligence collection to the Russian Federation in its dealings with the United States, despite the end of the Cold War.

Director of Graduate Studies Paul Pillar speaks to McClatchy Newspapers about the continuing relevance of intelligence collection to the Russian Federation in its dealings with the United States, despite the end of the Cold War.

US discovers $1 trillion in untapped mineral deposits in Afghanistan: feat. Paul Pillar; The Daily Telegraph, June 14, 2010; Director of Graduate Studies Paul Pillar speaks to the UK-based Telegraph about the potential perils of the Western discovery of, and excitement over, extensive mineral deposits in Afghanistan. “The allies should avoid saying or doing anything that would encourage the perception that their armed forces are in Afghanistan to get at those mineral resources,” says Dr. Pillar.

Director of Graduate Studies Paul Pillar speaks to the UK-based Telegraph about the potential perils of the Western discovery of, and excitement over, extensive mineral deposits in Afghanistan. “The allies should avoid saying or doing anything that would encourage the perception that their armed forces are in Afghanistan to get at those mineral resources,” says Dr. Pillar.

Vast Mineral Resources Discovered In Afghanistan: feat. Christine Fair; The Takeaway, June 14, 2010; Professor Christine Fair speaks to John Hockenberry and Celeste Headlee about the recent New York Times article describing massive mineral deposits in Afghanistan and what implications this resource base may hold for the country's future.

Professor Christine Fair speaks to John Hockenberry and Celeste Headlee about the recent New York Times article describing massive mineral deposits in Afghanistan and what implications this resource base may hold for the country's future.

Al Qaeda Again Forced to Fill Risky No. 3 Post: feat. Bruce Hoffman and Bruce Riedel; The Wall Street Journal, June 2, 2010; In the wake of Mustafa Abu al-Yazid's death, Professor Bruce Hoffman and adjunct professor Bruce Riedel speak to WSJ's Siobham Gorman about the dangers of being number three in Al-Qaeda's hierarchy.

In the wake of Mustafa Abu al-Yazid's death, Professor Bruce Hoffman and adjunct professor Bruce Riedel speak to WSJ's Siobham Gorman about the dangers of being number three in Al-Qaeda's hierarchy.

U.S. military, meet spending limits: feat. Paul Pillar; Foreign Policy, June 1, 2010; Lt. Gen. David Barno (USA-Ret), writing for Foreign Policy's The Best Defense blog, describes Professor Paul Pillar's thought-provoking and important contributions at The Nixon Center's recent National Policy Conference.

Lt. Gen. David Barno (USA-Ret), writing for Foreign Policy's The Best Defense blog, describes Professor Paul Pillar's thought-provoking and important contributions at The Nixon Center's recent National Policy Conference.

U.S. seeks to balance India's Afghanistan stake: feat. Christine Fair; Reuters, May 31, 2010; Professor Christine Fair speaks to Reuters about the dynamic involving competing American, Indian, and Pakistani strategic interests in Afghanistan.

Professor Christine Fair speaks to Reuters about the dynamic involving competing American, Indian, and Pakistani strategic interests in Afghanistan.

New Terrorism Recruits: Jihad Lite?: feat. Bruce Hoffman; National Public Radio, May 17, 2010; Professor Bruce Hoffman speaks to NPR's Dina Temple-Raston about the speed with which Faisal Shahzad became radicalized and the implications of this more rapid pace.

Professor Bruce Hoffman speaks to NPR's Dina Temple-Raston about the speed with which Faisal Shahzad became radicalized and the implications of this more rapid pace.

Training Attention and the Military: feat. Elizabeth Stanley; WHYY Radio, May 10, 2010; Professor Elizabeth Stanley and her colleague Amishi Jha speak to Dr. Dan Gottlieb, host of Voices in the Family, about their new study that investigates the impact of mind fitness training on cognitive function and general well-being of troops.

Professor Elizabeth Stanley and her colleague Amishi Jha speak to Dr. Dan Gottlieb, host of Voices in the Family, about their new study that investigates the impact of mind fitness training on cognitive function and general well-being of troops.

One Man, One Bomb: New Threat?: feat. Daniel Byman; National Public Radio, May 10, 2010; CSS Director Daniel Byman speaks to NPR's Tom Ashbrook about the use of car bombs as a terrorist tactic.

CSS Director Daniel Byman speaks to NPR's Tom Ashbrook about the use of car bombs as a terrorist tactic.

Taliban in Pakistan: feat. Bruce Hoffman; The Takeaway, May 7, 2010; Professor Bruce Hoffman speaks to John Hockenberry and Celeste Headlee about the transformation of Faisal Shahzad from family man to terrorist.

Professor Bruce Hoffman speaks to John Hockenberry and Celeste Headlee about the transformation of Faisal Shahzad from family man to terrorist.

Car bomb defused in New York: feat. Paul Pillar; The Financial Times, May 3, 2010; The Financial Times speaks to Director of Graduate Studies Paul Pillar about the car bomb defused in Times Square. "I would be hesitant to draw conclusions that group A uses tactic X and group B uses tactic Y - there are no trade secrets when it comes to car bombs," says Dr. Pillar.

The Financial Times speaks to Director of Graduate Studies Paul Pillar about the car bomb defused in Times Square. "I would be hesitant to draw conclusions that group A uses tactic X and group B uses tactic Y - there are no trade secrets when it comes to car bombs," says Dr. Pillar.

Bomb Was Crude but Lethal: feat. Bruce Hoffman; The Wall Street Journal, May 3, 2010; The Wall Street Journal's Sean Gardiner and Sumathi Reddy speak to Professor Bruce Hoffman regarding the failed bombing attempt in Times Square. Professor Hoffman warns that unsophisticated bombs don't necessarily mean that they're amateurish.

The Wall Street Journal's Sean Gardiner and Sumathi Reddy speak to Professor Bruce Hoffman regarding the failed bombing attempt in Times Square. Professor Hoffman warns that unsophisticated bombs don't necessarily mean that they're amateurish.

Pakistan, Russia and N.Korea pose nuclear threat, analysts say: feat. Daniel Byman; Agence France Presse, April 13, 2010; CSS Director Daniel Byman speaks to AFP about the dangers of poorly secured nuclear materials falling into the hands of extremists.

CSS Director Daniel Byman speaks to AFP about the dangers of poorly secured nuclear materials falling into the hands of extremists.

Iraq Credited With Deaths Of Al-Qaida Figures: feat. Paul Pillar; National Public Radio, April 22, 2010; Director of Graduate Studies Paul Pillar discusses the staying power of insurgent groups in Iraq in the wake of the reported deaths of Abu Omar al-Baghdadi and Abu Ayyub al-Masri.

Director of Graduate Studies Paul Pillar discusses the staying power of insurgent groups in Iraq in the wake of the reported deaths of Abu Omar al-Baghdadi and Abu Ayyub al-Masri.

Interview with Brent Sterling: feat. Brent Sterling; International Affairs Forum, April 8, 2010; Adjunct professor Brent Sterling (SSP'93) discusses his book, Do Good Fences Make Good Neighbors? What History Teaches Us about Strategic Barriers and International Security, with the Center for International Relations' International Affairs Forum.

Adjunct professor Brent Sterling (SSP'93) discusses his book, Do Good Fences Make Good Neighbors? What History Teaches Us about Strategic Barriers and International Security, with the Center for International Relations' International Affairs Forum.

Osama Who?: feat. Paul Pillar and Bruce Riedel; The Sydney Morning Herald, April 3, 2010; Simon Mann speaks to Director of Graduate Studies Paul Pillar and adjunct professor Bruce Riedel about the decreasing centrality of Osama bin Laden to the fight against al-Qaeda.

Simon Mann speaks to Director of Graduate Studies Paul Pillar and adjunct professor Bruce Riedel about the decreasing centrality of Osama bin Laden to the fight against al-Qaeda.

Faith Complex: Daniel Byman on Iran and Counterterrorism: feat. Daniel Byman and Jacques Berlinerblau; Berkley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs, March 11, 2010; CSS Director Daniel Byman discusses Iran and counterterrorism with Jacques Berlinerblau, Director of the Program for Jewish Civilization in the School of Foreign Service. The conversation is part of the Faith Complex series presented by Georgetown's Berkley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs.

CSS Director Daniel Byman discusses Iran and counterterrorism with Jacques Berlinerblau, Director of the Program for Jewish Civilization in the School of Foreign Service. The conversation is part of the Faith Complex series presented by Georgetown's Berkley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs.

Jihadi Cool: Terrorist Recruiters' Latest Weapon: feat. Christine Fair; National Public Radio, March 26, 2010; NPR's Dina Temple-Raston speaks to Professor Christine Fair regarding the mundane and material, as opposed to theological, motivating factors that draw some people to violent jihad.

NPR's Dina Temple-Raston speaks to Professor Christine Fair regarding the mundane and material, as opposed to theological, motivating factors that draw some people to violent jihad.

Inside Terrorism: Al Qaeda's New Strategy: feat. Bruce Hoffman; The College of William & Mary, April 7, 2010; Professor Bruce Hoffman will deliver a lecture on Al-Qaeda's changing strategies, followed by a book signing and reception, on the campus of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Professor Bruce Hoffman will deliver a lecture on Al-Qaeda's changing strategies, followed by a book signing and reception, on the campus of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Pakistan Hopes Cooperation Wins More US Aid: feat. Christine Fair; Voice of America, March 23, 2010; VoA's Gary Thomas speaks to Professor Christine Fair about the Pakistani delegation in Washington for high-level talks.

VoA's Gary Thomas speaks to Professor Christine Fair about the Pakistani delegation in Washington for high-level talks.

UBS Forum discussion on global terrorism: feat. Paul Pillar and Michael Scheuer; Minnesota Public Radio, March 2, 2010; Kerri Miller speaks with Director of Graduate Studies Paul Pillar and adjunct professor Michael Scheuer about the changing nature of the terrorist threat and America's response, the dangers posed by homegrown radicalism, and whether terror suspects should be tried in civilian courts.

Kerri Miller speaks with Director of Graduate Studies Paul Pillar and adjunct professor Michael Scheuer about the changing nature of the terrorist threat and America's response, the dangers posed by homegrown radicalism, and whether terror suspects should be tried in civilian courts.

Marjah: Afghan heroin hub: feat. Christine Fair; CNN, February 14, 2010; Professor Christine Fair weighs in on whether attacking opium crops could be an Afghan war game-changer.

Professor Christine Fair weighs in on whether attacking opium crops could be an Afghan war game-changer.

Secret Joint Raid Captures Taliban’s Top Commander: feat. Bruce Riedel; The New York Times, February 15, 2010; The New York Times turns to adjunct professor Bruce Riedel for analysis in reporting the capture of Taliban commander Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar by Pakistani and American intelligence agents.

The New York Times turns to adjunct professor Bruce Riedel for analysis in reporting the capture of Taliban commander Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar by Pakistani and American intelligence agents.

U.S. Counterterror Intelligence: Options for Reform: feat. Jennifer Sims; The Henry L. Stimson Center, January 25, 2010; Director of Intelligence Studies Jennifer Sims discussed options for reforming the U.S. counterterror intelligence system at the Henry L. Stimson Center.

Director of Intelligence Studies Jennifer Sims discussed options for reforming the U.S. counterterror intelligence system at the Henry L. Stimson Center.

CIA Chief Warns Terror Attack Is Likely: feat. Daniel Byman; National Public Radio, February 3, 2010; CIA Director Leon Panetta says he expects al-Qaida to attempt an attack on the U.S. in the next six months. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly and CSS Director Daniel Byman explain why intelligence officials are so certain, and what intelligence officials are doing to prevent another terrorist attack.

CIA Director Leon Panetta says he expects al-Qaida to attempt an attack on the U.S. in the next six months. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly and CSS Director Daniel Byman explain why intelligence officials are so certain, and what intelligence officials are doing to prevent another terrorist attack.

Hunting The Taliban: Examining America's Efforts: feat. Paul Pillar; National Public Radio, February 4, 2010; Professor Paul Pillar talks with NPR's Renee Montagne about U.S. efforts to target and kill high-value Taliban targets in Pakistan. Is it working? And what does it accomplish?

Professor Paul Pillar talks with NPR's Renee Montagne about U.S. efforts to target and kill high-value Taliban targets in Pakistan. Is it working? And what does it accomplish?

India and Iran: A Pragmatic Alliance: feat. Christine Fair; RUSI Newsbrief, January 26, 2010; Shashank Joshi of the Royal United Services Institute takes Professor Fair's analysis of Indo-Iranian ties as a starting point for this investigation.

Shashank Joshi of the Royal United Services Institute takes Professor Fair's analysis of Indo-Iranian ties as a starting point for this investigation.

Iran Shielding Its Nuclear Efforts in Maze of Tunnels: feat. Richard Russell; The New York Times, January 5, 2010; Adjunct Professor Richard Russell is quoted in William J. Broad's investigation of Iran's nuclear activities.

Adjunct Professor Richard Russell is quoted in William J. Broad's investigation of Iran's nuclear activities.

Targeted Assassinations in the War Against Al Qaeda: feat. Paul Pillar; The Diane Rehm Show, January 21, 2010; Professor Paul Pillar discusses the use of drones for targeted assassinations in the war against Al Qaeda and the moral and legal issues surrounding the use of lethal covert action.

Professor Paul Pillar discusses the use of drones for targeted assassinations in the war against Al Qaeda and the moral and legal issues surrounding the use of lethal covert action.

Intelligence Agencies Reel From Attempted Christmas Attack: feat. Paul Pillar; National Public Radio, January 9, 2010; Paul Pillar speaks to NPR's Mary Louise Kelly about the inherent challenges of aggregating actionable intelligence to thwart specific terrorist attacks.

Paul Pillar speaks to NPR's Mary Louise Kelly about the inherent challenges of aggregating actionable intelligence to thwart specific terrorist attacks.

Risky Business: U.S. Must Rely On Foreign Spies: feat. Richard Russell; National Public Radio, January 5, 2010; Adjunct professor Richard Russell speaks to NPR's Kevin Whitelaw about the use of foreign human intelligence assets.

Adjunct professor Richard Russell speaks to NPR's Kevin Whitelaw about the use of foreign human intelligence assets.

Pakistan Blast Sharpens Concerns on Taliban: feat. Christine Fair; PBS NewsHour, January 1, 2010; Christine Fair discusses recent attacks by the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan, including the bombing at FOB Chapman that killed several CIA officers and the explosion at a volleyball match in Lakki Marwat.

Christine Fair discusses recent attacks by the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan, including the bombing at FOB Chapman that killed several CIA officers and the explosion at a volleyball match in Lakki Marwat.

Intelligence Panel Considers Needs in Security Overhaul: feat. Paul Pillar; PBS NewsHour, December 31, 2009; Paul Pillar participates in a moderated discussion featuring several veteran intelligence professionals. The topic is the state of the intelligence community and its role in preventing terrorist attacks like the attempted Christmas Day bombing of Northwest Flight 253.

Paul Pillar participates in a moderated discussion featuring several veteran intelligence professionals. The topic is the state of the intelligence community and its role in preventing terrorist attacks like the attempted Christmas Day bombing of Northwest Flight 253.

Putin: We’ll Overwhelm U.S. Missile Shield: feat. Keir Lieber; Wired, December 29, 2009; Nathan Hodge of Wired discusses the impact that Keir Lieber and Daryl Press's 2006 article "The Rise of U.S. Nuclear Primacy" has had on the relationship between the United States and Russia.

Nathan Hodge of Wired discusses the impact that Keir Lieber and Daryl Press's 2006 article "The Rise of U.S. Nuclear Primacy" has had on the relationship between the United States and Russia.

Pakistan's delicate balancing act: feat. Christine Fair; Al Jazeera English, December 7, 2009; Christine Fair discusses the effect on Pakistan of US and NATO plans for Afghanistan and the question of how can Pakistan be an effective partner in fighting militants in the region?

Christine Fair discusses the effect on Pakistan of US and NATO plans for Afghanistan and the question of how can Pakistan be an effective partner in fighting militants in the region?

The Fight Against al Qaeda: feat. Daniel Byman; The Diane Rehm Show, December 7, 2009; Daniel Byman discusses the state of the ongoing conflict with al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations.

Daniel Byman discusses the state of the ongoing conflict with al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations.

The U.S.-Russia Nuclear Thicket: feat. Charles D. Ferguson; Council on Foreign Relations, November 20, 2009; Adjunct professor Charles Ferguson on U.S. Russia and the START agreement

Adjunct professor Charles Ferguson on U.S. Russia and the START agreement

Morning Meeting with Dylan Ratigan: feat. Christine Fair; MSNBC TV, November 19, 2009; Christine Fair on the US working with Karzai and Afghani corruption.

Christine Fair on the US working with Karzai and Afghani corruption.

Afghanistan quagmire rules out US-Iran war: feat. Bruce Riedel; Jerusalem Post, November 18, 2009; Adjunct professor Bruce Riedel on the likelyhood of a US-Iran war

During his address, [Bruce Riedel] referred to the US's commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan, and said, "We've got two wars. You've got to be bold to say, let's start a war against a third party, particularly when the third party can hit you in the first two fronts."

"The president has inherited a disastrous war that is being lost," Riedel said. "Pakistan, next-door to Afghanistan, is being destabilized. Pakistan is the fastest growing nuclear arms state in the world, and has more terrorists per square kilometer than any other country," he continued.

"Within 18 to 24 months, we will know whether [Barack Obama] inherited a dead patient on an operating table," Riedel said. "The question of sending more troops will define Obama's first term in office."

Afghan Corruption Concerns US Policy Planners: feat. Christine Fair; VoA News, November 17, 2009; Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has been roundly criticized in the international community for presiding over a corrupt government. A new report reinforces the perception of widespread corruption in Afghanistan, naming it the second most corrupt country of all those surveyed. That worries American policy makers as they deliberate on the future U.S. strategy in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has been roundly criticized in the international community for presiding over a corrupt government. A new report reinforces the perception of widespread corruption in Afghanistan, naming it the second most corrupt country of all those surveyed. That worries American policy makers as they deliberate on the future U.S. strategy in Afghanistan.

The Mind-Body Balance of a Warrior: feat. Elizabeth A. Stanley; Blue & Gray, November, 2009; Elizabeth Stanley sits down with the Blue & Gray to talk about stress thresholds, helping the military cope with counterinsurgency combat and how one Marine drew on MMFT after an attack in Iraq.

"When it comes to preparing for battle, mental fitness in a soldier is as paramount as physical fitness. Yet, too many come into war ill-prepared for the stress of combat, deployment and transitioning back home, according to Elizabeth Stanley, assistant professor of security studies. She has created a new training program, Mindfulness-based Mind Fitness Training (MMFT), which Stanley says increases a capacity to process stress among members of the military. Stanley teamed up with a neuroscientist from the University of Pennsylvania to study MMFT's effects on 31 Marines preparing for deployment to Iraq this past summer, and early results are encouraging. Now the pair plans on conducting a larger study with the U.S. Army. Stanley sat down with the Blue & Gray to talk about stress thresholds, helping the military cope with counterinsurgency combat and how one Marine drew on MMFT after an attack in Iraq."

Compromise Position?: feat. C. Christine Fair; Fox News, November 12, 2009; Pentagon eyeing 'hybrid' strategy for Afghanistan

Pentagon eyeing 'hybrid' strategy for Afghanistan

Pakistan's Role in Fighting Terror Under Review: feat. C. Christine Fair; PBS NewsHour, October 7, 2009; Pakistan affirmed its resolve to continue fighting al-Qaida and also providing enforcements for U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Judy Woodruff reports.

Pakistan affirmed its resolve to continue fighting al-Qaida and also providing enforcements for U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Judy Woodruff reports.

Pakistan's Partial War on Terror.: feat. C. Christine Fair; Wall Street Journal Asia, October 15, 2009; The past week’s spate of suicide bombings in Pakistan and the siege of its military headquarters are again casting the spotlight on that country’s war on terror. Attention will—and should—focus in particular on Islamabad’s many failures to control militants on its own soil. Pakistan is now paying the heavy price for its earlier attempts to strategic tools.

The past week’s spate of suicide bombings in Pakistan and the siege of its military headquarters are again casting the spotlight on that country’s war on terror. Attention will—and should—focus in particular on Islamabad’s many failures to control militants on its own soil. Pakistan is now paying the heavy price for its earlier attempts to strategic tools.

Should US focus on al-Qaeda havens?: feat. Kim Ghattas; BBC News, September 30, 2009; Paul Pillar on Al-Qaeda safe havens.

When President Barack Obama sits down with his national security team on Wednesday for the first of five meetings about his administration's strategy in Afghanistan, one phrase is likely to come up again and again - safe havens.

Not Just Afghanistan: feat. Montgomery Meigs; The Washington Post, September 24, 2009; Professor Meigs on Leadership and the war in Afghanistan

At some point in their tenure, most leaders face a changing environment, a new opportunity, or a crisis that demands new strategy and tactics. President Obama now faces such a challenge.

After chasing the Taliban and al-Qaeda from Afghanistan into the Tribal Areas of Pakistan, we supported a corrupt and largely ineffective government. Large portions of the population do not see the American presence as one that will improve their lot. From 2002 to 2008 the war of choice in Iraq monopolized resources much-needed for our effort in Afghanistan. Despite the superb efforts of units we did have on the ground, the Taliban have regained territory and influence. Resurgent al-Qaeda and Taliban in the Tribal Areas have also become a threat to the government in Pakistan. Given this fact -- and Pakistan's nuclear capability and intense strategic rivalry with India -- a Pakistan destabilized from Afghanistan and its own Tribal Areas presents an unacceptable strategic prospect.

Who's Afraid of A Terrorist Haven?: feat. Paul R. Pillar; The Washington Post, September 16, 2009; Paul R. Pillar on Afghanistan as a haven for Terrorists.

Rationales for maintaining the counterinsurgency in Afghanistan are varied and complex, but they all center on one key tenet: that Afghanistan must not be allowed to again become a haven for terrorist groups, especially al-Qaeda. Debate about Afghanistan has raised reasons to question that tenet, one of which is that the top al-Qaeda leadership is not even in Afghanistan, having decamped to Pakistan years ago. Another is that terrorists intent on establishing a haven can choose among several unstable countries besides Afghanistan, and U.S. forces cannot secure them all.

Obama has hard sell over Afghan troop hike: feat. Sue Pleming; Reuters, September 13, 2009; Professor Bruce Riedel on President Obama's need to sell his Afghanistan plan.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Even before President Barack Obama decides whether to send more combat troops to Afghanistan, many members of his own party are resisting it, with experts saying the president must do a better job to sell his plans.

Pentagon plans troops to target roadside Afghanistan bombs: feat. Barbara Starr; CNN, September 11, 2009; Montgomery Meigs comments on IEDs in Afghanistan.

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates is expected to approve sending thousands of additional forces to Afghanistan to deal with the growing threat from roadside bombs, Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said Friday.

Crux of Afghan Debate: Will More Troops Curb Terror?: feat. Eric Schmitt and Scott Shane; New York Times, September 7, 2009; CSS Professors Bruce Hoffman and Daniel Byman comment on US policy in Afghanistan.

CSS Professors Bruce Hoffman and Daniel Byman comment on US policy in Afghanistan.

Kill or Be Killed?: feat. Daniel L. Byman; The Wall Street Journal, July 17, 2009; Daniel Byman writes on the use of targeted killings of terrorist leaders.

Daniel Byman writes on the use of targeted killings of terrorist leaders.

U.S. Troop Withdrawal from Iraqi Cities: feat. NPR; The Diane Rehm Show, NPR, June 30, 2009; Paul Pillar is a guest on The Diane Rehm Show to discuss the US troop withdrawal from urban areas in Iraq.

Paul Pillar is a guest on The Diane Rehm Show to discuss the US troop withdrawal from urban areas in Iraq.

Pakistan: Most Dangerous Country in the World: feat. MSNBC; MSNBC: Andrea Mitchell Reports, May 13, 2009; Bruce Riedel joined Andrea Mitchell to discuss the deteriorating situation in Pakistan.

Bruce Riedel joined Andrea Mitchell to discuss the deteriorating situation in Pakistan.

Shaky Pakistan Is Seen as Target of Qaeda Plots

feat. MARK MAZZETTI and ERIC SCHMITT
The New York Times, May 10, 2009

“If you look at Al Qaeda as a brand, they know when to broadcast the brand, as the group has done in North Africa,” Mr. Hoffman said. “And they know when to cloak the brand, as it has done in Pakistan.”

“If you look at Al Qaeda as a brand, they know when to broadcast the brand, as the group has done in North Africa,” Mr. Hoffman said. “And they know when to cloak the brand, as it has done in Pakistan.”

Pakistan Overshadows Afghanistan on U.S. Agenda

feat. David Sanger
The New York Times, May 5, 2009

“The possibility is now real that we will see a jihadist state emerge in Pakistan — not an inevitable outcome, not even the most likely, but a real possibility,” said Bruce Riedel, the Brookings Institution scholar who served as the co-author of Mr. Obama’s review.

“The possibility is now real that we will see a jihadist state emerge in Pakistan — not an inevitable outcome, not even the most likely, but a real possibility,” said Bruce Riedel, the Brookings Institution scholar who served as the co-author of Mr. Obama’s review.

Obama to meet Afghan, Pakistani leaders on strategy

feat. Simon Denyer and Chris Wilson
Reuters, May 4, 2009

"Today the war is being lost in Afghanistan, but is not yet lost," Bruce Riedel, an author of Obama's strategy, wrote in a piece for the Brookings Institution last week.

"Today the war is being lost in Afghanistan, but is not yet lost," Bruce Riedel, an author of Obama's strategy, wrote in a piece for the Brookings Institution last week.

Critics Skeptical Of Made-For-TV Torture Claims

feat. Dina Temple-Raston
NPR, May 5, 2009

Bruce Hoffman comments on the fictional TV ticking bomb scenarios, as depicted in shows like 24.

Bruce Hoffman comments on the fictional TV ticking bomb scenarios, as depicted in shows like 24.

Pakistan’s Nuclear Scenarios, U.S. Solutions

feat. The Editors
The New York Times, May 5, 2009

Bruce Riedel, who was chairman of President Obama’s strategic review of United States policy toward Afghanistan and Pakistan earlier this year, says that, while not inevitable, a jihadist state in Pakistan is a real possibility.

Bruce Riedel, who was chairman of President Obama’s strategic review of United States policy toward Afghanistan and Pakistan earlier this year, says that, while not inevitable, a jihadist state in Pakistan is a real possibility.

Pakistan: Now or Never?

feat. Myra MacDonald
Reuters Blogs, May 1, 2009

Bruce Riedel, who advised Obama on his strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, said it was unrealistic to expect India to move forward on improving relations with Pakistan ”without further resolution of the Mumbai issue”.

Bruce Riedel, who advised Obama on his strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, said it was unrealistic to expect India to move forward on improving relations with Pakistan ”without further resolution of the Mumbai issue”.

The government remains in a state of denial

feat. Ghazi Salahuddin
The International News, May 4, 2009

Author cites Bruce Riedel's comments on the Pakistani Army's fears of disintegration.

Author cites Bruce Riedel's comments on the Pakistani Army's fears of disintegration.

Secretary Clinton Key Note Address

feat. state.gov
U.S. Department of State, May 1, 2009

Secretary Clinton addresses questions on the strategies for Afghanistan and Pakistan, commenting on Bruce Riedel's role in the intensive strategic review.

Secretary Clinton addresses questions on the strategies for Afghanistan and Pakistan, commenting on Bruce Riedel's role in the intensive strategic review.

U.S. envoy wants friendship, cooperation from Sudan

feat. Andrew Heavens
Reuters, Thursday, April 2, 2009

Jonathan Gration (SSP '88) appointed Special Envoy to Sudan.

Jonathan Gration (SSP '88) appointed Special Envoy to Sudan.

Somali Americans Recruited by Extremists

feat. Spencer S. Hsu and Carrie Johnson
Washington Post, March 10, 2009

Bruce Hoffman comments on terrorism recruitment.

Bruce Hoffman comments on terrorism recruitment.

Afghanistan: Hearings Not Escalation

feat. Katrina vanden Heuvel
The Nation, March 11, 2009

Paul Pillar's testimony on Afghanistan and Pakistan is referenced in context of the plan to increase troop levels in Afghanistan.

Paul Pillar's testimony on Afghanistan and Pakistan is referenced in context of the plan to increase troop levels in Afghanistan.

Freeman Withdraws

feat. Ken Silverstein
Harper's Magazine, March 10, 2009

Paul Pillar is quoted on the future of Middle East policy, in light of Ambassador Charles W. Freeman's recent withdrawal from selection to be Chairman of the National Intelligence Council.

Paul Pillar is quoted on the future of Middle East policy, in light of Ambassador Charles W. Freeman's recent withdrawal from selection to be Chairman of the National Intelligence Council.

A hero’s death redeems Abu Ghraib tormentor

feat. Sarah Baxter in Washington
Times Online, March 8, 2009

Paul Pillar comments on the investigationof the conduct of the war on terror, including wiretapping and the treatment of detainees.

Paul Pillar comments on the investigationof the conduct of the war on terror, including wiretapping and the treatment of detainees.

President Obama's Strategy in Iraq

feat. Guest host: Susan Page
The Diane Rehm Show, NPR, March 2, 2009

Paul Pillar comments on President Obama's revised timetable for withdrawing U.S. combat forces from Iraq

Paul Pillar comments on President Obama's revised timetable for withdrawing U.S. combat forces from Iraq

Fringe groups to join Cairo talks

feat. Elliott D. Woods
The Washington Times, February 25, 2009

Daniel Byman comments on the inclusion of Palestinian fringe groups in Cairo this week to discuss a long-term cease-fire with Israel and the formation of a unified Palestinian government.

Daniel Byman comments on the inclusion of Palestinian fringe groups in Cairo this week to discuss a long-term cease-fire with Israel and the formation of a unified Palestinian government.

What Prevented Another 9/11? National Security Experts Differ on the Reasons

feat. James Kitfield
NTI: Global Security Newswire, February 2, 2009

Paul Pillar and Michael Scheuer comment on the absence of an attack on the U.S. homeland since 9/11.

Paul Pillar and Michael Scheuer comment on the absence of an attack on the U.S. homeland since 9/11.

World at Risk

feat. Georgetown University Webcast
A Discussion on the WMD Commission Report, January 8, 2009

Daniel Byman, Director of the Georgetown University Center for Security Studies, hosts a discussion on the Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission Report.

Jim Talent, Vice-Chairman of the WMD Commission, and Graham Allison, Commission member, discuss the impact of their findings in World at Risk: The Report of the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism.

Daniel Byman, Director of the Georgetown University Center for Security Studies, hosts a discussion on the Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission Report.

Jim Talent, Vice-Chairman of the WMD Commission, and Graham Allison, Commission member, discuss the impact of their findings in World at Risk: The Report of the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism.

Guantánamo closure marks pivotal turn in US fight against terrorism

feat. Suzanne Goldenberg
The Guardian UK, January 22, 2009

Paul Pillar comments on the orders against the use of torture.

Paul Pillar comments on the orders against the use of torture.

The growing, and mysterious, irrelevance of al-Qaeda

feat. The Economist
The Economist, January 22, 2009

The Economist quotes from Bruce Hoffman on Al Qaeda and its finances.

The Economist quotes from Bruce Hoffman on Al Qaeda and its finances.

Osama to Obama: "I'm still here"

feat. Foreign Policy
Foreign Policy, January 14, 2009

Bruce Hoffman and Daniel Byman comment on the Bin Laden tape.

Bruce Hoffman and Daniel Byman comment on the Bin Laden tape.

Analyst Weighs in on Obama's CIA Pick

feat. Richard Russell
AOL News (Video), January 8, 2009

Richard Russell comments on Obama's pick for CIA director.

Richard Russell comments on Obama's pick for CIA director.

A new direction for U.S. intelligence?

feat. Paul R. Pillar
Minnesota Public Radio, January 6, 2009

Paul Pillar comments on Obama's choice for CIA director.

Paul Pillar comments on Obama's choice for CIA director.

Obama Faces CIA Appointment Dilemma

feat. Spencer Ackerman
The Washington Independent, December 12, 2008

Paul Pillar comments on the difficulties of the upcoming transition for the intelligence community

Paul Pillar comments on the difficulties of the upcoming transition for the intelligence community

Bush ducks flying shoes flung at him; reporter in custody

feat. Andrea Stone
USA Today, December 15, 2008

Daniel Byman comments on the shoe throwing incident, which occured on Sunday during President Bush's suprise visit to Iraq

Daniel Byman comments on the shoe throwing incident, which occured on Sunday during President Bush's suprise visit to Iraq

Global woes pose risks, also openings for US

feat. Tom Raum
Associated Press, December 14, 2008

Bruce Riedel comments on bin Laden's emphasis on economic targets

Bruce Riedel comments on bin Laden's emphasis on economic targets

Pakistan on tightrope with militant raid

feat. Mark Sappenfield and Issam Ahmed
The Christian Science Monitor, December 9, 2008

Bruce Hoffman comments on the growth of terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba

Bruce Hoffman comments on the growth of terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba

Obama Vs. Osama

feat. Michael Crowley
CBS News, December 8, 2008

John Nagl's perspective on winning in Afghanistan is highlighted by CBS News.

John Nagl's perspective on winning in Afghanistan is highlighted by CBS News.

IEDs: the insurgents’ deadliest weapon

feat. The First Post
The First Post, December 11, 2008

Montgomery Meigs comments on the use of IED's by insurgents in Iraq.

Montgomery Meigs comments on the use of IED's by insurgents in Iraq.

Pakistan’s Spies Aided Group Tied to Mumbai Siege

feat.
Mark Mazzetti and Jane Perlez

The New York Times, December 7, 2008

Bruce Hoffman comments on the suspected group responsible for the Mumbai attacks.

Bruce Hoffman comments on the suspected group responsible for the Mumbai attacks.

Despite Security Improvements, Iraq Remains 'Very Troubled Country'

feat. Bernard Gwertzman
Council on Foreign Relations Interview, December 10, 2008

Kenneth Pollack is interviewed by CFR's Bernard Gwertzman on prospects for Iraq.

Kenneth Pollack is interviewed by CFR's Bernard Gwertzman on prospects for Iraq.

Meigs: Rough water ahead

feat. Montgomery Meigs
MSNBC, December 10, 2008

Will the Obama team be able to lead the U.S. through a complicated time? Montgomery Meigs comments on MSNBC.

Will the Obama team be able to lead the U.S. through a complicated time? Montgomery Meigs comments on MSNBC.

Mumbai Attacks Offer New Lessons On Terrorism

feat. Dina Temple Raston
NPR, December 3, 2008

Bruce Hoffman comments on the Mumbai attacks on NPR.

Bruce Hoffman comments on the Mumbai attacks on NPR.

SSP Faculty Named in President-Elect Obama's Policy Working Groups

feat. change.gov
Change.gov,

SSP faculty members Colin Kahl and Bruce Riedel are listed among members of President-Elect Obama's National Security Policy Working Group. See the entire list at http://change.gov/learn/policy_working_groups

SSP faculty members Colin Kahl and Bruce Riedel are listed among members of President-Elect Obama's National Security Policy Working Group. The group will help prepare the President-elect, Vice President-elect and senior national security appointees as they are named to make early decisions on critical national security issues. See the entire list at http://change.gov/learn/policy_working_groups

India’s Suspicion of Pakistan Clouds U.S. Strategy

feat. Jane Perlez
The New York Times, November 27, 2008

Bruce Riedel's new book “The Search for Al Qaeda" offers insights into India-Pakistani relations behind the Mumbai attacks, The New York Times.

Bruce Riedel's new book “The Search for Al Qaeda" offers insights into India-Pakistani relations behind the Mumbai attacks, The New York Times.

Goal Achieved? Attacks Chill Indian-Pakistani Relations

feat. Bruce Hoffman
ABC News, November 30, 2008

Bruce Hoffman comments on the attack on Mumbai for ABC News.

Bruce Hoffman comments on the attack on Mumbai for ABC News.

Analysts: Al-Qaida Seeks to Capitalize on Global Financial Crisis

feat. Michael Lipin
Voice of America, November 21, 2008

Bruce Hoffman comments on al-Qaida's propaganda strategy, Voice of America.

Bruce Hoffman comments on al-Qaida's propaganda strategy, Voice of America.

The Surprising Absence of an October Surprise

feat. Daniel Byman
Slate, November 5, 2008

Daniel Byman writes on how we got through the election without an al-Qaida attack

Daniel Byman writes on how we got through the election without an al-Qaida attack

Afghan policy is taking a back seat on the trail

feat. Bryan Bender and Michael Kranish
The Boston Globe, October 31, 2008

Paul Pillar comments on how the Afghanistan issue is being handled in the election campaign.

Paul Pillar comments on how the Afghanistan issue is being handled in the election campaign.

Syria orders American school closed

feat. Paul R. Pillar
PRI, October 28, 2008

Paul Pillar comments in "Syria's orders Amercan school closed."

Paul Pillar comments in "Syria's orders Amercan school closed."

Al-Qaida influence apparent in groups in Pakistan

feat. Kathy Gannon
Associated Press, October 26, 2008

Seth Jones and Bruce Hoffman comment on Al-qaida's influence in groups in Pakistan.

Seth Jones and Bruce Hoffman comment on Al-qaida's influence in groups in Pakistan.

New president to inherit Afghan crisis

feat. Sara Carter
The Washington Times, October 22, 2008

Bruce Riedel comments on addressing the momentum of the Taliban in "New president to inherit Afghan crisis" for the Washington Times.

Bruce Riedel comments on addressing the momentum of the Taliban in "New president to inherit Afghan crisis" for the Washington Times.

The Search for Al Qaeda

feat. Clive Crook
Financial Times, October 20, 2008

Clive Cook reviews Bruce Riedel's book The Search for Al Qaeda: Its Leadership, Ideology, and Future.

Clive Cook reviews Bruce Riedel's book The Search for Al Qaeda: Its Leadership, Ideology, and Future.

America's useless terrorism list

feat. Lionel Beehner
Los Angeles Times, October 20, 2008

Daniel Byman comments on the flawed nature of the U.S.State Department's list of "state sponsors of terrorism."

Daniel Byman comments on the flawed nature of the U.S.State Department's list of "state sponsors of terrorism."

Changing Defense Industrial Base Not Easy

feat. Barry Watts
Aviation Week, October 16, 2008

Barry Watts comments on the difficulties of reshaping the defense industry.

Barry Watts comments on the difficulties of reshaping the defense industry.

Dangerous Doctrine

feat. Lawrence J. Korb and Laura Conley
Baltimore Sun, September 17, 2008

In "Dangerous Doctrine," SSP adjunct professor Lawrence Korb and Laura Conley discuss the global implications of President Bush's risky preventative war policy.

In "Dangerous Doctrine," SSP adjunct professor Lawrence Korb and Laura Conley discuss the global implications of President Bush's risky preventative war policy.

Al-Qaeda Dangerous as Ever

feat. Bruce Hoffman
National Interest, September 11, 2008

Bruce Hoffman comments on the danger of al Qaeda in the National Interest.

Bruce Hoffman comments on the danger of al Qaeda in the National Interest.

Commentary: Al Qaeda isn't dead yet

feat. Bruce Hoffman
CNN Commentary, September 11, 2008

Bruce Hoffman comments on the danger of al Qaeda and implications for the next Presidential administration for CNN.

Bruce Hoffman comments on the danger of al Qaeda and implications for the next Presidential administration for CNN.

Terrorism Fades as Issue in 2008 Campaign

feat. Michael Abramowitz
Washington Post, September 11, 2008

Paul Pillar comments on the issue of terrorism in the 2008 Presidential election campaigns in the Washington Post.

Paul Pillar comments on the issue of terrorism in the 2008 Presidential election campaigns in the Washington Post.

It's too soon to judge the 'surge'

feat. Nora Bensahel
The San Deigo Tribune, August 29, 2008

In this article, Dr. Nora Bensahel argues that the real test of the surge will come in the next six to twelve months, as we see whether the decrease in violence can be sustained.

In this article, Dr. Nora Bensahel argues that the real test of the surge will come in the next six to twelve months, as we see whether the decrease in violence can be sustained.

Baghdad's misguided crackdown on the Sons of Iraq

feat. Colin Kahl and Shawn Brimley
Los Angeles Times, August 26, 2008

Colin Kahl co-authors an article in the Los Angeles Times on Baghdad's recent crackdown on Sunni security volunteers.

There is a gathering storm on Iraq's horizon. Over the last several weeks, its central government has embarked on what appears to be an effort to arrest, drive away or otherwise intimidate tens of thousands of Sunni security volunteers -- the so-called Sons of Iraq -- whose contributions have been crucial to recent security gains. After returning from a trip to Iraq last month at the invitation of Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, the U.S. commander in Iraq, we are convinced that if Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki and his advisors persist in this sectarian agenda, the country may spiral back into chaos.

For Balkans, Karadzic arrest marks a milestone

feat. Montgomery Meigs
MSNBC Commentary, July 23, 2008

Montgomery Meigs comments on the arrest of Radovan Karadzic for MSNBC.

Montgomery Meigs comments on the arrest of Radovan Karadzic for MSNBC.

Iran Test-Fires Long-Range Missile

feat. Jon Wolfsthal
The Washington Post, July 9, 2008

Jon Wolfsthal comments on "Iran Test-Fires Long-Range Missile" for the Washington Post.

Jon Wolfsthal comments on "Iran Test-Fires Long-Range Missile" for the Washington Post.

Obituary: Lt. General William E. Odom

feat. Matt Schudel
The Washington Post, June 1, 2008

The Security Studies Program is saddened by the passing of Lt. General William Odom, who died on May 30th ...

The Security Studies Program is saddened by the passing of Lt. General William Odom, who died on May 30th . General Odom had a remarkable career in the military and as a policymaker (see http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/31/AR2008053102193.html). General Odom also taught in the Security Studies Program at Georgetown for many years. SSP alumni will remember him as a gifted and dedicated instructor who shared with them his wisdom and many insights. We will miss his forceful intellect and good humor. Our thoughts go out to his family.

--Daniel Byman, Director of the Security Studies Program

Iranian aid seen growing among militants on Israel's flanks

feat. Amy Teibel
Associated Press, May 27, 2008

Adjunct Professor Bruce Riedel comments on Iranian weaponry and the risk to Israel.

Adjunct Professor Bruce Riedel comments on Iranian weaponry and the risk to Israel.

New Al Qaeda Cell A Growing Threat To U.S.

feat. CBS News correspondent Bob Orr
CBS Evening News, May 26, 2008

Adjunct Professor Bruce Riedel comments on the North African-based group calling itself "Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb" on CBS Evening News.

Adjunct Professor Bruce Riedel comments on the North African-based group calling itself "Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb" on CBS Evening News.

Witnessing China's Tragedy

feat. Robert Litwak and Elisabeth Liptak
Washington Post, May 24, 2008

Adjunct Professor Rob Litwak writes from his experience near the epicenter of the earthquake in China.

Adjunct Professor Rob Litwak writes from his experience near the epicenter of the earthquake in China.

Future of U.S. Involvement in Iraq

feat. Guest host: Susan Page
The Diane Rehm Show, NPR, May 19, 2008

Adjunct Faculty Member, Kenneth Pollack, is interviewed on the future of the U.S. involvement in Iraq under possible presidential candidate John McCain.

Future of U.S. Involvement in Iraq
Guest host: Susan Page

Republican senator and presidential candidate John McCain claims most U.S. troops could be out of Iraq by 2013 and that Iraq will be a functioning democracy, if he's elected president. Analysis of the candidate's remarks and the ongoing debate between Congress and the White House in the run up to the November presidential election.

Guests
Lt. Gen. William Odom (Ret.), U.S. Army-Ret., former director of the National Security Agency and senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies

Kenneth Pollack, director of research at the Saban Center at the Brookings Institution; author of "The Persian Puzzle: the Conflict between Iran and America;" former director for Persian Gulf Affairs and former director for Near East and South Asian Affairs at the National Security Council; former Iran-Iraq military analyst, Central Intelligence Agency

Ben Pershing, Congressional reporter for the Washington Post and author of "Capitol Briefing" at washingtonpost.com

Susan Rice, senior foreign policy advisor to Democratic presidential candidate and Senator Barack Obama

Randy Scheunemann, senior foreign policy advisor to Republican presidential candidates and Senator John McCain

'Silent Tsunami': The Food Price Crisis

feat. Mike Lee
World News with Charles Gibson, ABC News, April 20, 2008

Vanda Felbab-Brown, SSP Core Faculty, comments on the worldwide crisis of rising food prices.

Vanda Felbab-Brown, SSP Core Faculty, comments on the worldwide crisis of rising food prices.

Al-Qaida Planner Masri Believed Dead

feat. Tom Gjelten
All Things Considered, NPR, April 9, 2008

Bruce Hoffman, SSP Core Faculty, comments on the death of al Qaeda commander Abu Ubaidah al-Masri on NPR.

Bruce Hoffman, SSP Core Faculty, comments on the death of al Qaeda commander Abu Ubaidah al-Masri on NPR.

A Network of Truces

feat. David Brooks
The New York Times, April 8, 2008

Colin Kahl, SSP Core Faculty member, comments on Iraqi politics.

Colin Kahl, SSP Core Faculty member, comments on Iraqi politics

ANALYSIS-Democratic president may reassess Iraq promises

feat. Kristin Roberts
Reuters: AlerNet, April 7, 2008

Daniel Byman, CSS Director, comments on the democratic candidates' stances on Iraq policy.

Daniel Byman, CSS Director, comments on the democratic candidates' stances on Iraq policy.

Fighting Terrorism with Tactics from the Cold War

feat. Warren Olney
To the Point [KCRW], March 24, 2008

Bruce Hoffman and Michael Scheuer were among guests on "To the Point" to discuss terrorism and Cold War tactics.

Bruce Hoffman and Michael Scheuer were among guests on "To the Point" to discuss terrorism and Cold War tactics.

Al-Qaida's No. 2: Attack Israel, US

feat. Lee Keath
Associated Press, March 25, 2008

Bruce Hoffman comments on new messages from al-Qaida to intensify attacks.

Bruce Hoffman comments on new messages from al-Qaida to intensify attacks.

Hezbollah Militant Accused of Plotting Attacks Killed

feat. Mike Shuster
All Things Considered, NPR, February 13, 2008

CSS Director, Daniel Byman, comments on slain Hezbollah militant Imad Mughniyeh.

CSS Director, Daniel Byman comments on slain Hezbollah militant Imad Mughniyeh.

The Terrorists' Paper Trail in Iraq

feat. Kevin Whitelaw
U.S. News and World Report, February 6, 2008

SSP core faculty member, Bruce Hoffman, comments on Al Qaeda in Iraq in
The Terrorists' Paper Trail in Iraq, U.S. News and World Report.

SSP core faculty member, Bruce Hoffman, comments on Al Qaeda in Iraq in
The Terrorists' Paper Trail in Iraq, U.S. News and World Report.

Army Buried Study Faulting Iraq Planning

feat. Michael R. Gordon
The New York Times, February 11, 2008

Dr. Nora Bensahel, SSP Adjunct Faculty, is highlighted in "Army Buried Study Faulting Iraq Planning" for her role in leading the 2005 RAND Study entitled "Rebuilding Iraq."

Dr. Nora Bensahel, SSP Adjunct Faculty, is highlighted in "Army Buried Study Faulting Iraq Planning" for her role in leading the 2005 RAND Study entitled "Rebuilding Iraq."

Permanent U.S. bases in Iraq unlikely

feat. Gordon Lubold
The Christian Science Monitor, January 31, 2008

SPP Core Faculty Member, Colin Kahl, comments on the likelihood of permanent U.S. bases in Iraq.

SPP Core Faculty Member, Colin Kahl, comments on the likelihood of permanent U.S. bases in Iraq.

Interrogator Shares Saddam's Confessions

feat.
60 Minutes, January 27, 2008

After his capture, Saddam met every day with one man, an American he knew as "Mr. George." George is FBI agent George Piro, who was the front man for a team of FBI and CIA analysts who were trying to answer some of the great mysteries of recent history.

For a man who drew America into two wars and countless military engagements, we never knew what Saddam Hussein was thinking. But you are going to hear more than has ever been revealed before.

After his capture, Saddam met every day with one man, an American he knew as "Mr. George." George is FBI agent George Piro, who was the front man for a team of FBI and CIA analysts who were trying to answer some of the great mysteries of recent history. What happened to the weapons of mass destruction? Was Saddam in league with al Qaeda? Why did he choose war with the United States?

As correspondent Scott Pelley reports, Piro is the man who came to know Saddam better than anyone, as they sat face to face in a windowless room...

U.S. Boosts Its Use of Airstrikes In Iraq

feat. Josh White
The Washington Post, January 17, 2008

Colin Kahl, SSP Core Faculty, comments on "U.S. Boosts Its Use of Airstrikes In Iraq" in the Washington Post, January 17, 2008..

Colin Kahl, SSP Core Faculty, comments on "U.S. Boosts Its Use of Airstrikes In Iraq" in the Washington Post, January 17, 2008.

Intelligence Estimate on Iran Cuts Both Ways

feat. Tom Gjelten
Morning Edition on NPR, January 16, 2008

Paul Pillar, SSP Core Faculty, interviewed in two-part series on NPR's Morning Edition on the intelligence estimates on the Iranian nuclear program, January 17, 2008.

About the Series

Tom Gjelten reports on the continuing fallout from the release last month of the latest National Intelligence Estimate on Iran.

The Next Phase of the Iraq War: Why We Must Welcome Thousands of Iraqi Refugees to the United States

feat. Daniel L. Byman
Slate, November 15, 2007

Rarely do morality and strategy come together in the Middle East—particularly in the case of Iraq. Yet there is one area where the right thing for Iraq is also the best option for America's long-term interests: preventing the Iraqi refugee crisis from further destabilizing the region.

Rarely do morality and strategy come together in the Middle East—particularly in the case of Iraq. Yet there is one area where the right thing for Iraq is also the best option for America's long-term interests: preventing the Iraqi refugee crisis from further destabilizing the region. So far, the debate in the United States has focused on the fates of Iraqis who have worked with U.S. diplomats and soldiers, as translators and so on. Although these individuals are owed a special debt, our responsibility does not end there. The United States should accept tens of thousands of refugees and must encourage other major powers to do the same. Washington should also initiate a program to boost the capacity of neighboring states to host refugees and prevent them from becoming a source of instability. [...]

Iran may now be cooperating with U.S. in Iraq

feat.
USA Today, December 16, 2007

"The Iranians want just enough instability so they can have influence in Iraq but not enough so the entire country flies apart," said Colin Kahl, a professor of security studies at Georgetown University.

Colin Kahl comments on the Iran's role in Iraq.

Report: White House Ruins Terrorist Intel

feat.
CBS News, October 9, 2007

Bruce Hoffman, SSP Core Faculty, comments on premature White House leak of Al Qaeda video.

(CBS) A small, privately run intelligence analysis company says that a Bush administration leak has ruined years of clandestine work to find and exploit al Qaeda secrets on the Internet, the Washington Post reports.

SITE Institute, one of many private companies that troll extremist Web content and use secret methods to find unreleased material and release it early, against the wishes of the militants creating it, was the first to obtain an Osama bin Laden video last month.

According to the report, Rita Katz, who runs SITE, told The Post she turned the video over to the White House on the condition that it not be made public until the material was released on line by al Qaeda's own media wing.

Katz told The Post that by the afternoon of Sept. 7, the day she turned the video over to White House officials, it had been leaked and was appearing on myriad news Web sites and television networks around the world.

SITE claims the White House leak - the source of which had not been confirmed, according to the report - tipped al Qaeda off to the glitch that had been exploited for years by the company, rendering the practice useless for future intelligence gathering.

"Techniques that took years to develop are now ineffective and worthless," Katz told The Post.

CBS News White House correspondent Peter Maer reports the Bush administration said Tuesday it was "concerned" to learn of SITE's complaints.

Spokeswoman Dana Perino told reporters, "anytime a citizen comes forward to provide information, we want to encourage it and we want them to know their sources will be protected."

Perino insisted the White House was not the source of the leak last month. She referred reporters to the intelligence community for questions on what she described as any "process problem."

Other officials, speaking to The Post, played down the importance of Katz's work to the overall intelligence gathering effort of the U.S. government. "We have individuals in the right places dealing with all these issues, across all 16 intelligence agencies," Ross Feinstein, spokesman for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told the newspaper.

But off the record, some intelligence officials admitted that SITE had been of great help in obtaining al Qaeda secrets.

Terrorism expert and author Bruce Hoffman, who has worked as an advisor to the Bush White House in Iraq, tells CBSNews.com that SITE and other private intelligence companies have become a valuable tool for the government.

"The government has its own intelligence sources, its been monitoring these things, and one would hope it's comparing and contrasting, using this as supplements, using this to round out" government intelligence, Hoffman said.

Hoffman points out that one of the complaints of the 9/11 Commission was that the government didn't have a wide enough variety of intelligence sources, and firms like SITE help to fill that gap, fixing what was called a "lack of imagination".

Ben Venzke, CEO of IntelCenter, another private intelligence firm, said that his company's video collection techniques were still working effectively, but that the decision to release material to the public must be made very carefully.

"The continued public release of videos before terrorist groups officially release them has been making it progressively more difficult to collect video material early in the dissemination process," Venzke said.

He went on to caution that getting access to videos early is less important than the analysis that goes on in the weeks after the release.

"It is not just about getting the video first," Venzke said. "It is about having the proper methods and procedures in place to make sure that the appropriate intel gets to where it needs to go in the IC (intelligence community) and elsewhere in order to support ongoing counterterrorism operations."

Accurate, timely intelligence is America's most valuable weapon against the terrorist threat, which the White House classified Tuesday as "persistent and evolving".

Maer reports that the administration's newly-revised National Strategy for Homeland Security warns that al Qaeda will likely continue to "enhance its ability to attack America through greater cooperation with regional terrorist groups." It predicts al Qaeda will likely intensify efforts to send operatives to the U.S.

The report says the U.S. faces "a persistent and evolving terrorist threat, primarily from violent Islamic terrorist groups and cells." It points to al Qaeda as "the most serious and dangerous manifestation of this threat."

Katz's company sells intelligence to a range of clients, including other private firms and military and intelligence agencies in the U.S. and other countries. Media organizations can also pay SITE for access to terrorist videos and audio's obtained, and analysis of the material.

Officials told CBS News on Sept. 7 that the U.S. government had obtained a copy of the new bin Laden video. Katz says that within 20 minutes of handing the material to two senior administration officials, with the request for secrecy, it was being downloaded from SITE's Web site by various intelligence agencies.

Al Qaeda's media arm had previously announced a new bin Laden video would be released ahead of the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks

Earlier that day, the White House said that any new video from bin Laden would serve to highlight threats the West faces.

Al Qaeda has frequently released video and audio propaganda to coincide with the anniversary of Sept. 11, and analysts interpreted the early September release as part of that effort.

Burma Crackdown Condemned, but Not Unexpected

feat. Bill Rodgers
Voice of America, September 27, 2007

Vanda Felbab-Brown, SSP Core Faculty, comments on the situation in Burma on Voice of America, September 27, 2007.

The situation in Burma remains tense following a military crackdown against pro-democracy demonstrators. At least one person is dead. The crackdown is aimed at halting anti-government protests that began more than a month ago, in what has become the biggest challenge to military rule in almost two decades. VOA's Bill Rodgers reports.

Buddhist monks gather at Shwedagon pagoda before taking the streets in march protesting against military government, 25 Sep 2007
Buddhist monks gather at Shwedagon pagoda before taking the streets in march protesting against military government, 25 Sep 2007
The protest movement, spearheaded by Buddhist monks, began in mid-August, sparked by a hike in fuel prices. It escalated as more Burmese took to the streets to call for democracy.

The demonstrations are the first major protests since 1988 when the military violently crushed a student-led movement. "It is certainly unexpected and it is very much a replay of what happened in '88," said Burma specialist Vanda Felbab-Brown at Georgetown University. "And it's, I think, very significant, and both the junta and many analysts were surprised by the level of protests that we are witnessing. And they demonstrate how brittle the regime is."

The military government has reacted by imposing a ban on large gatherings and on Wednesday security forces fired into crowds of protesters.

The crackdown was not unexpected, and puts the military in a difficult situation. Walter Lohman is an Asia specialist at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C. "The monks are revered in the populace and even to a certain extent they're revered among the military," he says. "And so the military regime is in a position where it has to crack down, and to do that it has to go through the monks to get there, and that's a very difficult spot for them to be."

At the State Department, spokesman Tom Casey Wednesday denounced the crackdown. "We condemn all violence against peaceful demonstrators and remind the country's leaders of their personal responsibility for their actions," he said. "We call on the authorities to stop violence and open a process of dialogue with pro-democracy leaders including Aung San Suu Kyi and representatives of ethnic minorities."

Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been under house arrest for 12 of the past 18 years. Her party won free elections in 1990, but the results were annulled.

The military has kept a tight grip on Burma since 1962, suppressing dissent and keeping the country isolated. Its current rulers have defied pressure aimed at breaking its hold on power.

During his speech before the U.N. General Assembly Tuesday, President Bush expanded the U.S. sanctions and called for more international pressure on Burma. "I urge the United Nations and all nations to use their diplomatic and economic leverage to help the Burmese people reclaim their freedom," said the president.

Yet sanctions may not work against Burma's military as they have in other countries. "The big difference in Burma is that the Burmese live under self-isolation," notes Walter Lohman of the Heritage Foundation. "They have since 1962. That's part of the reason why the sanctions aren't as effective as they might otherwise be. Part of the reason is that [the sanctions] are unilateral, but the other reason is because the Burmese themselves want to be i
Laura Bush
Laura Bush
solated. I think the generals there have very limited view of the world. They look out their window and if that's what they control then they're happy."

Wednesday's crackdown was greeted by protests in the Philippines and elsewhere, along with other expressions of condemnation around the world.

Among them, First Lady Laura Bush who spoke to VOA Wednesday. "I'm very concerned. I pray for the people of Burma. I'm awed by their courage," said Mrs. Bush.

A new anti-drug strategy in Colombia

feat. Chris Kraul
LA Times, October 4, 2007

Vanda Felbab-Brown, SSP Core Faculty, comments on "A New Anti-Drug Policy in Colombia" for the Los Angeles Times

NAPIPI, COLOMBIA -- From his dugout canoe in the Napipi River, Jefferson Rojas spotted what he was after: a 40-foot-high jagua tree, its canopy dotted with dozens of thick-skinned fruits the size of tennis balls.

Rojas pulled his boat to shore, macheted his way through thick foliage and with his telephone lineman gear quickly scaled the tree. He lopped off the fruits, which fell with thuds to the floor of the jungle.

The economic well-being here has risen. The quality of life is higher.
— Jefferson Rojas, Member of a Colombian cooperative that harvests a fruit used in tattooing
 
Map

Why did Rojas go to such lengths for a fruit that isn't even ripe? Because the body-marking market has caught on to what indigenous tribes here in Choco state have known for centuries: Jagua is an excellent source of nonpermanent tattoo ink.

Ink that eventually makes its way to the biceps or backsides of trendy teenagers thousands of miles away might appear to have a tenuous connection to Plan Colombia, the seven-year program that has funneled $5.4 billion in U.S. taxpayer money into fighting drug traffickers and guerrillas. But with the current fiscal year, which began Monday, more of those funds are to go to economic projects such as Rojas' tattoo ink venture and fewer to finance the Colombian military and anti-coca spraying than in past years.

The initiative will soon take on a "softer" profile, at the insistence of the Democratic-controlled U.S. Congress. It is expected to contain more money to fund "alternative development" programs to encourage farmers to grow legal crops and steer clear of joining armed groups.

After seven years, the "hard" features of Plan Colombia -- the spraying and military aid -- have done little to stem the flow of cocaine to North America and elsewhere, and members of Congress and like-minded Colombian officials want to try a new approach.

A quarter of the approximately $550 million in annual Plan Colombia aid typically has been earmarked for economic development, justice reform and institution-building, but the percentage could grow to 40% next fiscal year. That means the U.S. Agency for International Development office at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota could see its budget balloon to as much as $218 million from this year's $139 million, said U.S. congressional staffers familiar with the appropriations process.

"It is beyond dispute that spraying chemicals is not a sustainable strategy," Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.), chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee controlling foreign aid expenditures, said in an e-mailed comment. "Without real economic alternatives, coca farmers will find ways to grow coca. . . . Rather than continue to act as a rubber stamp, we are shifting more funds into economic and social programs."

The jagua tattoo ink project is just the sort that aid officials will be looking to fund. It is environment-friendly, gives incentives for peasants to stay away from violence and drug trafficking, and it helps Afro-Colombian communities, which many aid critics consider a neglected constituency.

In Choco, Afro-Colombian communities such as Napipi have received about $350,000 in aid from the United States and from the Organization of American States through its Pan American Development Foundation arm.

The fruit gathered by Rojas will be peeled by other members of his cooperative in this impoverished river town of 900, and the pulp sent on charter flights to the EcoFlora factory near Medellin. The family-owned company, which sells cut flowers, extracts an inky blue liquid from the fruit and ships it in powder form to a tattoo parlor supply distributor called Primal Cosmetics in Manchester, England.

In less than a year, the venture between EcoFlora and the largely Afro-Colombian community in this remote corner of Colombia's wettest rain forest expects to generate $300,000 in sales, via Primal Cosmetics, to tattoo parlors in Britain, the United States, Australia and other countries.

EcoFlora Chief Executive Nicolas Cock Duque said that figure could grow significantly if plans to sell the extract as food coloring to an unnamed soft drink manufacturer come through.

The EcoFlora project provides a case study of how renewable resources can produce real economic gain in isolated, grindingly poor towns like this one.

About half of the $300,000 in revenue comes back to Napipi in wages to Rojas and 30 other cooperative members. That's a bonanza in this depressed town where people eke out subsistence living by fishing, farming and illegal logging.

Choco has been the scene of considerable strife in recent years as narco-traffickers, leftist rebels and right-wing paramilitary groups have fought over its strategic geography. Much of Colombia's estimated 500 tons of cocaine shipped annually to the U.S. is processed in the region. More than half a dozen Napipi residents have been killed in drug and insurgent violence in recent years, locals say. In 2002, more than 100 Afro-Colombians in the neighboring town of Bojoya were killed when guerrillas engaged in fighting paramilitary forces launched mortar attacks on a church where residents had taken refuge.

Rojas, 27, has a wiry build and intense eyes that seem to reflect his determination to avoid the violence that has scarred his town. The idea of moving to a bigger city such as Quibdo or Medellin does not interest him. He also farms beans and corn, and it's the country life he has chosen, despite the poverty and violence.

Rojas said young men in his town are tempted to join an armed group not because of ideology but because it is one of the few ways to earn a regular salary of $200 a month or more. Having a job even as minimally remunerative as jagua collection is a powerful incentive to "resist the proselytism of the armed groups," he said.

The jagua business also gives locals an alternative to cutting down cedar and other protected tree species in a rain forest increasingly under siege by loggers, said Juan Diego Lopez, an observer for the Pan American Development Foundation. Rojas and others also got training in how to cut the fruit to ensure future harvests.

Much of the additional U.S. development aid could go to help the Colombian government's Social Action agency finance an expanding program called Forest Guardians, in which families that grew coca leaves and opium poppies are paid monthly stipends to raise legitimate crops. The stipends are conditional on all townspeople not replanting illicit crops and on their directing their energies to new crops and markets, such as for organic coffee and tropical fruit juices.

The program, monitored by the United Nations, aids about 50,000 families, and the Colombian government wants to add 80,000 more to the rolls by 2010.

The push is on to expand the program because it seems to be the most successful means of taking families out of illicit farming and keeping them out. Diego Molano, the assistant director of Social Action, said that only 25% of Forest Guardian families so far had gone back to planting illicit crops, whereas 80% of farmers whose coca and poppy crops had been sprayed had returned to illegal farming.

Vanda Felbab-Brown, a researcher at the Brookings Institution in Washington, said alternative development projects take decades and require unflinching commitment by government and the private sector.

"Unfortunately, on a countrywide level, alternative livelihoods projects have rarely been successful, with Thailand being the most prominent example of success," Felbab-Brown said, referring to that country's 20-year campaign to eliminate poppy farming. "Years of sustained and well-funded effort are necessary for such efforts to bear fruit."

Options in Napipi are few. Most of the inhabitants, like Rojas, have been displaced by war and drug trafficking and, as marginalized Afro-Colombians, feel they have no place else to go.

Rojas, a much-valued member of the cooperative for his tree-climbing skills, says membership in the group is not an unalloyed positive. Rojas and others volunteered for the program, which is anything but a welfare handout. The work is strenuous and hazardous, and there isn't a time when he scales one of the three-story-tall jagua trees that he doesn't fear he'll fall. And townspeople who aren't members of the 30-family cooperative are envious of his wage.

Still, he's happy to be earning an income.

"The economic well-being here has risen," Rojas said. "The quality of life is higher."

When the CIA Got It Right

feat. David Ignatius
Washington Post, September 23, 2007

This particular case study involves Iraq -- an area where the public (thanks to some dirty tricks by the Bush administration) wrongly thinks the agency messed up totally -- and a career CIA intelligence analyst named Paul R. Pillar, SSP Core Faculty.

Pillar told his story at a seminar at Georgetown University last week and in the current edition of the National Interest. He recounted the details of Iraq intelligence estimates that the agency produced in January 2003 -- not the famous one that wrongly embraced the Bush administration's jeremiads about Iraqi weapons of mass destruction but two others that warned in stark terms about the dangers of a U.S. invasion.

Pillar, who retired in 2005 after a 28-year career at the CIA, was the government's top Middle East analyst during the run-up to the invasion. Knowing that President Bush was pushing for war, Pillar felt a duty to warn of the likely consequences. So in late 2002, he prepared two quick estimates -- one on the likelihood of domestic turmoil in postwar Iraq and another on the risky consequences for the region. He arranged for the Policy Planning bureau at the State Department, which shared his worries, to commission the studies.

New Bin Laden Video Released Ahead of 9/11 Anniversary,

feat.
Online NewHour, September 7, 2007

BRUCE HOFFMAN, Core Faculty, Georgetown University: Well, he has had something of a makeover. His beard is much darker. He doesn't look quite as haggard as he did in his last appearance three years ago, but this could be just, on the one hand, the wonders of makeup, on the other hand, his attempt to disguise himself and to sort of camouflage himself and not appear as we last saw him.

JUDY WOODRUFF: The new video is almost 30 minutes in length. In it, bin Laden says, quote, "People of America, the world is following your news in regards to your invasion of Iraq. After several years of tragedies of this war, the vast majority of you want it stopped. Thus, you elected the Democratic Party for this purpose, but the Democrats haven't made a move worth mentioning. On the contrary, they continued to agree to the spending of tens of billions to continue the killing," end quote.

Bin Laden also mentions current events, including an acknowledgement of the recent elections in France and Great Britain.

For analysis of bin Laden's message, we talk to Bruce Hoffman, a professor of security studies at Georgetown University; and Mohammed Hafez, visiting professor of political science at the University of Missouri in Kansas City.

Gentlemen, thank you for being with us. And, Bruce Hoffman, to you first. What do you make of this video and, first of all, in terms of how bin Laden looks?

BRUCE HOFFMAN, Professor, Georgetown University: Well, he has had something of a makeover. His beard is much darker. He doesn't look quite as haggard as he did in his last appearance three years ago, but this could be just, on the one hand, the wonders of makeup, on the other hand, his attempt to disguise himself and to sort of camouflage himself and not appear as we last saw him.

Bin Laden video and reference to Scheuer's writings

feat. Michael Scheuer
CBS News, September 8, 2007

(CBS) "People of America," he says, "lend me your ears."
So says the most wanted man in the world, Osama bin Laden, appearing in a new videotape which has surfaced nearly six years after the attacks of September 11, 2001.

(CBS) "People of America," he says, "lend me your ears."

So says the most wanted man in the world, Osama bin Laden, appearing in a new videotape which has surfaced nearly six years after the attacks of September 11, 2001.

In it, he rails against Western corporations, neoconservatives, and Democrats in Congress, telling Americans they had voted for Democrats to stop the war, but in his words, the majority party hasn’t made a move worth mentioning.

Scarier Than Bin Laden

feat. Bruce Hoffman
Washington Post, September 9, 2007

We don't usually think of terrorists as grand strategists. We're more likely to dismiss them as crazed killers or mindless misanthropes. But as another anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks approaches -- amid reports from U.S. intelligence sources that al-Qaeda is marshaling its reconstituted forces for a spectacular new attack on the United States -- it's time to recognize the strategic vision that has driven and shaped the terrorist movement for the past six years.

We don't usually think of terrorists as grand strategists. We're more likely to dismiss them as crazed killers or mindless misanthropes. But as another anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks approaches -- amid reports from U.S. intelligence sources that al-Qaeda is marshaling its reconstituted forces for a spectacular new attack on the United States -- it's time to recognize the strategic vision that has driven and shaped the terrorist movement for the past six years.

Homeland Insecurities: Six Years After 9/11, We're Still Not Thinking Strategically

feat. Daniel L. Byman
Slate, September 11, 2007

Daniel Byman, CSS/SSP Director, authors op-ed piece "Homeland Insecurities: Six Years After 9/11, We're Still Not Thinking Strategically," in Slate, September 11, 2007.

Once again, the Department of Homeland Security is in the cross hairs. A just-released Government Accountability Office report bashed DHS for making limited progress on emergency-response capabilities and the management of human capital. DHS's progress was rated as "substantial" in only one of the 14 areas surveyed: maritime security. Although the GAO's criticisms are valid, it measures homeland security by bureaucratic-efficiency standards rather than by whether our country is safer from a terrorist attack. The report and other critiques of DHS miss the broader problem: The U.S. government has not taken a strategic approach toward homeland security.

Is Al-Qaida Stronger Six Years After 9/11?

feat. Paul Pillar
NPR Morning Edition, September 11, 2007

Paul Pillar, SSP Core Faculty, on NPR Morning Edition.

U.S. intelligence officials speak of a terror network that is far from declining and, in fact, appears to be gaining strength.

feat. Bruce Hoffman
Morning Edition on NPR, August 21, 2007

A new survey of foreign policy experts finds little support for President Bush's policy in Iraq — and a belief that the United States is not winning the war on terror. Foreign Policy magazine and the Center for American Progress polled more than 100 members of the foreign policy establishment for the study, drawing on both Republicans and Democrats.

U.S. Losing War on Terror, Experts Say in Survey

by Mary Louise Kelly

Morning Edition, August 21, 2007 · A new survey of foreign policy experts finds little support for President Bush's policy in Iraq — and a belief that the United States is not winning the war on terror. Foreign Policy magazine and the Center for American Progress polled more than 100 members of the foreign policy establishment for the study, drawing on both Republicans and Democrats.

Reading The NIE Report

feat. Daniel L. Byman
On Point with Tom Ashbrook, July 18, 2007

CSS Director Daniel Byman discusses The NIE Report on On Point, July 18, 2007.

CSS Director Daniel Byman discusses The NIE Report on On Point, July 18, 2007.

The bottom line of the big new intelligence report on current terror threats to the United States is not one you likely wished for.

Nearly six years after 9.11, the country is said to be facing a "persistent and evolving" terrorist threat that has regrouped and rebuilt and refocused on attacking the US. Al Qaeda is back in business on the Afghan-Pakistani border. The Iraq War, it says, has poured new recruits into the fray.

The White House says this is a good reason to stay the course. Critics say it's an indictment of the fundamental Bush strategy.

This hour On Point: Al Qaeda unresolved, and what next.

Guests:

· Mark Thompson, Washington Deputy Bureau Chief for TIME magazine.

· Daniel Byman, Director of Georgetown's Security Studies Program and Center for Security Studies.

· Richard Clarke, lecturer at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government and chairman of Good Harbor Consulting. He served the last three US presidents as a senior White House advisor.

· Peter Bergen, senior fellow at the New America Foundation in Washington D.C., CNN's terrorism analyst, and author of "The Osama bin Laden I Know."

CSS University News Headlines

New START Treaty: Just One Step Toward Global Zero

State Department officials say the recently signed agreement is likely to spark the involvement of more countries in preventing nuclear proliferation.

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·	Mark Thompson, Washington Deputy Bureau Chief for TIME magazine.
·	Daniel Byman, Director of Georgetown's Security Studies Program and Center for Security Studies.
·	Richard Clarke, lecturer at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government and chairman of Good Harbor Consulting. He served the last three US presidents as a senior White House advisor.
·	Peter Bergen, senior fellow at the New America Foundation in Washington D.C., CNN's terrorism analyst, and author of "The Osama bin Laden I Know."