Brookings: Topics - Terrorism

Vision for Victory in Afghanistan - Part II

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On a recent weeklong visit to Afghanistan sponsored by the U.S. military, Michael O'Hanlon met with Afghan and U.S. officials whose assessments partially countered the current general outlook on the country's status and future. O'Hanlon's visit left him with guarded optimism about U.S. prospects for creating a safe and stable Afghanistan.

Vision for Victory in Afghanistan - Part I

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Afghanistan Victory Crucial for President Obama

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In an interview with IBA News, Bruce Riedel discusses President Barack Obama's policy in Afghanistan, emphasizing that victory against Al Qaeda and the Taliban is crucial not only for the stability of Afghanistan itself, but also for Pakistan and the entire Islamic world.

Prosecuting Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in Federal Court

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:29:00 GMT

The decision to prosecute alleged 9/11 master-mind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and his co-conspirators in a civil trial in the Southern District of New York sparks debate on how to best try terrorism suspects. Benjamin Wittes offers his views on the significance of trying terror detainees in the U.S. civilian judicial system.

Shooting Up : Counterinsurgency and the War on Drugs

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Felbab-Brown draws on interviews and fieldwork in some of the world's most dangerous regions to explain how belligerent groups have become involved in drug trafficking and other illicit activities, including kidnapping, extortion, and smuggling.

Pakistan's Punjab: Bruce Riedel on the New Jihadists

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Political violence in Pakistan is at its highest level in decades, with insurgent attacks on the rise and intensive government clashes with the Taliban in the country’s western provinces. In recent weeks in particular, attacks by Punjabi militant groups have increased dramatically. Bruce Riedel spoke with Newsweek's Andrew Bast and outlined this increasingly precarious situation in Pakistan as well as the prospects for future stability.

Make American Resources Conditional on Afghan Progress

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Congressional leaders and the Obama administration discussing "intermediate options" in Afghanistan, but could such an approach prove successful? Michael O’Hanlon and Stephen Solarz offer insight into what middle-ground steps General Stanley McChrystal is already taking and explain how an active U.S.-Afghan partnership is essential to providing security, safety and success in Afghanistan.

Assessing the President’s Policy Options in Afghanistan

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 16, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

President Obama's decision on whether to send more troops to Afghanistan is being portrayed as the most momentous of his young presidency. On October 16, Brookings hosted a discussion of the president's policy options for Afghanistan, drawing on experts with a diverse range of views.

Pakistan: The Next Nuclear Nightmare?

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bruce Riedel says this weekend’s attack on the army headquarters in Rawalpindi, the military center of Pakistan, underscores the volatility and fragility in the world’s second largest Muslim country. Riedel argues that the United States must encourage Pakistan too keep moving against extremists while assuring them we will not abandon the fight in the region.

Should President Obama Send More Troops to Afghanistan?

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon joined Bob Shieffer, and guests on Face the Nation, to discuss the current and future U.S. strategy in Afghanistan. O'Hanlon focused on the growth of the Taliban as grounds to back additional troop increases for the counterinsurgency mission and argued the counterterrorism strategy advocated by some has already been tried and did not work.

Opportunities for U.S.-ROK Alliance Cooperation: New Issues on the Agenda

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 08, 2009, 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

On October 8, the Center for Northeast Asian Policy Studies at Brookings hosted an event featuring contributors from A Roadmap for Expanding U.S.-ROK Alliance Cooperation, produced by the Center for U.S.-Korea Policy at the Asia Foundation. At the event, the contributors presented their findings on expanding the U.S.-ROK alliance to cover such newly-emerging issues as pandemics and biological threats, counter-terrorism, and space cooperation.

The Afghanistan and Pakistan Indexes and Assessments of U.S. Policies in the Region

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 05, 2009, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Afghanistan and Pakistan have challenged President Obama since he took office, as questions persist about the success of U.S. policies in the region. On October 5, Brookings hosted the launch of a new Pakistan Index with a discussion on the state of the Afghanistan mission and the effort to address extremist activities in Pakistan.

President Obama's Decision on Closing Guantánamo

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama's decision not to go to Congress for help in establishing reasonable standards for the continued detention of Guantánamo detainees is a failure of leadership in the project of putting American law on a sound basis for a long-term confrontation with terrorism, writes Benjamin Wittes. It is bad for the country, for national security and for civil liberties, and represents a virtually wholesale adoption of the failed policies of his predecessor.

Fighting Radicalism, not 'Terrorism': Root Causes of an International Actor Redefined

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In the years since the September 11th attacks, Western policymakers, analysts and academics have debated the best approaches to confronting and ending terrorism. Brookings Fellow Omer Taspinar argues that the global fight against extremist violence must move beyond the "war on terror" to a broader strategy of fighting radicalism with human development - an approach that would address the political, economic and social conditions that foment violent radicalism.

Al Qaeda's New Charm Offensive in Europe

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Osama bin Laden and Mullah Omar recently delivered messages warning Europe about the perils of staying in Afghanistan. After speaking with French officials while in Paris, Bruce Riedel concludes that NATO ally France understands the stakes and will stay in Afghanistan if America stays.

The Obama Administration’s New Counternarcotics Strategy in Afghanistan

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As President Barack Obama considers alternatives to increasing the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, Vanda Felbab-Brown argues his administration's new counternarcotics policy represents a courageous break with previous misguided efforts there and thirty years of U.S. counternarcotics policies around the world.

Why We Can't Go Small In Afghanistan

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As questions about future military deployments to Afghanistan grow more numerous, Michael O'Hanlon and Bruce Riedel dissect the argument that the United States can again narrow the mission to only address counterterrorism. O'Hanlon and Riedel conclude the correct path remains the one outlined by President Obama in March, even though it may require more time and resources.

Terrain, Tribes, and Terrorists: Pakistan, 2006-2008

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Leading counterinsurgency expert David Kilcullen argues that Pakistani security forces have performed inadequately against insurgents in the frontier with Afghanistan because poor governance and societal weaknesses have been exacerbated by decades of violence and lawlessness. Heavy-handed military tactics by the army have resulted in a perpetuation of violence, and have only further undermined local governance. A fundamental rethink of Pakistan’s political strategy is therefore necessary.

Al-Qaeda's Plot to Murder Saudi Prince Muhammad Bin Nayif

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bruce Riedel says the attempted assassination of Saudi Arabia's counterterrorism chief raises questions about whether al-Qaeda's Saudi branch has recovered from recent crackdowns against the group. Riedel examines al-Qaeda's regrouping in next-door Yemen and analyzes what this first major terror opreation in the country since 2006 means.

Detainee Abuse Reviewed

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:48:41 GMT

Attorney General Eric Holder appointed a special prosecutor to investigate CIA operatives’ alleged abuse of terrorism detainees. Benjamin Wittes says officials from both parties question the reach of the inquest, but that Holder has acted entirely appropriately.

Prospects for Afghanistan's Future: Assessing the Outcome of the Afghan Presidential Election

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

August 25, 2009, 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

The outcome of Afghanistan's presidential election remains in doubt, but most agree that it doesn't matter who wins as much as how the victory occurs. Brookings hosted a panel of experts, moderated by Martin Indyk, to discuss the outcome of the Afghan election. The panel analyzed the result of the election and examined its impact on the future of the country and the conflict.

The Lockerbie Trial: A Unique Moment in International Justice and Diplomacy

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Cynthia Schneider says the understandable outrage at the release of the convicted Pan Am 103 bomber should not overshadow the memory of the trial—an extraordinary example of international cooperation, justice and diplomacy—that brought him to justice.

Pakistan's Madrassas: The Need for Internal Reform and the Role of International Assistance

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The rise of Islamic militancy in Pakistan during 2008 and 2009 and the resulting military operation in the Swat valley can be traced back to the inculcation of radical ideologies among the youth in the Frontier region, many of whom attended madrassas. Saleem Ali provides recommendations to the Pakistani government as well as to U.S. policy makers and the international donor community regarding madrassas in Pakistan.

Afghanistan Elections: President Obama's Afghan Test

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Seen as a test of the United States’ new strategy in Afghanistan and the Taliban's influence in the country, Bruce Riedel believes the stakes in the August 20 Afghanistan elections are higher than who will be elected president for the next five years. He writes that if the elections are successful, the NATO mission and Afghan government will get a boost of confidence and legitimacy that has been badly needed.

Which Path to Persia? : Options for a New American Strategy toward Iran

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Which Path to Persia? objectively presents the most important policy options available to the United States in crafting a new strategy toward Iran.

The 2009 Afghanistan Elections and the Future of Governance

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Vanda Felbab-Brown believes the August 20 Afghanistan elections represent a test for at least three critical issues in that country – accountability, military strength and governance. Felbab-Brown argues that ushering in more effective and responsible governance is critical, and she concludes it must be built by Afghan hands rather than forced by international actors.

The Taliban and the Afghan Elections

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bruce Riedel writes that elections in Afghanistan on August 20 are both an opportunity and a challenge for the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Though statistics have recently been on the Taliban's side, the ability for NATO and the Afghan government to pull off a credible election could be an important initial milestone in turning things around.

The Next Terror Target

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Following the apparent death of Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud in a Predator drone strike, Bruce Riedel looks to the next target. Riedel says America and its allies must eliminate the far more dangerous and elusive Mullah Muhammad Omar because of his leading role in the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan.

Successful Afghan Election Is Only Part of the Fight against the Taliban

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:19:35 GMT

Afghans voted on August 20 in the second presidential election since the Taliban were ousted by U.S.-led forces in late 2001. Despite a resurgent Taliban, Bruce Riedel says that victory in Afghanistan is attainable and that a clean election is absolutely critical to the legitimacy of the government.

How Should the Obama Administration Handle Guantánamo Bay Detainees?

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:24:05 GMT

The Obama administration is considering two different options for prosecuting Guantánamo Bay detainees in the United States. One option calls for trying detainees in several different federal courts in New York, Washington, D.C. and Virginia. The other idea is to try all such cases at a super-max prison in either Michigan or Kansas. Benjamin Wittes says resolving the many issues associated with Guantánamo Bay presents a challenge for the administration.

The Scouting Report: Delays in Closing Guantánamo Bay

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 29, 2009, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

President Obama recently announced that his administration will need at least six more months to devise a long-term plan for detainees in the military detention facility at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba who cannot be tried but are considered too dangerous for release. Brookings expert Benjamin Wittes joined Fred Barbash, senior editor at Politico, in a live web chat about the challenges the Obama administration faces in closing Guantánamo.

The West Can Win in Afghanistan

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Though there have been increased attacks, growing casualties and falling popular support, Michael Fullilove and Anthony Bubalo write that Afghanistan is still winnable. They believe the Obama administration has done well by increasing resources and refocusing on what can be achieved, and say there is too much at stake for the West to conclude Afghanistan is the graveyard of foreign armies and depart.

Armageddon in Islamabad

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bruce Riedel warns not to be fooled by some of the positive news from Pakistan, because the Taliban and their allies have gained significant power there recently. Riedel says we face the potential of a nuclear-armed state run by Islamic extremists, shows the devastating consequences of such and offers ideas to keep it from occurring.

The Jihadists Strike Back in Indonesia

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The attacks in Indonesia on July 17 remind us that vigilance must be maintained at all times against Al Qaeda’s varied affiliates and franchises, writes Saban Center Senior Fellow Bruce Riedel. Even when they appeared defeated in recent years, particularly in Indonesia or in Saudi Arabia, these groups can recover and strike again.

Counterterrorism: Kill or Be Killed?

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In the post-9/11 era, the United States is grappling with many ethical, operational and political questions regarding the targeted killings of terrorists. Dan Byman argues that such strikes are a painful necessity in a time when U.S. foes cannot be found or fought onconventional battlefields.

Do Targeted Killings Work?

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

CIA Director Leon Panetta has cancelled a secret CIA plan to train anti-terrorist assassins, but Daniel Byman notes that strikes by U.S. military drones have had mixed success as a tactic for combating al Qaeda in Pakistan. Given the humanitarian and political risks, each strike needs to be carefully weighed. But equally important is the risk of not striking—and inadvertently allowing al Qaeda leaders free reign to plot terrorist mayhem.

Iran’s Quest for Regional Preeminence: Implications for Middle East Security

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 14, 2009, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
July 15, 2009, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

On July 14-15, the Saban Center at Brookings and the United States Central Command partnered for the first time to convene a joint conference. Over one-hundred-and-fifty participants came together to analyze developments in Iran, including Iran’s support of terrorist groups, Iran’s foreign policy, and the Iranian nuclear program.

The Beginning of the End in Iraq

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Iraq's cities is the beginning of the end of the American part of the war, writes Bruce Riedel. He outlines both the enormous costs already paid by going to war and explains how al-Qaeda and Iran benefited from years of U.S. foreign policy focusing almost entirely on Iraq.

Mastering Counterinsurgency: A Workshop Report

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In early May, the Pakistan army launched its biggest-ever counterinsurgency operation in Swat. Only two months earlier, the Brookings Institution, with support from the National Defense University and the Government of Pakistan, held a three-day workshop exploring American and Pakistani approaches to counterinsurgency and low intensity conflict. Stephen Cohen and Shuja Nawaz provide an overview of the topics discussed, in the context of the current situation in Pakistan.

Why Afghanistan Is No Iraq

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Though there are parallels between Iraq and Afghanistan, says Michael O’Hanlon, Afghanistan’s history of war makes the Afghan people realistic in their expectations about the future—and grateful for even modest progress.

Are We Losing Afghanistan?

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the United States launches a surge in Afghanistan and weariness grows among other nations, the Taliban and al-Qaeda smell victory in the second-longest war in American history. Bruce Riedel discusses what G8 leaders—and President Obama—must do at their summit this week to shift the momentum.

Legislating the War on Terror : An Agenda for Reform

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Editor Benjamin Wittes leads an authoritative lineup of legal experts and former government officials, many of whom have served on the legal front lines of the War on Terror. Together they present an agenda for reforming the statutory law governing this new battle, balancing the need for security, the rule of law, and the constitutional rights of freedom.

Islam, Jihadism, and Depoliticization in France and Germany

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pressures from within, Islam, and without, globalization and European integration, have made Germans and the French feel apprehensive about their national identity and culture. Anouar Boukhard analyzes the challenges both nations face today: defining what kinds of values are essential for their countries’ secular model of society and what kinds are negotiable.

Options for a New American Strategy Toward Iran

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In a new Saban Analysis Paper, six Brookings experts analyze the main policy approaches toward Iran. In examining the benefits and drawbacks of the nine options—including engagement, persuasion, airstrikes, and containment—the authors refrain from recommending one policy over the other. Rather, they present the details of the policies in a manner that allows readers to understand the complexity of the challenge that is Iran and decide for themselves which group of policies is best.

United States Detention Policy: Will Obama Follow Bush or FDR?

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama seems poised to adopt the Bush administration's unilateral approach to detention. This approach has failed President Bush and it will not serve President Obama any better, write Benjamin Wittes and Jack Goldsmith. The president can still get what he needs on detention, they say, if he works from Congress's bipartisan center, releases more substantial information about the detainees he thinks cannot be set free, and speaks often about the need for stable rules to govern non-criminal detentions.

Designing Detention: A Model Law for Terrorist Incapacitation

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Closing the detention camp at Guantánamo Bay by President Obama's January deadline is pressuring the administration to craft a new system for incarcerating terrorist suspects, possibly through an executive order. Benjamin Wittes and Colleen Peppard suggest instead a model law for terrorist incapacitation.

Applying Counterinsurgency Principles in Pakistan’s Frontier

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A dictum of counterinsurgency theory is that no two insurgencies are exactly alike. The conflict underway in Pakistan’s northwest frontier, in many respects, bears little resemblance to the wars that have been fought by U.S.-led forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Joshua T. White takes the basic principles learned from the American counterinsurgency experience, and analyzes how each of those principles may be applicable to the frontier context, while also providing recommendations for first steps that can be taken by the Pakistani military, in conjunction with the U.S. government.

Trieste, Al Qaeda and the Stakes in Afghanistan and Pakistan

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As G8 foreign ministers meet in Italy prior to the G8 summit in July, Bruce Riedel comments on an interview in which an al Qaeda operative predicts the group will take over Afghanistan and Pakistan then use Pakistan's nuclear weapons against the United States. Riedel says the foreign ministers need to be clear and unequivocal that they will provide the resources needed to defeat al Qaeda and the Taliban to lessen the chance of a nuclear Armageddon.

Which Path to Persia? Options for a New American Strategy Toward Iran

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 23, 2009, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

With Iran in the grip of post-election uncertainty, the question of how to approach America’s most vexing Middle East policy challenge has become acute. On June 23, the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings hosted a discussion with the authors of a new monograph titled "Which Path to Persia? Options for a New American Strategy toward Iran," which outlines nine policy options for the United States in its approach to Iran during this pivotal time.

There are Many Ways to Exploit Al-Qaeda's Vulnerabilities

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Heading into the eighth year of the war against Al-Qaeda, the overall results are still inconclusive. Anouar Boukhars highlights reasons to be optimistic that the group will eventually disappear and he encourages the Obama administration to continue its narrative with the Muslim world in order to undercut Al-Qaeda's message and ideology.

Pakistan is the New Epicenter of Terror

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ongoing fighting in Pakistan's SWAT Valley and a deadly suicide attack on a hotel in Peshawar are foreboding indicators about the prospects for suppression of jihadism and peaceful stabilization in Pakistan. Bruce Riedel examines the nature of the "existential threat" jihadist extremism poses to Pakistan and suggests a strategy for U.S. support.

Pakistan and the Bomb

Sat, 30 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Battles between the Pakistani army, al Qaeda and the Taliban are the latest in a deadly struggle for nuclear-armed Pakistan. Bruce Riedel assesses the history of Pakistan's nuclear program as well as the danger of extremists gaining access to weapons should Pakistan fall into the wrong hands.

Strategies for Engagement: 2009 CUSE Annual Conference

Fri, 29 May 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 29, 2009, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM

On May 29, the Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings (CUSE) will host experts and officials from both sides of the Atlantic for the 2009 CUSE Annual Conference to examine the prospect of engagement with Iran and Russia, and how to deal with groups such as Hamas and the Taliban.

Quarantine Possibilities for North Korea Shipping

Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon writes that while North Korea risks some tightening of sanctions as a result of their recent nuclear test, it probably will not pay a huge and enduring price. O'Hanlon believes if North Korea is unwilling to dismantle its arsenal the U.S., China, and other international partners should set up a maritime quarantine to monitor ships that could transfer nuclear materials and technology to terrorists or other nations.

A Comparative Study of FARC and Paramilitary Groups in Colombia

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bilal Saab and Alexandra Taylor analyze how terrorist groups and armed insurgents in Colombia regularly exploit illicit markets to launder money, traffic illegal goods, and purchase arms. The authors find that group goals, the political environment, and membership strongly influence the types of criminal activities a given armed group undertakes. They conclude that membership and political agenda of sub-state armed groups not only distinguishes them from criminal groups, but also shapes their criminal behavior.

President Obama's Plan to Close the Prison Camp at Guantánamo Bay

Fri, 22 May 2009 10:40:59 GMT

As the national security debate continues, one question is whether the president has provided enough specifics for lawmakers to accede to his requests. There are no easy options for closing the prison camp at Guantánamo Bay, according to Wittes; as commander in chief, Obama must weigh all risks to Americans.

Obama's Guantánamo Blueprint and America's Enemies

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Last week, President Obama outlined his approach to closing the Guantánamo Bay detention center on the heels of Congress voting overwhelmingly to block the $80 million he requested to close the the prison. The speech was forward-looking, writes Brookings expert Ben Wittes, in that he maintained the need for a preventative detention system created by Congress and overseen by the courts.

Comparing the U.S. and Soviet Experiences in Afghanistan

Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A country rarely fights the same war twice in one generation, especially from opposite sides. Yet Bruce Riedel writes that in many ways describes the U.S. role in Afghanistan today. Pakistan’s role as a safe haven is remarkably consistent in both conflicts, but that similarity misses the fundamental differences between the two wars. Riedel addresses the differences, and assesses how Pakistan’s role is impacting the possibilities for success today.

Pakistan: A Potential Jihadist State?

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bruce Riedel joined MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell to discuss the deteriorating security situation in Pakistan. Riedel argued that Pakistan is the most dangerous country in the world and that the United States must attempt to support the civilian government, because other options could be disastrous for the region and world.

Combating Al Qaeda: Strategies for the Future

Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In a speech to the International Peace Institute, Bruce Riedel said the situation in Pakistan is “dire and deteriorating,” while al Qaeda's core leadership is alive and remains a deadly threat. He also offered policy suggestions for U.S. policy toward Pakistan and Afghanistan as well as dealing with the issue of terrorism emanating from South Asia.

Rays of Hope in Pakistan, the World’s Powder Keg

Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pakistan—a country with nuclear weapons, extremist groups linked to al Qaeda and, in all likelihood, Osama bin Laden and Ayman Al- Zawahiri—concerns many throughout the world. However, Michael O'Hanlon finds reasons to be optimistic. He notes that the country is not a failed state, its leaders are getting serious about counterinsurgency and President Obama has made the region his utmost foreign policy priority.

Targeted Killing in U.S. Counterterrorism Strategy and Law

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

American domestic law has long accepted the use of targeted killings as self-defense toward ends of vital national security that do not necessarily fall within the strict terms of armed conflict. However, the legal space for it and the legal rationales on which it has been traditionally justified are in danger of shrinking, writes Kenneth Anderson.

Looking Forward, Not Backward: Refining American Interrogation Law

Sun, 10 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Benjamin Wittes and Stuart Taylor examine how to amend American interrogation laws to balance the need to avoid the past administration's excesses against the need to get intelligence from captured terrorists. They review the post-September 11 evolution of Bush administration policies on interrogation, the experiences of the CIA and the military and the lessons to be learned from those experiences.

Better Rules for Terrorism Trials

Fri, 08 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

More than seven years after 9/11, the government’s legal, practical and moral authority to detain suspected terrorists without trial remains a subject of fierce debate. Robert Litt and Wells Bennett say Congress could significantly ameliorate the problem by authorizing the creation of a National Security Bar, a permanent corps of security-cleared lawyers who could represent defendants in terrorism-related cases.

Pakistan's Nuclear Weapons: Averting the Worst

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the Pakistani military launched a new offensive against the Taliban in the country’s North-West Frontier Province, officials and former officials in Washington continued to discuss what the American response should be to the heightened conflict. Bruce Riedel offers his views on the situation.

Pakistan's "Existential Threat" Comes From Within

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In an interview with the Council on Foreign Relations, Bruce Riedel noted "the situation remains dire" in Pakistan. Riedel believes there is a real possibility of a jihadist state emerging in Pakistan and argues it is crucial for Congress to pass the five-year $7.5 billion economic aid package so that "we can send a signal to Pakistan that we're in this for the long haul and that it's not a conditions-based relationship."

The Scouting Report: Afghanistan and Pakistan

Wed, 06 May 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 06, 2009, 12:30 PM to 01:30 PM

This Wednesday, President Obama met with the leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Brookings expert Vanda Felbab-Brown and Politico Senior Editor John Ward Anderson took questions about the deepening crisis in those nations in the May 6 edition of the Scouting Report.

Pakistan's Nuclear Scenarios: The Risks with Bombing

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Assessing Counterinsurgency and Stabilization Missions

Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In conventional warfare, identifying the momentum of battle is a fairly straightforward undertaking, but counterinsurgency and stabilization operations are different, and more complex. Jason Campbell, Michael O'Hanlon and Jeremy Shapiro examine a range of indicators in both Afghanistan and Iraq to reach policy conclusions for current and future counterinsurgency operations.

Afghanistan: What Is at Stake?

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Twice in the last 25 years the United States has squandered great victories achieved in Afghanistan by failing to follow up battlefield success with a commitment to helping build a stable government. Bruce Riedel analyzes these past victories and explains how the new administration can avoid replicating past mistakes that would have greater consequence today.

Pakistan and Afghanistan: Obama's Challenge, Obama's War

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 30, 2009, 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

On April 30, the Saban Center for Middle East Policy hosted Bruce Riedel and Carlos Pascual to discuss President Barack Obama's newly introduced strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, which marked the conclusion of an extensive interagency policy review in which Riedel was chairman.

Understanding the New Afghanistan Strategy

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Following President Obama’s announcement regarding additional troops and a new approach to fighting insurgents in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Bruce Riedel spoke to Charlie rose to explain what changes are planned and why they need to be made.

Beyond Gloom and Doom in Pakistan

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Saleem Ali argues that the dominance of a few thousand militants in a narrow valley being suggestive of a larger movement towards Talibanization of Pakistan is preposterous.

A Guide to Talking with Insurgents

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Daniel Byman writes that talking with insurgents is often a necessary first step toward defeating them or reaching an acceptable compromise. Pointing to successes in Iraq and elsewhere, Byman addresses the costs and advantages of talking with insurgents to draw conclusions about how lessons learned may be applied to Afghanistan.

Can Obama Win In Afghanistan?

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

By 2010, the Afghanistan conflict will have become the longest war in American history. Michael O'Hanlon defends President Obama's proposed plan for roughly doubling U.S. combat forces in Afghanistan and argues that the strategic stakes in Afghanistan are high, given Al Qaeda's presence in the country. But, says O'Hanlon, the prospects for stability are reasonably good.

Pakistan’s Madrassahs and Extremism: Is there a Connection?

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

March 18, 2009, 6:00 PM to 8:00:00 PM

On March 18, 2009, the Brookings Doha Center hosted a policy discussion related to a recently-published book by the first Brookings Doha Center Visiting Fellow Saleem H. Ali entitled Islam and Education: Conflict and Conformity in Pakistan. The discussion focused on Pakistani madrassahs and what links these Islamic educational institutions may or may not have to the rise of militancy in the region.

Guantanamo Detainees: Is a National Security Court the Answer?

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

March 17, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

President Obama’s decision to close the Guantanamo Bay prison camp has left many thorny questions for his administration to resolve. On March 17, the Brookings Institution hosted a Judicial Issues Forum in partnership with the Progressive Policy Institute to examine these questions.

Refining Immigration Law’s Role in Counterterrorism

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The federal government relied heavily on immigration laws in its immediate response to the September 11 terrorist attacks, largely because they were available, flexible, and could be directed toward targets deemed immediate and urgent. In a Brookings paper, David Martin suggests how to refine immigration law’s role in counterterrorism, which have clouded a traditional American stance of openness and welcome that has been valuable to diplomacy, business and the successful integration of immigrant populations.

Assessing Damage, Urging Action: Report of the ICJ Eminent Jurists Panel on Terrorism, Counterterrorism and Human Rights

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

February 27, 2009, 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM

On February 27, the Brookings Institution and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) hosted the U.S. launch of the “Eminent Jurists Panel Report on Terrorism, Counterterrorism and Human Rights.” The Eminent Jurists Panel is an independent body comprised of eight distinguished judges and lawyers from around the world, established by the ICJ to conduct a global inquiry into the impact of counterterrorism laws, polices and practices on human rights.

Hamas at the Crossroads

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Following a three-week war with Israel, Hamas officials have recently emerged from weeks in hiding for a "victory celebration." Bilal Saab argues that while support for Hamas remains strong, anger and fears have been on the rise among Palestinians. Saab examines the war in Gaza and where Hamas can go from here.

Turning the Tide in Afghanistan: A Discussion with Sen. Joseph Lieberman

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

January 29, 2009, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Brookings hosted Senator Joseph Lieberman, chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, for a discussion of the challenges and opportunities facing the Obama administration in Afghanistan.

The Current Situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bruce Riedel says new special envoy Richard Holbrooke inherits a "dim and dismal" situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan. What is needed, he says, is for Holbrooke to reverse the negative momentum in both countries.

How Not to Lose Afghanistan: Breaking the Taliban’s Momentum

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Barack Obama has said that his priority in the war on terrorism is Afghanistan, and is poised to increase troop levels there, perhaps by as many as 30,000. Bruce Riedel joined several other analysts to discuss military and political strategy in the region.

Homeland Security Agenda for the Obama Administration

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Though substantial progress was made on the homeland security front by the Bush administration, Michael O'Hanlon writes that the list of vulnerabilities is still very long. Targets are numerous, but O'Hanlon notes many are hard to protect and preventing catastrophic attacks should be the primary goal.

The Obama Orders: A Quick and Dirty Analysis

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In his second full day in office, President Obama issued three major executive orders concerning interrogation and detention in the war on terrorism. As expert Ben Wittes writes, the most eagerly anticipated order closing the prison at Guantanamo Bay is far less significant than the interrogation order, and falls short of answering the major detention-policy questions facing America today, including the fate of Guantanamo’s residents.

Restore American Leadership to Address Transnational Threats

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 10:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

January 15, 2009, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

A new American president must model leadership for a global era, partnering with other powers to build an international security system for the 21st Century. On January 15, Carlos Pascual presented his recommendations to President Obama on how to restore credible American leadership; galvanize cooperative action against major global challenges; and revitalize key international institutions.

Playing for Keeps in Afghanistan

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What happens when the world's best counterinsurgency force meets a witch's brew of terrorists, multiple insurgencies and hardened narco-traffickers deep in the interior of Eurasia? In Afghanistan in 2009, Michael O'Hanlon says we are about to find out, with huge consequences for that country and the region, as well as American security.

Memo to President-elect Obama: Heeding the Mumbai Wake-up Call

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Growing tensions between India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed countries, threaten to escalate into a direct military confrontation. Vanda Felbab-Brown notes that, especially after the Mumbai attacks, the world is looking to Obama for leadership in reversing dangerous trends and building a security framework in a vital region.

Sunni and Shi ’a Terrorism: Differences that Matter

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

There are significant and little appreciated differences in the trajectory of Sunni extremist terrorism and that of Shi’a extremism. 2007-2008 Federal Executive Fellow Thomas F. Lynch explores the differences that exist across six key areas that impact American policy considerations, especially in light of steadily escalating tensions with Iran.

Expand the Agenda in Pakistan and Afghanistan

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:00:00 GMT

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December 18, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Seven years after the 9/11 attacks, the border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan remains the front line in the war on terror. On December 18, Brookings Fellow Vanda Felbab-Brown offered a public memo to President-elect Obama with recommendations to expand an agenda of peace and stability to Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The Scouting Report: Expand the Agenda in Afghanistan and Pakistan

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

December 17, 2008, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Seven years after the 9/11 attacks, the border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan remains the front line in the war on terror. Pakistan is suffering from its greatest internal crises in decades, while Afghanistan remains far from stable with a resurgent Taliban. On December 17, Vanda Felbab-Brown answered questions in a live web chat with Politico about foreign policy challenges President-elect Barack Obama faces in this volatile region.

Myths from Mumbai

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In a new op-ed article, Arvind Panagariya discusses myths related to the recent Mumbai attacks, and identifies current issues regarding terrorism and the relationship of India and Pakistan that must be addressed.

Beyond Iraq: A New U.S. Strategy for the Middle East

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Martin Indyk and Richard Haass argue to be successful in the Middle East, the Obama administration will need to move beyond Iraq, find ways to deal constructively with Iran, and forge a final-status Israeli-Palestinian agreement.

Nuts and Deadbolts: A Blueprint for the Closure of Guantanamo Bay

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Congress has voted overwhelmingly to block the $80 million President Obama requested to close the Guantanamo Bay prison. On May 21, the president gave a national security address to discuss in greater detail his plan for closing Guantanamo. Brookings expert Ben Wittes offers a checklist of important decisions the president must make before he can shutter the detention camp.

What We Fear Most about the Mumbai Attacks

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Bilal Saab writes that discovering who planned and executed the Mumbai attacks is critical to any effective future counterterrorism strategy. He believes if subsequent investigations show that al Qaeda played no role, it signals the beginning of a dangerous new era in which multiple terrorist groups possess the operational capacity to mount large-scale, catastrophic attacks—previously thought to be the domain of al Qaeda alone.

India's Materialist Middle Class Needs to Wake Up

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Navtej Dhillon writes that in the aftermath of the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai, public confidence in the Indian political system is at an all time low. With the growing realization that economic growth alone cannot preserve the country’s stability, can the Indian middle class pave the way for a new politics that addresses the age-old conflict with Pakistan?

Mumbai Terrorist Attacks: A Challenge for India and the World

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

December 03, 2008, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Brookings hosted a discussion on the Mumbai attacks that focused on the extremist networks allegedly responsible for the assaults, the increasing tensions between India and Pakistan, how India and the U.S. should respond to the crisis and the repercussions for the broader region and the NATO mission in Afghanistan in particular.

A Time for Diplomatic Renewal: Toward a New U.S. Strategy in the Middle East

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Martin Indyk and Richard Haass note that President-elect Obama will face a series of critical, complex, and interrelated challenges in the Middle East that will demand his immediate attention: an Iran apparently intent on approaching or crossing the nuclear threshold as quickly as possible; a fragile situation in Iraq that is straining the U.S. military; weak governments in Lebanon and Palestine under challenge from stronger Hezbollah and Hamas militant organizations; a faltering Israeli-Palestinian peace process; and American influence diluted by a severely damaged reputation.

The Mumbai Terrorists' Other Target

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Daniel Benjamin says Mumbai will stand as the most consequential terrorist attack since 9/11. He argues the strategic implications could be devastating, because it could further destabilize Pakistan and accelerate that failing state's collapse into a failed one.

Terrorism in India and the Global Jihad

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The attacks on multiple targets in downtown Mumbai in late November is only the latest in a long series of horrific terrorist operations in India. Brookings senior fellow Bruce Riedel examines the complex phenomenon of terrorism in India and its connections to the global jihad.