Brookings: Topics - U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Central America in 2009: Off the U.S. Radar

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As Barack Obama prepares to take office, Central America is falling off the radar among the many accumulated problems to address, domestic and international. Abraham Lowenthal examines four Central American countries and compares their changes and growth. He recommends modest investments in the region for the new Obama administration.

Intelligent Design: How to Change America

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

William Galston examines what’s wrong with our current political institutions, given the current financial crisis and lack of coherent governance, and proposes how to create a better government.

A New American Realism

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Carlos Pascual writes that President-elect Obama’s choice of a national security team reflects seriousness, pragmatism and bipartisanship. Pascual believes the selections indicate Obama will take a twenty-first-century view toward national security: energy, power, economics, human rights, terrorism and poverty must be part of the agenda.

Why Do Terrorists Love To Strike Around Elections?

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Daniel Benjamin analyzes the trend for jihadists to act in the run-up to or months following an election. Benjamin argues that organizations like al-Qaeda want to leave their fingerprints on big historical events, because they want to be seen as a central player in determining the outcome.

Strategic Counterterrorism

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Terrorism is a real and urgent threat to the U.S. and its interests; a threat that could become far more dangerous if terrorists acquire nuclear or biological weapons. Daniel Benjamin explores the drawbacks of using military force in combating terrorism and elaborates on the need for a positive agenda for the Muslim world -- one that deepens U.S. engagement in Muslim nations as they seek to modernize.

Pakistan and Terror: The Eye of the Storm

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Bruce Riedel notes that Pakistan almost uniquely is both a major victim of terrorism and a major sponsor of terrorism. It has been the scene of horrific terrorist acts it has been one of the most prolific state sponsors of terror. Riedel believes there is no issue or country more critical to get right under the next U.S. president, which means developing a policy that will move Pakistan away from being a hotbed of terror.

Six Years Later: Innovative Approaches to Defeating Al Qaeda

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In testimony before the Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Dan Byman states that "to succeed in the long-term, counterterrorism policies must be politically viable for decades." He offers ideas for policy implementations now that can bring consensus and harbor well-informed debate on the issues at hand.

Winning the Right War

Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Philip Gordon states that six years after the start of the U.S. led war on terror, America and its allies are less safe. He discusses how and where the U.S. has failed in its objectives and offers ideas to help move the war in the right direction.

Can the War on Terror be Won?

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Phil Gordon discusses U.S. strategies for combating the War on Terrorism. Ultimately, Gordon believes the War on Terror can only be won through a dramatic change in idealogy that embraces mulilaterialism, and promotes political, economic, and educational changes in the Middle East.

Reforming U.S. Immigration Policy: Open New Pathways to Integration

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Roughly 12 million people reside illegally in the United States. More are joining the workforce, and nearly half of these households have children. As presidential candidates debate solutions, Audrey Singer offers ideas for reform.

Managing Homeland Security: Develop a Threat-Based Strategy

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

After 9/11 the United States acted swiftly to defend itself from terrorist attacks. The government implemented numerous far-reaching security measures, undertook a vast reorganization for the purpose of defending against terrorism, and more than tripled Federal homeland security spending. Although substantial gaps remain, coordination of anti-terrorist efforts has been significantly improved internationally and within the federal government.