 BBC News |
Pakistan faces an impasse in its half-hearted ‘war on terror’
The National, United Arab Emirates - 17 hours ago … George W Bush for his contribution to the war against terror, fingers were being pointed at Pakistan’s powerful Inter-Services Intelligence agency as … Afghan, Pakistan presidents pledge joint fight against militants Chicago Tribune NEW PAKISTANI PRESIDENT AIMS FOR FRESH START WITH AFGHANISTAN EurasiaNet Zardari, Karzai for joint efforts against terrorism Daily Times Gulf Daily News - Frontier Post all 5,136 news articles » |
Big-shopper Antony
K.P. NAYAR
Washington, Sept. 10: Defence minister A.K. Antony, whose famously frugal lifestyle includes an abhorrence of shopping sprees while travelling abroad, has been different during his trip to Washington.
Antony’s usually light baggage will be symbolically heavy when he returns home tomorrow: he is carrying with him a delivery order for 20 US-made AGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles, another four ATM exercise variety of the same missile brand, containers, training devices, spare and repair parts and a host of support equipment for India’s defence forces.
Hours after US defence secretary Robert Gates — for the first time since he succeeded Donald Rumsfeld in 2006 — received Antony with a full ceremonial guard of honour yesterday, the Pentagon announced that it was selling India the Harpoon missiles in a deal worth $170 million.
The missile purchase has been hanging fire for almost two years: conclusion of the deal was delayed largely because of procedural red tape in the US but also some squeamishness in the Manmohan Singh government on account of political sensitivities.
India plans to use the missiles to modernise its air force’s anti-surface warfare mission capabilities and to streamline its navy’s operational ability with the US in the light of cooperation by the two navies in the Indian Ocean region.
The Pentagon yesterday described India for the first time as an “important partner” and linked the sale to the national security of the US in the context of the “US-India strategic relationship”.
The US Congress was yesterday notified of the agreement to sell the missiles. Antony’s talks with Gates focussed primarily on the regional security situation, especially Afghanistan. At separate meetings, the director-general for acquisitions in the ministry of defence, S.K. Sharma, accompanying the minister, fielded a spate of anxious enquiries from the Americans who are keen to get the Indian order for 126 multi-role combat aircraft.
Antony’s visit to the US has been in the works since he met Gates in Singapore in June last on his first visit abroad after becoming defence minister. But the trip was held off after the Left parties took issue with the Prime Minister over relations with the US. The impressive Pentagon ceremonies at its imposing River Parade Field provided an appropriate backdrop for a day when political activity in Washington appeared to revolve around Indo-US relations, which have been revived from intensive care following the NSG exemption for nuclear commerce with India on September 6.
In an indication of how important India has become on America’s radar, the speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, yesterday abruptly left a press conference here on energy — a critical issue for her Democratic Party in the November election — saying: “I have to excuse myself as I have to meet the secretary of state. I think the subject is India… but I am sure my colleagues here will be pleased to answer any questions.”
Secretary of state Condoleezza Rice and Pelosi discussed the strategy for a quick Congressional passage of the 123 Agreement required to operationalise the Indo-US nuclear deal.
A day earlier, Rice met Howard Berman, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who set off a political storm in India on the eve of the NSG meeting by releasing details of secret correspondence between the committee and the US state department on the deal. Rice also tracked down the Democratic vice-presidential candidate Joe Biden on his campaign trail and discussed with him the modalities of handling the deal in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, of which Biden is the chairman. There is an air of expectation here that the nuclear deal package will be submitted by the White House to the US Congress in 24 to 48 hours.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080911/jsp/nation/story_9818265.jsp
Big Shopping Season!
Big Shopper Indian Defence Minister Antony is busy in USA to deal the US Weapon Industry to defend Indian interests. On the other hand, for the first time,
Pentagon recognises India as Important partner and links Arms` Sale to National security of United Sates of America!
Bush Summons Super Slave Manmohan to Sign Nuke Deal as US Targets Pakistan to Destroy the Source of Terror and 9/11 Tremors Continue Seven Years On. Meanwhile,in the final step to operationalise the Indo-US nuclear deal, American President George W Bush has sent the text of the landmark agreement to the US Congress for final approval. The move by the White House comes five days after the 45-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) granted a waiver for India to carry out nuclear commerce.
US President George W Bush has invited Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Washington on September 25.
Sources have revealed that Bush hopes to get the nuclear deal through Congress by the time Manmohan Singh visits America and will then go on to sign the deal.
Meanwhile, the text of a proposed US-India nuclear agreement has been sent to Congress for final approval. Before sending the deal to the Congress, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rica had contacted leaders of the House who were known to have opposing views over the deal.
The proposed deal, signed by President George W Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in July 2005, offers India access to Western technology and cheap atomic energy as long as it allows UN nuclear inspections of some of its nuclear facilities.
The agreement “will remain in force for a period of 40 years and will continue in force thereafter for additional periods of 10 years each unless either party gives notice to terminate it six months before the end of a period,” it said, adding that either party can end the agreement before that “on one year’’s written notice to the other party.”
Meanwhile,India has started negotiating agreements to buy nuclear technology and facilities from countries such as France and Russia, days after winning a waiver on a ban that had stopped it from accessing the global atomic market. Actual deals, however, will be signed only after a bilateral civilian nuclear agreement between India and the United States is ratified by the US Congress, the foreign ministry said. The bilateral deal, which will allow India access to American nuclear fuel and technology, turns a new chapter in India’s relations with the West, which imposed a ban on atomic trade with India after New Delhi tested nuclear devices three decades ago.
In Pakistan Army is killing people just because America is giving Money!
Pakistani protesters burn U.S. flag and an effigy of U.S. President George Bush to condemn alleged strikes in Pakistani tribal areas along Afghanistan border!
Seven years of retaliation on as Afghans are dying everyday!
President George W. Bush is observing the seventh anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on Thursday at a time when he’s having to dispatch more US troops to fight rising violence in Afghanistan, the launch site for AL-Qaida’s assault on America.
Every year since the attacks, Bush has stood in a moment of silence on the South Lawn of the White House to remember the nearly 3,000 people who died when terrorists crashed hijacked airplanes into the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Bangladesh’s army-backed interim government released former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia on bail on Thursday after a year in prison on alleged graft charges, an official said. She was arrested on Sept. 3 last year in an anti-corruption drive by the interim authority, but the High Court granted her bail on Tuesday on the last of four charges she faced.
Everywhere in South Asia, America`s Men in Power are doing their best to implement the agenda of ethnic Cleansing!
Plastic Money is growing with credit boom as inflow of cash minimised with the resurgence of capitalist Middle Class!
Last Night, in Shibpur area under Howrah of West Bengal a shopping Mall collapsed!
Today, in Sodepur, a sub Urban area of Kolkata another Shopping Mall inaugurated. Shriniketan groups opened the Second Mall just opposite the first one. Crowdy consumers rushed in!
In kolkata, at the heart of the metro, near Metro cinema Big Bazaar has opened flood gates of Puja shopping setting the mood! One of our close friend , a journalist well known, is a regular visitor and we have offered him to be the guide of the ladies in friend circle as we dare not to get entry!
On BT Road stands Vishal, the shoping mall. Our locality gets the benefits of rebate. Savita was so influenced that she wanted to go there just to get a bottle of Sauce free for buying one! We have so many shopping malls around us in the locality. Ready Made centre was in news for a fire which killed sixteen people suffocated by carbon Mono Oxide Gas. It is open. In Amrabati, just hundred metres away from our home MORE is open. Reliance Fresh, Spencer and Khadim khajana wait in the wing!
FAMA, forum against monopolistic aggression has launched a campaign against Retail chain ! West Bengal Government has sold out the Sacred cow at last. Yes, it is Rabindra Nath Tagore! All thirty two Rabindra Bhavans have been handed over to ZEE group!
We understand that USA is haunted by the memories of 9/11..
On the fatal day, we were in Keutia near kankinara just on kalyani High Way, the most potential realty zone in the sub urban. We were celebrating my cousin`s grandson, Bhadu`s birth day. As the cake was being distributed and the party just began, the News Broke! It was a live telecast! We saw the Twin towers collapse live! We witnessed the attack on Pentagon!
We could not overcome the shock as the War zone of Middle East transferred in our heart, Afghanistan was Missiled violating Indian Air space from Peace zone Indian Ocean! no one resisted from South Asia!
Then , Iraq was attacked!
Waziristan has been a target of US Military, no one protested!
We invited US and Israel Military presence in Kashmir as well as in entire North East and the Ruling as well as resistance Hegemony coordinated to finalise the Strategic Realliance in US lead! Ironically, the Left tried hypocritically to pull down the super slave UPA government headed by a planted Prime Minister and remote controlled by an Italian! The trust vote was a super reality show of Nuke Opera in Indian parliament, Live as sensational as 9/11..
But the deal is now Auto and no one ever cared to mobilise an anti Imperialism movement in part of South Asia!
US runs the government in Bangladesh sidelining the two rival Ladies Hasina and Khalida. NGOs led by MD. Yunus and Army rule democratic Bangladesh,the most vocal nationality in South Asia!
What more you do want?
US PRESIDENT George Bush secretly approved orders in July that, for the first time, allow Special Operations forces to carry out ground assaults inside Pakistan without the prior approval of the Pakistani Government, according to senior American officials.The orders mark a watershed for the Bush Administration after nearly seven years of trying to work with Pakistan to combat al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters
They also follow months of stalemate about how to confront the militants’ increasingly secure base in the tribal areas of Pakistan. US officials say they will notify Pakistan when they conduct limited ground attacks, such as the Special Operations raid last week in a Pakistani village near the Afghanistan border, but will not ask permission.
The White House said Wednesday that the failure to capture Osama bin Laden in the seven years since the Sept. 11 attacks shows the limitations of military and intelligence power.
“This is not the movies. We don’t have super powers,” said White House press secretary Dana Perino. “But what we do have is very dedicated people who are working with our allies and trying to bring (al-Qaida leaders) to justice.”
Bin Laden, leader of the al-Qaida network that orchestrated the deadliest terrorist attack in U.S. history, is believed to be in the lawless tribal belt of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
His status as an at-large enemy of the United States tends to come back into focus with every somber anniversary of the 2001 attacks. Beyond a matter of national security, bin Laden’s elusiveness has elicited fire from President Bush’s critics, who accuse Bush of being wrongly focused on Iraq.
“The Bush administration has failed to put the necessary resources and manpower into the hunt for America’s No. 1 enemy,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Wednesday. “President Bush has rightly said that the war on terror is about more than just one man. Yet seven years after 9/11, the president has allowed that one man’s vast al-Qaida network to regroup.”
In a statement, the White House said it was transmitting the text of the agreement between the US and India “concerning peaceful uses of nuclear energy”.
“The proposed Agreement provides a comprehensive framework for US peaceful nuclear cooperation with India. It permits the transfer of information, non-nuclear material,
nuclear material, equipment (including reactors) and components for nuclear research and nuclear power production.
“It does not permit transfers of any restricted data. Sensitive nuclear technology, heavy-water production technology and production facilities, sensitive nuclear facilities, and major critical components of such facilities may not be transferred under the agreement unless it is amended,” the statement said.
“I am pleased to transmit to the Congress, pursuant to section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C.2153) (AEA), the text of a proposed Agreement for Cooperation Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of India Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy,” Bush has said in his memorandum released by the White House late Wednesday night.
Bush has said that the proposed agreement has been negotiated in accordance with the AEA and other applicable law.
“The Agreement permits the enrichment of uranium subject to up to 20 per cent in the isotope 235. It permits reprocessing and other alterations in form or content of nuclear material subject to it,” he said.
In the case of such activities in India, these rights will not come into effect until New Delhi “establishes a new national reprocessing facility under IAEA safeguards and both parties agree on arrangements and procedures under which the reprocessing or other alteration in form or content will take place” he added.
“The Agreement will remain in force for a period of 40 years and will continue in force thereafter for additional periods of 10 years each unless either party gives notice to terminate it six months before the end of a period,” Bush told the Congress in his statement.
“Moreover, either party has the right to terminate the Agreement prior to its expiration on one year’s written notice to the other party. A party seeking early termination of the Agreement has the right immediately to cease cooperation under the Agreement, prior to termination, if it determines that a mutually acceptable resolution of outstanding issues cannot be achieved through consultations,” he said.
Top Democrat will try to push N-deal through this year
Top US Senate Democrat Harry Reid will work to win approval this year of an accord to end a three-decade ban on nuclear trade with India, which President George W Bush submitted to Congress on Wednesday.
The last hurdle for the deal is Congress, and Reid, the Senate majority leader will try to push the deal through this year, according to his spokesman Jim Manley, despite a truncated legislative schedule and other concerns.
If backed by the Senate and House of Representatives, the fuel and technology deal would help India, the world’s largest democracy, help meet rising energy demand without aggravating climate change and open a market worth billions of dollars.
“Civil nuclear cooperation between the United States and India pursuant to the agreement will offer major strategic and economic benefits to both countries,” Bush said in a letter transmitting the agreement to Congress.
The agreement has raised international misgivings because India has shunned the Non-Proliferation Treaty meant to stop the spread and production of nuclear weapons as well as a companion international agreement banning nuclear tests.
Critics believe the deal undermines efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and sets a precedent allowing other nations to seek to buy such technology without submitting to the full range of global nonproliferation safeguards.
Current US law requires that Congress consider the accord for 30 days before a final vote can be taken. But lawmakers are due to leave by the end of September so they can campaign for the Nov. 4 election.
As a result, Congress would probably have to hold a “lame- duck” session after the election. Congressional aides have said there were ways to bypass the 30-day requirement but that Bush, a Republican, would need solid support from Democratic leaders of both houses of Congress.
Reid, a Nevada Democrat, had a “good meeting” with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice about the agreement on Wednesday, his spokesman said.
“Senator Reid indicated that he would try to find a way to move it forward, and will consult with the (Senate) Foreign Relations Committee and the Republican leadership to try and find a way to do so,” Manley said. Asked if that meant Reid would try to advance the deal this year, he said, “Yes.”
While the comments suggested the odds of the deal passing before Bush leaves office on Jan. 20 have increased, it is unclear whether House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California will take a similar view.
On Tuesday, a spokesman for Pelosi, a California Democrat, said she looked forward to reviewing the formal agreement in detail and to consulting on the matter with her colleagues, including House Foreign Affairs Chairman Howard Berman.
WARNING that the United States is “running out of time” in Afghanistan, the US military’s top uniformed officer says officials have asked for a “new, more comprehensive strategy for the region that covers both sides of that border” between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen, told the House Armed Services Committee that such a strategy was crucial to the ability of US-led forces to counter a comeback by extremist groups in Afghanistan that use Pakistan’s border region as a haven.
“I’m not convinced we’re winning in Afghanistan,” Admiral Mullen said, but he added: “I’m convinced we can.”
His appearance and that of Defence Secretary Robert Gates before the committee highlighted the problems facing military leaders in Afghanistan. They need more troops but must await US force reductions in Iraq for extra units to be poured into Afghanistan. They also need co-operation from Pakistan’s new leaders to target extremist sites there.
Admiral Mullen called the recent decision by President George Bush to send 4500 troops from Iraq to Afghanistan “a good and important start”, even though it fell short of commanders’ requests for three more brigades or about 10,000 troops.
“Frankly, I judge the risk of not sending them too great a risk to ignore,” he said.
He and Mr Gates emphasised that the military and the US Government must view the insurgency in Afghanistan and the threat from Pakistan’s tribal regions as a single problem.
Without a broader international and intra-governmental approach, “no amount of troops in no amount of time can ever achieve all the objectives we seek in Afghanistan”, Admiral Mullen said.
“Until we work more closely with the Pakistani Government to eliminate the havens from which they operate, the enemy will only keep coming.”
Mr Gates said: “The war on terror started in this region; it must end there.”
Admiral Mullen said the new approach should involve a renewed effort to build the country’s agriculture system, economic health and schools. “We cannot kill our way to victory,” he said.
Mr Gates acknowledged the rising insurgent challenge in Afghanistan, but warned that risks of reversals remained in Iraq despite progress on the security front.
Urging caution on troop reductions, Mr Gates said the US would remain in Iraq “for years to come”, but added that the military’s involvement would become increasingly limited.
“I believe we have now entered that end game (in Iraq) and our decisions today and in the months ahead will be critical to regional stability and our national security interests for the years to come,” he said.
Further withdrawals, Mr Gates noted, would be left to the next administration.
The Bush administration appears confident of winning Congressional approval for the India-US civil nuclear deal, according to Defence Minister A.K. Antony who has just wrapped up a four-day visit to the US.
Associated Press Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — The nation paused Thursday to mark the seventh anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks with a heartfelt ceremony at ground zero and other solemn remembrances around the country.
Final Report on 9/11 Commission Recommendations
December 5, 2005
Thomas H. Kean, Chair
Lee H. Hamilton, Vice Chair
Richard Ben-Veniste
Fred F. Fielding
Jamie S. Gorelick
Slade Gorton
Bob Kerrey
John F. Lehman
Timothy J. Roemer
James R. Thompson
www.9-11pdp.org
RECOMMENDATION GRADE
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
Provide adequate radio spectrum for first responders F (C if bill passes)
The pending Fiscal Year 2006 budget reconciliation bill would compel the return of the analog TV broadcast
(700 Mhz) spectrum, and reserve some for public safety purposes. Both the House and Senate bills contain a 2009
handover date—too distant given the urgency of the threat. A 2007 handover date would make the American
people safer sooner.
Establish a unified Incident Command System C
Although there is awareness of and some training in the ICS, hurricane Katrina demonstrated the absence of full
compliance during a multi-jurisdictional/statewide catastrophe—and its resulting costs.
Allocate homeland security funds based on risk F (A if House provision passes)
Congress has still not changed the underlying statutory authority for homeland security grants, or benchmarks to
insure that funds are used wisely. As a result, homeland security funds continue to be distributed without regard for
risk, vulnerability, or the consequences of an attack, diluting the national security benefits of this important
program.
Critical infrastructure risks and vulnerabilities assessment D
A draft National Infrastructure Protection Plan (November 2005) spells out a methodology and process for critical
infrastructure assessments. No risk and vulnerability assessments actually made; no national priorities established;
no recommendations made on allocation of scarce resources. All key decisions are at least a year away. It is time
that we stop talking about setting priorities, and actually set some.
Private sector preparedness C
National preparedness standards are only beginning to find their way into private sector business practices. Private
sector preparedness needs to be a higher priority for DHS and for American businesses.
TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
National Strategy for Transportation Security C-
DHS has transmitted its National Strategy for Transportation Security to the Congress. While the strategy
reportedly outlines broad objectives, this first version lacks the necessary detail to make it an effective management
tool.
Improve airline passenger pre-screening F
Few improvements have been made to the existing passenger screening system since right after 9/11. The
completion of the testing phase of TSA’s pre-screening program for airline passengers has been delayed. A new
system, utilizing all names on the consolidated terrorist watch list, is therefore not yet in operation.
Improve airline screening checkpoints to detect explosives C
While more advanced screening technology is being developed, Congress needs to provide the funding for, and
TSA needs to move as expeditiously as possible with, the appropriate installation of explosives detection trace
portals at more of the nation’s commercial airports.
1
2
Checked bag and cargo screening D
Improvements here have not been made a priority by the Congress or the administration. Progress on
implementation of in-line screening has been slow. The main impediment is inadequate funding.
BORDER SECURITY
Better terrorist travel strategy Incomplete
The first Terrorist Travel Strategy is in development, due to be delivered by December 17, 2005 as required by PL
108-458.
Comprehensive screening system C
We still do not have a comprehensive screening system. Although agencies are moving ahead on individual
screening projects, there is lack of progress on coordination between agencies. DHS’ new Screening Coordination
Office still needs to establish and implement goals for resolving differences in biometric and traveler systems,
credentialing and identification standards.
Biometric entry-exit screening system B
The US-VISIT system is running at 115 airports and 15 seaports, and is performing secondary screening at the 50
busiest land borders. But border screening systems are not yet employed at all land borders, nor are these systems
interoperable. The exit component of the US-VISIT system has not been widely deployed.
International collaboration on borders and document security D
There has been some good collaboration between US-VISIT and Interpol, but little progress elsewhere. There has
been no systematic diplomatic effort to share terrorist watchlists, nor has Congress taken a leadership role in
passport security.
Standardize secure identifications B-
The REAL ID Act has established by statute standards for state-issued IDs acceptable for federal purposes, though
states’ compliance needs to be closely monitored. New standards for issuing birth certificates (required by law by
December 17, 2005) are delayed until at least spring 2006, probably longer. Without movement on the birth
certificate issue, state-issued IDs are still not secure.
Part II: Reforming the Institutions of Government
RECOMMENDATION GRADE
THE INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY
Director of National Intelligence B
The framework for the DNI and his authorities are in place. Now his challenge is to exercise his authorities boldly
to smash stovepipes, drive reform, and create a unity of effort—and act soon. He must avoid layering of the
bureaucracy and focus on transformation of the Intelligence Community. The success of this office will require
decisive leadership from the DNI and the president, and active oversight by the Congress.
National Counterterrorism Center B
Shared analysis and evaluation of threat information is in progress; joint operational planning is beginning. But the
NCTC does not yet have sufficient resources or personnel to fulfill its intelligence and planning role.
3
Create FBI national security workforce C
Progress is being made—but it is too slow. The FBI’s shift to a counterterrorism posture is far from
institutionalized, and significant deficiencies remain. Reforms are at risk from inertia and complacency; they must
be accelerated, or they will fail. Unless there is improvement in a reasonable period of time, Congress will have to
look at alternatives.
New missions for CIA Director Incomplete
Reforms are underway at the CIA, especially of human intelligence operations. But their outcome is yet to be seen.
If the CIA is to remain an effective arm of national power, Congress and CIA leadership need to be committed to
accelerating the pace of reforms, and must address morale and personnel issues.
Incentives for information sharing D
Changes in incentives, in favor of information sharing, have been minimal. The office of the program manager for
information sharing is still a start-up, and is not getting the support it needs from the highest levels of government.
There remain many complaints about lack of information sharing between federal authorities and state and local
level officials.
Government-wide information sharing D
Designating individuals to be in charge of information sharing is not enough. They need resources, active
presidential backing, policies and procedures in place that compel sharing, and systems of performance evaluation
that appraise personnel on how they carry out information sharing.
Homeland airspace defense B-
Situational awareness and sharing of information has improved. But it is not routine or comprehensive, no single
agency currently leads the interagency response to airspace violations, and there is no overarching plan to secure
airspace outside the National Capital region.
CIVIL LIBERTIES AND EXECUTIVE POWER
Balance between security and civil liberties B
The debate surrounding reauthorization of the PATRIOT Act has been strong, and concern for civil liberties has
been at the heart of it. Robust and continuing oversight, both within the Executive and by the Congress, will be
essential.
Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board D
We see little urgency in the creation of this Board. The President nominated a Chair and Vice Chair in June 2005,
and sent their names to the Senate in late September. To date, the Senate has not confirmed them. Funding is
insufficient, no meetings have been held, no staff named, no work plan outlined, no work begun, no office
established.
Guidelines for government sharing of personal information D
The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board has not yet begun its work. The DNI just named a Civil Liberties
Protection Officer (November 2005).
CONGRESSIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM
Intelligence oversight reform D
The House and Senate have taken limited positive steps, including the creation of oversight subcommittees.
However, the ability of the intelligence committees to perform oversight of the intelligence agencies and account for
their performance is still undermined by the power of the Defense Appropriations subcommittees and Armed
Services committees.
4
Homeland Security committees B
The House and Senate have taken positive steps, but Secretary Chertoff and his team still report to too many
bosses. The House and Senate homeland security committees should have exclusive jurisdiction over all
counterterrorism functions of the Department of Homeland Security.
Declassify overall intelligence budget F
No action has been taken. The Congress cannot do robust intelligence oversight when funding for intelligence
programs is buried within the defense budget. Declassifying the overall intelligence budget would allow for a
separate annual intelligence appropriations bill, so that the Congress can judge better how intelligence funds are
being spent.
Standardize security clearances B
The President put the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in charge of standardizing security clearances.
OMB issued a plan to improve the personnel security clearance process in November 2005. The Deputy Director
of OMB is committed to its success. All the hard work is ahead.
Part III: Foreign Policy, Public Diplomacy, and Nonproliferation
RECOMMENDATION GRADE
NONPROLIFERATION
Maximum effort by U.S. government to secure WMD D
Countering the greatest threat to America’s security is still not the top national security priority of the President and
the Congress.
FOREIGN POLICY
Long-term commitment to Afghanistan B
Progress has been made, but attacks by Taliban and other extremists continue and the drug situation has worsened.
The U.S. and its partners must commit to a long-term economic plan in order to ensure the country’s stability.
Support Pakistan against extremists C+
U.S. assistance to Pakistan has not moved sufficiently beyond security assistance to include significant funding for
education efforts. Musharraf has made efforts to take on the threat from extremism, but has not shut down
extremist-linked madrassas or terrorist camps. Taliban forces still pass freely across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border
and operate in Pakistani tribal areas.
Support reform in Saudi Arabia D
Saudi authorities have taken initial steps but need to do much more to regulate charities and control the flow of
funds to extremist groups, and to promote tolerance and moderation. A U.S.-Saudi strategic dialogue to address
topics including reform and exchange programs has just started; there are no results to report.
Identify and prioritize terrorist sanctuaries B
Strategies have been articulated to address and eliminate terrorist sanctuaries, but they do not include a useful metric
to gauge progress. There is little sign of long-term efforts in place to reduce the conditions that allow the formation
of terrorist sanctuaries.
5
Coalition strategy against Islamist terrorism C
Components of a common strategy are evident on a bilateral basis, and multilateral policies exist in some areas. But
no permanent contact group of leading governments has yet been established to coordinate a coalition
counterterrorism strategy.
Coalition standards for terrorist detention F
The U.S. has not engaged in a common coalition approach to developing standards for detention and prosecution
of captured terrorists. Indeed, U.S. treatment of detainees has elicited broad criticism, and makes it harder to build
the necessary alliances to cooperate effectively with partners in a global war on terror.
Economic policies B+
There has been measurable progress in reaching agreements on economic reform in the Middle East, including a
free trade agreement with Bahrain and the likely admission of Saudi Arabia to the WTO before long. However, it is
too early to judge whether these agreements will lead to genuine economic reform.
Vigorous effort against terrorist financing A-
The U.S. has won the support of key countries in tackling terrorism finance—though there is still much to do in the
Gulf States and in South Asia. The government has made significant strides in using terrorism finance as an
intelligence tool. However, the State Department and Treasury Department are engaged in unhelpful turf battles,
and the overall effort lacks leadership.
PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
Define the U.S. message C
Despite efforts to offer a vision for U.S. leadership in the world based on the expansion of democratic governance,
public opinion approval ratings for the U.S. throughout the Middle East remain at or near historic lows. Public
diplomacy initiatives need to communicate our values, way of life, and vision for the world without lecturing or
condescension.
International broadcasting B
Budgets for international broadcasting to the Arab and Muslim world and U.S.-sponsored broadcasting hours have
increased dramatically, and audience shares are growing. But we need to move beyond audience size, expose
listeners to new ideas and accurate information about the U.S. and its policies, and measure the impact and
influence of these ideas.
Scholarship, exchange, and library programs D
Funding for educational and cultural exchange programs has increased. But more American libraries (Pakistan, for
example) are closing rather than opening. The number of young people coming to study in the U.S. from the
Middle East continues to decline (down 2% this year, following declines of 9% and 10% in the previous two years).
Support secular education in Muslim countries D
An International Youth Opportunity Fund has been authorized, but has received no funding; secular education
programs have been initiated across the Arab world, but are not integrated into a broader counterterrorism strategy.
The U.S. has no overarching strategy for educational assistance, and the current level of education reform funding is
inadequate.
11 Sep, 2008, 1401 hrs IST, IANS
7 Sep 2008, 1400 hrs IST, Sachin Parashar,TNN
|
Opinion: West Needs More Than Military Force in War on Terror
Deutsche Welle, Germany - 1 hour ago Supposed allegiances in the fight against terror, such as those with Russia or China, have proven frail, especially when ethnic tensions in these regions … |
 TopNews |
Pakistan’s counter-insurgency quandary
BBC News, UK - 2 hours ago For many Pakistanis, this is what the “war on terror” has brought: displacement and death. There is resentment and anger. Despite, or perhaps because of, … Zardari, Karzai at one against terror The News International :. India, USA and Nuclearism: Allies of Terrorism Kashmir Watch A new beginning in Pak-Afghan relations The Post Kashmir Watch - The Post all 201 news articles » |
 BBC News |
West ‘makes terror fight harder’
BBC News, UK - 3 hours ago “The use of war against the militants in the Middle East doesn’t stop the terrorists and radicals.” A few years ago, Indonesia was caught in the spotlight … Opinion: Terrorists hijacked the Muslim faith San Jose Mercury News Terror attack on America and the Bush Doctrine The Daily Star all 12 news articles » |
 조선일보(영문판) |
New Pakistani President Pledges Greater Cooperation Against Terrorism
조선일보(영문판), South Korea - 9 Sep 2008 Nevertheless, the president said a civilian-led government that had a mandate from the people would be better able to conduct the war against terrorism. … |
 Washington Post |
FOX News Poll: War on Terror Remains a Major Concern
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 Ceylon Daily News |
Seven Years On, Terrorism Still Threatens Afghanistan
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Experts: Less is Sometimes More in Fight Against Terrorism
Deutsche Welle, Germany - 9 hours ago Tophoven also stresses the need for global thinking in the campaign against terrorism, including greater cooperation with and trust in Europe. … |
 PakTribune.com |
Cracks widening in US-Pakistan alliance against terrorism (News …
Monsters and Critics.com - 5 hours ago The top US military official told the Congress’ Armed Services Committee that the armed forces were not winning the war against the Taliban in Afghanistan … Pakistan remains anti-terror frontline, but frowns on US intervention Xinhua Pakistan TV Show Focuses on Army Chief’s Warning Against Foreign … RedOrbit Invading Pakistan, Expanding the War The Nation. Pakistan Dawn - guardian.co.uk all 596 news articles » |
War on Terrorism
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| War on Terrorism | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 U.S. Soldiers boarding a CH-47 Chinook helicopter in Afghanistan during Operation Anaconda in the Shahi-Kot Valley and Arma Mountains southeast of Zormat. |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States[2] Pakistan United Kingdom Multinational force in IraqOperation Enduring Freedom Allies International Security Assistance Force |
 al-Qaeda Fatah al-Islam al Qaeda in Iraq Taliban Islamic Courts Union[3] Jemaah Islamiyah Abu Sayyaf[4] Moro Islamic Liberation Front[5] Muslim Brotherhood |
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| Commanders | |||||||
| Martin Dempsey Jock Stirrup |
Osama bin Laden Mohammed Omar |
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Military casualties ~27,700 dead ~51,600+ Injured More… |
Military casualties ~54,114 to 58,864+ dead More… |
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| Civilian casualties No widely agreed on figure. |
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The War on Terrorism (also known as the War on Terror) is the common term for the various military, political and legal actions initiated by the United States government, in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks.
The official objectives of the 2001 War on Terrorism are to counter terrorist threats, prevent terrorist acts and curb the influence of terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda.[1][6] Both the term and the policies it denotes have been a source of ongoing controversy, as critics argue it has been used to justify unilateral preemptive war, human rights abuses and other violations of international law.[7][8][9]
News results for Indo US Nuclear deal
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Nuclear disarmament next
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Bush’s Nuclear Deal with India Is a Disaster for World Safety and …
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