The Type of Al-Qaida Operative We Allow on Planes

 SECURITY, TERRORISM  No Responses »
Jan 272010
 

by Terry Jeffrey
Townhall.com, January 27, 2010

michael leiterIn virtually unnoticed testimony before the Senate Homeland Security Committee last week, National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) Director Michael Leiter explained that U.S. policy leading up to the attempted Christmas Day suicide attack on Northwest Flight 253 was calculated to draw a line between two types of al-Qaida operatives: Those we allow on planes and those we do not.

The policy, Leiter said, requires an analyst to decide which category the terrorist belongs in depending on “what kind of operative he was and what his intention was.” Continue reading »

Brilliant Defender or Light-Weight? Some problems in the thinking of Michael Leiter, director of the National Counterterrorism Center

 AFGHANISTAN WAR, ENEMIES OF AMERICA, SECURITY, TERRORISM  No Responses »
Jan 142010
 

By Barry Rubin
Rubin Reports, January 14, 2010

michael leiterMichael Leiter, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, gave a very interesting interview to the alumni magazine of his old college, Columbia University. I analyze some of the points made not to criticize Leiter but to point out some basic ideas held by the people responsible for protecting America and Americans from terrorist attacks.

We might as well begin by the statement I found most disturbing:

“I’m often asked if it’s a coincidence that we haven’t been attacked since 9/11, and the answer is flatly no.” Continue reading »

How to Recognize and Fight a Terrorist on a Plane

 SECURITY, TERRORISM  No Responses »
Jan 072010
 

by Randy Plante
January 5, 2010
Human Events

The attempted bombing of Delta/Northwest 253 on Christmas Day was not the first from the Islamic terrorists nor will it be the last. Since I am a pilot, I have had people ask what can a passenger do onboard an airplane to help thwart a terrorist attack. Having personal experience with a few events myself, as well as reading articles and hearing stories from other crewmembers, I can give you some information which might assist you in dealing with a suspicious passenger or situation. Continue reading »

DHS Plans to Catch Only One in Four Travelers Committing ‘Major’ Criminal Violations While Entering U.S. on International Fights in 2010

 SECURITY, TERRORISM  No Responses »
Jan 042010
 

By Terence P. Jeffrey
January 4, 2010
CNSNews

(CNSNews.com) – Documents produced by the Department of Homeland Security indicate that in fiscal 2010 the department is planning to catch only 26 percent of travelers committing major criminal violations while seeking to enter the United States through international airports. Continue reading »