Category: Commentary

Words and Bullets: Al Qaeda’s Textbook for Terror

An alarming discovery in Manchester, England, gives Western intelligence and counterterrorism agencies a Muslim insider’s view of what it takes to fight a Holy War against the United States and its allies.

Aftermath of a Hurricane: The Hard Part Comes Next

An analysis of what went right and wrong in the preparation for and response to Hurricane Katrina. The authors’ recommendation: Stop the blame game, and appoint a national commission that can salvage some long-term gains out of a massive disaster.

Justin Thomas Russell, Director for Port Security, Center for Security & Operations, AnteonCorporation

His views on, among other important subjects, the need to balance security policies and programs against “the unfettered flow of commerce.”

The Coast Guard’s Post 9/11 Deepwater Program: An Enduring Solution for U.S. Maritime Security

USCG lives up to its Semper Paratus tradition in formulating plans for the multimission service’s “fleet of the future.”

Vayl Oxford, Acting Director of the DHS Domestic Nuclear Detection

His views on the office’s mission, interfaces with other agencies, and the future development of a global nuclear-detection architecture.

Commentary: This Is a Real War!

Needed: an immediate intensification of the war against terrorists before they can launch new attacks in and against the United States. And no more hand-wringing is required.

Dennis R. Schrader, Director of Maryland’s Office of Homeland Security

Mr. Schrader discusses all-hazards preparedness, intel fusion centers, use of GIS, and more. Schrader also comments on Maryland’s regional all-hazard approach, which already is developing horizontal linkages with adjacent states.

Mid-Term Report Card, A Note from the Publisher

The Publisher offers a mid-term report and asks readers to grade the first semester’s effort.

Governor James S. Gilmore, III, A Focus on Border Protection, Medical Surge Capacity

Former Virginia Governor James S. Gilmore III shares his views, as chairman of the bipartisan Congressional Commission appointed to assess U.S. domestic-response capabilities, on such major issues as vulnerability assessments, risk management, border prot

Homeland Defense Begins at Home!

The Department of Homeland Defense and American Red Cross are leading the way, but true national preparedness requires an all-hands effort starting with teachers and students, parents, first responders, businessmen and factory workers, the media and the m