Author Archive

Should U.S. ‘Take Out’ Julian Assange

If not, why not? There are good reasons, both pro and con. And is Assange the only culprit? Also, why are senior U.S. officials hiding behind reassuring comments that provide little or no comfort to U.S. allies throughout the world – and/or to the American people, either. Finally, at a

Just When Americans Thought the Cold War Was Over

To many Americans the well publicized apprehension of 10 Russian spies seemed to be a throwback to the Cold War – except for the amateurish bumbling and fumbling involved, which changed a potentially damaging international incident into a quasi-comedy. But the situation was not as funny as it seemed, and

The Times Square Bombing Plot: What It Means For America

Experts in aviation safety have long recognized that what is described as a “near miss” is actually a “near hit.” The Times Square bombing attempt deserves the same unflinching judgment: Disaster was avoided not because of the superior competence of DHS and TSA, but because of the greater incompetence of

‘By Far the Greatest Threat to U.S. Civil Aviation’

Umar Farouk Abdulmutullab was walking, almost literally, in the footsteps of Richard Reid when he tried to detonate an “underwear” bomb aboard Northwest Airlines Flight 253 on Christmas Day 2009. Additional jihadist attacks are inevitable – unless and until the United States changes its supposedly egalitarian screening process in favor

The Short- & Long-Term Changes Needed at DHS, TSA

Contrary to Secretary Napolitano’s rather politicized assertion that “the [U.S. aviation security] system worked,” it definitely did NOT work. But it could be made immensely more effective – less costly as well – if certain common-sense, albeit politically difficult, changes were made. Beginning immediately, and starting at the top.

No Easy Choices When Facing a Nuclear-Armed Gorilla

As always, the principal topic discussed at the 2010 Herzliya conference was Israeli’s national security. But the most important building block – stumbling block might be a more accurate term – in maintaining that security at a high level was mentioned only in whispers, because no one dared to speak

Iran’s Long Reach Into the U.S. Homeland

Despite U.S. moves to improve nation-to-nation relations with Iran, Tehran continues to support groups and organizations obviously unfriendly to the United States – the Alavi Foundation, for example. It is clear, moreover, that the anti-U.S. virus is spreading, with Somalia and other countries joining the international junta facing the free

New and Emerging Al Qaeda Threats

The term “global war on terrorism” is now politically incorrect, in at least some circles. There is mounting evidence, though, that some terrorists do not agree and are already planning new attacks against domestic targets on the U.S. homeland.

The Unglamorous Side: Parking Lots, Manhole Covers, and Homeland Security

The critical infrastructure of the United States is now better protected than it was before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The same cannot be said for the parking lots next to government buildings, power plants, and other possible targets – most of which can be entered through 22 million “access points”

Premiere Performances: NSSEs, Non-NSSEs – And the Security Risks Involved

The most perfectly planned and carefully implemented security plan can easily go awry. All it takes is one suicidal terrorist or deranged assassin to make a major special event much more exciting, and dangerous – for participants and spectators alike – than originally anticipated.

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Article Out Loud – Security in and Around D.C. – Following the Informational Dots

Full article by Catherine L. Feinman, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, September 11, 2024. In this feature article, the editor-in-chief of Domestic Preparedness shares her key takeaways from a recent interoperability summit focused on Preparing for the 60th Presidential Inauguration. Public safety agencies shared their lessons learned from the

Article Out Loud – National Preparedness Month 2024: Talk About It

  Full article by Ian Pleet, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, September 4, 2024. In this feature article, an emergency management professional highlights the country’s preparedness goals and identifies available federal resources. By educating and empowering individuals and families to prepare for emergencies, communities can better position themselves

Article Out Loud – Realizing the Power of Community in Disaster Recovery

  Full article by Aaron Clark-Ginsberg, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, August 21, 2024. In this feature article, a behavioral and social scientist understands that no two communities are the same. Each community has unique vulnerabilities, capacities, and needs, and each has its own leaders, areas of cooperation,

Article Out Loud – Return on Investments in Public Engagement

Full article by June Isaacson Kailes, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, August 14, 2024. In this feature article, a disability policy consultant reminds community leaders that public engagement and participation involve community members in problem-solving, decision-making, and policy development. Result-centered engagement can help protect people with disabilities and

Article Out Loud – A Homeland Vulnerability Continues

  Full article by Robert C. Hutchinson, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, August 7, 2024. In this feature article, a former police chief and deputy special agent in charge with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations in Miami, Florida, revisits the U visa process. The

Article Out Loud – What Level of Ugly Are Communities Prepared For?

  Full article by Joseph J. Leonard Jr., an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, July 31, 2024. In this feature article, a retired U.S. Coast Guard commander reflects on the July 2024 attempted assassination of Former President Donald Trump. That incident raises questions about event security, the roles that

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