Christmas Day Attempted Terrorist Attack: Briefing with Juan Zarate - Former Deputy National Security Advisor for Combating Terrorism
January 12, 2010, 11:00am
Summary:
On Christmas day, 2009, a day filled with joy all over the world, the U.S. was grimly reminded of the battle that rages on against Al Qaeda and radical ideology. Juan Zarate, Former Deputy National Security Advisor for Combating Terrorism and Gen Next Member, joined Members for an open, off the record, discussion concerning Yemen’s role in the attack and key components the U.S. must consider when formulating a strategy for Yemen.
Juan first tackled a widely believed misconception that the US was oblivious of Yemen as a potential threat. Quite the opposite, the U.S. was well aware of the danger Yemen posed; however, the operational development components, and enhanced interest in attacks on U.S. homeland from Yemen are tactics that remain relatively new. When formulating tactics many factors about Yemen must be evaluated. Juan explained that Yemen has the weakest government of all the Arab countries. It sits at the southernmost tip of the Middle East and is plagued with minimal resources, including oil and water. The country is largely a tribal society, with a long history of grievances and past civil wars. One thing the U.S. must recognize and prevent is Yemen’s potential to become a safe-haven for Al Qaeda.
Juan acknowledged President Obama’s plan to keep troops out of Yemen as legitimate. He explained that the U.S. must work as much as possible with the Yemeni government to physically disrupt Al Qaeda’s existence in the country; including extinguishing existing compounds and training camps. President Obama’s plan to close Gitmo has been further called into question due to these recent events and the associated possible dangers. Over 92 Yemeni detainees still remain at Gitmo, and questions remain about what is best to do with these detainees as they cannot be returned to Yemen at this time.
Ultimately Yemen is not just the U.S.’s headache. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are immensely concerned with the country and stand to be the U.S’s strongest allies on this issue. Saudi Arabia has a border to worry about, as well as a deep rooted interest in crushing Al Qaeda. The larger issue of confronting terrorism on a global scale would be better served, Juan noted, if other leading Nations increased their efforts.
Detail:
"CBS News National Security Analyst Juan Zarate said the attempted terror attack on Christmas Day could be a "game changer" due to Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab's possible ties to al Qaeda elements in Yemen" More.