At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing today on “Southern Border Violence: Homeland Security Threats, Vulnerabilities and Responsibilities,” Secretary for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano agreed with a question posed by Committee Chairman, Senator Joseph Liberman (D-Conn.) on threats to U.S. homeland security. Senator Liberman asked whether, as Secretary of Homeland and Security, she considered Mexican drug cartel violence a real threat to the homeland security of the United States.
Former Secretary of Defense, Rt. Hon Des Browne MP, talked about “Transatlantic Security Post-Bush,” at the Center for American Progress today. He talked specifically about troops in Afghanistan and Iraq and the popularity of President Barack Obama in Europe.
This was a point raised today by the former United Kingdom Secretary of Defense, Rt. Hon Des Browne Mp, in a discussion on “Transatlantic Security Post-Bush,” at the Center for American Progress. Mr Browne talked about the need for other European countries to take Guantanamo prisoners.
While testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates laid out the challenges facing the Defense Department. Gates said that “the greatest military challenge right now is Afghanistan,” but went on to say that there is “no purely military solution in Afghanistan”. Gates said that the highest priorities should be increasing the size and training of the Afghan army. He stated that America’s NATO allies could be doing more to support the war in several ways: providing caveat free military forces, providing a greater number of civilians for other efforts pertaining to operations and building, and sharing the financial burdens associated with Afghan army, estimated to be $3-4 billion in the next several years. Gates said that Afghanistan will be a “long and difficult fight”, and that the goal is for it not to be a base for terrorists.
On the topic of Iraq, Gates highlighted that on January 1st the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the US and Iraq went into effect. SOFA withdraws US combat troops from Iraqi cities by the end of June with all troops out by 2011. Secretary Gates said that the upcoming elections in Iraq show progress. In his prepared testimony, Gates noted that the “sovereignty of Iraq” is one of the “non-military ways to blunt Iran’s power to threaten its neighbors and sow instability throughout the Middle East”. On Iran, Gates reinforced that they are “developing the capabilities needed to support a nuclear weapons program.” He said that “the lower price of oil deprives Iran of revenues and, in turn, makes U.N. economic sanctions bite harder.”
On North Korea, Secretary Gates said that denuclearization is still the goal, but it is uncertain whether North Korea will be willing to entirely give up its nuclear ambitions.
Speaking generally on foreign policy, Secretary Gates said that the United States military “must be able to dissuade, deter, and, if necessary, respond to challenges across the spectrum.” He highlighted the modernization China has recently been engaged in of their armed forces, specifically in cyber warfare, anti-satellite weaponry, anti-air and anti-ship weaponry, and their use of submarines and ballistic missiles. Gates said, “modernization in these areas could threaten America’s primary means of projecting power and helping allies in the Pacific: our bases, air, and sea assets, and the networks that support them.” Gates pointed out that the ground offensive by Russian troops into Georgia was preceded by a “sophisticated cyber attack”, and said that the Russian army is a “force to be reckoned with” in Eastern Europe. Secretary Gates was careful to say that Russia’s current efforts to dominated its “near abroad” should not be confused with the Soviet ideological campaign to dominate the world.
Defense Secretary Gates also met today with the House Armed Services Committee on the similar topics.
By Michael Ruhl, University of New Mexico – Talk Radio News Service
Congressman Jim McGovern, Steve Cobble, Donna Smith and John Nichols talk to Talk Radio News Service at their Progressive Democrats of America Inaugural Reception about their “Healthcare Not Warfare” Campaign.
Iraqi Interior Minister Jawad al-Bolani described the current security situation in Iraq at the United States Institute of Peace. Speaking through a translator, al-Bolani said changes in Iraq since 2003 have improved security functions that guarantee Iraqis’ freedoms and liberties. In reference to Iraqi detainees, he assured due process would respect each individual’s rights though he did not know a total number of current detainees being held.
Al-Bolani said Iraqi security forces continue to develop a camaraderie with Iraqi civilians, building a bridge of confidence that eases tension and promotes stability. He stated that the Ministry of the Interior, in an effort to improve itself, is working to keep politics out of the ministry and ridding itself of corrupt officials. He also said over 100,000 recruits from throughout Iraq have been trained at security facilities, recruiting largely from previously unstable regions like al-Anbar province. Al-Bolani said he hopes improved security will make Iraqis less reliant on Coalition forces.
When asked what would occur if the United States were to withdraw from Iraq in 21 months, al-Bolani seemed to avoid the question, saying the issue could be better addressed if security forces’ successes are maintained. He also stated he believes a committee will be formed to investigate violations of Iraqi law committed by American soldiers.
Major General Robert W. Cone says that he is ‘very optimistic’ about the future of Afghanistan’s security. Cone says he believes that Afghans serving in the army and police are patriots and committed to the defense and security of their nation. Cone says he is excited to see the new capabilities the Afghan forces are demonstrating. (0:32)
Rep. Dan Lungren (R-Calif.) says that the federal government can contribute most to local security by gathering and providing intelligence, adding that he hopes the Senate will complete work on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA.) (0:40)
The challenge of protecting mass gatherings from acts of terror was discussed by the House Homeland Security Committee. Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) said that though the federal government is involved in high-level national events, places like state fairs, collegiate sporting events, and shopping complexes often lack adequate security.
After speaking three minutes over his alloted time making statements during questioning, Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) was denied an extension of time by acting chair Rep. Donna Christensen (D-Virgin Islands,) a decision Pascrell tried to reverse through debate. Christensen expressed concern that local governments would be unable to meet the medical need after a disaster, noting that many hospitals are already full. Rep. Christopher Shays (R-Conn.) asked said he believes the public has the right to know if intelligence suggests an event is at risk.
Colonel Robert Stephan, USAF (Ret.) of the Department of Homeland Security said federal, state, and local governments have improved their ability to work with one another and said that security and capability gaps are being recognized and fixed sooner. Stephan said the next presidential administration will need to work to make an efficient and even budget.
Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the global environment hearing Chairman Eni F. H. Faleomavaega (D-Amer. Samoa) asks if Japan could become a nuclear power. Alexander A. Arvizu, deputy assistant Secretary of State, says that Japan feels secure in its alliance with the U.S. (0:51)
