Politics should never get in the way of national security. But too many in Washington are now misrepresenting the facts to score political points, instead of coming together to keep us safe.
Immediately after the failed Christmas Day attack, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was thoroughly interrogated and provided important information. Senior counterterrorism officials from the White House, the intelligence community and the military were all actively discussing this case before he was Mirandized and supported the decision to charge him in criminal court.
The most important breakthrough occurred after Abdulmutallab was read his rights, a long-standing FBI policy that was reaffirmed under Michael Mukasey, President Bush's attorney general. The critics who want the FBI to ignore this long-established practice also ignore the lessons we have learned in waging this war: Terrorists such as Jose Padilla and Saleh al-Mari did not cooperate when transferred to military custody, which can harden one's determination to resist cooperation.
It's naive to think that transferring Abdulmutallab to military custody would have caused an outpouring of information. There is little difference between military and civilian custody, other than an interrogator with a uniform. The suspect gets access to a lawyer, and interrogation rules are nearly identical.
Would-be shoe bomber Richard Reid was read his Miranda rights five minutes after being taken off a plane he tried to blow up. The same people who criticize the president today were silent back then.
Cries to try terrorists only in military courts lack foundation. There have been three convictions of terrorists in the military tribunal system since 9/11, and hundreds in the criminal justice system — including high-profile terrorists such as Reid and 9/11 plotter Zacarius Moussaoui.
This administration's efforts have disrupted dozens of terrorist plots against the homeland and been responsible for killing and capturing hundreds of hard-core terrorists, including senior leaders in Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia and beyond — far more than in 2008. We need no lectures about the fact that this nation is at war.
Politically motivated criticism and unfounded fear-mongering only serve the goals of al-Qaeda. Terrorists are not 100-feet tall. Nor do they deserve the abject fear they seek to instill. They will, however, be dismantled and destroyed, by our military, our intelligence services and our law enforcement community. And the notion that America's counterterrorism professionals and America's system of justice are unable to handle these murderous miscreants is absurd
.
John Brennan is Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism.
John Brennan is Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism.
7 comments:
Joe,I'm curious about something. Everything Obama does seems to have an ulterior motive in my opinion. I honestly believe he wants healthcare passed so bad because of the further financial crunch it'll put OUR country in and he is doing everything possible to put us in dire(r) financial straits so we'll be more susceptible to attacks. Just curious what other's feelings are.
This clown lied to 4 members of congress. He briefed them and then let the enemy (alqueda) known that the pantie bomber was starting to sing like a bird, which tainted the value of the information.
He's a marxist acting like a marxist. Why be confused?
what is bonkers about what was said?
11:36 I agree with you 100%. I have been saying that for a long time. He was put in place to finish taking us down. After seeing what is going on, how can anyone possibly think anything else? It is obvious! He has done everything he can to weaken us economically and militarily, not to mention the homeland security front. Wake up America, we have elected the enemy.
When will the nation accept that obama is a muslim? He is pro terrorist and will not punish anyone for terrorist activity. Get the picture America!
3:11, you guys are just starting to bore me. "will not punish anyone for terrorist activity". So why are we doubling down on Afghanistan? Why the increased pressure in Yemen? Why am I even taking the time to rebut a dumb@$$ statement like yours? It must be the snow.
Post a Comment