Learn From Reading

18 Nov Learn From Reading

LEARN FROM READING
The papers and reports below have been featured in WHS’ monthly newsletter and reflect a variety of topics and reports from numerous sources.

Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Unclassified Executive Summary of Committee Report on 1225 Bombing

Conclusions of the Senate Select Committee’s investigation of the 1225 Bombing attempt.

TSA’s Preparedness for Mass Transit & Passenger Rail Emergencies

The Transportation Security Administration is responsible for security in all modes of transportation, including mass transit and passenger rail systems. Passenger rail systems face a dynamic landscape of potential natural disasters, accidents, and terrorist attacks. Since 1995, there have been more than 250 terrorist attacks worldwide against rail targets, resulting in nearly 900 deaths and more than 6,000 injuries. The Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency share responsibilities, programs, and resource investments to mass transit and passenger rail emergencies. We evaluated the Transportation Security Administration’s effectiveness in supporting mass transit and passenger rail agencies in preparing for and responding to emergency incidents.

Al Qaeda and Affiliates: Historical Perspective, Global Presence and Implications for U.S. Policy

Understanding the origins of Al Qaeda, its goals, current activities, and prospective future pursuits is key to developing sound U.S. strategies, policies, and programs. Appreciating the adaptive nature of Al Qaeda as a movement and the ongoing threat it projects onto U.S. global security interests assists in many facets of the national security enterprise; including, securing the homeland, congressional legislative process and oversight, alignment of executive branch resources and coordination efforts, and prioritization of foreign assistance. The focus of this report is on the history of Al Qaeda, actions and capabilities of the organization and non-aligned entities, and an analysis of select regional Al Qaeda affiliates. This report may be updated as events warrant.

Report from the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism

Headed by Colonel Randy Larsen who spoke to WHS at National Defense University last June, the Report hands out scathing “grades” for the nation’s efforts to protect the country from the threats posed by WMD and terrorism. For a FREE copy of the Commission’s first report, World At Risk, click on the report cover.