Podcasts about arabian peninsula aqap

Houthi Attacks, Sanctions, and the Implications of a Gaza Ceasefire Guest: Bridget Toumey Bridget Toumey reports that the Houthis, who are well-organized and disciplined, attacked a Dutch ship in the Gulf of Aden and continued launching at least one missile and one drone at Israel, a slower pace than the nearly daily attacks seen in September. The Houthis also sanctioned 13 US oil and energy companies and their CEOs, citing the war in Gaza and US support for Israel. This announcement mirrored US sanctions and may be a precursor to resuming attacks against US-connected vessels. Israel's counter-Houthi air strikes have hit targets but have failed to deter the group, which also exploits connections with other terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). If the Gaza conflict ends, the Houthis might need a new casus belli to justify attacks, but they are willing to invent excuses if Iran wishes to continue stirring chaos. 1926 SANAA

CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION GAZA PLAN.. 1950 RAMALLAH 10-6-25 FIRST HOUR 9-915 The Trump Peace Plan and the Problematic Role of the Palestinian Authority Guest: Peter Berkowitz Peter Berkowitz examines the Trump peace plan, which calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of 50 remaining hostages (living and dead) within 72 hours, and the disarming of Hamas. Hamas disarmament is a crucial Israeli war aim. The central challenge is the future role of the Palestinian Authority (PA), which Berkowitz argues is corrupt, incompetent, weak, and lacks democratic legitimacy, having not held elections since 2005. International recognition of a Palestinian state is viewed as counterproductive, as it rewards proponents of armed struggle. The plan anticipates a pathway toward a Palestinian state only after substantial and comprehensive PA reform, including ceasing terror incitement and abandoning the goal of Israel's destruction. Given the security challenges and the history of Palestinian rejection of a state coexisting with Israel, the realistic possibility of a two-state solution is seen as many years in the future. 915-930 The Trump Peace Plan and the Problematic Role of the Palestinian Authority Guest: Peter Berkowitz Peter Berkowitz examines the Trump peace plan, which calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of 50 remaining hostages (living and dead) within 72 hours, and the disarming of Hamas. Hamas disarmament is a crucial Israeli war aim. The central challenge is the future role of the Palestinian Authority (PA), which Berkowitz argues is corrupt, incompetent, weak, and lacks democratic legitimacy, having not held elections since 2005. International recognition of a Palestinian state is viewed as counterproductive, as it rewards proponents of armed struggle. The plan anticipates a pathway toward a Palestinian state only after substantial and comprehensive PA reform, including ceasing terror incitement and abandoning the goal of Israel's destruction. Given the security challenges and the history of Palestinian rejection of a state coexisting with Israel, the realistic possibility of a two-state solution is seen as many years in the future. 930-945 Houthi Attacks, Sanctions, and the Implications of a Gaza Ceasefire Guest: Bridget Toumey Bridget Toumey reports that the Houthis, who are well-organized and disciplined, attacked a Dutch ship in the Gulf of Aden and continued launching at least one missile and one drone at Israel, a slower pace than the nearly daily attacks seen in September. The Houthis also sanctioned 13 US oil and energy companies and their CEOs, citing the war in Gaza and US support for Israel. This announcement mirrored US sanctions and may be a precursor to resuming attacks against US-connected vessels. Israel's counter-Houthi air strikes have hit targets but have failed to deter the group, which also exploits connections with other terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). If the Gaza conflict ends, the Houthis might need a new casus belli to justify attacks, but they are willing to invent excuses if Iran wishes to continue stirring chaos. 945-1000 Life, Economy, and Chinese Threat Perception in Taipei, Taiwan Guest: Anne Stevenson-Yang Anne Stevenson-Yang reports from Taipei, Taiwan, a vibrant economy and republic vital to the global economy due to TSMC, the microchip maker. Taiwan is characterized by a wonderful public culture where honesty and personal safety are prevalent. Despite its high-tech focus, the economy suffers from problems common elsewhere, including increasing income inequality, unaffordability, high housing prices, and stagnant wages. Regarding geopolitical tensions, the average Taiwanese person is largely immune to the constant threat from China, having heard talk of belligerence for the last 30 years. However, there is apprehension related to China's grim economic winter and growing concern that the US protective umbrella may be receding, leading to more interest in investing in Taiwan's own defense. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Iran's Strategy, Setbacks for Hezbollah, and the Chinese Economic Lifeline Guest: Jonathan Sayah Jonathan Sayah discusses US efforts to bolster the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) with $230 million, intending to empower the national identity over sectarian militias like Hezbollah. Iran consistently seeks to arm its proxies, but Hezbollah is currently on its back foot, having lost leadership, money, and the Syria corridor due to Israeli attacks and the new regime in Syria. A peace deal in Gaza would significantly weaken Iran, as stability does not favor the Islamic Republic, which thrives by exploiting regional instability. The morale of the Islamic Republic has crumbled due to external defeats and internal incompetence (failing infrastructure, high inflation). Furthermore, Iran relies heavily on China to purchase oil, utilizing a money-laundering network to evade US sanctions, securing an economic lifeline for the regime in return for natural resources and infrastructure projects. 1015-1030 Iran's Strategy, Setbacks for Hezbollah, and the Chinese Economic Lifeline Guest: Jonathan Sayah Jonathan Sayah discusses US efforts to bolster the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) with $230 million, intending to empower the national identity over sectarian militias like Hezbollah. Iran consistently seeks to arm its proxies, but Hezbollah is currently on its back foot, having lost leadership, money, and the Syria corridor due to Israeli attacks and the new regime in Syria. A peace deal in Gaza would significantly weaken Iran, as stability does not favor the Islamic Republic, which thrives by exploiting regional instability. The morale of the Islamic Republic has crumbled due to external defeats and internal incompetence (failing infrastructure, high inflation). Furthermore, Iran relies heavily on China to purchase oil, utilizing a money-laundering network to evade US sanctions, securing an economic lifeline for the regime in return for natural resources and infrastructure projects. 1030-1045 Taiwanese Resilience and Japan's New Conservative Leader Guest: Scott Harold Scott Harold discusses Taiwan's resilience, rooted in its democratic rule of law and high societal trust, which China attempts to undermine. Taiwanese self-identity is deepening, particularly among younger generations. However, concerns exist in Taipei that the US administration's "Fortress America" focus is inducing doubt about Washington's commitment to Taiwan's defense, a doubt China exploits. Harold also covers the historic rise of Takaichi Sanae as the LDP head in Japan, positioning her to become the first female Prime Minister. Takaichi is a conservative acolyte of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo who emphasized increased defense spending to enhance the US-Japan alliance. Her selection was seen as an effort to bring conservative votes back to the LDP, responding to growing political frustration and capitalizing on sentiment against an influx of foreigners. 1045-1100 Taiwanese Resilience and Japan's New Conservative Leader Guest: Scott Harold Scott Harold discusses Taiwan's resilience, rooted in its democratic rule of law and high societal trust, which China attempts to undermine. Taiwanese self-identity is deepening, particularly among younger generations. However, concerns exist in Taipei that the US administration's "Fortress America" focus is inducing doubt about Washington's commitment to Taiwan's defense, a doubt China exploits. Harold also covers the historic rise of Takaichi Sanae as the LDP head in Japan, positioning her to become the first female Prime Minister. Takaichi is a conservative acolyte of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo who emphasized increased defense spending to enhance the US-Japan alliance. Her selection was seen as an effort to bring conservative votes back to the LDP, responding to growing political frustration and capitalizing on sentiment against an influx of foreigners. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Europe Responds to Russian Harassment Without US Lead Guest: Mary Kissel Mary Kissel analyzes the European emergency summit in Copenhagen, convened due to alarming mysterious drone activity over European airports, likely instigated by Russia. This harassment, which includes potential risks like hitting a passenger jet, aims to create confusion and test the resolve of the continent. The outcome, focusing on a "drone wall," suggests that the EU is starting to take more responsibility for its own defense, a long-term goal of US presidents. Kissel notes that the US absence from the prominent conversation does not signal the end of NATO. She also highlights that politicians like Starmer and Meloni are moving toward stronger defense measures, realizing that their voting bases are unhappy with current economic and security outcomes 1115-1130 Syria's Search for Stability: Security Deals, the Golan Heights, and the Gaza Impact Guests: Ahmad Sharawi, Bill Roggio Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio discuss Syrian President al-Sharaa's focus on stability and his pursuit of a security agreement with Israel. Negotiating away the Golan Heights is considered a non-starter for al-Sharaa's survival, as his father, Hafez Assad, is often seen as the man who lost the territory, and al-Sharaa would be domestically labeled a traitor by all segments of the Syrian population, including hardliners. A full peace agreement is out of the question, but a limited security agreement might be possible, allowing Israel to maintain its presence in the Golan Heights while potentially withdrawing from areas entered after the fall of the Assad regime. The end of the war in Gaza is expected to expedite negotiations between Syria and Israel toward a security deal, as it affects the optics of al-Sharaa making such a move in the Arab world. Al-Sharaa's main priority is removing Israeli presence and stopping Israeli air strikes inside southern Syria 1130-1145 Russia's Multi-Front War: European Drones, Space Threats, and Tomahawk Missiles Guests: John Hardie, Bill Roggio John Hardie discusses Russia's expanding conflict, which includes drones over European airports like Munich and Berlin, viewed by Denmark as Russian "gray zone" activity aimed at testing Western response. NATO has been slow to adopt cost-effective counter-drone measures, unlike Ukraine's use of mobile fire groups. Russia is also engaging in anti-satellite activity, with Russian satellites reportedly stalking UK military satellites in low Earth orbit. Russia continues to target Ukrainian energy infrastructure with massive barrages as winter approaches. The US is reportedly considering supplying longer-range Tomahawk missiles to allies for transfer to Ukraine. These missiles could strike deep into Russian military-industrial sites, which, coupled with economic pressure, might convince Putin to pause the war. 1145-1200 Russia's Multi-Front War: European Drones, Space Threats, and Tomahawk Missiles Guests: John Hardie, Bill Roggio J FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Gaza Ceasefire Talks: Hostages, Disarmament, and Hamas's Reach into Europe Guest: Joe Truzman Joe Truzman details the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, which center on the release of the remaining 48 hostages (living and deceased) within 72 hours, potentially in exchange for a significant number of Palestinian prisoners, including convicted terrorists. The central obstacle to peace is Hamas's refusal to disarm, viewing it as tantamount to surrendering their identity. Fighting has lessened, with Israel toning down air strikes, possibly to show goodwill to President Trump. Truzman emphasizes that if Hamas retains its arms, another conflict is inevitable. He also notes the rise in reported Hamas plots in Europe, something uncommon historically, indicating the organization may be branching out its operations and feeling emboldened, as seen in the recent deadly attack on a synagogue in Manchester. 1215-1230 Gaza Ceasefire Talks: Hostages, Disarmament, and Hamas's Reach into Europe Guest: Joe Truzman . 1230-1245 Maduro Regime Threatens US Embassy; Lula's Concern over US Pressure Guests: Alejandro Piña Esclusá, Ernesto Araújo Alejandro Piña Esclusá reports that Nicolás Maduro's chief negotiator, Jorge Rodríguez, falsely claimed a third party plans to assault the US embassy in Caracas, but Esclusá warns that Maduro himself ordered the operation. The regime is allegedly interested in the embassy because they believe opposition leader María Corina Machado is hidden there. The regime, which stole the election, is now persecuting and imprisoning more opposition members than ever to infuse terror into the population. Ernesto Araújo views an attack on the embassy—an action against the "only thing that's sacred in international relations"—as very serious, suggesting Maduro is desperate for a bargaining chip with the US. Brazil's Lula da Silva is reportedly worried about the seriousness of the US attitude toward Maduro and may be softening his stance with Trump, fearing what information might emerge regarding the Foro de São Paulo organization if the Maduro regime falls. 1245-100AM Maduro Regime Threatens US Embassy; Lula's Concern over US Pressure Guests: Alejandro Piña Esclusá, Ernesto Araújo

This week's update examines a new video from the leader of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), calling for global jihad and attacks on Jews, Israel, and America in response to events in Gaza. We then shift to a new warning from the FBI and DHS regarding threats to Jewish and Israeli communities in the homeland. An expanded written version of this report can be found within our weekly Threat Journal email newsletter. You can subscribe for FREE by simply visiting https://www.ThreatJournal.com . A link to this issue will immediately be sent to you via email. AlertsUSA Homepage http://www.AlertsUSA.com – (Homeland Security Alerts for Mobile Devices) AlertsUSA on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/alertsusa AlertsUSA on Twitter https://twitter.com/alertsusa Threat Journal on Twitter https://twitter.com/threatjournal Threat Journal Homepage https://www.ThreatJournal.com

Arab Digest editor William Law's guest this week is the jihadist extremism expert Dr Elisabeth Kendall. Their conversation focuses on Yemen's Huthis and Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP.) Both have benefitted from the Gaza war in terms of popular support and propaganda messaging while a peace deal to end the nearly ten years of civil war slips further and further away. Sign up NOW at ArabDigest.org for free to join the club and start receiving our daily newsletter & weekly podcasts.

While the Islamic State's savvy media presence may have overshadowed that of al-Qaeda over the past decade, the efforts of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) operating in war-torn Yemen show the group remains a long-term threat.

Elisabeth Kendall and Nadwa al-Dawsari join Charles Lister to discuss Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and its place in Yemen's persistent internal conflict.

Notable guests join us to cover the important weekly news stories as President Biden is doubling down on backing Saudi Arabia and arming terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda on the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in Yemen.Caleb Maupin, journalist and political analyst, joins us to discuss this week's important stories. Recent battles between alternative voices on YouTube have revealed the reality that some on the left in America have been co-opted by neo-liberal and neo-con elements in the US government and beyond. Also, a European event hosted by the political arm of an odd terrorist cult called the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq has caused a significant uproar, as several European and American politicians attended and made outrageous remarks. Also, the US State Department's fingerprints are all over the current political problems in both Haiti and Cuba. Chris Hedges, investigative journalist, joins us to discuss his latest article. In his article "Bless the Traitors," Chris Hedges discusses the treatment of besieged whistleblowers such as Julian Assange and Daniel Hale. Richard Wolff, professor of economics and host of "Democracy At Work" on YouTube, joins us to discuss the current economic situation in the US empire and its connected vassal states. The neo-liberal economic model has wrought economic disaster both in the US and abroad, and the COVID-19 pandemic has created a dynamic in which only massive government intervention can keep the entire system from collapsing. How long will the federal reserve be able to print its way out of disaster?Ajamu Baraka, former VP Candidate for the Green Party, joins Dan Kovalik, writer, author and lawyer, to discuss this week's important foreign policy stories with a focus on the Global South. Investigative reporters have uncovered a mysterious social media operation that is directly related to the unrest in Cuba. Right-wing operators in South America are said to have used bots, algorithms, and accounts recently created to amplify messages issued by the directors of the illicit campaign. Also, 184 nations voted against continuing the brutal US blockade on Cuba, as only the US and Israel supported the continuance of the measures. Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author of The Velvet Coup, joins Martin Sieff, senior fellow at the American University in Moscow, for the weekly foreign policy review. In the latest sign of massive blowback from president Biden's attacks on Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units, US bases and logistics supply units in Syria and Iraq are facing ongoing attacks that have the earmarks of sophisticated coordination and appear to be part of a long term plan to end the US occupation. NATO continues with major provocations in the Black Sea, as 31 nations are included in the marine operations. Also, 95 Greek & 10 Icelandic MPs called on President Biden to free Julian Assange.

President Biden has abandoned his campaign promise to end the Yemen conflict and is doubling down on backing Saudi Arabia and arming terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda on the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).Nino Pagliccia, activist and writer, joins us to discuss Cuba. Investigative reporters have uncovered a mysterious social media operation that is directly related to the unrest in Cuba. Right-wing operators in South America are said to have used bots, algorithms, and accounts recently created to amplify messages issued by the directors of the illicit campaign. Dr. Jack Rasmus, professor in economics and politics at St. Mary's College in California, joins us to discuss President Biden's latest economic package. Congressional Democrats are preparing a $3.5 trillion reconciliation spending package that includes both safety net and infrastructure measures. The bill is said to be financed with tax increases on the wealthy and corporations. Kathy Kelly, American peace activist, joins us to discuss Yemen. President Biden has abandoned his campaign promise to end the Yemen conflict and is doubling down on backing Saudi Arabia and arming terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda on the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). His efforts seem to be failing, as the Houthis are regaining territory recently taken by the Saudi coalition.Alexander Mercouris, editor-in-chief at theduran.com and host of "The Alexander Mercouris Show" on YouTube, joins us to discuss Russia. As per their discussion at the Geneva summit, Presidents Putin and Biden seem to have agreed on a foundation to begin working on a joint cyberwarfare agreement of some kind. Meanwhile, the New York Times is reporting that President Biden is threatening President Putin with massive retaliation for attacks that the US intelligence agencies have argued are coming from inside of Russia.Linwood Tauheed, associate professor of economics, University of Missouri-Kansas City, joins us to discuss climate legislation. A recent expose by the investigative journalism arm of Greenpeace is sparking cries for action, as fossil fuel lobbyists are recorded discussing their plans to fight climate change legislation. The lobbyists brag about speaking with Senator Joe Manchin's (D-WV) office weekly, and argue that they are looking out for their shareholders.Ted Rall, political cartoonist and syndicated columnist, joins us to discuss the apparent propaganda war that is being waged against citizens of Western nations by their own elected leadership and corporate media. Alex Rubenstein tells of a media offer he received that was rescinded when he crossed the line on corporate censorship. Also, Patrick Lawrence has penned an excellent article in which he discusses a myriad of examples of media misinformation and just plain falsehoods.Tunde Osazua, coordinator of the Black Alliance for Peace Out of Africa Network, joins us to discuss Africa. Our guest comes on to discuss the new “Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership Program Act of 2021” legislation, which passed with bipartisan support. As many agree that a change of US policy is desperately needed in Africa, many observers see this legislation as nothing more than a change of sentiment. Gary Flowers, radio talk show host and public policy analyst, joins us to discuss activist, author, and intellectual professor Cornel West, who has left Harvard University and penned an explosive letter in which he blasts the elite vine-covered university on a number of fronts. West cites "spiritual rot" and "deference to Palestinian preferences" being at the heart of his issues with the iconic institution.

The Saudi-led coalition has led a brutal air campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen since 2015. The result has been a tremendous humanitarian catastrophe, with 50,000 dead, millions on the brink of starvation, and a deadly outbreak of cholera in 2016. The dire situation has also been exacerbated by the continuation and intensification of two overlapping wars—the U.S. war against Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and the Islamic State, and an intractable, multi-sided civil war. While the United States has demonstrated some desire to distance itself from the Yemen war, the Saudi-led coalition has intensified its battle over the port city of Hodeidah. Gregory Johnsen discusses the multiple overlapping conflicts in Yemen and the options for the United States to reduce the negative humanitarian and strategic consequences of the conflict there. Gregory Johnsen is a Yemen expert who served on the Yemen Panel of Experts for the UN Security Council from 2016 to 2018. He was a Fulbright fellow in Yemen and resident scholar at the Arabia Foundation, and holds a PhD in Near Eastern Studies from Princeton University. Johnsen is also the author of The Last Refuge: Yemen, Al-Qaeda, and America’s War in Arabia. Participants Gregory Johnsen, author and Yemen scholar Michael Wahid Hanna, The Century Foundation Thanassis Cambanis, The Century Foundation

Responsible for U.S. military activity in 20 countries, U.S. Central Command is faced with multiple difficult, generational challenges. The Taliban is surging in Afghanistan. The Islamic State group 's so-called "caliphate" is crumbling in Iraq and Syria. Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) continues to make deceptively clever and elusive bombs, while engaged in a brutal fight to taken over Yemen. CENTCOM spokesman Col. John Thomas paints a stark picture for Target USA of the incredibly complex and dangerous challenges facing the U.S.

In November 2016, al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) cited the bombings in New Jersey as a model for future attacks in the United States, the first time the group has highlighted New Jersey in its English-language magazine Inspire. AQAP uses Rahimi as an instructive case study on how to improve planning and execution in future terrorist operations. AQAP remains a persistent threat to the West because of its proven ability to incorporate, train, and deploy operatives abroad; the group also has maintained a territorial foothold in Yemen, giving it space to plan and finance operations. AQAP has not attempted to attack the United States since 2012, when a foiled plot against a US-bound airliner, conceived by the group’s chief bombmaker Ibrahim al-Asiri, was disrupted. The bombings in New Jersey and New York and the attacks in Orlando and at Ohio State University last year highlight the enduring influence of radical cleric Anwar al-Aulaqi, who was killed in a US airstrike in Yemen in 2011. Since 2011, Aulaqi has been named in over 20 terrorism cases in the United States. The most recent drone strikes in Yemen provide AQAP with an opportunity to revisit the death of al-Aulaqi and further their propaganda as well as increase recruitment. Join Director of Intelligence Rosemary Martorana and Intelligence Analyst Alyssa Potter as they explore recent developments in AQAP's tactics and their overall threat to the West.

Tune-in to Episode 32 of Intelligence. Unclassified. as Intelligence Analysts Alyssa Potter and Angie Gad cover the recent propaganda produced by Al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), particularly in their respective magazines: Inspire and Dabiq.

Homegrown Violent Extremists (HVEs) are individuals inspired by foreign terrorist organizations and radicalized in the countries in which they are born, raised, or reside. In 2015, HVEs demonstrated an ability to operate in New Jersey and throughout the United States while connecting with like-minded individuals online and acting independently from organized terrorist groups. Since late 2014, a variety of radical groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) have encouraged HVEs to attack in their home countries. This week’s episode of Intelligence. Unclassified. brings in both NJOHSP Director of Intelligence Rosemary Martorana and Analysis Bureau Chief Dean Baratta to further expand upon the details surrounding this pheonmenon.

Morten Storm was a Danish convert to Islam who became a close associate of Anwar al-Awlaki, the American imam who was a senior member of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in Yemen. He even ate in Awlaki’s home and helped find him a wife. When Storm repented of his radical ways, he turned to the Danish intelligence service and offered inside access to AQAP. Hear him tell SPY Historian Mark Stout how MI6 and CIA came into the picture and how he helped tracked down Awlaki, who died in a controversial CIA drone attack in September 2011.

One of the most underappreciated aspects of the Scott Brown victory in deep blue Massachusetts was his vigorous, clear, no apologies defense of some of the most controversial aspects related to how we handle the war on terror, or whatever the Obama administration is calling it this week. War on man-made disasters is sooooo 2009! Scott Brown said quite clearly, the Christmas Eve crotch bomber was funded and trained by Al Qaeda and therefore, he should be treated as an enemy combatant within the military justice system. His opponent, Martha Coakley, agreed with the Obama administration that he should be read his rights, lawyered-up and put into our civilian court system where he will enjoy the same constitutional protections as you or I would. The choice for voters was crystal clear. I have never read a book that made me as angry as Courting Disaster. The Obama administration approach to the war on terror is as naïve as it is dangerous. The crotch bomber incident is the perfect example of how we no longer able to effectively interrogate, or even question terrorists with potentially critical information. In a war against small cells of people able to move freely around the world, human intelligence is more important than ever. The Obama administration has put a blindfold on the CIA. Stephen F. Hayes at the Weekly Standard reviews Robert Gibbs statements on the way the crotch bomber was dealt with and it just serves as validation for everything author Marc Thiessen covers in this book. "We learned that the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Michael Leiter, whose agency is responsible for pulling together pieces of intelligence to prevent attacks, went on vacation the day after the attack. We learned that the top White House counterterrorism adviser, John Brennan, told him to go. We learned that the White House's initial view of the botched attack -- from Janet Napolitano and Robert Gibbs -- was that "the system worked." We learned that President Obama still believed the attempted bombing was the work of "an isolated extremist" three days after the attack, despite a wealth of evidence that Abdulmutallab had been sent by al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). We learned that Brennan was surprised that AQAP was capable of attacking the United States. We learned that Napolitano was surprised by al Qaeda's "determination" to hit the U.S. and stunned that they would send an individual -- not a group -- to conduct an attack. We learned that four top U.S. counterterrorism officials -- Leiter, Napolitano, FBI Director Robert Mueller and Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair -- were not consulted about whether to treat Abdulmutallab as an enemy combatant or a criminal. We learned that a proposed "high-value detainee interrogation unit," or HIG, does not exist one year into the Obama administration. We learned that Blair, the nation's top intelligence official, thought that it did. We learned that Abdulmutallab was read his Miranda rights less than twelve hours after he was captured. We learned that the FBI interrogated Abdulmutallab for just 50 minutes before he was told he had the right to remain silent and chose to exercise it. That's an impressive record of incompetence." We had a bad connection initially, but we called Marc back and jumped right into this excellent book. We covered a lot of ground but it felt like we only had time to scratch the surface. I hope to have him back on soon. I recommend buying this book, and some Tums to go along with it. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 8-10pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

One of the most underappreciated aspects of the Scott Brown victory in deep blue Massachusetts was his vigorous, clear, no apologies defense of some of the most controversial aspects related to how we handle the war on terror, or whatever the Obama administration is calling it this week. War on man-made disasters is sooooo 2009! Scott Brown said quite clearly, the Christmas Eve crotch bomber was funded and trained by Al Qaeda and therefore, he should be treated as an enemy combatant within the military justice system. His opponent, Martha Coakley, agreed with the Obama administration that he should be read his rights, lawyered-up and put into our civilian court system where he will enjoy the same constitutional protections as you or I would. The choice for voters was crystal clear. I have never read a book that made me as angry as Courting Disaster. The Obama administration approach to the war on terror is as naïve as it is dangerous. The crotch bomber incident is the perfect example of how we no longer able to effectively interrogate, or even question terrorists with potentially critical information. In a war against small cells of people able to move freely around the world, human intelligence is more important than ever. The Obama administration has put a blindfold on the CIA. Stephen F. Hayes at the Weekly Standard reviews Robert Gibbs statements on the way the crotch bomber was dealt with and it just serves as validation for everything author Marc Thiessen covers in this book. "We learned that the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Michael Leiter, whose agency is responsible for pulling together pieces of intelligence to prevent attacks, went on vacation the day after the attack. We learned that the top White House counterterrorism adviser, John Brennan, told him to go. We learned that the White House's initial view of the botched attack -- from Janet Napolitano and Robert Gibbs -- was that "the system worked." We learned that President Obama still believed the attempted bombing was the work of "an isolated extremist" three days after the attack, despite a wealth of evidence that Abdulmutallab had been sent by al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). We learned that Brennan was surprised that AQAP was capable of attacking the United States. We learned that Napolitano was surprised by al Qaeda's "determination" to hit the U.S. and stunned that they would send an individual -- not a group -- to conduct an attack. We learned that four top U.S. counterterrorism officials -- Leiter, Napolitano, FBI Director Robert Mueller and Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair -- were not consulted about whether to treat Abdulmutallab as an enemy combatant or a criminal. We learned that a proposed "high-value detainee interrogation unit," or HIG, does not exist one year into the Obama administration. We learned that Blair, the nation's top intelligence official, thought that it did. We learned that Abdulmutallab was read his Miranda rights less than twelve hours after he was captured. We learned that the FBI interrogated Abdulmutallab for just 50 minutes before he was told he had the right to remain silent and chose to exercise it. That's an impressive record of incompetence." We had a bad connection initially, but we called Marc back and jumped right into this excellent book. We covered a lot of ground but it felt like we only had time to scratch the surface. I hope to have him back on soon. I recommend buying this book, and some Tums to go along with it. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 8-10pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.