Proposed Additional Views of Representatives Jim Jordan and Mike Pompeo Summary of Conclusions I
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Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens, Seamus Hughes, Bennett Clifford FEBRUARY 2018
Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens, Seamus Hughes, Bennett Clifford FEBRUARY 2018 THE TRAVELERS American Jihadists in Syria and Iraq BY Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens, Seamus Hughes, Bennett Cliford Program on Extremism February 2018 All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. © 2018 by Program on Extremism Program on Extremism 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20006 www.extremism.gwu.edu Contents Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................v A Note from the Director .........................................................................................vii Foreword ......................................................................................................................... ix Executive Summary .......................................................................................................1 Introduction: American Jihadist Travelers ..........................................................5 Foreign Fighters and Travelers to Transnational Conflicts: Incentives, Motivations, and Destinations ............................................................. 5 American Jihadist Travelers: 1980-2011 ..................................................................... 6 How Do American Jihadist -
American Bottom Conservancy • Arkansas Wildlife Federation
American Bottom Conservancy • Arkansas Wildlife Federation • Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis • Biodiversity Project • Center for Neighborhood Technology • Citizens Against Widening the Industrial Canal • Committee on the Middle Fork Vermilion River • Delta Chapter Sierra Club • Delta Waterfowl Foundation • Friends of the Kaw/Kansas Riverkeeper • Friends of the North Fork and White Rivers • Great Rivers Environmental Law Center • Gulf Restoration Network • Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy • Iowa Chapter Sierra Club • Iowa Environmental Council • Iowa Rivers Revival • Jesus People Against Pollution • Kansas Natural Resource Council • Kansas Wildlife Federation • Kentucky Resources Council • Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation • Louisiana Bucket Brigade • Louisiana Environmental Action Network • Lower Mississippi Riverkeeper • Lower Mississippi River Foundation • Lower 9th Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development • Mid South Fly Fishers • Milwaukee Riverkeeper • Minnesota Conservation Federation • Minnesota Division of Izaak Walton League of America • Minnesota Ornithologists' Union • Mississippi Chapter of the Sierra Club • Mississippi River Corridor • Mississippi River Fund • Missouri Coalition for the Environment • Missouri River Initiative of Izaak Walton League of America • Missouri River Waterfowlers Association • Open Space Council • Prairie Rivers Network • South Dakota Wildlife Federation • Tennessee Clean Water Network • Wolf Rive Conservancy • Yell County Wildlife Federation June 21, 2011 President Barack -
State Department Reform
State Department Reform Report of an Independent Task Force Cosponsored by the Council on Foreign Relations and the Center for Strategic and International Studies Frank C. Carlucci, Chair Ian J. Brzezinski, Project Coordinator The Council on Foreign Relations, Inc., a nonprofit, nonpartisan national orga- nization founded in 1921, is dedicated to promoting understanding of international affairs through the free and civil exchange of ideas. The Council’s members are dedicated to the belief that America’s peace and prosperity are firmly linked to that of the world. From this flows the mission of the Council: to foster America’s understanding of other nations—their peoples, cul- tures, histories, hopes, quarrels, and ambitions—and thus to serve our nation through study and debate, private and public. THE COUNCIL TAKES NO INSTITUTIONAL POSITION ON POLICY ISSUES AND HAS NO AFFILIATION WITH THE U.S. GOVERNMENT. ALL STATEMENTS OF FACT AND EXPRESSIONS OF OPINION CONTAINED IN ALL ITS PUBLI- CATIONS ARE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE AUTHOR OR AUTHORS. The Council will sponsor an Independent Task Force when (1) an issue of current and critical importance to U.S. foreign policy arises, and (2) it seems that a group diverse in backgrounds and perspectives may, nonetheless, be able to reach a meaningful consensus on a policy through private and nonpartisan deliberations. Typically, a Task Force meets between two and five times over a brief period to ensure the relevance of its work. Upon reaching a conclusion, a Task Force issues a report, and the Council publishes its text and posts it on the Council website. -
U.S. Citizens Kidnapped by the Islamic State John W
CRS Insights U.S. Citizens Kidnapped by the Islamic State John W. Rollins, Specialist in Terrorism and National Security ([email protected], 7-5529) Liana Rosen, Specialist in International Crime and Narcotics ([email protected], 7-6177) February 13, 2015 (IN10167) Overview On February 10, 2015, President Barack Obama acknowledged that U.S. citizen Kayla Mueller was killed while held in captivity by the terrorist group known as the Islamic State (IS). This was the fourth death of an American taken hostage by the Islamic State: Abdul-Rahman Kassig (previously Peter Kassig), James Foley, and Steven Sotloff were also killed. The death of Mueller and the graphic videos depicting the deaths of the other three Americans have generated debate about the U.S. government's role and capabilities for freeing hostages. In light of these deaths, some policymakers have called for a reevaluation of U.S. policy on international kidnapping responses. Questions include whether it is effective and properly coordinated and implemented, should be abandoned or modified to allow for exceptions and flexibility, or could benefit from enhancements to improve global adherence. Scope The killing of U.S. citizens by the Islamic State may be driven by a variety of underlying motives. Reports describe the group as inclined toward graphic and public forms of violence for purposes of intimidation and recruitment. It is unclear whether the Islamic State would have released its Americans hostages in exchange for ransom payments or other concessions. Foley's family, for example, disclosed that the Islamic State demanded a ransom of 100 million euros ($132 million). -
Libyan Municipal Council Research 1
Libyan Municipal Council Research 1. Detailed Methodology 2. Participation 3. Awareness 4. Knowledge 5. Communication 6. Service Delivery 7. Legitimacy 8. Drivers of Legitimacy 9. Focus Group Recommendations 10. Demographics Detailed Methodology • The survey was conducted on behalf of the International Republican Institute’s Center for Insights in Survey Research by Altai Consulting. This research is intended to support the development and evaluation of IRI and USAID/OTI Libya Transition Initiative programming with municipal councils. The research consisted of quantitative and qualitative components, conducted by IRI and USAID/OTI Libya Transition Initiative respectively. • Data was collected April 14 to May 24, 2016, and was conducted over the phone from Altai’s call center using computer-assisted telephone technology. • The sample was 2,671 Libyans aged 18 and over. • Quantitative: Libyans from the 22 administrative districts were interviewed on a 45-question questionnaire on municipal councils. In addition, 13 municipalities were oversampled to provide a more focused analysis on municipalities targeted by programming. Oversampled municipalities include: Tripoli Center (224), Souq al Jumaa (229), Tajoura (232), Abu Salim (232), Misrata (157), Sabratha (153), Benghazi (150), Bayda (101), Sabha (152), Ubari (102), Weddan (101), Gharyan (100) and Shahat (103). • The sample was post-weighted in order to ensure that each district corresponds to the latest population pyramid available on Libya (US Census Bureau Data, updated 2016) in order for the sample to be nationally representative. • Qualitative: 18 focus groups were conducted with 5-10 people of mixed employment status and level of education in Tripoli Center (men and women), Souq al Jumaa (men and women), Tajoura (men), Abu Salim (men), Misrata (men and women), Sabratha (men and women), Benghazi (men and women), Bayda (men), Sabha (men and women), Ubari (men), and Shahat (men). -
The Ukrainian Weekly, 2015
INSIDE: Experts analyze efforts of Ukraine’s new prosecutor – page 3 Congressional delegation meets with Poroshenko – page 4 Special section: Ukrainian Debutante Balls – pages 9-11 THEPublished U by theKRAINIAN Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationEEKLY Vol. LXXXIII No. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015 $2.00 Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ukraine’s minister of fi nance visits hears testimony on Ukraine policy D.C. to seek assistance for Ukraine Appearing on the first panel were Victoria Nuland, assistant secretary of state Frustration mounts for European and Eurasian affairs; Vice as Obama declines Admiral Frank Pandolfe, director for strate- gic plans and policy for the Joint Staff to provide lethal aid Pentagon; Brian P. McKeon, principal depu- ty undersecretary of defense for policy; and Ukrainian National Information Service Ramin Toloui, assistant secretary of trea- sury for international finance. WASHINGTON – The chairman of the Despite arguing that Ukraine figures Senate Foreign Relations Committee prominently in U.S. strategy in Europe and (SFRC), Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), called recounting the ways in which the U.S. is into session two panels to hear testimony offering economic support to Ukraine, the on President Barack Obama’s policy toward panelists did not say the U.S. is prepared to Ukraine to repel Russian aggression and offer Ukraine military assistance. It was push reform. Word of the president’s state- clear that the administration’s objective is ment in diplomatic channels in February to affect Russian behavior by diplomatic that his administration will not offer mili- means, which includes imposing sanctions tary assistance to Ukraine was the back- that will hurt Russia economically. -
Review of U.S. Treasury Department's License to Convert Iranian Assets
United States Senate PERMANENT SUBCOMMITTEE ON INVESTIGATIONS Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Rob Portman, Chairman Review of U.S. Treasury Department’s License to Convert Iranian Assets Using the U.S. Financial System MAJORITY REPORT PERMANENT SUBCOMMITTEE ON INVESTIGATIONS UNITED STATES SENATE REVIEW OF U.S. TREASURY DEPARTMENT’S LICENSE TO CONVERT IRANIAN ASSETS USING THE U.S. FINANCIAL SYSTEM TABLE OF CONTENTS I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................... 1 II. FINDINGS OF FACTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................... 5 III. BACKGROUND ...................................................................................................... 8 A. United States’ Sanctions Against Iran ............................................................ 8 1. The Joint Plan of Action ...................................................................................... 9 2. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action .......................................................... 10 B. United States Sanctions Enforcement ........................................................... 12 1. The United States Treasury Department ......................................................... 12 a. OFAC can Authorize Otherwise Prohibited Transactions using General Licenses and Specific Licenses ................................................................................. 14 2. The United States Department of State .......................................................... -
Gitmo Hs Doc3
USA ‘I HAVE NO REASON TO BELIEVE THAT I WILL EVER LEAVE THIS PRISON ALIVE’ INDEFINITE DETENTION AT GUANTÁNAMO CONTINUES; 100 DETAINEES ON HUNGER STRIKE Amnesty International Publications First published in May 2013 by Amnesty International Publications International Secretariat Peter Benenson House 1 Easton Street London WC1X 0DW United Kingdom www.amnesty.org Copyright Amnesty International Publications 2013 Index: AMR 51/022/2013 Original Language: English Printed by Amnesty International, International Secretariat, United Kingdom All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publishers. Amnesty International is a global movement of 3 million people in more than 150 countries and territories, who campaign on human rights. Our vision is for every person to enjoy all the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights instruments. We research, campaign, advocate and mobilize to end abuses of human rights. Amnesty International is independent of any government, political ideology, economic interest or religion. Our work is largely financed by contributions from our membership and donations Table of Contents ‘It is not a surprise to me that we’ve got problems in Guantánamo’ .................................... 1 History of a hunger striker ............................................................................................ -
IMC Libya Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Assessment Report
IMC Libya Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Assessment Report November 2011 Prepared by: Dr. Inka Weissbecker, IMC Global Mental Health and Psychosocial Advisor ([email protected]) and Colleen Fitzgerald, MSW, IMC Libya MHPSS Program Manager ([email protected]) 1 | P a g e Contents 1. Assessment Goals II. Psychiatric Services in General Hospitals 2. Assessment Methodology III. Mental Health Services through General Health 2.1. Site Visits, Interviews and Focus Group Clinics Discussions IV. Informal Service Providers 2.2. Assessment Instruments Local Non-Governmental Organizations 3. Assessment Results The School System 3.1. Sociopolitical Context and Recent Developments Traditional Healers 3.1.1. Recent Crisis in Libya V. Self-Care 3.1.2. International Medical Corps in Libya 3.4. The Educational System and Training 3.2. Mental Health and Psychosocial Context Opportunities 3.2.1. Prevalence of Mental Illness 3.4.1. Medical Professions 3.2.2. At Risk and Vulnerable Groups 3.4.2. Psychologists and Social Workers 3.2.2. Mental Health Related Problems, Coping and 3.5. International Organizations Involved in MHPSS Community Sources of Support Work 3.2.3. Attitudes Towards People with Mental Illness 4. Conclusions 3.2.4. Help-Seeking Patterns 5. References 3.3. The Mental Health System 6. Appendixes 3.3.1. General Health Care Appendix 1: MH PHC Integration Checklist 3.3.2. Mental Health Care in Affected Areas Appendix 2: Tool for Mental Health Related Problems, I. Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities Coping and Community Sources of Support 1. Assessment Goals The aim of this assessment was to: obtain an understanding of the mental health context (e.g. -
REVIEW of the TERRORIST ATTACKS on U.S. FACILITIES in BENGHAZI, LIBYA, SEPTEMBER 11-12,2012
LLIGE - REVIEW of the TERRORIST ATTACKS ON U.S. FACILITIES IN BENGHAZI, LIBYA, SEPTEMBER 11-12,2012 together with ADDITIONAL VIEWS January 15, 2014 SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE United States Senate 113 th Congress SSCI Review of the Terrorist Attacks on U.S. Facilities in Benghazi, Libya, September 11-12, 2012 I. PURPOSE OF TIDS REPORT The purpose of this report is to review the September 11-12, 2012, terrorist attacks against two U.S. facilities in Benghazi, Libya. This review by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (hereinafter "SSCI" or "the Committee") focuses primarily on the analy~is by and actions of the Intelligence Community (IC) leading up to, during, and immediately following the attacks. The report also addresses, as appropriate, other issues about the attacks as they relate to the Department ofDefense (DoD) and Department of State (State or State Department). It is important to acknowledge at the outset that diplomacy and intelligence collection are inherently risky, and that all risk cannot be eliminated. Diplomatic and intelligence personnel work in high-risk locations all over the world to collect information necessary to prevent future attacks against the United States and our allies. Between 1998 (the year of the terrorist attacks against the U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania) and 2012, 273 significant attacks were carried out against U.S. diplomatic facilities and personnel. 1 The need to place personnel in high-risk locations carries significant vulnerabilities for the United States. The Conimittee intends for this report to help increase security and reduce the risks to our personnel serving overseas and to better explain what happened before, during, and after the attacks. -
Process Makes Perfect Best Practices in the Art of National Security Policymaking
AP PHOTO/CHARLES DHARAPAK PHOTO/CHARLES AP Process Makes Perfect Best Practices in the Art of National Security Policymaking By Kori Schake, Hoover Institution, and William F. Wechsler, Center for American Progress January 2017 WWW.AMERICANPROGRESS.ORG Process Makes Perfect Best Practices in the Art of National Security Policymaking By Kori Schake, Hoover Institution, and William F. Wechsler, Center for American Progress January 2017 Contents 1 Introduction and summary 6 Findings 14 First-order questions for the next president 17 Best practices to consider 26 Policymaking versus oversight versus crisis management 36 Meetings, meetings, and more meetings 61 Internal NSC staff management 72 Appendix A 73 About the authors 74 Endnotes Introduction and summary Most modern presidents have found that the transition from campaigning to governing presents a unique set of challenges, especially regarding their newfound national security responsibilities. Regardless of their party affiliation or preferred diplomatic priorities, presidents have invariably come to appreciate that they can- not afford to make foreign policy decisions in the same manner as they did when they were a candidate. The requirements of managing an enormous and complex national security bureau- cracy reward careful deliberation and strategic consistency, while sharply punishing the kind of policy shifts that are more common on the campaign trail. Statements by the president are taken far more seriously abroad than are promises by a candidate, by both allies and adversaries alike. And while policy mistakes made before entering office can damage a candidate’s personal political prospects, a serious misstep made once in office can put the country itself at risk. -
Fewer Hands, More Mercy: a Plea for a Better Federal Clemency System
FEWER HANDS, MORE MERCY: A PLEA FOR A BETTER FEDERAL CLEMENCY SYSTEM Mark Osler*† INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................... 465 I. A SWAMP OF UNNECESSARY PROCESS .................................................. 470 A. From Simplicity to Complexity ....................................................... 470 B. The Clemency System Today .......................................................... 477 1. The Basic Process ......................................................................... 477 a. The Pardon Attorney’s Staff ..................................................... 478 b. The Pardon Attorney ................................................................ 479 c. The Staff of the Deputy Attorney General ................................. 481 d. The Deputy Attorney General ................................................... 481 e. The White House Counsel Staff ................................................ 483 f. The White House Counsel ......................................................... 484 g. The President ............................................................................ 484 2. Clemency Project 2014 ................................................................ 485 C. The Effect of a Bias in Favor of Negative Decisions ...................... 489 II. BETTER EXAMPLES: STATE AND FEDERAL .......................................... 491 A. State Systems ................................................................................... 491 1. A Diversity