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July 9, 2008
Senate OKs Wiretapping Measure With Telecom Immunity
The Senate approved a bill Wednesday overhauling the rules on government eavesdropping and granting immunity to telecom companies that assist with government-ordered communications monitoring. The Senate approved the bill by a vote of 69-28.
June 20, 2008
Wiretapping Bill Heads to Senate After Telecom Debate
The House approved a wide-ranging terror surveillance overhaul Friday. Caroline Fredrickson of the ACLU and George Terwilliger, a former deputy attorney general for the first President Bush, examine the measure.
April 2, 2008
Memo Details Justification for Harsh Interrogation Tactics
The Pentagon made public a declassified -- and now defunct -- memo
that outlined the legal justifications for using harsh interrogation techniques
against terror suspects, saying that President Bush's wartime authority trumps
any international ban on torture.
Full Text of the Memo on Interrogations [PDF]: Part 1 | Part 2
February 5, 2008
CIA Chief Confirms Waterboarding; Al-Qaida Regrouping in Pakistan
Top intelligence officers publicly confirmed for the first time that three suspected terrorists were waterboarded and warned that al-Qaida is establishing cells in other countries, particularly Pakistan, to plan attacks within the United States.
January 22, 2008
Padilla
Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Prison
Convicted terror conspirator Jose Padilla, a U.S. citizen who
was once held as an enemy combatant by the Bush administration,
was sentenced Tuesday to 17 years and four months in prison on
terrorism conspiracy charges.
August 16, 2007
'Enemy
Combatant' Padilla Convicted of Supporting Terrorists
A federal jury in Miami convicted Jose Padilla on all three counts
of supporting overseas Islamic terrorist groups, including al-Qaida.
A reporter who covered the trial provides an update.
August 6, 2007
President
Signs Law to Expand Wiretapping Program
President Bush signed a law granting the National Security Agency
broader authority in monitoring communications among foreigners
and Americans. A civil liberties advocate and a former National
Security Council lawyer assess the new law.
August 1, 2007
President
Bush Presses for Flexibility on Terror Surveillance
President Bush is calling on Congress to update the Foreign Intelligence
Surveillance Act to let the government monitor overseas terror
suspects without warrants. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Rep. Peter
Hoekstra, R-Mich., debate the merits of such an expansion and
the mood on Capitol Hill.
May 8, 2007
Six
Men Arrested in Plot to Attack New Jersey's Fort Dix
Federal prosecutors have charged six Muslim men living in the
United States with plotting to sneak into Fort Dix in New Jersey
and kill as many military personnel as possible. The NewsHour
speaks with the U.S. attorney working on the case.
March 15, 2007
Al-Qaida
Suspect Says He Plotted 9/11, Other Attacks
Al-Qaida suspect Khalid Sheikh Mohammed admitted he was involved
in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the beheading of journalist
Daniel Pearl and more than 30 other attacks or plots during a
hearing at the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, prison. Philip Zelikow, former
executive director of the 9/11 commission, and author Ron Suskind
discuss Mohammed and his possible role as mastermind of the attacks.
Transcript:
Full text of Mohammed's inquiry hearing as posted on the Defense
Department's Web site. (PDF)
May 18, 2006
Senators
Question Hayden on Domestic Surveillance Programs
Former National Security Agency chief Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden
faced tough questioning Thursday about the NSA's wiretapping and
telephone log tracking programs, among other issues, during his
Senate confirmation hearings to run the Central Intelligence Agency.
After key excerpts from the hearings, David Ignatius of The Washington
Post and Mark Lowenthal, a former assistant director of Central
Intelligence for Analysis and Production analyze the days proceedings.
Opening Statements and Questions
RealAudio:
Gen. Michael Hayden's opening statement
RealAudio:
Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan.,
opening statement (RealAudio
of his questions)
RealAudio:
Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., opening statement (RealAudio
of his questions)
RealAudio:
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, questioning Hayden
RealAudio:
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., questioning Hayden
Analysis
RealAudio:
Columnists David Brooks and Tom Oliphant discuss what was said,
and not said, by the senators and Hayden, and the controversy
over the National Security Agency's telephone tracking programs.
RealAudio:
Jim Lehrer talks to Brooks and Oliphant about how Hayden is handling
the committee's questions.
RealAudio:
Brooks and Oliphant discuss how Congress is briefed on intelligence
matters and other issues raised during the confirmation hearing.
RealAudio:
Correspondent Kwame Holman gives an overview of the political
issues expected to play out in front of the Senate Intelligence
Committee. (5/17/06)
May 12, 2006
Legal
Experts Divided over NSA Program to Track Domestic Phone Calls
Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden, President Bush’s nominee for CIA
director, faced new pressure Friday over the administration’s
program to track domestic phone calls. Hayden led the National
Security Agency when it began that effort in the wake of the Sept.
11 attacks. Two intelligence experts debate the legality of the
phone call tracking program.
May 11, 2006
President
Bush Denies Federal Surveillance 'Trolling' Americans' Phone Calls
Sens. Kit Bond, R -Mo., a member of the Intelligence Committee,
and Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., a senior member of the Judiciary Committee,
react to President Bush's statement that the United States is
not "mining or trolling through the personal lives of innocent
Americans" after USA Today reported that the NSA has been
collecting data from AT&T, Verizon and BellSouth since the Sept.
11, 2001 attacks to search for patterns that might help identify
terrorist networks.
May 8, 2006
Hayden's
Nomination as CIA Chief Sparks Debate
President Bush nominated Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden to serve
as the Central Intelligence Agency's next leader, sparking debate
over Hayden's military background and his role in the NSA domestic
surveillance program. Two members of the House Intelligence Committee
discuss the nomination and the CIA's new direction.
March 9, 2006
Patriot
Act Renewed with Some Privacy Protections
President Bush signed a renewal of the USA Patriot Act into law
Thursday, a day before 16 major provisions of the law were set
to expire. The legislation passed Tuesday evening in the House
after several months of debate over how to balance Americans'
right to privacy with a need to foil potential terrorist threats.
Political standoffs twice forced Congress to extend the expiration
date of the Patriot Act.
March 8, 2006
House
Panel Blocks Dubai Takeover of U.S. Ports
The House Appropriations Committee voted 62-2 Wednesday to block
the Bush administration's plan to allow a United Arab Emirates
company called Dubai Ports World to manage six U.S. ports. Gwen
Ifill speaks with Republican Reps. Jack Kingston of Georgia and
Darrell Issa of California about how the issue is driving a wedge
into the Republican Party.
February 28, 2006
Administration
Officials Grilled on Ports Deal
Bush administration officials were questioned closely at two Senate
hearings Tuesday about a seaport deal that would allow a Dubai
company to take over shipping operations at six major U.S. ports.
Meanwhile, President Bush continued to voice support for the deal.
The NewsHour's congressional correspondent Kwame Holman reports
on port politics at the capital.
February 27, 2006
Sale of Port Operations Highlights State of Security at Nation's
Harbors
As Congress continues to debate legislation that may block
the possible sale of several U.S. port operations to a United
Arab Emirates company, new attention has been directed on the
state of America's port security. Margaret Warner speaks with
Stephen Flynn, retired Coast Guard commander and an expert on
border security, and Robert Bonner, the former commissioner of
the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency, about port security.
February 24, 2006
Arab
Company Agrees to Delay Port Takeover
A United Arab Emirates company has agreed to delay its
takeover of operations at six major U.S. seaports, giving the
Bush administration time to convince skeptical lawmakers the handover
would not threaten port security.
February 23, 2006
Critics
of Port Deal Raise Security Red Flag
The uproar over a contract giving an Arab company leases
at America's largest seaports has revealed tensions between President
Bush and Congress over homeland security. Stephen Flynn, a retired
Coast Guard commander and transportation expert, and M.R. Dinsmore,
chief executive officer of the port of Seattle, discuss the port
management issue and how it relates to security.
February 22, 2006
Analysts
Debate Controversial Port Deal
White House officials said Wednesday that President Bush
did not know an Arab company would take over management responsibilities
at six U.S. seaports until several days ago. NewsHour regulars
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the political storm over
the port deal.
February 21, 2006
President
Says Port Deal Involving Arab Company Should Proceed
President Bush on Tuesday defended a deal to let an Arab
company run six major U.S. ports and said he would veto any legislation
aimed at stopping it. A British company that has been running
the ports is going to be acquired by Dubai Ports World, a state-owned
business in the United Arab Emirates.
Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., and Clay Lowery, assistant secretary
for international affairs at the Treasury Department, debate what
the proposed sale may mean for security at the critical U.S. ports.
February 6, 2006
Senators
Challenge Gonzales' Defense of NSA Eavesdropping
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales faced skeptical senators
from both sides of the aisle when he testified in favor of the
Bush administration's policy of monitoring international calls
by the National Security Agency, calling the program an "early
warning system" to prevent terrorist attacks.
January 23, 2006
Attorney
General Defends NSA Wiretap Program
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales in a newsmaker interview
defends the Bush administration's use of the National Security
Agency's domestic wiretap program.
Leahy
Calls Domestic Spy Program 'Illegal'
In response to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, Sen.
Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., calls the domestic spying program "illegal"
and said it threatens civil liberties in the United States.
December 27, 2005
Efforts
to Defend Airlines from Missiles Renewed
The
threat that a terrorist could use a shoulder-fired missile to
down a private or commercial aircraft has prompted the airline
industry and the Department of Homeland Security to pour millions
of dollars into research for new protective technologies. Tom
Bearden reports for the NewsHour Science Unit on what researchers
are doing to tackle the threat in the sky and on the ground.
December 22, 2005
Congress
Extends Patriot Act
Congress voted Thursday to approve a one-month extension of the
USA Patriot Act in a last-minute move to keep the anti-terrorism
law from expiring Dec. 31. Norman Ornstein, veteran Congress-watcher
from the American Enterprise Institute, reports on the developments
in Washington and what comes next for the law.
December 21, 2005
Legal
Experts Debate Domestic Spying Issue
President Bush defended his administration's use of the
National Security Agency to monitor terrorist suspects, sparking
a debate over the legality of the president authorizing domestic
spying without court-approved warrants. Two legal experts discuss
presidential power and congressional oversight.
December 20, 2005
Administration
Under Fire for Domestic Wiretapping
The Bush administration has recently come under fire for
authorizing the National Security Agency to spy on people in the
United States suspected of terrorism ties. Two experts discuss
the powers of NSA.
December 19, 2005
Senators
Debate NSA Eavesdropping
In response to a barrage of criticism, President Bush said
Monday he did not break the law when he authorized spying on Americans
suspected of ties to terrorism. Following a background report,
two senators discuss the use of domestic surveillance in the anti-terrorism
effort.
December 16, 2005
Patriot
Act Passes House, Stalls in Senate
The Senate on Friday fell eight votes short of ending debate on
a bill to reauthorize several key provisions of the USA Patriot
Act.
December 8, 2005
Airport
Shooting Raises Questions over Role of Air Marshals
Officials in Miami have launched a series of investigations into
why U.S. air marshals on board an American Airlines flight shot
and killed a man who started acting suspiciously. Charles Slepian,
security analyst and the founder of the Foreseeable Risk Analysis
Center, discusses the air marshal training regime and what is
known about how the two marshals involved in Wednesday's incident
acted.
December 7, 2005
Air
Marshals Shoot and Kill Passenger Claiming to Have Bomb
A passenger claiming to be carrying a bomb was shot and killed
by a federal air marshal Wednesday just outside an American Airlines
plane that was about to take off for Orlando, Fla., U.S. officials
said. Sara Goo of The Washington Post reports on what is known
about the incident.
December 5, 2005
9/11
Commission Report Finds U.S. Unprepared for Terror Attack
A report released by the former Sept. 11 commission Monday
gave the federal government "more F's than A's" in an assessment
of 41 security recommendations it issued in July 2004. The government
received an "F" on homeland security spending for cities most
at risk, on improving radio communication for emergency agencies
and on airline passenger prescreening. The report called overall
progress "disappointing."
Transcript:
Two members of the House Homeland Security Committee, Chairman
Peter King, R-N.Y., and Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., discuss what
needs to be done to bolster domestic security.
December 2, 2005
Changes
in Airline Screening Procedures Debated
Airport screeners will increase random searches of passengers
and focus more on detecting explosives, while loosening restrictions
on what passengers can carry on board aircraft. TSA Chief Kip
Hawley and the head of the Association of Flight Attendants, Pat
Friend, debate the changes.
Update:
U.S. Eases Some Airport Screening Procedures
November 7, 2005
FBI
Expands Demands for Information on Americans
Unbeknownst to most Americans under the USA Patriot Act, the government
has been issuing tens of thousands so-called "National Security
letters" to businesses and institutions -- demanding electronic
records, financial and otherwise, about ordinary Americans who
deal with those institutions. Barton Gellman, who reported the
story for the Post, discusses what he has uncovered about the
practice.
September 21, 2005
Senate
Investigates Intelligence-Gathering on 9/11 Attacker Atta
Kwame Holman reports on the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing
Wednesday on allegations that a secret Pentagon program, dubbed
Able Danger, turned up valuable information about the alleged
ringleader of the Sept. 11 attacks, Mohammed Atta, more than a
year before the attacks occurred.
July 22, 2005
House Votes to Extend Patriot Act; Debate Moves to Senate
On the same day London was rattled by a second wave of terrorist
attacks, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to extend the
powers given the federal government to fight terrorism under the
so-called Patriot Act. By a 257-171 vote, lawmakers indefinitely
extended many of the key provisions adopted in the wake of the
Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
The House did limit two of the most controversial powers -- allowing
federal agents to use roving wiretaps and to search library and
medical records -- to 10 years. The Senate is expected to debate
the measure in the fall.
Transcript:
Kwame Holman reports on the debate leading up to the vote. (7/21/05)
July 19, 2005
House
Debates Renewal of Patriot Act
The House is considering whether to change the way federal authorities
can monitor suspected terrorists as it debates renewing portions
of the Patriot Act.
Ray Suarez examines the law and whether it should be renewed
with Mary Beth Buchanan, U.S. attorney for the western district
of Pennsylvania, and David Cole, professor at Georgetown University
Law School.
July 13, 2005
Homeland
Security Chief Discusses Restructuring Changes
In the wake of last week's public transit bombings in London,
Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff revealed plans
Wednesday to reorganize his agency in order to improve the nation's
anti-terrorism and disaster preparedness. Secretary Chertoff discussed
the London bombings, his agency's first restructuring since its
creation in 2003 and the current state of the nation's defenses.
Update:
Homeland Security Announces Restructuring
July 7, 2005
Washington
Raises Alert Level to Orange at Transit Sites
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Thursday raised
the security alert level from yellow to orange, or high, only
at transit sites in response to a series of deadly explosions
in London's subway and on a double-decker bus. Transportation
experts assess the current mass transit system situation and the
problems they face to protect the public.
RealAudio:
Chertoff told reporters that U.S. authorities have no specific
evidence pointing to an attack on the United States but nonetheless
were asking for increased vigilance.
May 12, 2005
Washington
Evacuations Renew Debate over Aviation Security
A day after security officials briefly evacuated the U.S. Capitol
and White House after a small aircraft strayed into restricted
airspace in Washington, D.C., authorities were reviewing whether
the post-9/11 security procedures worked.
Although officials confirm the two Pennsylvania pilots simply
flew off course, the scare nearly resulted in the downing of the
Cessna. Following a full report on the incident, two homeland
security experts examine the response to the situation.
April 12, 2005
Three
Indicted in Terrorism Plot
Three men, already in custody in England, have been indicted on
charges they planned to attack financial centers in New York,
New Jersey and Washington, according to a four-count indictment
unsealed Tuesday. David Johnston of The New York Times provides
an update.
April 5, 2005
Congress
Begins Weighing Patriot Act Renewal
Hailed by supporters as the most important homeland security measure
in decades and derided by opponents as an attack on American civil
liberties, the Patriot Act, the cornerstone of the Bush administration's
war on terrorism, faces a stormy renewal process on Capitol Hill
this year. One of the architects of the act and the head of the
American Civil Liberties Union debate the impact of the law and
whether it should be renewed.
Transcript:
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and FBI Director Robert Mueller
urged lawmakers Tuesday to renew the act.
April 5, 2005
State
Department Tightens U.S. Entry Rules
In an effort to tighten border security, Americans reentering
the United States from Canada, Mexico, Panama and Bermuda will
have to show their passports, administration officials said Tuesday.
The new rules, slated to go into effect by 2008, affect those
countries where Americans returning home currently only need to
show a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification
card.
February 15, 2005
Chertoff
Confirmed as Homeland Security Chief
The Senate unanimously confirmed federal judge Michael Chertoff
as the nation's new Homeland Security head Tuesday, despite concerns
over his possible connection to a memo on the treatment of terror
suspects.
January 11, 2005
Former
Justice Official Tapped to Head Homeland Security
President George W. Bush tapped federal Judge Michael Chertoff,
a former prosecutor and one of the architects of the USA Patriot
Act, to head the Department of Homeland Security. Former colleagues
and a reporter who has followed Chertoff's career assess his nomination
and the challenges he will face if confirmed.
Update:
President Picks Federal Judge to Lead Homeland Security
RealAudio:
President Bush announces the Chertoff selection
January 6, 2005
Plan
Aims to Coordinate Emergency Response
The Department of Homeland Security unveiled a plan Thursday aimed
at coordinating federal, state and local government responses
to emergencies, including terrorist attacks.
The National Response Plan, which is expected to be phased in
over a year, replaces an interim plan put into effect in late
2003. It aims to reduce the confusion and turf battles that marked
the response to the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
November 30, 2004
Ridge
Departure Sparks Assessment of Homeland Security Efforts
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge announced his resignation
Tuesday, becoming the seventh Cabinet member to leave since President
Bush won re-election. "After more than 22 consecutive years of
public service, it is time to give personal and family matters
a higher priority," Ridge said in his resignation letter. The
secretary said he would serve until Feb. 1 or until the Senate
confirms his successor.
Security experts assess Ridge's tenure as the first secretary
of the newly created department.
Update:
Ridge Announces Departure from Homeland Security
August 11, 2004
Ports
Step Up Monitoring of Cargo Shipping, Passenger Liners
With new threats to the United States being reported every day,
the nation's ports have taken dramatic new steps to bolster security,
screening passengers on cruise ships and implementing new technologies
to better track cargo shipments. Jeffrey Kaye of KCET-Los Angeles
reports on the continuing efforts to make the country's ports
of entry more secure.
August 3, 2004
Analysts
Question Depth of Intelligence Behind Latest Terror Alert
The Bush administration acknowledged today that the intelligence
sources for Monday's terror warnings were obtained years ago,
but it defended the decision to elevate the terror threat. Ray
Suarez gets perspectives on the terror warning from former CIA
and State Department official Larry Johnson and former CIA counterterrorism
official Sara Daly.
August 2, 2004
President
Bush Outlines Intelligence Reforms; U.S. Warns of Possible Attacks
Against Financial Institutions
President Bush on Monday outlined his support for critical recommendations
put forward by the 9/11 commission aimed at overhauling the nation's
intelligence efforts. Mr. Bush's statement came a day after the
United States upped the terror threat alert at financial sites
in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Newark, N.J. Jim Lehrer
discusses the latest terrorist threat with White House homeland
security adviser Frances Townsend.
RealAudio:
President Bush outlines his intelligence plans.
Transcript:
What specific intelligence prompted the government to increase
the terror threat level, and from what source did it come? Margaret
Warner discusses the threat with New York Times national security
correspondent Doug Jehl.
July 8, 2004
Al-Qaida Readying 'Large-Scale' Domestic Attack, U.S. Warns
The United States continues to receive a steady stream of intelligence
indicating that al-Qaida operatives are readying a major domestic
attack aimed at disrupting this year's election, Homeland Security
Secretary Tom Ridge said Thursday.
"Credible reporting now indicates that al-Qaida is moving
forward with its plans to carry out a large scale attack in the
United States in an effort to disrupt our democratic process,"
Ridge said. He added that there is no specific information on
potential targets and for now the federal government would not
raise the color-coded threat level.
RealAudio:
The full briefing by Secretary Ridge
May 26, 2004
U.S.
Officials Warn of Possible Terror Attack This Summer
U.S. intelligence officials have learned that terrorist groups
may be planning to launch attacks in the United States this summer,
Attorney General John Ashcroft said Wednesday, but the intelligence
does not include specific times or places. Ashcroft and FBI Director
Robert Mueller also presented at a news conference the pictures
of seven suspected al-Qaida operatives who "should be considered
armed and dangerous," Ashcroft said.
Gwen Ifill speaks to Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge about
the intelligence and the decision not to raise the national terror-threat
warning level.
February 23, 2004
Department
of Homeland Security Marks Anniversary
The Department of Homeland Security was created last March with
the merger of 22 federal agencies and 180,000 employees and the
mission of preventing any future terrorist attack and make sure
the United States is ready to respond if one does occur.
Margaret Warner asks Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge for
a progress report on the department's activities.
January 26, 2004
Federal Judge Strikes Down Part of Patriot Act
For the first time, a federal judge has declared a portion of
the USA Patriot Act unconstitutional. The ruling, handed down
Friday and made public Monday, struck down language that bars
experts from advising any group designated as a terrorist organization.
The Los Angeles judge said the section is too vague.
There was no immediate comment from the Justice Department on
whether or not the government will appeal the decision.
January 9, 2004
U.S.
Lowers National Terror Alert Level to 'Elevated'
Citing new security measures on flights and a decrease in volume
of intelligence, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge lowered
the terrorism alert status Friday from "high" to "elevated."
Undersecretary for Borders and Transportation Security Asa Hutchinson
discusses the decision as well as new measures for airline security.
RealAudio:
Ridge answers reporters' questions about the alert level.
January 5, 2004
U.S.
Government Unveils New Visitor Screening Program
In the wake of a holiday season spent largely at a heightened
state of alert, the U.S. government has implemented a series of
programs aimed at better securing the nation's borders.
The latest, unveiled Monday, involves the fingerprinting and
photographing of almost all foreigners entering the United States.
The program has angered some who call it an invasion of privacy,
but Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said the system will
keep the borders "open to travelers but closed to terrorists."
January 2, 2004
Security
Alert Prompts More Flight Delays, Cancellations
A British Airways flight from London to Washington, D.C., was
cancelled for a second day Friday as the U.S. government and its
allies continued to scrutinize flights coming into the United
States for possible terrorist threats.
Analysis:
The Washington Post's Sara Goo discusses the efforts to bolster
airline security in the wake of new threats.
December 31, 2003
Airline
Security, Heightened Patrols Mark New Year's Eve
As Americans prepared to ring in the new year, unprecedented security
measures were in place from coast to coast. Homeland security
and counterterrorism experts assess the heightened terror alert
and the nation's security preparations.
December 30, 2003
U.S.
Ramps up Airspace Restrictions for New Year's Eve
The skies over New York, Washington and other cities will be off-limits
to certain aircraft and patrolled by military planes on New Year's
Eve as part of an increased vigilance against terror attacks,
the Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday.
December 22, 2003
Terror
Alert Prompts U.S. to Bolster Security at Airports, Tourist Sites
Citing information from spies and electronic intercepts, the United
States moved to increase its security status, indicating there
is a high risk of terrorist attacks against American sites at
home and abroad. The decision sparked a new wave of security improvements
across the country ahead of the holiday.
Update:
U.S. Raises Alert Status to 'High'
September 2, 2003
Federal
Government Announces Additional Airline Security Measures
The Department of Homeland Security unveiled a plan Tuesday to
provide an additional 5,000 armed agents to protect commercial
airliners. Secretary Tom Ridge discusses the move and updates
the general preparedness of the U.S. in a newsmaker interview
with Jim Lehrer.
August 19, 2003
Ashcroft
Defends, Promotes Patriot Act
U.S. Attorney General John Aschcroft Tuesday began a nationwide
tour designed to shore up support for the Patriot Act, which the
Bush administration says provides the tools law enforcement officials
need to battle terrorism, but some civil libertarians say infringes
upon the rights of U.S. citizens.
June 30, 2003
Commission
Finds First Responder Funding Lacking
A blue ribbon commission organized by the Council on Foreign
Relations reported that the U.S. remains "dangerously unprepared"
to handle another catastrophic attack. The international advocacy
group found that police, fire, public health and other so-called
"first responders" do not have the money, equipment or training
needed. The commission's chairs, former Sen. Warren Rudman and
former National Security Council official Richard Clarke discuss
the panel's findings.
June 20, 2003
Federal
Detention Policies Spark Civil Liberties Concerns
The detention of hundreds of terrorism suspects since Sept. 11
has sparked controversy and legal debate. Margaret Warner discusses
the continuing effort to strike a balance between civil liberties
and domestic security with Kate Martin, director for the Center
for National Security Studies, and John Yoo, a visiting scholar
at the American Enterprise Institute and former U.S. Department
of Justice official.
June 18, 2003
Librarians,
Libertarians Express Opposition to New Rules
The Patriot Act empowered the FBI to check the records of some
businesses, including public libraries and bookstores. The act
has prompted protests and sparked concerns that new library regulations
amount to an invasion of privacy. Correspondent Spencer Michels
looks at the impact on readers in Santa Cruz, California.
May 30, 2003
U.S.
Terrorism Attack Risk Lowered to "Elevated"
The Bush administration lowered the nationwide terror alert to
yellow or "elevated" risk on Friday saying that intelligence information,
which had pointed to an increased risk of an attack in the United
States 10 days ago, sparked the decrease.
May 20, 2003
U.S.
Raises Terrorism Alert Level
The U.S. government raised the nationwide terror alert level to
"orange" or high Tuesday, on the heels of a FBI warning to local
law enforcement agencies that the al-Qaida terrorist network "remains
active." Philip Shenon of The New York Times describes what Americans
can expect from the change.
Update:
Homeland Security officials announce the elevated alert level.
RealAudio:
Homeland Security Undersecretary Asa Hutchinson announces the
change in alert level.
May 19, 2003
Investigating
Al-Qaida
Three experts assess efforts to determine if the al-Qaida
terrorist network is behind the bombings in Saudi Arabia and Morocco
and whether the attacks point to an increased danger for the U.S.
Special
Report: The Riyadh Bombings
May 16, 2003
Preparing
for the Worst
Chicago and Seattle have been testing the readiness of top
officials and first responders through mock terrorist attacks.
Elizabeth Brackett reports on the lessons learned during these
trials.
April 23, 2003
Sacramento
Residents React to Homeland Security Measures
Spencer Michels reports from Sacramento on citizens' continuing
homeland security concerns.
March 25, 2003
President
Asks for War, Security Funding
President Bush asks Congress for $74.7 billion in emergency spending
to fund the war in Iraq, a package that includes some $4 billion
for homeland defense.
March 20, 2003
Assessing
the Internal Terror Threat
Ray Suarez talks to Elaine Shannon about the terror threat within
the United States as the war against Iraq enters its second day.
March 20, 2003
Brzezinski
& Mead on the Terrorism Threat
Jim Lehrer discusses the threat of terrorism with Zbigniew Brzezinski
and Walter Russell Mead.
March 18, 2003
"Operation
Liberty Shield" and the U.S. Threat Response
Director of Homeland Security Tom Ridge announced details of a
stepped-up security plan called "Operation Liberty Shield" today.
Gwen Ifill discusses this response to the heightened terror alert
with Philip Shenon of The New York Times.
March 14, 2003
Smallpox
Obstacles
Spencer Michels reports on the obstacles facing the federal
government's smallpox vaccination plan.
March 4, 2003
Praying
for Readiness
Jeffrey Kaye reports on the city of Los Angeles' efforts to
deal with the costs of increased security.
March 3, 2003
U.S.,
Pakistan Arrest Alleged Al-Qaida Mastermind
Over the weekend, a joint U.S.-Pakistan force arrested Khalid
Shaikh Mohammed, the alleged architect of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Jim Lehrer discusses the capture of Mohammed and two other al-Qaida
operatives with two experts.
February 24, 2003
Governors
Discuss Homeland Security, Other Issues
The nation's governors are meeting in Washington this week
to talk with the administration about a range of issues, including
homeland security at the state level. Margaret Warner gets more
from two governors, Democrat Bill Richardson of New Mexico and
Republican John Rowland of Connecticut.
February 20, 2003
FBI
Arrests Alleged Terrorism Suspects
Eight individuals, including a University of South Florida
professor, were arrested by the FBI today on charges of aiding
the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad. Ray Suarez discusses
the arrests with Eric Lichtblau of The New York Times.
February 19, 2003
Newsmaker:
Tom Ridge
The Homeland Security Department launched a campaign to help
Americans prepare for a possible terrorist attack. Jim Lehrer
interviews Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge about the campaign
and the state of alert in the U.S.
February 11, 2003
CIA,
FBI Warn of Potential Terrorist Strikes
The CIA and the FBI issued warnings to Congress today about
possible terrorist strikes. Margaret Warner discusses local implications
of the warnings with Anthony Williams, mayor of Washington, D.C.;
Patrick McCrory, mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina; Harold Schaitberger,
president of the International Association of Firefighters; and
Randall Larsen, director of the Institute for Homeland Security
at the Anser Corporation.
February 7, 2003
Bush
Administration Raises Terrorism Alert Level
The Bush administration raised the nation's terror alert to
the orange level today, indicating a "high risk" of terror attack.
Ray Suarez discusses what the move means with Eric Lichtblau of
The New York Times.
January 16, 2003
Rights
and Registration
The Department of Justice is requiring visa holders from some
Middle Eastern countries to register their presence in the U.S.
with the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Spencer Michels
reports.
December 31, 2002
Newsmaker:
The Transporation Security Administration's James Loy
By midnight tonight, U.S. airports will be required to screen
all baggage for explosives. Jim Lehrer talks with Admiral James
Loy, director of the new Transportation Security Administration,
about implementing full airport security measures.
December 11, 2002
Improving
Intelligence
Ray Suarez speaks with senators Bob Graham (D-Fla.) and Richard
Shelby (R-Ala.), chairman and vice chairman of the Senate Select
Committee on Intelligence.
November 28, 2002
Soft
Targets
Ian Williams of Independent Television News with a look at
how terrorist groups are increasingly seeking out so-called soft
targets worldwide, like Indonesia's resort island of Bali.
November 27, 2002
What
Went Wrong?
Margaret Warner discusses the appointment of former Secretary
of State Henry Kissinger to head the commission investigating
Sept. 11 with Rep. Christopher Shays (R-Conn.); Rep. Jane Harmon
(D-Calif.); Stephen Push of Families of September 11; and David
Aaron, who served on the National Security Council staff under
Kissinger.
November 25, 2002
Tracking
Down Terrorists
Ray Suarez examines the state of the U.S. war against the
al-Qaida terrorist network with Daniel Benjamin, director for
counterterrorism on the National Security Council during the Clinton
administration, and Angel Rabasa, a senior policy analyst at RAND,
a research organization.
November 20, 2002
Securing
the Homeland
Gwen Ifill discusses how the newly-created Department of Homeland
Security will function with Karen Anderson, president of the National
League of Cities; Paul Light, director of the Center for Public
Service at the Brookings Institute; and Angie Kelly, a deputy
director of the National Immigration Forum, a nonpartisan research
organization.
November 18, 2002
New
Surveillance Program
Gwen Ifill discusses the Pentagon's plan to use everyday technology
to track down terrorists with retired Col. Edward Badolato, who
served former Presidents Reagan and Bush as Deputy Secretary of
Energy, and Marc Rotenberg, the executive director of the Electronic
Privacy Information Center in Washington.
November 15, 2002
Insuring
Against Future Attacks
Ray Suarez discusses the issue of terrorism insurance with
Deborah Beck, executive vice president at the Real Estate Board
of New York; and Travis Plunkett, legislative director for the
Consumer Federation of America.
November 14, 2002
Ready
or Not?
Ray Suarez discusses U.S. preparations for a potential future
terrorist attack with Earl Freilino, director of Pennsylvania's
Homeland Security Office; John Hamre, president of the Center
for Strategic and International Studies; and James Bamford, author
of Body of Secrets: Anatomy of the Ultra-Secret National Security
Agency.
October 31, 2002
Hart
and Rudman on U.S. Vulnerability to Terrorism
Margaret Warner talks with former Senators Gary Hart and Warren
Rudman about their recent report on the United States' vulnerability
to a major terrorist attack.
October 17, 2002
What
Went Wrong?
Margaret Warner talks with the top two senators on the Joint
Congressional Sept. 11 Inquiry, Bob Graham (D-Fla.) And Richard
Shelby (R-Ala.).
October 10, 2002
Tracking
Terrorism
Margaret Warner examines the terrorist threat still posed
by al-Qaida with Christopher Cooper, who covers the Pentagon and
State Department for The Wall Street Journal; Walter Pincus,
who covers intelligence for The Washington Post; and Eric
Schmitt, who covers the Pentagon for The New York Times.
September 26, 2002
Intelligence
Inquiry
Margaret Warner discusses this week's Congressional hearings
on what the CIA and FBI knew before the Sept. 11 attacks with
Rep. Porter Goss (R-Fla.), Chairman of the House Permanent Select
Committee on Intelligence, and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), the
committee's ranking Democrat.
September 25, 2002
Concerned
Community
Tom Bearden reports on a Muslim community's reaction to the
arrest of six alleged terrorists in their western New York city.
September 18, 2002
Investigating
Pre-Sept. 11 Intelligence
Gwen Ifill talks with Sens. Bob Graham (D-Fla.) And Richard
Shelby (R-Ala.) about how much intelligence agencies knew before
last year's terrorist attacks.
September 16, 2002
Tracking
Terrorism
Margaret Warner looks at the recent arrests of accused al-Qaida
operatives with Elaine Shannon, a reporter covering the Justice
Department for Time magazine; Peter Bergen, a terrorism
analyst at CNN who has interviewed Osama bin Laden; and Zachary
Abuza, head of the Asia program at Simmons College.
September 10, 2002
Liberty
vs. Security
Margaret Warner gets the Bush administration's view on Sept. 11's
judicial impact from Deputy Attorney General Larry Thompson. Finally,
Gwen Ifill continues the discussion with Stuart Taylor from the
National Journal; Loretta Lynch, former U.S. attorney for
the eastern district of New York; William Barr, former attorney
general under former President Bush; and Laurence Tribe, professor
of law at Harvard University.
September 10, 2002
The
Terrorism Threat
Margaret Warner examines the U.S.'s heightened terror alert status
and the continuing al-Qaida threat with Peter Bergen, a terrorism
analyst for CNN who interviewed Osama Bin Laden in 1997, and Rohan
Gunaratna, author of Inside Al Qaeda -- Global Network of Terror.
September 16, 2002
Tracking
Terrorism
Margaret Warner looks at the recent arrests of accused al-Qaida
operatives with Elaine Shannon, a reporter covering the Justice
Department for Time magazine; Peter Bergen, a terrorism
analyst at CNN who has interviewed Osama bin Laden; and Zachary
Abuza, head of the Asia program at Simmons College.
August 29, 2002
Searching
for Clues
Margaret Warner discusses the probe into last year's anthrax attacks
with Clint van Zandt, a former FBI special agent, and Dr. C.J.
Peters, director of the Center for Biodefense at the University
of Texas medical branch in Galveston.
August 27, 2002
Liberty
and Security
Margaret Warner discusses a federal court's ruling against the
government's post-September 11th legal tactics with Lucy Dalglish,
director of the Reporters' Committee for Freedom of the Press,
and Jan Ting, a former assistant commissioner at the Immigration
and Naturalization Service.
August 5, 2002
Naming
the Detainees
Jim Lehrer discusses the recent federal court order requiring
the Justice Department to release the names of the September 11th
detainees with Kate Martin, director of the Center for National
Security Studies; and Victoria Toensing, former deputy assistant
attorney general in the Reagan administration.
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