'Institutional neglect': 25 years on from 9/11, experts sound alarm over US counter-terror efforts
Budget cuts, loss of knowledgeable officials and diverted resources raise risk of another attack, experts warn
TL;DR
- Experts are warning of growing risks in US counter-terrorism efforts 25 years after the 9/11 attacks.
- Challenges include diverted resources, loss of experienced personnel, and a spread of complacency.
- The counter-terrorism architecture built after 9/11 is described as eroding due to budget cuts and diminished priority.
- The Trump administration's policies, including politicizing counter-terrorism and shifting focus to other threats like drug cartels, are cited as exacerbating problems.
- There is a concern that the intelligence community is demoralized due to political treatment and ill-considered appointments.
- The current counter-terrorism strategy is controversial for allegedly downplaying rightwing extremism and focusing on a political agenda.
- The loss of experienced personnel and dismantlement of programs aimed at countering extremist ideologies are significant concerns.
- Analysts are divided on whether al-Qaida's lack of recent large-scale attacks indicates reduced ambition or a strategic pause.
- The article highlights historical intelligence failures and near-misses, suggesting a potential for complacency.
- Experts warn that with fewer resources and personnel, the US may have to accept more terrorist risk.