The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) chief has confirmed that the “War on Terror” has not only failed to stop terrorism, but that far more terrorists exist now than before it started.
John Brennan, chief of the Central Intelligence Agency, made a statement before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on the “War on Terror” this past Thursday, stating that this war has little to no effect in reducing the number of Islamic terrorists. In his speech, he stated that we can no longer threaten or bomb extremist into stopping terrorist attacks.
Brennan stressed that it’s important to recognize that more needs to be done, and that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) or Daesh (the Arabic acronym), can return to their countries of origin through refugee flows, smuggling routes, and legitimate methods of travel. While progress has been made, there are still some areas where terrorists are gaining ground.
The recent events in Orlando prompted Brennan’s address. He states, “Since at least 2014, ISIL has been working to build an apparatus to direct and inspire attacks against its foreign enemies, resulting in hundreds of casualties. The most prominent examples are the attacks in Paris and Brussels, which we assess were directed by ISIL’s leadership.” Brennan later adds that despite all the progress made against ISIL, efforts have not reduced the group’s attack or global reach, which has only furthered the government’s concern on national security.
Although Brennan does not specifically state a plan in place to reduce terrorism, he touches upon innovation within the government and the launching of the Modernization Program. He states, “Since launching our Modernization Program just over fifteen months ago, we have taken important steps to ensure that our Agency fully adapts to the challenges of our time. We still have work to do—and in some respects, we always will.”
