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Annual Threat Assessment of the DNI for the Senate
Date: 2 February 2006
Author: John D. Negroponte
Institution: Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Bibliographic Entry: Negroponte, John D. 2006. Annual Threat Assessment of the Director of National Intelligence for the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Office of the Director of National Intelligence. 2 February 2006. < http://intelligence.senate.gov/0602hrg/060202/negroponte.pdf>.
Electronic Link: http://intelligence.senate.gov/0602hrg/060202/negroponte.pdf
Key Words: Terrorism, globalization, WMD, threats, jihad/jihadist, al-Qa’ida, Iraqi insurgency, Iran, North Korea, China, India, Russia, Venezuela, narcotics, extremism, Avian Flu, energy, oil, organized crime.
Summary of Key Issues, Points, Conclusions: Ambassador Negroponte’s testimony discusses many threats: terrorism, the Iraqi insurgency, Afghanistan, weapons of mass destruction, political instability, globalization, drugs, and disease. The report focuses on terrorism and the Iraqi insurgency. Negroponte says that terrorism is the “preeminent” threat to American interests, its homeland, and its citizens. He further says that the greatest change in the international system, as far as the Intelligence Community is concerned is the enormous number of targets. Each of these targets must be identified, tracked, and dealt with. In addressing terrorism, the Director refers to the global jihadist movement and says that the slow pace of economic, social, and political reform in the Middle East is fueling its growth. He also says that the slow progress of economic and political development in Iraq is fueling the insurgency.
After addressing terrorism, Negroponte turns to the other threats that the United States faces. He describes each one, and explains the unique challenges that accompany them. He talks about the nuclear programs of Iran and North Korea, as well as globalization, oil politics, and Avian Flu. He then discusses each region of the world and talks about individual countries that Washington should be keeping a close watch on. For example, in Asia, the Director identifies China and India as countries that will be future powers and should be considered carefully.
Name of Researcher: Dwain D. Atkinson
Institution: Integrative Center for Homeland Security
Date: 2 March 2006