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Current and Projected National Security Threats to the United States
Author: Lieutenant General Michael D. Maples, U.S. Army – Director, Defense Intelligence Agency
Date: 28 February 2006
Institution: Defense Intelligence Agency – Department of Defense
Bibliographic Entry: Maples, Michael D. 2006. Current and Projected National Security Threats to the United States: Statement for the Record, Senate Armed Services Committee 28 February 2006. Accessed 7 March 7, 2006. < http://www.dia.mil/publicaffairs/Testimonies/statement24.pdf>.
Electronic Link: http://www.dia.mil/publicaffairs/Testimonies/statement24.pdf
Key Words: Terrorism, Iraq, Afghanistan, Al-Qaida, al-Zarqawi, WMD, Ballistic Missiles, Cruise Missiles, Iran, Syria, North Korea, China, Russia, Central Asia, Venezuela, Information Operations, International Crime, Disordered States, Natural Disasters, Oil, Water, Defense Spending, Space-Denial Capabilities
Summary of Key Issues, Points, Conclusions: This report to Congress by the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency outlines this agency’s view of what are the major challenges to U.S. national security. As the title indicates, it considers current challenges but focuses on challenges that will demand attention in the coming years. The major themes are the Global War on Terrorism, states of concern and transnational issues (including WMD and ballistic missile proliferation). Under the Global War on Terrorism, the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are addressed, as well as Al-Qaida and other Sunni extremism. The possibility of CBRN terrorism is also discussed. When discussing other states that could pose a threat to U.S. national security, the report focuses on proliferators, states with increasing military capabilities, or states with terrorist ties. Transnational Issues encompasses disordered states, international crime, natural disasters, and oil. A final issue is the possibility of other states developing technology to try to deny the U.S. access to space. Russia and China are the primary states of concern in this area.
Name of Researcher: Dwain D. Atkinson
Institution: Integrative Center for Homeland Security
Date: 8 March 2006