Recent CRS Reports on Terrorism

AFGHANISTAN: POST-WAR GOVERNANCE, SECURITY, AND U.S. POLICY         
CRS Publication Date:  11/08/2005
Document No.:  RL30588
Author(s):  Kenneth Katzman, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division

Abstract:  U.S. stabilization measures focus on strengthening the central government and its security forces while combating insurgents. The United States and other countries are building an Afghan National Army; deploying a multinational International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to patrol Kabul and other cities; and running regional enclaves to secure reconstruction (Provincial Reconstruction Teams, PRTs). Approximately 20,000 U.S. troops remain in Afghanistan to combat the Taliban-led insurgency. To build security institutions and assist reconstruction, the United States gave Afghanistan a total of almost $1.8 billion for FY2004, mostly through a supplemental appropriations (P.L. 108-106). An FY2005 supplemental appropriates about $3.35 billion, including funds for Afghan security forces, and another $931 million is provided for in the conference report on the regular FY2006 aid appropriation (H.R. 3057).

TERRORISM AND NATIONAL SECURITY: ISSUES AND TRENDS 
CRS Publication Date:  11/03/2005
Document No.:  IB10119
Author(s):  Raphael Perl, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division

Abstract:  Press reports indicate that Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's legislative priorities for FY2007 include proposals designed to allow the military more flexibility in combating global terrorism and in forging close partnerships with civilian federal agencies in homeland security operations. One area reportedly singled out in an October 13 Rumsfeld memorandum to defense leaders is a desire for enhanced ability to transfer funds in response to urgent needs.

OVERVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF SENATE AMENDMENT CONCERNING INTERROGATION OF DETAINEES         
CRS Publication Date:  11/02/2005
Document No.:  RS22312
Author(s):  Lee Woor, American Law Division

Abstract:  On October 5, 2005, the Senate adopted a floor amendment (S.Amdt. 1977), proposed by Senator John McCain with 11 co-sponsors, that would (1) require Department of Defense (DOD) personnel to employ United States Army Field Manual guidelines while interrogating detainees, and (2) prohibit the "cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment of persons under the detention, custody, or control of the United States Government." The amendment modified the Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations bill (H.R. 2863), which had passed the House on June 20, 2005, without a comparable provision. The defense appropriations bill is currently before a conference committee.

FY2006 APPROPRIATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL HOMELAND SECURITY   
CRS Publication Date:  10/20/2005
Author(s):  Shawn Reese, Government and Finance Division
Document No.:  RS22050

Abstract:  P.L. 109-90 - FY2006 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations - appropriates a total of $2.97 billion for state and local homeland security grant programs. This is $645 million less than was appropriated for these programs in FY2005 ($3.61 billion). The act does not propose to alter the funding formula for the State Homeland Security Grant Program and the Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program. It does require, however, that states update their State Homeland Security Strategies in accordance with the Interim National Preparedness Goal to be eligible for federal homeland security assistance.

TERRORIST CAPABILITIES FOR CYBERATTACK: OVERVIEW AND POLICY ISSUES         
CRS Publication Date:  10/20/2005
Document No.:  RL33123
Author(s):  John Rollins and Clay Wilson, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division

Abstract:  This report examines possible terrorists' objectives and computer vulnerabilities that might lead to an attempted cyberattack against the critical infrastructure of the U.S. homeland, and also discusses the emerging computer and other technical skills of terrorists and extremists. Policy issues include exploring ways to improve technology for cybersecurity, or whether U.S. counterterrorism efforts should be linked more closely to international efforts to prevent cybercrime.

WAR POWERS RESOLUTION: PRESIDENTIAL COMPLIANCE         
CRS Publication Date:  10/18/2005
Document No.:  IB81050
Author(s):  Richard F. Grimmett, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division

Abstract:  On May 20, 2005, the President reported to Congress "consistent with the War Powers Resolution," a consolidated report giving details of multiple on-going United States military deployments and operations "in support of the global war on terrorism," as well as operations in Iraq where currently about 139,000 U.S. military personnel are stationed. U.S. forces are also deployed in Kenya, Ethiopia, Yemen, Eritrea, and Djibouti assisting in "enhancing counter-terrorism capabilities" of these nations. The President further noted that U.S. combat-equipped military personnel continued to be deployed in Kosovo as part of the NATO-led KFOR (1,700 personnel). Approximately 235 U.S. personnel are also deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of the NATO Headquarters-Sarajevo who assist in defense reform and perform operational tasks, such as counter-terrorism and supporting the International Criminal Court for the Former Yugoslavia.

All reports available from GalleryWatch.com

Ron Jones, University of Cincinnati Law Library