Richard A. Clarke spoke at the Middle East Institute conference at the end of October. He began by talking about Al Qaeda (previous post), and then about how to move forward and deal with Al Qaeda, as well as problems in Iraq and with Iran.

The Global War on Terrorism, “GWAT” as he terms it, is a misnomer. It is not global, and not so much a war, but rather a struggle against violent Islamic extremism. Al Qaeda uses terrorism as a tactic, in its quest to replace apostate governments in the Middle East with a Caliphate. Al Qaeda is not so much political (no programs and policies), but would lead similarly to the Taliban in Afghanistan in how women are treated, restrictions on cultural activities, and other such restrictions. Clarke advocates an intelligence/law enforcement approach, more so than a military approach. Key Al Qaeda leaders that have been captured thus far, they have been located and captured by intelligence or law enforcement. It is also required to challenge Al Qaeda on its ideology. The “Battle of Ideas” is critical in dealing with Al Qaeda.

The War in Iraq has damaged the credibility of the U.S. in Muslim countries. On the notion that “if the U.S. leaves Iraq, there will be chaos and Al Qaeda will build a sanctuary there”, Clarke asks “how would we know? how would chaos be different than the current situation”? Al Qaeda has already gone in, and have training opportunities in Iraq with targets brought to them. If Al Qaeda tries to build camps in Iraq, would the U.S have to accept that? No. Clarke explains that “We would ask the government to eliminate it. If they don’t we do.” That does not require the U.S. to have troops in Iraq, as the U.S. would still have air capabilities, as well as special forces stationed in the Persian Gulf region. Regarding Iran, Clarke does not support an aggressive, military approach towards them, as that only exacerbates the situation rather than helping.

Audio of his talk, as well as from other speakers, is available online at the conference website.

Richard A. Clarke, the chief counter-terrorism adviser under President Clinton and President Bush, spoke on Tuesday at the Middle East Institute Conference which took place at the National Press Club. He discussed various myths about Al Qaeda and the Middle East that are frequently heard.

Al Qaeda threat

- Two-thirds of top Al Qaeda leaders have been captured or killed
- By 2003-2004, Al Qaeda had become irrelevant and no longer mattered. They had become a “spent force”, in part because the United States invaded Afghanistan and “smashed” the sanctuary there and damaged Al Qaeda’s infrastructure.

Fact is that Al Qaeda has reconstituted in in northwest Pakistan, in Warziristan and along the Afghanistan border. Those leaders that have been captured, have since been replaced. Al Qaeda has been recruiting throughout the Islamic world, and has newly established training facilities where they teach recruits. Then, those recruits are sent back out in the world. Now, Al Qaeda is just as strong as they were pre-9/11, as documented in this year’s National Intelligence Estimate

• 6 Years After 9/11, the Same Threat - The New York Times

Al Qaeda is as strong as ever, top leaders not captured, mid-level leaders replaced, and the group now poses a threat.

He also spoke about the “Global War on Terrorism”, Iraq, and Iran - summaries of his remarks will come in later posts here.