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.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at Columbia

Photo by User:David Shankbone on Wikinews, Wikimedia Commons, and Wikipedia, licensed under GFDL.

Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has made a request — to visit Ground Zero and lay a wreath there, while he is in New York for the U.N. General Assembly. Ahmadinejad has been widely criticized for his anti-semitic remarks and as a holocaust denier.

In May 2006, Ahmadinejad sent a letter to Bush, which included a message about 9/11, hinting at his belief that 9/11 was an “inside job”, involving governmental ‘intelligence and security services.’

September eleven was not a simple operation. Could it be planned and executed without coordination with intelligence and security services — or their extensive infiltration? Of course this is just an educated guess. Why have the various aspects of the attacks been kept secret? Why are we not told who botched their responsibilities? And, why aren’t those responsible and the guilty parties identified and put on trial?

Ahmadinejad’s rhetoric about 9/11 are tied in with his anti-semitic beliefs. Generally speaking, it turns out that many of the 9/11 conspiracy theories have roots in antisemitism, including many pieces written by Christopher Bollyn in American Free Press.

* 9/11 Anti-Semitic Conspiracy Theories

The NYPD has declined Ahmadinejad’s request for “security reasons”.

* Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad asked to visit Ground Zero - NY Daily News
* Iran Leader Denied on WTC Wreath Request - Washington Post

Update: September 20, 2001 - 11:30 p.m.

The exact nature of Ahmadinejad’s request is unclear. If he wants to actually descend into the “pit” to lay a wreath, he requires permission from the Port Authority which owns the site. With ongoing construction, that will not be possible.

Instead, Ahmadinejad may just visit the area around the site. It appears that talks with Michael Bloomberg are still ongoing, and yet to be determined whether or not he will go down there to Ground Zero. As a visiting head of state, the NYPD and the Secret Service are required to provide security for him, and have some say in this.

* U.S. May Escort Ahmadinejad to Ground Zero - N.Y. Sun

Update: September 21, 2001, 3:00 p.m.

Michelle Malkin reports that Ahmadinejad might visit Ground Zero anyway at 10 am on Monday, under protection of the Secret Service. Counter-protests will be held there, including members of the Foundation for Democracy in Iran.

Ahmadinejad has also been invited to speak at Columbia University, though counter-protests will be held there as well.

* Columbia U. students organize: Ahmadinejad is not welcome here - Michelle Malkin