Key Counterterrorism Official Addresses Civil Liberty Violations

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On Feb. 13, 2010 John Brennan, Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Adviser for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, delivered a speech in New York City about national security issues. The public forum, A Dialogue on Our Nation’s Security, was co-hosted by the White House Office of Public Engagement and the Islamic Center at New York University. 

• During his speech (at the 17:00 mark), Brennan candidly identified actions by the U.S. government that underscored perceptions that the U.S. was in conflict with Islam. He said:

“Violations of the Patriot Act. Surveillance that has been excessive. Policies perceived as profiling. Over inclusive no-fly lists subjecting law-abiding individuals to unnecessary searches and inconvenience. Creating an unhelpful atmosphere around many Muslim charities that made Muslims hesitant to fulfill their sacred obligation of zakat. These are challenges we face together as Americans. And President Obama and his administration are pursuing a comprehensive approach to address them.” 
 

• Addressing the factors that contribute to violent extremism, he said (at the 23:00 mark):

“We recognize there is no military solution to the…challenge we face of violent extremism. This includes those up-stream factors. The political and economic causes and conditions that help to fuel hatred and violence, including the loss of faith in political systems to improve daily life….It is obvious that the lack of education, of basic human services, and hope for the future make vulnerable populations more susceptible to ideologies of violence and death. Ultimately, these challenges require political and economic solutions.”
 

• During the Question & Answer session, Brennan said we do not have to choose between security and protecting our freedoms (at the 75:00 mark): 

“We want to optimize national security and civil liberties, and we can do both.”