Gov’t watchlists and databases

Analysis: In a Bad SPOT: Why a Military Database for NGOs Is Impractical

in
Date: 
August 3, 2010

The U.S. army’s Synchronized Pre-Deployment and Operational Tracker (SPOT) system is a military database that indefinitely stores detailed personnel data of contractors’ employees working in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In a Bad SPOT: Why a Military Database for NGOs Is Impractical

in
Date: 
August 3, 2010

The U.S. army’s Synchronized Pre-Deployment and Operational Tracker (SPOT) system is a military database that indefinitely stores detailed personnel data of contractors’ employees working in Iraq and Afghanistan. Recipients of federal grants, and their sub-grantees, are required to register with SPOT before beginning their projects. For Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) operating relief and development programs in these two countries, meeting the requirements of SPOT is impracticable, and may jeopardize their employees’ safety and the effectiveness of their programs.

Appeals Court Orders Due Process to Fix State Dept. Listing of Foreign Terrorist Organization

in
Date: 
August 3, 2010

On July 15, 2010 a long running battle by an Iranian group to get off the State Department's (State) list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) reached a new stage when the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ordered State to reconsider listing of the People's Mujaheddin Organization of Iran (PMOI). The court said State must provide PMOI an opportunity to rebut the unclassified information State had relied on. The ruling reflects the same due process problems recognized by federal courts found in Department of Treasury (Treasury) designations of two U.S. charities, KindHearts for Charitable and Humanitarian Development and Al-Haramain Oregon. 

Department of State’s Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs)

in
Date: 
July 2, 2010

Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) are foreign organizations that are designated by the Secretary of State. As of January 19, 2010:

UN’s Improved Listing Process Receives Praise from State Department's Top Counterterrorism Official

in
Date: 
March 18, 2010

A UN resolution that addresses human rights violations caused by the terrorist listing process drew praise from the State Department's chief counterterrorism official. Speaking to the International Peace Institute on March 1, 2010, Ambassador Daniel Benjamin called Resolution 1904 “an important milestone” that “improves the fairness and transparency of the [counterterrorism] regime.” He also called on governments to “build partnerships” with the UN and nonprofits who address political and social grievances instead of implementing restrictive and harsh sanctions that limit their capacity. 

Are Terrorist Lists Doing Their Job?

in
Date: 
April 12, 2010
Author: 
Suraj K. Sazawal

A March 18, 2010 policy analysis by Patrick Clawson, deputy director for research at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, questions the purpose and efficacy of terrorist lists, such as the Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) list.  Clawson says the credibility and effectiveness of lists are jeopardized when the foreign policy agenda supersedes national security concerns in determining who is added or removed. He joins others like the State Department’s chief counterterrorism official, Daniel Benjamin in promoting a more lucid and proactive process for delisting entities not engaged in terrorist activities.  

UN Approves Reforms for Listing and Delisting on Terrorist List

in
Date: 
February 1, 2010

The lack of due process in the United Nations' (UN) terrorist watch list has made some governments reluctant to enforce sanctions against those listed.  Responding to these criticisms, and at the urging of human rights advocates, on Dec. 17, 2009 the UN Security Council unanimously passed Resolution 1904, which sets out an improved process and creates greater transparency.  These improvements, supported by the U.S. in the Security Council vote, do not yet apply to the U.S. listing process.

Fusion Centers' New Access to Military Intelligence Raises Concerns

in
Date: 
September 29, 2009

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Sept. 14, 2009, that classified military intelligence will be made available to state and local fusion centers, which function as information sharing hubs between DHS and state, tribal and local officials. Critics are concerned that the addition of Department of Defense (DoD) intelligence without proper oversight will threaten the privacy and civil liberties of U.S. citizens. The record of fusion centers to date indicates such concerns are justified. 

Critics Object to Proposed “Watch List” Secrecy

in
Date: 
September 11, 2009

White House officials are using the Intelligence Reauthorization Act of 2010 to propose a new  exemption to the a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) for “watch list” data that would end disclosure through FOIA requests. Citing excessive errors in national security watch lists and other privacy concerns, advocacy organizations have written to Congressional leaders, urging rejection of the proposal.

U.S. Terrorist Watchlists: More Problem than Solution

in
Date: 
June 28, 2009

As U.S. government watchlists have steadily become a central counterterrorism measure,  from the Treasury Department to USAID, their use has attracted scrutiny from government auditors and nonprofits.  Critics call the lists inaccurate, incomplete and inefficient. Fueled by several internal government reports and audits finding numerous problems, complaints range from problems created for people with similar names to persons on the lists to incomplete or error filled lists being used to vet NGOs receiving USAID funds.  Widespread dissatisfaction has reached Congress, where a bill providing redress for being incorrectly placed on the list passed House of Representatives in early 2009. It is time to re-think the role of watchlists in counterterrorism strategy, and not just try to fix a broken system.