Word: centcom
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: during 2000-2009
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...continue to be placed in harms way, deserve better. Claims that the USS Cole incident was the result of an intelligence failure or logistical necessities are suspect. Gen. Anthony Zinni, former commander of U.S. forces in the Persian Gulf (also known as Central Command, or CENTCOM), assumed responsibility for moving refueling operations and testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Yemeni port of Aden was the least vulnerable option--and thus essential to U.S. Persian Gulf operations. Nothing seems further from the truth...
...potential for Iran to exploit heightened regional passions to disguise involvement in anti-U.S. operations is ever-present. These trends were conveyed to both CENTCOM and Embassy Sanaa long before the decision to use Aden as a refueling port was made...
...embassy in Yemen, CENTCOM and the intelligence community certainly saw the same threat information: a precedent of attacks combined with violently anti-American groups in a fluid environment wherein penetration of the government and local companies assisting the U.S. refueling operations was probable. The alleged tip-off by an Arab ally of possible anti-U.S. operations in the region, combined with the onset of Arab-Israeli violence and Baghdads renewed efforts to break out of the sanctions box, should have underscored the need for extra precautions...
threats in order to push a pro-Yemen policy agenda. If CENTCOM had visions of using Aden to support American troops in regional missions it shows a shortsightedness with respect to vulnerability, as well as a lack of understanding that such actions would...
...both irresponsible and arrogant. If such incidents are to be avoided in the future, there must be greater attention to the link between U.S. policy towards Israel and U.S. vulnerabilities in the region. There must also be a thorough review of the decision-making process--the rationale of CENTCOM and the embassy, the interface between intelligence and policy-makers and the needs of ship refueling and force protection measures. While a perfect policy of combating terrorism is impossible, unsubstantiated judgements and statements that it was bound to happen or a determined terrorist will succeed regardless are unacceptable excuses. Leaders learn...