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Untitled Document
COMBATTING TERRORISM
"We will use our new integrated approach to intensify the fight against
all forms of terrorism -- to capture terrorists, no matter where they hide;
to work with other nations to eliminate terrorist sanctuaries overseas; to
respond rapidly and effectively to protect Americans from terrorism at home
and abroad."
President Clinton
U.S. Naval Academy
May 22, 1998
The United States has mounted an aggressive response to terrorism - disrupting
potential terrorist action, enhancing cooperation with other countries, strengthening
sanctions on countries that support terrorists, tightening security for our
diplomats, our troops, air travelers and improving our ability to track terrorist
activity.
A RECORD OF ACCOMPLISHMENT
Implemented a strategy that combined strengthened law enforcement and intelligence
efforts, vigorous diplomacy and, as was demonstrated in August 1998 in the
wake of the attacks on our embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, use of military
force when necessary.
Targeted terrorist finances, broke up support cells, disrupted training
and brought suspects to justice, in cooperation with other governments.
Led efforts that resulted in a dozen terrorist fugitives being apprehended
overseas since 1993 and turned over to the United States to answer for their
crimes. Included in this group are the conspirators in the World Trade Center
bombing, the perpetrators of the attack on the CIA headquarters and a terrorist
responsible for an attack on a Pan Am flight almost 15 years ago.
Signed three directives (PDD 39, 62, 63) to bring government agencies together
at a senior level to counter terrorism.
Developed a single, coherent budget process for anti-/counterterrorism
and appointed the first National Coordinator for counterterrorism to keep
the U.S. effort on track.
Signed into law the Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act (1996),
which banned fundraising in the United States for designated terrorist organizations,
allowed for rapid deportation without the release of classified information
and made it easier to bar terrorists from entry into the United States. Under
this law, the Secretary of State has formally designated 29 foreign terrorist
organizations, making it illegal for U.S. citizens and institutions to provide
funds or other material support to these groups.
Raised the FBI's counterterrorism budget by 283 percent since 1993. The
number of FBI agents assigned to counterterrorism has risen 2 ½ fold.
Undertook a comprehensive approach to improving the security of our embassies,
including security enhancements at all posts, along with more local guard
coverage and upgraded communications.
Made counterterrorism central to the Clinton Administrations diplomacy
-- accelerating negotiations on extradition and multi-legal assistance treaties.
It has made a major effort to press all UN member-states to sign conventions
that require them to prosecute or extradite terrorists to countries where
they are wanted. There is an impressive record of international cooperation
to harmonize legislation on terrorist offenses, cooperate in research and
development and create databases on terrorism.
Led the efforts to bring Usama Bin Ladin to justice, including sanctioning
the Taliban for their continued harboring of Bin Ladin and his terrorist network.
The Administration led an international effort to impose additional sanctions
against the Taliban for their continued harboring of Usama Bin Ladin and his
terrorist infrastructure. This effort culminated in the UN Security Council
adopting UNSCR 1333 in December 2000 which included a unilateral arms embargo
against the Taliban.
Undertook the largest counterterrorism operation in U.S. history to ensure
a peaceful Millennium celebration.
REFERENCES
Presidential Decision Directive 39, June 1995.
The President's Speech at the U.S. Naval Academy Graduation, Annapolis, MD,
May 1998.
Presidential Decision Directive 62, May 1998.
Fact Sheet on Combating Terrorism, PDD-62, May 1998.
The President's Speech at the National Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C.,
January 1999.