No U.S. citizen has ever been on the CIA's target list, which mainly names Al Qaeda leaders, including Osama bin Laden, according to current and former U.S. officials. But that is expected to change as CIA analysts compile a case against a Muslim cleric who was born in New Mexico but now resides in Yemen.
Anwar al Awlaki poses a dilemma for U.S. counter-terrorism officials. He is a U.S. citizen and until recently was mainly known as a preacher espousing radical Islamic views. But Awlaki's ties to November's shootings at Ft. Hood and the failed Christmas Day airline plot have helped convince CIA analysts that his role has changed.
"Over the past several years, Awlaki has gone from propagandist to recruiter to operational player," said a U.S. counter-terrorism official.
Awlaki's status as a U.S. citizen requires special consideration, according to former officials familiar with the criteria for the CIA's targeted killing program. But while Awlaki has not yet been placed on the CIA list, the officials said it is all but certain that he will be added because of the threat he poses.
"If an American is stupid enough to make cause with terrorists abroad, to frequent their camps and take part in their plans, he or she can't expect their citizenship to work as a magic shield," said another U.S. official. "If you join the enemy, you join your fate to his."
Anwar al Awlaki poses a dilemma for U.S. counter-terrorism officials. He is a U.S. citizen and until recently was mainly known as a preacher espousing radical Islamic views. But Awlaki's ties to November's shootings at Ft. Hood and the failed Christmas Day airline plot have helped convince CIA analysts that his role has changed.
"Over the past several years, Awlaki has gone from propagandist to recruiter to operational player," said a U.S. counter-terrorism official.
Awlaki's status as a U.S. citizen requires special consideration, according to former officials familiar with the criteria for the CIA's targeted killing program. But while Awlaki has not yet been placed on the CIA list, the officials said it is all but certain that he will be added because of the threat he poses.
"If an American is stupid enough to make cause with terrorists abroad, to frequent their camps and take part in their plans, he or she can't expect their citizenship to work as a magic shield," said another U.S. official. "If you join the enemy, you join your fate to his."
Absolutely. My only question would be why Awlaki isn't already on the kill list?
12 comments:
Good question Brooke. Caution is killing us with this administration.
I am not overly comfortable with the CIA targeting US citizens but I am with the CIA official, he joined the terrorists. In my mind he has revoked his citizenship.
exactly right girl!..u may want to change the link of your name to this new site Brooke..have a great day!:)
It depends on who gets him first. Would Holder uphold the CIA kill list order or read Awlaki his Miranda rights?
"It depends on who gets him first. Would Holder uphold the CIA kill list order or read Awlaki his Miranda rights?"
Someone just hand me a friggin' gun! I can get the job done and be home before Holder and the CIA figure THAT one out!
BTW, as far as I'm concerned, once you plot and encourage attacks in your own country, you're no longer a citizen to me!
"He is a U.S. citizen and until recently was mainly known as a preacher espousing radical Islamic views."
A lot of that going around with those folks!
Maybe Zero needs him to find his birth certificate.
Honestly, do you think Obama even cares to find the truth about terrorists? I don't.
Benedict Arnold would not have lasted long if the US had caught him. A turncoat is a turncoat whether a Revolutionary War traitor or a War on Terror traitor.
Go CIA! Good Hunting!
Here's my contribution to the $64,000 question: Why isn't he already dead?
Bullets are so much cheaper than trials.
Mustang out
Chuck: I agree. If you leave the country, join terrorists and plot to kill Americans, you just turned in your citizenship! It seems obvious, but then again, we have leftists that want to lawyer up Nigerian 'unit' bombers...
Angel: I'll check that, thanks!
Cube: Holder would Mirandize Awlaki, fool that he is!
Krystal: LOL! Would you please go be president?
Edge: Radical? I think not; Awlaki was reading the Koran and Hadith.
SB: No.
LA: I agree, and I hope they get him in short order.
Mustang: Bullets may be cheaper, but huge bombs are so much more fun. ;)
another case that shows us the threat of religious extremism and unfortunatly proves that usa security system is not perfect...
Brooke, in case you've forgotten, Batman was running for President as a write in with me as his VP. And knowing Jeff, he'd shoot the guy, too!!!
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