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The release of classified information about the NSA’s “PRISM” project has highlighted the fact that wiretapping ain’t what it used to be. While some have explained that the data transfers consist of “metadata,” and not “content,” this is a distinction that professionals and laymen find equally baffling. It is a distinction that may have no meaning where our civil liberties are concerned.
Wiretapping used to be the spy game of: Get a court order authorizing a wiretap. Place the device. Make the recording. Listen to the conversation. Get a conviction.
It appears there is a new form of wiretapping where one does not have to listen to the actual conversation to determine what the caller is up to.
The Potomac Institute donated $25,000 to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, representing proceeds from sales of "Al Gray, Marine: The Early Years." Gen. Al Gray and author Scott Laidig were on hand to present the check with Mike Swetnam, CEO. Receiving the check were Karen Guenther, President, CEO and Founder of the Semper Fi Fund; and Bob Bowlin, Semper Fi Fund treasurer.
“Al Gray, Marine” is the first volume in a biography series of the former Commandant and is available on Amazon.com - here. Proceeds from sales of the book go to The Semper Fi Fund.
Since 2004, Semper Fi Fund, and its program America's Fund, have provided immediate financial assistance and lifetime support for injured and critically ill members of the post 9/11 U.S. Armed Forces and their families. The Semper Fi Fund's streamlined structure keeps overhead very low, 6%; they are also one of three veteran charities to receive an "A+" rating from The American Institute of Philanthropy, and a "Four Star" rating from Charity Navigator. The Semper Fi Fund has given more than 67,000 grants totaling more than $85 million to over 11,000 service members and their families.
From left: Gen Al Gray, author Scott Laidig, Karen Guenther, Bob Bowlin, Mike Swetnam.
Prof Yonah Alexander featured in BBC Brasil article on Boston Bombing
Prof Alexander of ICTS was featured in an in-depth article looking at recent terrorism issues and trends, framing the discussion on how leaders should re-look at protecting the public, how smaller events may be connected and more challenges in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
Potomac Institute Welcomes Peggy Evans - New Senior Fellow
Peggy Evans retired from government in 2013 after 24 years’ experience in intelligence and national security programs in CIA, the White House and the Senate. She also founded and led companies that built green homes and provided environmentally sustainable consulting services. Her service at the Office of Management and Budget from 1995-2000 focused on budget and programmatic oversight of the intelligence community and of the Department of Defense, culminating in her assignment as Acting Deputy Associate Director for National Security. During her 13 years at the Central Intelligence Agency starting in 1982, Peggy played many roles, including performing and managing analysis, operations, and covert action programs.
Inter-University Center for Terrorism Studies Report is Vital in Understanding 'Arc of Instability'
Reports and maps from Potomac Institute's IUCTS were included in recently published articles that referenced the IUCTS study titled "Terrorism in North Africa & the Sahel in 2012: Global Reach and Implications." Maps and other information were central to the coverage that includes comments by United Nations Security Council, discussion of Al Qaeda presence in Polisario camps, and coverage of the Arc of Instability.
- http://moroccoonthemove.wordpress.com/2013/05/18/africas-arc-of-instability-an-investigative-report-by-the-toronto-star/
- http://moroccoonthemove.wordpress.com/2013/05/21/perilous-desert-warns-of-qaeda-threat-in-sahara-polisario-run-camps-m-e-online/
- http://moroccoonthemove.wordpress.com/2013/05/16/arc-of-instability-could-turn-africa-into-launch-pad-for-terrorist-attacks-un-security-council/