Please join the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East for an off-the-record discussion with Admiral Dennis Blair, former Director of National Intelligence, to discuss the US counterterrorism approach in Yemen and the need to develop a more effective operational model for the United States to address security threats emanating from fragile states with weak institutions.

Despite the importance of stability in the Arabian Peninsula for core US interests, there is scant evidence of innovative, ambitious thinking in Washington about how to effectively address the factors driving the growth of extremist networks and potential state failure. The discussion will explore the need for the United States to develop a longer-term, more integrated approach to mitigate such dangers beyond the current short-term tactical responses of drone strikes and investing in elite counterterrorism units.

This event will also mark the release of two Atlantic Council reports: “A Blueprint for US Policy in Yemen,” by former US Ambassador to Yemen Barbara K. Bodine and Deputy Director Danya Greenfield and; “Are Drone Strikes Undermining US Security Objectives in Yemen,” by Danya Greenfield and Assistant Director Stefanie A. Hausheer.  

Admiral Blair was director of National Intelligence from January 2009 to May 2010, providing integrated intelligence support to the President, Congress and operations in the field. Prior to retiring from the Navy in 2002, after a distinguished 34-year career, he served as commander in chief, US Pacific Command. Ambassador Barbara Bodine, currently director, Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, served as US ambassador to Yemen (1997-2001). Danya Greenfield, who leads the Council’s Yemen Policy Initiative, will moderate the discussion.