Miscellaneous Topics
Benghazi
A candid analysis and discussion: was it a failure of intelligence or failure to act; was it predictable and preventable; was our response adequate; were we misled?
Eli Cohen
one of the most successful and impactful spies in history. Cohen, an Israeli Mossad undercover officer, would have been named the deputy defense minister of Syria had he not been caught and executed. A truly remarkable story.
Combatting Terror - War or Crime
Is the "war on terrorism" really a war and should it be? Should we combat terror with intelligence, military, or law-enforcement resources? Topics: enemy combatants, indefinite detention, military commissions, covert operations, legal arguments, the Barbary wars, and the Civil war.
War' on Terror - Hypocrisy and Politics
An analysis of the hottest topics in the war on terrorism: whether it is a "war", enhanced interrogation, torture, detention without trial, warrantless surveillances, the Patriot Act, drone attacks, targeted killing of Americans, and assassinations. We will also address political hypocrisy.
Global Jihad - Al Qaeda and Islamic Extremism
A 3-part discussion of terrorism, extremism, and jihad. Part 1: Islam (as both a religion and ideology), Islamic sects, domestic and foreign terrorism, jihad, Sharia law, Islamic terrorist groups. Part 2: Barbary Coast Wars, Somalia Piracy, Benghazi, Fort Hood, Boston Bombing. Part 3: foreign inspired terrorist attacks in the US, ISIS, the war on terror. Available in a 2-part abbreviated version.
Marathon Bombers - Terrorism in Boston
An analysis on the Boston Bombing - what when right and wrong. Emphasis will be placed on the difference between law enforcement, prosecution, and terror prevention.
"Cosmetic" Security
How safe we you, especially since 9/11? We will distinguish between real and illusory security by examining Transporation Safety Admisistration (TSA), gun control, and gated communities. Topics include civil rights, assault weapon bans (and other gun control measures), privacy, the law, and how they effect your safety.
Security Clearances and Background Investigations
A detailed discussion of pesonnel security, including exactly how BI's are conduced and how security clearances are administered.
Military Tribunals in US History
Should terrorists be tried in US or military courts? This facinating lecture explores one of the hottest issues facing our nation today by tracing the history of military tribunals from the American Revolution to the present. An insightful and timely review of the lessons from history.
Civil War POW Camps - Andersonville, Elmira, Douglas
Neither the Union or Confederacy was equipped to handle POWs. Camp conditions were horrid. We will discuss the attrocities in the most notorious prisons on both sides and what led to them. Prisoner parole and exchange will also be addressed. A frank and facinating presentation.
FederalAgents - US Law Enforcement
Almost everyone has heard of the FBI, ATF, DEA, and USSS, but few know there are over 100,000 special agents and federal officers in 100 federal agencies. We will discuss the structure, mission, and training in federal law enforcement. Emphasis will be placed on changes since 9/11.
US Intelligence Community
Join a former counterintelligence official in a revealing look at the US Intelligence Community. Structure, oversight, support, and effectiveness will be discussed in detail.
Counterintelligence and Counterterrorism
An insightful discussion about the structure and organization of US counterintelligence and counterterrorism. Topics will include the agencies involved, effectiveness, counterespionage, and security countermeasures.
US Intelligence - Iraqi WMD
Did Bush lie? Did the WH manipulate intelligence to draw us into war? Is US intelligence reliable? These topics will be discussed in detail.
US Intelligence - Contemporary Issues
Should the US use torture in the war on terror? Is terrorist surveillance an effective weapon or a threat to liberty? Why did our intelligence fail us on 9/11 and are we now prepared? Why did it take so long to kill Osama? Is politics part of the problem? A frank and open discussion that moves beyond the rhetoric, hyperbole, and media hype.
Classified Press Leaks - National Security and Politics
Leaks are not new, but they are increasing. We will examine the reasons, the politics, and the damage.
Snowden and Manning - Traitor or Patriot
A detailed analysis of the criminal cases against Edward Snowden and Bradley Manning who leaked volumes of secrets to the press . We will examine what they did, why, if the positive offsets the damage, and if they are traitors.
CIA and US military Terrorist Detention Programs
The treatment of terrorists held by the CIA and military has received much media coverage. This frank and revealing course discusses enhanced interrogation, secret overseas detention sites, Guantanamo, and Abu Ghraib. It is designed to help you form a fact-based opinion on whether the programs kept us safe or put us at greater risk.
Criminal Law - Exclusion of Evidence
An examinination of Miranda Warnings and the Exclusionary Rule. Most people know their rights; join a retired law enforcement official in an interesting discussion addressing the legal basis and origin of the rules and suggested changes to combat terrorism. It includes both case law and practical matters.
The Barbary Wars
From 1776 to 1815 the US faced terrorism in the form of piracy from the Barbary Coast States of North Africa. This presentation addresses the little-known, but interesting Barbary Wars. Parallels are drawn with Somali piracy and our current war on terrorism. The lessons learned by our early Presidents still have relevance.
Tuskegee - An American Institution
Tuskegee Institute has a facinating history. This discussion about the university includes: Tuskegee Airmen, Tuskegee Syphilis Study, Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, and more.
The Imitation Game - Beyond Alan Turing
Several films highlight the role of codebreakers In the Allied victory. The Imitation Game, 2014, about Alan Turing and Bletchley Park is probably the best. Despite historical inaccuracies it tells a compelling story, but it covers only a fraction of the saga. We will examine a few more key players and events. Topics: Polish Cipher Bureau; The Bletchley Circle; Bletchley “girls”; MAGIC; Colossus; Tunny; ULTRA; Alan Turing; Gordon Welchman; William Tutte; Tommy Flowers; Joan Clarke; Dilly Knox; William and Elizabeth Friedman; the Black Chamber; Joe Rocheford; VENONA; historical accuracy.
Antarctic - Past and Future Militarization
A fascinating and revealing discussion about the least explored (and exploited) continent. The “White Continent” has no native population and negligible development or tourism. We will address past (WWII) and future militarism of this pristine, unforgiving natural wonder. Topics: climate; fauna; exploration; Nazi and Allied military actions; territorial claims; post-WWII treaties; research stations; UFO theories; comparison to Arctic.