This event has been canceled.
The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs will host a Directors' Seminar with John Brennan, Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, in the Belfer Center Library (L369).
In his capacity as President Obama's chief counterterrorism advisor, John Brennan is the architect of the Obama administration's new counterterrorism strategy. In unveiling that strategy in June, Brennan warned that "It's not enough to simply be prepared for attacks. We have to be resilient and recover quickly should an attack occur."
He stressed that the fight against al Qaeda is not over, but the killing of bin Laden and other key jihadist leaders "allows us for the first time to envision the demise of al Qaeda's core leadership in the coming years," he said. "It will take time, but make no mistake: al Qaeda is in decline."
Brennan briefs the President daily and oversees, in his own words, an "eclectic portfolio" that spans law enforcement, espionage, and public safety. He has built what the Washington Post calls a "high-voltage security hub in the White House."
"My job is to make sure that the White House is doing everything possible... to prevent any type of catastrophe."
A career CIA officer, Brennan's duties covered the Near East and South Asia and his postings included Station Chief in Saudi Arabia and Director of the National Counterterrorism Center. After leaving government service in 2005, Brennan became CEO of The Analysis Corporation, a security consulting business, and served as chairman of the Intelligence and National Security Alliance, an association of intelligence professionals. During the 2008 presidential campaign, he advised President Obama on foreign policy and intelligence issues. He was appointed to his current position in January 2009.
RSVP REQUIRED! http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/events/brennan.html
As space is limited for this event, RSVPs will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.
Belfer Center Directors' Seminars are strictly off-the-record. By indicating your desire to attend the seminar, you agree that you will comply with the Belfer Center's strict policy against recording or disclosing the contents of the seminar. Your access is conditioned on your compliance with these restrictions. Should you violate these rules, the Center will pursue all available legal options and you will be excluded from all future events.
