Lisa Monaco on Counterterrorism and ISIL Threats

TL;DR

Lisa Monaco outlines the evolving threat of terrorism, emphasizing ISIL's unique challenges compared to al-Qaida. ISIL's decentralized, social media-driven approach poses new risks, demanding innovative counterterrorism strategies. The U.S. focuses on international coalitions, direct military action, and countering extremist narratives to address these threats effectively.

Transcript

WAINSTEIN: Good afternoon, everybody. Go ahead and bring things to order here. My name�s Ken Wainstein. It�s a real pleasure to be here to preside over today�s session with Lisa Monaco. I want to welcome everybody to today�s Council on Foreign Relations meeting with Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Advisor Lisa O. Monaco. This meeting is part... Read More

Key Insights

• ISIL represents an evolved form of terrorism, characterized by decentralized operations and extensive use of social media.
• Unlike al-Qaida, ISIL combines terrorism, insurgency, and governance, posing a multifaceted threat.
• The U.S. counterterrorism strategy against ISIL includes protecting the homeland, engaging partners, direct military action, disrupting ISIL's enablers, and countering violent extremism.
• ISIL's use of social media allows it to inspire global sympathizers, making it a unique challenge compared to past terrorist organizations.
• The U.S. has built a coalition of 66 partners to combat ISIL, sharing intelligence and supporting local forces in Iraq and Syria.
• Efforts to combat ISIL include targeting its finances and foreign fighter networks, as well as countering its extremist ideology.
• The U.S. government recognizes the limitations of its own messaging and seeks to amplify credible voices against extremism globally.
• Transparency in counterterrorism operations is emphasized, with plans to release data on combatant and non-combatant casualties from strikes outside active hostilities.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does ISIL's approach differ from al-Qaida's?

ISIL's approach differs from al-Qaida's in that it operates as a decentralized network using social media to spread its extremist ideology globally. While al-Qaida focused on large-scale attacks against the West, ISIL combines terrorism with insurgency and governance, attempting to control territory and inspire lone actors worldwide. This multifaceted threat requires innovative counterterrorism strategies.

Q: What are the key components of the U.S. counterterrorism strategy against ISIL?

The U.S. counterterrorism strategy against ISIL includes five key components: protecting the homeland, engaging international partners, taking direct military action, disrupting ISIL's financial and foreign fighter networks, and countering violent extremism. This comprehensive approach aims to address ISIL's multifaceted threat by leveraging military, intelligence, and diplomatic efforts.

Q: How is the U.S. government addressing ISIL's use of social media?

The U.S. government is addressing ISIL's use of social media by partnering with technology companies like Facebook, Twitter, and Google to remove extremist content and deny ISIL a digital safe haven. Additionally, the U.S. is working to amplify credible voices globally to counter ISIL's narrative and expose its true nature, recognizing that the government itself is not the most effective messenger.

Q: What role do international coalitions play in combating ISIL?

International coalitions play a crucial role in combating ISIL by facilitating intelligence sharing, supporting local forces in Iraq and Syria, and coordinating military actions. The U.S. has built a coalition of 66 partners to address the ISIL threat collectively, emphasizing the importance of multilateral cooperation in dismantling ISIL's networks and reducing its influence.

Q: How does the U.S. plan to ensure transparency in its counterterrorism operations?

The U.S. plans to ensure transparency in its counterterrorism operations by publicly releasing assessments of combatant and non-combatant casualties resulting from strikes outside areas of active hostilities. This commitment to transparency reflects the administration's dedication to conducting counterterrorism efforts in accordance with legal standards and maintaining legitimacy and support from allies.

Q: What challenges does ISIL's decentralized structure pose to counterterrorism efforts?

ISIL's decentralized structure poses significant challenges to counterterrorism efforts as it allows the group to inspire lone actors and small cells globally without direct contact. This 'do-it-yourself' terrorism complicates traditional counterterrorism strategies, requiring innovative approaches to disrupt ISIL's online influence and prevent radicalization and recruitment through social media.

Q: How is the U.S. addressing ISIL's financial networks?

The U.S. is addressing ISIL's financial networks by targeting its oil infrastructure, disrupting its ability to extort local populations, and working with international partners to cut off funding sources. Efforts have resulted in significant setbacks for ISIL, including reduced revenue and financial instability within its controlled territories, contributing to the broader strategy of dismantling ISIL's operational capabilities.

Q: What is the significance of ISIL's control over territory in Iraq and Syria?

ISIL's control over territory in Iraq and Syria is significant as it allows the group to operate as an insurgent army, governance entity, and recruitment hub. This territorial control provides ISIL with resources and legitimacy, enabling it to attract foreign fighters and project power. The U.S. strategy aims to reclaim these territories through military action and support for local forces, ultimately dismantling ISIL's physical stronghold.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Lisa Monaco discusses the evolving nature of the terrorist threat, highlighting ISIL's decentralized and social media-driven approach. Unlike al-Qaida, ISIL combines terrorism with insurgency and governance, posing a unique challenge. The U.S. counterterrorism strategy includes protecting the homeland, engaging partners, military action, disrupting ISIL's enablers, and countering extremism.

• ISIL's ability to inspire global supporters through social media distinguishes it from previous threats. The U.S. has formed a coalition of 66 partners to combat ISIL, focusing on intelligence sharing and supporting local forces. Efforts also target ISIL's finances and foreign fighter networks while countering its extremist ideology.

• The U.S. government acknowledges its limitations in messaging and seeks to empower credible voices globally against extremism. Transparency in counterterrorism is prioritized, with plans to release data on casualties from strikes outside active hostilities. The strategy aims to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL while upholding American values and legal standards.