FBI Agent Criticizes Counterterrorism Measures

The FBI's counterterrorism agents lack the language skills and cultural understanding needed to succeed, an agency whistle-blower charged Saturday.

Bassem Youssef, a decorated FBI supervisor who was born in Egypt and speaks fluent Arabic, also said jealousy, discrimination and flawed directives hinder the FBI's attempts to fight terrorism.

"The FBI has publicly stated that expertise in working counterterrorism matters, and cultural understanding of the Middle East and the radical Islamic groups, as well as the language, are not necessary to run the counterterrorism division," said Youssef, speaking publicly for the first time on the subject Saturday at an American Library Association meeting.

Youssef, 49, the highest ranking Arab-American agent, has a discrimination lawsuit pending against the bureau. He has also raised concerns about the FBI's alleged misuse of warrantless searches.

Read the whole story here.

Comments

[gcallaghan]

Face it, folks. This is a Bush policy and as such was doomed to fail miserably. If he or his appointees thought it up or touched it then it's fucked up in all directions.

[getoffmedz]

"He has also raised concerns about the FBI's alleged misuse of warrantless searches." Which are being used as political tools against members of Congress and/or their families to gain obedience, compliance and support.

This administration is nothing but a pack of criminals.