CIA view now: U.S. 'at war' <> EU only sees a local security challenge ..prelude to decline and collapse

WORLD TRIBUNE:
WASHINGTON -- The intelligence communities of the European Union and the United States are moving apart in their perception of the Al Qaida threat.

CIA director Michael Hayden said the intelligence agencies of the United States and the European Union view differently what he termed terrorism and other issues. Hayden said his government regarded Al Qaida as part of a global threat while EU members focused on law enforcement.

"They tend not to view terrorism as we do, as an overwhelming international challenge," Hayden said. "Or if they do, we often differ on what would be effective and appropriate to counter it."

In an address to Kansas State University on April 30, Hayden referred to a recurring complaint by the U.S. intelligence community of its EU counterpart.

The CIA director asserted that the gap in perception on security issues between Brussels and Washington was growing.

This guy just warned Congress in closed session about the loss of sovereignty in American decision making due to foreign investments in both private and public instruments. I think I like this guy.

"Many of the disagreements we have are centered on threat perceptions and the tactics used to thwart perceived danger," Hayden said. "So, for example, while we share the view that terrorism is an urgent danger, we disagree on how best to confront it."

Still, Hayden said U.S. and EU intelligence cooperation was closer than ever. He said the greater the collaboration the "greater [the] opportunity for disagreement."

"The United States believes it is a nation at war, a war that is global in scope, and requires, as a precondition for winning, that we take the fight to the enemy, wherever he may be," Hayden said.

Here we diverge. I think both the people and the politicians here want to believe that we are NOT at war, and want to behave accordingly. Edward's 'bumper sticker' philosophy on the war.

"In much of Europe, terrorism is seen differently: primarily as an internal, law enforcement problem, and solutions are focused more narrowly on securing the homeland."

Calling Sen . Kerry....

Unlike the United States, the EU has been challenged by the influx of North African Muslims, the fastest growing minority on the continent. Hayden said there are 16 million Muslims in Europe, or three percent of the overall population, with a birth rate of at least twice that of ethnic Europeans.

"Differing views over the nature of threats and the right tactics to address them are likely to impact U.S.-Europe relations for much of this century, and the effects will be felt on many levels -- from intelligence and law enforcement to military cooperation and foreign policy," Hayden said. "Managing the disagreements and tensions that arise in the absence of a unified vision will complicate what has traditionally been America's easiest relationship."

Hayden warned that the United States, regarded as a melting pot, was not immune to the Muslim threat in Europe. Without specifying, the CIA director did not rule out the prospect that new immigrants would refuse to accept American democracy.

"Our status as the world's melting pot is a source of national pride and strength," Hayden said. "Unless we are careful, though, that pride and experience might create a blind spot for us. We might misunderstand or discount the potency of ethnic nationalism in other parts of the world -- a mistake that could have serious implications for U.S. security and policy."

Hayden said the CIA has sought to recruit officers with a range of language skills and overseas experience. He said officers with skills in Arabic, Farsi, Pasto and Urdu were required in the war against Al Qaida.

"We need more experts in Islamic studies and in Middle Eastern politics, culture, and society," Hayden said. "Add South Asia, too."

You can bet that all this is going to increase the perception of the USA as the most dangerous nation in the world since we will be pressing (I hope) for actions to defend our people and our way of life, while others will perceive only a need for a few arrests for isolated individual 'kidnappings' and other bothers. We need to face the future CLEARLY..growing isolation, and growing pressure to CONFORM to decline and collapse.