With the closing of the Guantánamo Bay detention camp, the Justice Department is evaluating the cases of the remaining 241 detainees, and there are reports some may end up being tried on U.S. soil, perhaps in Manhattan Federal Court. Prof. Joseph King sees that as a strong possibility. "It's the logical place," he says. "The Southern District (cou…

Did Bush era anti-terrorism policies prevent another 9/11-style terror attack, as former Vice President Dick Chaney has claimed? President Obama has strongly rejected the Chaney claim, saying the policies did damage by increasing anti-American sentiments. Prof. Joseph Kings agrees. "The Bush administration failed to move forward with a lot of what …

In his first post-election interview, Barack Obama told CBS's "60 Minutes" why national security will be among his top priorities during this transitional time and in the early months of his presidency. Prof. Joseph King explains why this is essential for the safety of the country. "It's reassuring to see that he has taken national security as a se…

A new study headed by the chairs of the 9/11 Commission has given the federal government a "D" for its efforts in preventing the spread of weapons and protecting the homeland. The same report awarded a B minus, its highest mark, for government efforts to combat chemical weapons. Prof. Joseph King explains the discrepancy. "I credit that panel -- it…

As the country marks the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, an historic presidential race is rounding the final stretch. Was the issue of homeland security given the attention it deserved by Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain in their battle for the White House? "No," says Prof. Joseph King. "I don't think either candidate has addressed it ot…

Two top White House counterterrorism posts continue to go unfilled following Frances Townsend's resignation in January as assistant to the president for homeland security and counterterrorism. While Prof. Joseph King calls this a "terrible situation," he also says he's not surprised. "This is basically a lame duck administration and it's hard to ge…

Pope Benedict's visit to New York prompted the NYPD to increase security throughout the city, with measures that ranged from inspection checkpoints to police divers with underwater counter-terrorism devices. The extraordinary measures were very much needed, said Prof. Joseph King. "The police, both in D.C. and New York were right because he is such…

Amtrak announced that passengers will have to submit to random screenings of carry-on bags in a major security push. Professor Joseph King sees this latest measure as a good thing. "There is a benefit, no question. A presence of heavily armed police officers with dogs does give a very vivid portrayal of security to people." Prof. King also talks ab…

The first counterterrorism strategy of its kind in this country began in New York City's subways this March. Called Operation Torch, it involves roving teams of New York City police officers armed with automatic rifles and accompanied by bomb-sniffing dogs, patrolling the subways on a daily basis. Prof. Joseph King sees this new measure as a plus. …

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff told an interviewer for BBC radio that he felt a "certain sense of complacency" about terrorism in the United States and warned that, although we have not suffered a major attack since 9/11, we need to stay ever vigilant. Professor Joseph King is also concerned. "People's memories fade...If there are no …