[Zechariah11]

When committee members asked if Clarke had prepared a “comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism,” the notoriously patronizing Clarke blew them off.

It was “silly” to believe such a strategy could be developed, said Clarke, “belittling” the committee for daring to pose the question.

“If there are no clear requirements or plan,” Shays asked in obvious disgust, “how does the administration prioritize the $12.9 billion it intends to spend” on counter-terrorism and related activities?

This is an outstanding piece.

Thanks.

[Melchior]

In their book The Age of Sacred Terror, former Clinton NSC bigwigs Daniel Benjamin and Steven Simon note (page 232) that Clarke had been fired by SecState Baker only to be saved by Brent Scowcroft who got him a job at the NSC. He was only one of three bureaucrats that held onto their jobs as Clinton moved into office. He seems to have been thoroughly detested by many at the White House, just as he was at the Department of State where he had made his reputation as INR (Intelligence and Research)Director Mort Abramowicz’s toady.