Reports that Pakistan-based militant groups may be moving to unite could help clarify U.S. talks with the Taliban in Afghanistan. But CFR's Daniel Markey calls it a tricky game, complicated by unclear U.S. intentions in the region.

Admiral William H. McRaven, U.S. Navy, Commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command, gave this testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee on March 6, 2012.

Attorney General Eric Holder gave these remarks regarding targeted killing at at Northwestern University School of Law on March 5, 2012.

Matthew C. Waxman discusses U.S. attorney general Eric Holder's address providing the Obama administration's legal rationale for targeted killings of certain al Qaeda suspects--including U.S. citizens.

The rise of China in economic, political, and military spheres have not just interested Western observers, but also al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadi thinkers, says Brian Fishman in the Washington Quarterly.

Max Boot argues that despite the recent protests over the burning of Qurans, Afghans do not want a return of the Taliban--and they don't hate America.

Targeted killings have become a central component of U.S. counterterrorism operations around the globe. Despite pointed criticism over transparency and accountability issues, analysts say the controversial practice seems likely to expand in the future.

Richard A. Falkenrath says changes to national privacy law are essential to protect personal privacy in the age of pervasive social media and cloud computing--and Google's new privacy policy points even more firmly to the need for a right to be forgotten.

Matthew C. Waxman examines the role of local police in counterterrorism intelligence.

Obama's potential voters might not judge him only by his success on catching the al-Qaeda mastermind, but also by the way he has been handling the American economy, writes Scott Clement.

Andrea Elliott tells the story of a young boy from Alabama who grew up to become a key figure in terrorism.

Laurie Garrett discusses the mistakes and misjudgments made by government officials in response to the anthrax attacks of 2001 and provides recommendations for what should be done now.

Laurie Garrett says making a superbug that can infect thousands of people is easier than ever and examines if there is anything governments can do to prevent terrorists from learning how to make a devastating bioweapon.

Laurie Garrett discusses the public policy implications of bird flu and bioterrorism.

Pakistani journalist Najam Sethi discusses the factors behind anti-Americanism in Pakistan. He says the two countries have failed to develop a strategic relationship because of their differences in Afghanistan.

A top New York City police official and author of a new book on al-Qaeda, Mitchell Silber, discusses with CFR's Ed Husain the persistent threat of a homegrown U.S. radical mounting a terrorist attack.

Laurie Garrett says man-made killer bird flu is now a reality and asks if governments can--and should--try to stop it.

Brian Fishman explains why Al-Qaeda affiliated jihadi thinkers are concerned with China's rise, as the country becomes increasingly tied to regimes they believe are fundamentally corrupt.

Attacks on Shia Muslims in Afghanistan claimed by a Pakistani militant group are a disturbing omen -- for sectarian ties and the prospects for a peace deal with insurgents, says counterterrorism expert Brian Fishman.

This session was a meeting of the Civil Society, Democracy, and Countering Radicalism Roundtable.