CIA Deputy Director on Afghanistan and Counterterrorism Efforts

SOURCE www.nbcnews.com
CIA Deputy Director David Cohen downplays warnings about Afghanistan becoming a terrorist launching pad post U.S. troop withdrawal. He highlights success in counterterrorism efforts and averted terrorist plot to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna.

Key Points

  • Afghanistan not turned into a terrorist launching pad post U.S. troop withdrawal
  • Focus on combating ISIS-K and Islamic State as top terrorist threats
  • Success in counterterrorism efforts highlighted by thwarted terrorist plot in Vienna

Pros

  • Success in thwarting terrorist plot in Vienna
  • Shift in national security priorities to focus on China and Russia

Cons

  • Continued threat from ISIS-K and other terrorist groups