U.S. Adm. Mike Mullen Outlines Top U.S. Threats
June 29, 2009 by national
Filed under Homeland Security News
At any given moment, U.S. Adm. Mike Mullen is juggling at least a half dozen critical situations around the world.
The final hours before taking off for Moscow to iron out details of a military cooperation agreement with Russia were no different for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the fight against the Taliban inside Pakistan, al-Qaida’s intent to attack the U.S. and Iran are the issues Mullen says he is grappling with right now.
“The biggest concern I have right now is in the broader Middle East,” says Mullen. “We are in a position in Iraq where we’re decreasing our footprint over the next year and a half, considerably to meet the president’s direction to have all troops out of Iraq by the end of 2011.”
At the same time Mullen says, “We’re increasing the number of forces we’ve got in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is in that region — in Afghanistan and Pakistan — I think the No. 1 threat that we have right now, is al -Qaida.”
Mullen says al-Qaida’s main goal “is to attack Western interests.”
But another threat, North Korea, is most pressing.
“What is most important in my view is that somehow this leader gets the message that he’s just continuing to isolate himself and his people,” says Mullen.
He pulled no punches when discussing Kim Jong il’s behavior.
“He is somewhat unpredictable. Clearly that’s the case,” says Mullen.
When asked about U.S. military preparation to deal with a possible missile launch in the direction of Hawaii, Mullen responded confidently.
“I think we’re very well postured and in a position to be able to address the threat. I have great confidence in our forces and our ability to do that.”
When pressed on just what would be done, Mullen says the U.S. would “take all necessary measures to defend our people.”
While clear on the threats, he’s keenly aware of the advantage he has.
