I think the rule should be that if we're going to take actions overseas that result in the deaths of people, the United States should take responsibility for that.
John O. BrennanRead
I do not - I never believed it's better to kill a terrorist than to detain him. We want to detain as many terrorists as possible so we can elicit the intelligence from them in the appropriate manner so that we can disrupt follow-on terrorist attacks.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Detaining terrorists is preferable to killing them for the sake of gathering intelligence and preventing further attacks.
This quote emphasizes the importance of capturing terrorists for intelligence purposes rather than resorting to lethal force. John O. Brennan argues that by detaining and interrogating terrorists, more valuable information can be gained to prevent future attacks, highlighting a strategic approach to counter-terrorism that prioritizes knowledge and information over immediate violence.
Themes
TerrorismIntelligenceDetentionPreventionSecurity
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about counter-terrorism strategies at a security conference.
More from John O. Brennan
All quotes →While the intelligence profession oftentimes demands secrecy, it is critically important that there be a full and open discourse on intelligence matters with the appropriate elected representatives of the American people.
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As a former career intelligence professional, I have a profound appreciation for the value of intelligence. Intelligence disrupts terrorist plots and thwarts attacks. Intelligence saves lives.
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We are in this business, whether it be intelligence or the government, to protect freedom, democracy and liberty, not to violate that.
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Terrorists are not 100 feet tall. Nor do they deserve the abject fear they seek to instill.
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When we uphold the rule of law, our counterterrorism tools are more likely to withstand the scrutiny of our courts, our allies, and the American people.
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