National security and global threats are the topic of discussion tonight at a forum held by the Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab in Denver.
The forum is being hosted by Democratic Sen. Mark Udall, who sits on the Senate Intelligence Committee.
“We can take satisfaction that Osama bin Laden is finally dead,” Udall said. “But new threats have emerged, clouds are gathering again in the Middle East and Iran has acquired nuclear capabilities.”
Udall, D-Colo., says if Iran continues its nuclear ambitions, “it will pay dearly and I believe no options should be left off the table.”
But the senator and his fellow panelists are hoping sanctions against Iran will work.
“We have to be cautious in using force,” said Admiral James A. “Sandy” Winnefeld Jr., vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The senator discussed other security issues for the U.S., including the national debt which he believes is a threat to national security. He also thinks a cyberattack could be the next major battle Americans face.
Hundreds of intelligence, law enforcement and politicians are in attendance. There is a standing-room only crowd at the back of the auditorium.
The panel also included Ambassador Christopher Hill, who is the dean of the University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of International Studies and former ambassador to Iraq and Korea; and Kenneth L. Wainstein, former homeland security advisor to the president and assistant Attorney General for national security at the Department of Justice.
Felisa Cardona: 303-954-1219 or fcardona@denverpost.com
