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Source: http://washingtoninstitute.org/templateC07.php?CID=414
Assessing the Fight Against al-Qaeda
[Washington Institute for Near East Policy] Ted Gistaro - U.S. national intelligence officer for transnational threats Ted Gistaro addressed the Washington Institute on Aug. 12: Greatly increased worldwide counterterrorism efforts over the past five years have constrained the ability of al-Qaeda to attack the United States and our allies. That said, al-Qaeda remains the most serious terrorist threat to the United States. We assess that al-Qaeda's intent to attack the U.S. homeland remains undiminished. Attack planning continues and we assess it remains focused on hitting prominent political, economic, and infrastructure targets designed to produce mass casualties, visually dramatic destruction, and significant economic and political aftershocks. We assess that al-Qaeda will continue to try to acquire and employ chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear material in attacks, and would not hesitate to use them if it develops what it deems is a sufficient capability.