This is the accessible text file for GAO report number GAO-02-1021 entitled 'Combating Terrorism: Department of State Programs to Combat Terrorism Abroad' which was released on September 06, 2002. This text file was formatted by the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) to be accessible to users with visual impairments, as part of a longer term project to improve GAO products’ accessibility. Every attempt has been made to maintain the structural and data integrity of the original printed product. Accessibility features, such as text descriptions of tables, consecutively numbered footnotes placed at the end of the file, and the text of agency comment letters, are provided but may not exactly duplicate the presentation or format of the printed version. The portable document format (PDF) file is an exact electronic replica of the printed version. We welcome your feedback. Please E-mail your comments regarding the contents or accessibility features of this document to Webmaster@gao.gov. Report to Congressional Requesters: September 2002: Combating Terrorism: Department of State Programs to Combat Terrorism Abroad: GAO-02-1021: Contents: Letter: Results in Brief: Background: Programs and Activities to Prevent Terrorism Abroad: Programs and Activities to Disrupt and Destroy Terrorist Organizations Abroad: Programs and Activities to Respond to Terrorist Incidents Abroad: Activities to Coordinate U.S. Efforts to Combat Terrorism Abroad: Agency Comments: Appendixes: Appendix I: Department of State Organizational Chart: Appendix II: Department of State Programs and Activities to Combat Terrorism Abroad: Appendix III: Comments from the Department of State: Appendix IV: GAO Contact and Staff Acknowledgements: GAO Contact: Acknowledgments: Tables: Table 1: State Department Funding to Combat Terrorism Abroad: Table 2: State Department Programs and Activities to Combat Terrorism Abroad: Figures : Figure 1: Damage from al Qaeda Terrorist Attack, U.S. Embassy, Dar-es- Salaam, Tanzania, August 1998: Figure 2: Bureau of Diplomatic Security Training for Local Guards: Figure 3: New Security Fence, Gate, and Vehicle Barrier at a U.S. Embassy: Figure 4: Response to al Qaeda Terrorist Attack, U.S. Embassy, Nairobi, Kenya, August 1998: Abbreviations: ATA: Antiterrorism Assistance Program: CA: Bureau of Consular Affairs : CIA: Central Intelligence Agency: DOD: Department of Defense: : DS: Bureau of Diplomatic Security: EAC: Emergency Action Committee: EAP: Emergency Action Plan: FBI: Federal Bureau of Investigation: FEST: Foreign Emergency Support Team: IIP: Office of International Information Programs: ILEA: International Law Enforcement Academy: INL : Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs : INR: Bureau of Intelligence and Research : IO: Bureau of International Organization Affairs : L: Office of the Legal Advisor: NSC: National Security Council: OBO: Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations: OFDA: Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance: OSAC: Overseas Security Advisory Council: PM: Bureau of Political-Military Affairs : RSO: Regional Security Officer: S/CT: Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism: USAID: U.S. Agency for International Development: Letter: September 6, 2002: The Honorable Christopher Shays Chairman Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans Affairs, and International Relations Committee on Government Reform U. S. House of Representatives: The Honorable Henry J. Hyde Chairman Committee on International Relations U.S. House of Representatives: The Honorable Tom Lantos Ranking Member Committee on International Relations U.S. House of Representatives: Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, efforts to combat terrorism have become an increasingly important part of U.S. government activities. Such efforts have also become more important in U.S. relations with other countries and with international organizations, such as the United Nations (U.N.). The U.S. Department of State is charged with coordinating these international efforts and protecting Americans abroad; its objective is to reduce the number of terrorist attacks, especially those on U.S. citizens and interests. While countering terrorism has always been a part of State’s role, it took on heightened significance in the aftermath of the 1998 al Qaeda terrorist attacks on the U.S. embassies in Tanzania and Kenya (see fig. 1). Since the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., State has helped direct the U.S. efforts to combat terrorism abroad by building the global coalition against terrorism, including providing diplomatic support for military operations in Afghanistan and other countries. State has also supported international law enforcement efforts to identify, arrest, and bring terrorists to justice, as well as performing other activities intended to reduce the number of terrorist attacks. Figure 1: Damage from al Qaeda Terrorist Attack, U.S. Embassy, Dar-es- Salaam, Tanzania, August 1998: [See PDF for image] Source: Department of State. [End of figure] This report is intended to assist your committees in overseeing the State Department’s leadership of U.S. programs to combat terrorism abroad. Specifically, this report identifies the State Department’s programs and activities intended to (1) prevent terrorist attacks, (2) disrupt and destroy terrorist organizations, (3) respond to terrorist incidents, and (4) coordinate efforts to combat terrorism. Footnotes to this report identify programs and activities managed by the U.S. Agency for International Development that complement the State Department’s efforts to combat terrorism abroad. This report is part of a larger effort that you jointly requested to review governmentwide programs to combat terrorism overseas. Regarding some of these programs, it is important to recognize that the State Department works in conjunction with a number of other federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Justice, and the Treasury, as well as the Central Intelligence Agency. As agreed with your staff, we plan to report later this year on governmentwide efforts to combat terrorism overseas. State’s organizational chart appears in appendix I to this report. Detailed information on the State Department’s programs and activities appears in appendix II. This information includes State’s framework for combating terrorism abroad, programs and activities for combating terrorism abroad, and responsible bureaus and offices. We identified the State Department’s programs and activities for combating terrorism by reviewing State documents, such as Congressional Presentation Document, FY 2003 and Patterns of Global Terrorism,[Footnote 1] and by conducting interviews with State officials. To identify programs and activities provided by other departments and coordinated through State, we reviewed documents and interviewed officials from the Departments of Defense, Justice, and the Treasury; the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other law enforcement agencies; and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). In addition, we conducted fieldwork at the U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece, to observe programs and activities to combat terrorism overseas. At selected regional and functional military commands, we met with State Department Political Advisors at the U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida; the U.S. Southern Command in Miami, Florida; and the U.S. European Command in Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany. In addition, we conducted fieldwork at the International Law Enforcement Academy in Budapest, Hungary, to review programs to combat terrorism that the State Department manages or funds or both. We did not evaluate the effectiveness of these programs. We conducted our review from February 2002 through July 2002 in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards. Results in Brief: The State Department conducts multifaceted activities in its effort to prevent terrorist attacks on Americans abroad. For example, to protect U.S. officials, property, and information abroad, State operates programs that include local guards for U.S. missions, armored vehicles for embassy personnel, U.S. Marine security guards to protect sensitive information, and plans to evacuate Americans in emergencies. For Americans traveling and living abroad, State issues public travel warnings and operates warning systems to convey terrorism-related information. For U.S. businesses and universities operating overseas, State uses the Overseas Security Advisory Councils--voluntary partnerships between the State Department and the U.S. private sector- -to exchange threat information. To improve the ability of foreign governments to combat terrorism, State funds several training programs that operate both in the United States and overseas. To disrupt and destroy terrorist organizations abroad, State has numerous programs and activities that rely on military, multilateral, economic, law enforcement, intelligence, and other capabilities. For example, State’s program to enhance military cooperation has resulted in 136 countries’ offering a range of military assistance for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.[Footnote 2] State has supported efforts, through international organizations like the United Nations, for the global implementation of resolutions and treaties aimed at reducing terrorism. In addition, State uses extradition treaties to bring terrorists to trial in the United States and cooperates with foreign intelligence, security, and law enforcement entities to track and capture terrorists in foreign countries. If the United States has no extradition agreements with a country, then State, with the Department of Justice, can work to obtain the arrest of suspected terrorists overseas through renditions. It also provides rewards for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of designated terrorists or the thwarting of terrorist attacks. The State Department leads the U.S. response to terrorist incidents abroad. This includes diplomatic measures to protect Americans, minimize damage, terminate terrorist attacks, and bring terrorists to justice. Once an attack has occurred, State’s activities include measures to alleviate damage, protect public health, and provide emergency assistance. State also coordinates interagency exercises for combating terrorism abroad. In addition, State helps foreign governments prepare to respond to an attack by conducting multinational training exercises. (A comprehensive presentation of the State Department’s programs and activities appears in appendix II.): To coordinate the U.S. effort to combat terrorism internationally, State uses a variety of mechanisms to work with the Departments of Defense, Justice, and the Treasury; the intelligence agencies; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and others. These mechanisms include interagency working groups at the headquarters level in Washington, D.C.; emergency action committees at U.S. missions overseas; and liaison exchanges with other government agencies. Background: According to the State Department’s 2002 Annual Performance Plan, the department’s counterterrorism goals are to reduce the number of terrorist attacks, bring terrorists to justice, reduce or eliminate state-sponsored terrorist acts, delegitimize the use of terror as a political tool, enhance the U.S. response to terrorism overseas, and strengthen international cooperation and operational capabilities to combat terrorism. The Secretary of State is responsible for coordinating all U.S. civilian departments and agencies that provide counterterrorism assistance overseas. The Secretary also is responsible for managing all U.S. bilateral and multilateral relationships intended to combat terrorism abroad. State requested over $2.3 billion to combat terrorism in fiscal year 2003. This includes more than $1 billion for overseas embassy security and construction, as well as for counterterrorism assistance and training to countries cooperating with the global coalition against terrorism. Table 1 provides a breakdown of State’s funding to combat terrorism. Table 1: State Department Funding to Combat Terrorism Abroad: Dollars in millions. Bureau of Administration; Fiscal year 2001 (actual): $50; Fiscal year 2002 (enacted): $37; Emergency Relief Fund: $0; Fiscal year 2003 President’s budget: $123. Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations; Fiscal year 2001 (actual): 1,035; Fiscal year 2002 (enacted): 1,159; Emergency Relief Fund: 105; Fiscal year 2003 President’s budget: 1,286. Bureau of Consular Affairs; Fiscal year 2001 (actual): 409; Fiscal year 2002 (enacted): 465; Emergency Relief Fund: 0; Fiscal year 2003 President’s budget: 643. Bureau of Diplomatic Security; Fiscal year 2001 (actual): 105; Fiscal year 2002 (enacted): 115; Emergency Relief Fund: 48; Fiscal year 2003 President’s budget: 228. Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism; Fiscal year 2001 (actual): 35; Fiscal year 2002 (enacted): 41; Emergency Relief Fund: 50; Fiscal year 2003 President’s budget: 69. Total; Fiscal year 2001 (actual): $1,634; Fiscal year 2002 (enacted): $1,817; Emergency Relief Fund: $203; Fiscal year 2003 President’s budget: $2,349. Sources: Office of Management and Budget and the Department of State (Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism). [End of table] By contrast, State spent about $1.6 billion in fiscal year 2001 and received about $1.8 billion to combat terrorism in fiscal year 2002. State received an additional $203 million through the Emergency Response Fund as part of the $40 billion appropriated by the Congress in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States. The Office of Management and Budget reported that determining precise funding levels associated with activities to combat terrorism is difficult because departments may not isolate those activities from other program activities. Some activities serve multiple purposes--for example, upgrades to embassy security help protect against terrorism as well as other crimes. Programs and Activities to Prevent Terrorism Abroad: The State Department conducts multifaceted activities in an effort to prevent terrorist attacks on Americans abroad. For example, to protect U.S. officials, property, and information abroad, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security provides local guards for embassies and armored vehicles for embassy personnel (see fig. 2). In addition, it provides undercover teams to detect terrorist surveillance activities. Following the 1998 embassy bombings in Africa, State upgraded security for all missions, which included strengthening building exteriors, lobby entrances, and the walls and fences at embassy perimeters (see fig. 3).[Footnote 3] The upgrades also included closed-circuit television monitors, explosive detection devices, walk-through metal detectors, and reinforced walls and security doors to provide protection inside the embassy. In addition, State plans to replace some existing embassies with buildings that meet current security standards, such as having a 100-foot setback from streets surrounding embassies. State also has programs to protect national security information discussed at meetings or stored on computers. These programs include U.S. Marine security guards controlling access to embassies, efforts to prevent foreign intelligence agencies from detecting emanations from computer equipment, and computer security programs. Figure 2: Bureau of Diplomatic Security Training for Local Guards: [See PDF for image] Source: GAO. [End of figure] Figure 3: New Security Fence, Gate, and Vehicle Barrier at a U.S. Embassy: [See PDF for image] Source: GAO. [End of figure] State has several programs to help warn Americans living and traveling abroad against potential threats, including those posed by terrorists. For example, to warn Americans about travel-related dangers, in fiscal year 2001 the Bureau of Consular Affairs issued 64 travel warnings, 134 public announcements, and 189 consular information sheets. In addition, missions employ a “warden system” to warn Americans registered with an embassy of threats against their security. The system varies by mission but uses telephone, E-mail, fax, and other technologies as appropriate. Finally, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security manages the Overseas Security Advisory Councils program. The councils are a voluntary, joint effort between State and the private sector to exchange threat-and security-related information. Councils currently operate in 47 countries. In addition, State manages and funds programs to train foreign government and law enforcement officials to combat terrorism abroad. These programs include the following: * the Antiterrorism Assistance Program, implemented by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, to enhance the antiterrorism skills of law enforcement and security personnel in foreign countries; * the International Law Enforcement Academies, managed by the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, to provide law enforcement training in four locations around the world.[Footnote 4] The Departments of State, the Treasury, and Justice--including the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other U.S. law enforcement agencies--provide the on-site training; * the Department of Justice’s Overseas Prosecutorial Development and Assistance Training and the International Criminal Investigation Training Assistance Program. The State Department provides policy oversight and funds this training, which is intended to build rule-of- law institutions, and includes general law enforcement and anticrime training for foreign nationals.[Footnote 5] Programs and Activities to Disrupt and Destroy Terrorist Organizations Abroad: State conducts numerous programs and activities intended to disrupt and destroy terrorist organizations. These programs and activities rely on military, multilateral, economic, law enforcement, and other capacities, as the following examples illustrate: * The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs coordinates with Department of Defense on military cooperation with other countries. It has been State’s liaison with the coalition supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, processing 72 requests for military assistance from coalition partners since September 11, 2001. * The Bureau of International Organization Affairs helped craft and adopt United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373, obligating all member nations to fight terrorism and report on their implementation of the resolution. It also assisted with resolutions extending U.N. sanctions on al Qaeda and the Taliban and on certain African regimes, including those whose activities benefit terrorists. * The Department of State’s Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism, the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, and the Economic Bureau work with the Department of the Treasury and other agencies to stem the flow of money and other material support to terrorists. According to the State Department, since September 11, the United States has blocked $34.3 million in terrorist related assets. * The Office of the Legal Advisor pursues extradition and mutual legal assistance treaties with foreign governments. The Office of the Legal Advisor also works with the U.N. and with other nations in drafting multilateral agreements, treaties, and conventions on counterterrorism. * The Bureau of Diplomatic Security, working with the Department of Justice, cooperates with foreign intelligence, security, and law enforcement entities to track and capture terrorists in foreign countries, assist in their extradition to the United States, and block attempted terrorist attacks on U.S. citizens and assets abroad. * The Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism, in conjunction with the Department of Justice and other agencies, coordinates State’s role in facilitating the arrest of suspected terrorists through an overseas arrest, known as a rendition, when the United States lacks an extradition treaty. * The Bureau of Diplomatic Security manages the Rewards for Justice Program. This program offers payment for information leading to the prevention of a terrorist attack or the arrest and prosecution of designated individuals involved in international terrorism. These rewards reach up to $25 million for those involved in the September 11 attacks. * The Bureau of Intelligence and Research prepares intelligence and threat reports for the Secretary of State, high-level department officials, and ambassadors at U.S. missions. It also monitors governmentwide intelligence activities to ensure their compatibility with U.S. foreign policy objectives related to terrorism, and it seeks to expand the sharing of interagency data on known terrorist suspects. Programs and Activities to Respond to Terrorist Incidents Abroad: The State Department is responsible for leading the U.S. response to terrorist incidents abroad. This includes measures to protect Americans, minimize incident damage, terminate terrorist attacks, and bring terrorists to trial. Once an attack has occurred, State’s activities include measures to alleviate damage, protect public health, and provide emergency assistance. The Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism facilitates the planning and implementation of the U.S. government response to a terrorist incident overseas. In a given country, the ambassador would act as the on-scene coordinator for the response effort. (See figure 4.): Figure 4: Response to al Qaeda Terrorist Attack, U.S. Embassy, Nairobi, Kenya, August 1998: [See PDF for image] Source: Department of State. [End of figure] In addition, several other bureaus respond to the aftermath of a terrorist attack and help friendly governments prepare to respond to an attack by conducting joint training exercises. * The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs is tasked with helping to prepare U.S. forces, foreign governments, and international organizations to respond to the consequences of a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear incident overseas. For example, the bureau is developing a database of international assets that could be used to respond to the consequences of a terrorist attack using weapons of mass destruction. It also participates in major interagency international exercises, which are led by DOD. In addition, the bureau assisted in the first operational deployment of a U.S. consequence management task force, working with the DOD regional command responsible for conducting the war in Afghanistan. * Several bureaus and offices deploy emergency response teams to respond to terrorist attacks. For example, the Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism deploys multi-agency specialists in the Foreign Emergency Support Team (FEST) to assist missions in responding to ongoing terrorist attacks. For example, at the request of the Ambassador, the FEST can be dispatched rapidly to the mission. As one component of this team, the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs can deploy a Consequence Management Support Team to assist missions in managing the aftermath of terrorist attacks. In addition, the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations Emergency Response Team helps secure embassy grounds and restore communications following a crisis.[Footnote 6] See appendix II for a comprehensive list of State’s programs and activities to combat terrorism. Activities to Coordinate U.S. Efforts to Combat Terrorism Abroad: The State Department is responsible for coordinating all federal agencies’ efforts to combat terrorism abroad. These include the Departments of Defense, Justice, and the Treasury; the various intelligence agencies; the FBI and other law enforcement agencies; and USAID. In addition, State coordinates U.S. efforts to combat terrorism multilaterally through international organizations and bilaterally with foreign nations. State uses a variety of methods to coordinate its efforts to combat terrorism abroad, including the following: * In Washington, D.C., State participates in National Security Council interagency working groups, issue-specific working groups, and ad hoc working groups. For example, the Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism maintains policy oversight and provides leadership for the interagency Technical Support Working Group--a forum that identifies, prioritizes, and coordinates interagency and international applied research and development needs and requirements to combat terrorism. * At U.S. embassies, State implements mission performance plans that coordinate embassy activities to combat terrorism, country team subgroups on terrorism, emergency action committees to organize embassy response to terrorist threats and incidents, and ad hoc working groups. For example, selected embassies have country team subgroups dedicated to law enforcement matters, chaired by the Deputy Chief of Mission. Working with related bureaus and agencies such as the Regional Security Office, FBI Legal Attaché, and Treasury Department Financial Attaché, these subgroups coordinate efforts to combat terrorism among the various agencies overseas. * In Washington, D.C., and elsewhere, State exchanges personnel with other agencies for liaison purposes. In Washington, D.C., for example, State personnel serve as liaisons at the CIA’s Counter-Terrorism Center. The department also provides each U.S. regional military command with a Political Advisor, who helps the respective commanders coordinate with State Department Headquarters and with U.S. embassies on regional and bilateral matters, including efforts to combat terrorism. Agency Comments: We received written comments from the Department of State that are reprinted in appendix III. State wrote that the report is a “useful guide” and “good outline” of State’s activities and roles in the campaign against terrorism. State noted that there are many more often intangible and hard-to-measure actions taking place as part of the department’s contribution to fighting terrorism. State also provided technical comments, which we incorporated where appropriate. We are sending copies of this report to interested congressional committees and to the Secretary of State. We will make copies available to others on request. In addition, the report will be available at no charge on the GAO Web site at http://www.gao.gov. If you or your staff have any questions about this report, please contact me at (202) 512-4128. Another GAO contact and staff acknowledgments are listed in appendix IV of this report. Jess Ford, Director International Affairs and Trade: Signed by Jess Ford: [End of section] Appendix I: Department of State Organizational Chart: [See PDF for image] Source: U.S. Department of State. [End of figure] [End of section] Appendix II: Department of State Programs and Activities to Combat Terrorism Abroad: The Department of State coordinates U.S. government efforts to combat terrorism abroad. Within the department, multiple bureaus and offices manage programs and activities to combat terrorism. State also works with several U.S. and foreign government agencies in carrying out these programs and activities. Table 2 presents the programs and activities and the bureaus responsible for managing them. The table also presents information about some of the U.S. government agencies with which State cooperates. Table 2 describes: * the strategic framework of State’s efforts to combat terrorism abroad; * State’s programs and activities to prevent terrorism abroad; * State’s programs and activities to disrupt and destroy terrorist organizations abroad; and: * State’s programs and activities to respond to terrorist incidents abroad. Table 2: State Department Programs and Activities to Combat Terrorism Abroad: [See PDF for image] [End of section] Appendix III: Comments from the Department of State: United States Department of State Washington, D.C.20520: AUG 19 2002: Dear Ms. Westin: We appreciate the opportunity to review your draft report, “COMBATING TERRORISM: Department of State Programs to Combat Terrorism Abroad,” GAO-02-1021, GAO Job Code 320138. The Department’s comments are enclosed for incorporation, along with this letter, as an appendix to the GAO final report. We also provided technical comments via e-mail to Ms. Cheryl Goodman. If you have any questions regarding this response, please contact Michael Kraft, Bureau of Coordinator for Counterterrorism on (202) 647- 1845. Christopher B. Burnham Assistant Secretary for Resource Management and Chief Financial Officer: Signed by Christopher B. Burnham: Enclosure: As stated. cc: GAO/IAT - Ms. Goodman State/OIG - Mr. Berman State/S/CT - Ms. Kinney: Ms. Susan S. Westin, Managing Director, International Affairs and Trade, U.S. General Accounting Office. Department of State Comments on GAO Draft Report: COMBATING TERRORISM: Department of State Programs to Combat Terrorism Abroad (GAO-02-1021, GAO Job Code 320138): The Department of State appreciates the interest of Congress in learning more about State’s contribution to the War on Terrorism. The report provides a good outline of the State Department’s numerous activities and roles in the campaign against international terrorism. We appreciate the challenge its authors faced in trying to capture the dynamic movement and intensity of the U.S. government’s counterterrorism effort. Looking at an organizational chart or tasking list does not convey the impact, intensity and pace of the War on Terrorism since 9/11. Numerous policies and programs had been developed before September 11, but the State Department and other agencies have literally doubled their efforts and resources to dismantle and bring to justice al-Qaida and other terrorists since last September. While the military campaign was visible on the world’s TV screens, an important campaign was also launched at the political, diplomatic, and economic levels. The economic aspects have been easier to cover in the report, since they are more conspicuous than other work which involves intelligence gathering and analysis, preparation required to legally seize assets, and efforts to persuade other Islamic countries that their best interests do not lie with extremism, nor with regimes that support it. The report is a useful guide, one of the best unclassified documents yet prepared. However, it should be read with the understanding that there are many more, often intangible and hard-to-measure actions taking place as part of the State Department’s contribution to combating terrorism. [End of section] Appendix IV: GAO Contact and Staff Acknowledgments: GAO Contact: Cheryl Goodman, (202) 512-6571: Acknowledgments: In addition to the contact named above, Edward George, Addison Ricks, Steve Caldwell, Mark Pross, James Lawson, Lori Kmetz, Yolanda Elserwy, Reid Lowe, and Cheryl Weissman made key contributions to this report. FOOTNOTES [1] U.S. Department of State, Congressional Presentation Document, FY 2003 (Washington, D.C.: 2002); Patterns of Global Terrorism (Washington, D.C.: May 2002). [2] Operation Enduring Freedom is the military campaign that began on October 7, 2001, against al Qaeda and Taliban forces in Afghanistan and elsewhere. [3] The USAID Office of Security is responsible for ensuring security at all USAID facilities that are not colocated with U.S. missions (approximately 58 of 95, as of January 2002), although it coordinates these security arrangements with Diplomatic Security in Washington and with the Regional Security Officers in country. Additionally, the Office of Security handles USAID building construction issues, coordinating extensively with State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, which constructs buildings for USAID’s tenancy, and with Diplomatic Security. [4] The academies are located in Budapest, Hungary; Bangkok, Thailand; Gaborone, Botswana; and Roswell, New Mexico. [5] USAID also supports programs to train foreign law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges and to assist in rewriting legislation and criminal sentencing guidelines. USAID missions and the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance have rule-of-law and governance programs in about 60 of the 85 countries where USAID has a presence. [6] USAID assists in the aftermath of a terrorist incident through its Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA). OFDA participates with other U.S. teams, deploying immediately with the Foreign Emergency Support Team. OFDA serves as an Advisor to the U.S. Chief of Mission, helping to coordinate the initial response efforts. Because of its relationships and formal agreements with both U.S. government agencies and nongovernmental organizations, OFDA can provide information on their capacities to assist a host nation in managing the consequences of a terrorist incident. OFDA is currently providing humanitarian assistance in Kabul, Afghanistan, as the United States has reestablished its mission there. GAO’s Mission: The General Accounting Office, the investigative arm of Congress, exists to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities and to help improve the performance and accountability of the federal government for the American people. GAO examines the use of public funds; evaluates federal programs and policies; and provides analyses, recommendations, and other assistance to help Congress make informed oversight, policy, and funding decisions. GAO’s commitment to good government is reflected in its core values of accountability, integrity, and reliability. Obtaining Copies of GAO Reports and Testimony: The fastest and easiest way to obtain copies of GAO documents at no cost is through the Internet. GAO’s Web site ( www.gao.gov ) contains abstracts and full-text files of current reports and testimony and an expanding archive of older products. The Web site features a search engine to help you locate documents using key words and phrases. You can print these documents in their entirety, including charts and other graphics. Each day, GAO issues a list of newly released reports, testimony, and correspondence. GAO posts this list, known as “Today’s Reports,” on its Web site daily. The list contains links to the full-text document files. To have GAO e-mail this list to you every afternoon, go to www.gao.gov and select “Subscribe to daily E-mail alert for newly released products” under the GAO Reports heading. Order by Mail or Phone: The first copy of each printed report is free. Additional copies are $2 each. A check or money order should be made out to the Superintendent of Documents. GAO also accepts VISA and Mastercard. Orders for 100 or more copies mailed to a single address are discounted 25 percent. Orders should be sent to: U.S. General Accounting Office 441 G Street NW, Room LM Washington, D.C. 20548: To order by Phone: Voice: (202) 512-6000: TDD: (202) 512-2537: Fax: (202) 512-6061: To Report Fraud, Waste, and Abuse in Federal Programs: Contact: Web site: www.gao.gov/fraudnet/fraudnet.htm E-mail: fraudnet@gao.gov Automated answering system: (800) 424-5454 or (202) 512-7470: Public Affairs: Jeff Nelligan, managing director, NelliganJ@gao.gov (202) 512-4800 U.S. General Accounting Office, 441 G Street NW, Room 7149 Washington, D.C. 20548: