The Homeland Security Department plans to open law enforcement offices throughout the Muslim world, with agents assigned to investigate visa applicants who are suspected of ties to Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups, senior Bush administration officials said on Monday. The officials said permanent offices would open early next year in American embassies and consulates in Egypt, Indonesia, Morocco, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, chosen because of their visa volume and because of the regional presence of Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups. Two offices opened in August without announcement in Saudi Arabia, one in Riyadh, the capital, and the other in Jeddah, the commercial center. American officials said opening the offices reflected a major expansion of the efforts to scrutinize visa applications, particularly from regions where terrorist groups operate. The openings coincide with the Homeland Security Department’s taking responsibility for overall visa policy. Full Story
About OODA Analyst
OODA is comprised of a unique team of international experts capable of providing advanced intelligence and analysis, strategy and planning support, risk and threat management, training, decision support, crisis response, and security services to global corporations and governments.