A counterterrorism program intended to prevent terror suspects in Saudi Arabia from acquiring United States visas has been hindered by inadequate financing and training, leaving many homeland security officers in Saudi Arabia unable to speak Arabic and unfamiliar with how to conduct criminal investigations, according to a Department of Homeland Security report released Thursday.The report, which was conducted by the department’s inspector general, found that 9 of the 10 homeland security officers assigned to screen visa applications in Saudi Arabia did not speak or read Arabic. The program had no formal budget in the 2004 fiscal year, which ends in three weeks, and is relying on temporary officers because money was not provided to cover the costs of transferring employees to Saudi Arabia, the report said.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.