The FBI is currently planning a
massive reorganization to focus more closely on counter-terrorism. After the disasterous handling of the Zacarias Moussaoui case, the FBI seriously needs this overhaul. Hopefully the elimination of some of the barriers to opening new investigations into terrorist activities will make the FBI a better counterterrorist force.
Of course, there also needs to be a corresponding change of attitude as well. Concerns over racial profiling and other issues have often paralyzed the FBI from investigating Muslim charities and investigating Muslims suspected of terrorist links. It’s clear that some of those kinds of racial concerns prevented the Minneapolis FBI office from potentially stopping the September 11 attacks. It’s clear that the government’s ability to deal with terrorism hasn’t been nearly what it should. Let’s hope that this last batch of changes will help the FBI be able to better protect American citizens from terrorist attack.
