The risk of just one terrorist with just one nuclear weapon is a risk we simply cannot afford to take.
John O. BrennanWe know from the material that was recovered from the bin Laden compound that bin Laden was looking at the 10th anniversary of 9/11 as an opportunity to strike yet again at the U.S. homeland.
John O. BrennanYou always, I think, debate with yourself about whether or not you made the right decision. And you have to then give the person that youโre working for - in my instance, the president - your best judgment based on your understanding of the facts, but also the calculus you use to make a determination about whatโs the best way to go forward.
John O. BrennanAs a matter of international law, the United States is in an armed conflict with al-Qaida, the Taliban, and associated forces, in response to the 9/11 attacks, and we may also use force consistent with our inherent right of national self-defense.
John O. BrennanOur democratic values also include - and our national security demands - open and transparent government. Some information obviously needs to be protected. And since his first days in office, President Obama has worked to strike the proper balance between the security the American people deserve and the openness our democratic society expects.
John O. Brennan