Ep 35. 9/9: Face the Nation

On the 20th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, Face The Nation Season 65 Episode 35 titled "9/9: Face the Nation" brings a deep analysis of the current threat of terrorism in the United States. With special guests from the political and security world, the episode marks a reflective moment on the past, present, and future of terrorist activity.

The episode begins with the moderator Margaret Brennan interviewing the Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the Afghan evacuation and the threat they bring to the US. They discuss the Taliban and ISIS-Khorasan terrorism groups and their possible danger to the US in the future. Blinken also talks about Afghanistan and the need for the US to co-operate with the international community to engage with the Taliban and ensure the safety of American citizens.

Next, Brennan speaks with the former New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly. He discusses the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and how the tragedy shifted the nation's focus on security. Kelly also speaks about the current threats of terrorism facing America and how it has transformed in the last two decades. He points out that domestic terrorism is now on the rise, and law enforcement agencies need to be vigilant in tracking its roots.

In the next segment, Brennan interviews Jason Blazakis, a former director of the State Department's Office of Counterterrorism Finance. Blazakis speaks about the unique challenges that the US government faces in trying to disrupt funding for terrorist groups. He notes that these groups often rely on virtual currencies and crowdfunding, making it hard to track down the individuals involved. He suggests that social media platforms should play a more significant role in preventing extremist messaging and hate speech from spreading.

The episode then introduces a few guests who were directly affected by the 9/11 attacks. Brennan interviews Jim Riches, a retired New York City Fire Department Deputy Chief who lost his son in the attacks. They reflect on the bravery of the first responders and how the terrorist attack has affected both of their lives. The show also features an interview with Richard Engle, a journalist who was in New York City during the attacks. He describes his experience in witnessing the attack first-hand and how it has influenced his work as a journalist.

Towards the end of the episode, Brennan speaks with the former CIA Deputy Director Michael Morell, who shares his thoughts on the potential threat of a future terrorist attack on US soil. He discusses how the US has managed to dismantle Al-Qaeda's structure in Afghanistan, but other groups have risen in power since then. He also shares his insights on the importance of intelligence sharing and partnerships for the US to protect against terrorism.

Overall, the Face The Nation Season 65 Episode 35 titled "9/9: Face the Nation" is a reflective and informative episode that delves into the threats of terrorism facing the United States. The guests bring a wealth of experience and knowledge on the subject, making the episode insightful and informative. It serves as an appropriate preamble to the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, reminding the audience of the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of a present and persistent threat.