Where Al Qaeda and Affiliates Stand Today: A Conversation with David Shedd

(Photo by Saleh Al-OBEIDI / AFP) (Photo credit should read SALEH AL-OBEIDI/AFP/Getty Images)

By David R. Shedd

David R. Shedd served in the U.S. government for nearly 33 years. In August 2014, he was named Acting Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency following four years of service as Deputy Director. Until January 2015, he led the Defense Intelligence Enterprise workforce comprising more than 16,500 military and civilian employees worldwide. From May 2007 to August 2010, Shedd served as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Deputy Director for Policy, Plans and Requirements. Prior to that, Shedd served in a number of capacities in the DNI, National Security Council, CIA, and in U.S. embassies overseas. Since leaving the federal government in February 2015, Shedd has been serving as a Heritage Foundation Distinguished Fellow and an Adjunct Professor at Patrick Henry College. He works as an independent national security consultant, serves on several corporate Boards, and is actively supporting several Missions/NGOs such as Justice & Mercy International and Samaritan's Purse.

While not in the headlines every day, al Qaeda operatives are still the targets of somewhat regular military operations in places like Yemen.  The U.S. carried out a series of air strikes against al Qaeda targets in Yemen over the summer according to U.S. Forces Central Command (CENTCOM).

Former Acting Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, David Shedd shares just where he believes the al Qaeda threat is focused today, particularly when it comes to the threat the organization poses to the U.S. and Europe, and just how the organization might be assessing its opportunities to expand operations and influence.

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