U.S.-Qatar pact aims to strengthen aviation screening
Countries vow cooperation on security efforts, including measures to protect critical infrastructure and computer systems.
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and the Qatar government have reached an accord on information sharing that includes coordinating cybersecurity and body scanning strategies to thwart al Qaeda, according to a letter of intent released on Tuesday.
The United States and Qatar will "promote increased partnership with the DHS and the National Protection and Programs Directorate in areas of critical infrastructure protections and cybersecurity," stated the letter signed on Jan. 2 by Napolitano and Abdulla Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Qatar's minister of state for internal affairs.
Napolitano has been touring the Middle East since late last month, with a stop in Afghanistan for New Year's Eve and meetings this week with Israeli officials to discuss securing the global supply chain in a way that won't disrupt commerce. An October 2010 alleged terrorist plot to bomb U.S.-bound cargo airplanes departing from Yemen has jolted international aviation.
Following that failed attack, the United States intensified passenger pat-downs and expanded the use of controversial full-body scanners, or advance imaging technology. The Israeli government is known for its efficient use of technology to vet travelers and freight.
On Tuesday, Napolitano visited Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport to learn how the country is bolstering security while maintaining legitimate trade and travel, DHS officials said. Napolitano also consulted with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials on the cyber threats that are endangering the infrastructures of both countries.
The U.S.-Qatar pact covers airport screening. The countries consented to consider "possible cooperation with DHS and the Transportation Security Administration to strengthen passenger screening processes at airport[s] including [the development] and use of screening technology, such as strategic possible use of Advanced Imaging Technology, via technical exchange in coordination with other relevant aviation security-related efforts."
Napolitano and the Qatari minister also discussed the importance of employing intelligence and law enforcement to combat al Qaeda and other global terrorist organizations, according to DHS officials.
"Homeland security does not begin at America's borders -- it starts with our international partnerships to detect and deter terrorists and other individuals who pose a threat to citizens around the world," Napolitano said in a statement. "This agreement will help us expand collaboration with Qatar in order to better protect the citizens of both nations against the evolving threats we face."
She next heads to Belgium on Jan. 5 to continue talks with foreign counterparts about aviation security.