House Intel Chair Rick Crawford wants to refocus intel on Western Hemisphere

The War on Terror in the Middle East has dominated American foreign policy for the past two decades, but according to the House’s new Intelligence Chair Rick Crawford, the focus on global threats has left the U.S. vulnerable to security issues closer to home. Crawford, a Republican from Arkansas, highlighted the increasing influence of countries like China and Russia in the Western Hemisphere, particularly in countries like Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezuela, and elsewhere.

Crawford emphasized that while the U.S. has been preoccupied with combating terrorism overseas, China and Russia have been actively expanding their presence in the Americas. He pointed to China’s aggressive actions in the Indo-Pacific region and Russia’s belligerent behavior, including its invasion of Ukraine. Crawford warned that the U.S. may need to reassess its military strategy to counter these growing threats effectively.

The Trump administration has also been paying closer attention to the Western Hemisphere, with a focus on strengthening relationships with allies and addressing security challenges in the region. This includes efforts to counter Chinese and Russian influence and support countries like Guatemala, Guyana, and Suriname, which have significant mineral wealth.

In addition to geopolitical challenges, Crawford also raised concerns about the intelligence community’s handling of the Havana Syndrome, a series of mysterious health incidents affecting U.S. diplomats and officials. He criticized the IC’s initial assessment that the syndrome was not the work of a foreign adversary, calling it a “slap in the face” to the victims. Crawford stressed the importance of ensuring the IC’s credibility and integrity in addressing national security threats.

As the U.S. grapples with security challenges in its own backyard, Crawford emphasized the need for a strong partnership with allies like Canada and a proactive approach to countering the influence of China and Russia in the region. By reevaluating its military strategy, strengthening relationships with key allies, and addressing intelligence failures, the U.S. can better protect its national security interests in the Americas and beyond.