(Source: Al-Qaeda has a new strategy. Obama needs one, too. – washingtonpost.com)

Internal documents revealed that intelligence chiefs found analysts had ‘unintentionally and inadvertently’ violated rules governing the collection, retention and distribution of information concerning ‘U.S. persons and organizations.’ The error took place during the Bush administration, and steps have been taken to ensure it does not happen again, a DHS spokesperson said.”

(Source: Agency’s intelligence report violated rules — latimes.com)

Some people may think the words “government” and “efficiency” don’t belong in the same sentence. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano does not agree.

Napolitano outlined plans Friday to “improve efficiency and streamline decision-making” in her department.

According to her, millions of dollars can be saved by making changes in such things as how the department orders office supplies, gets computer software and uses energy. (CNN)

U.S. intelligence gathering is pretty good. Investigations post-9/11 showed that information had been known that could have stopped the hijackers at several points. The point where it breaks down is in the sharing. The result is the worst attack against civilians on U.S. soil in history. Sharing intelligence may have helped those indicators stick out by connecting the dots. Legislation passed by the House earlier this week may make sharing the necessary intelligence more common.

On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that seeks to reduce the over-classification of intelligence information and increase the amount that gets shared. “Though hard to believe, sheriffs and police chiefs can’t readily access the information they need to prevent or disrupt a potential terrorist attack because those at the federal level resist sharing information,” U.S. Representative Jane Harman said. “Over-classification and pseudo-classification — stamping with any number of sensitive but unclassified markings — remain rampant.” (Government Tech)

The controversial security and surveillance website Cryptome.org has obtained a “threat assessment” document for inauguration week [Zip file], prepared jointly by the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and others, looking at the dangers to Barack Obama and to the spectators at tomorrow’s swearing-in. (As noted at Swampland, it’s an unclassified document, intended for use by local law-enforcement officials.) (Guardian)

Mindful of past al Qaeda attacks around the time of leadership transitions, U.S. security agencies have focused on ensuring there are no gaps in the handover of power. But they have consistently said there are no signs al Qaeda is preparing an early attack on the United Sates. (More)

The next president’s vulnerability to terrorist attacks has become an issue on the campaign trail. But if there’s an attack as a new administration settles in, it won’t be the first time.

Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown all faced acts of terrorism within their first year in office.

The issue was driven home this month by Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden, who flatly predicted his running mate, Barack Obama, would be tested by crisis very early in his term – should they win the White House. And, immediately, Republican rivals John McCain and Sarah Palin made it a central talking point on the stump.  (MLive)

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says the federal government is monitoring “dozens” of potential terrorists in the U.S. … Chertoff says there is a risk that some would see opportunity during the transition between administrations.  (ThinkProgress)