"Many of the disagreements we have are centered on threat perceptions
and the tactics used to thwart perceived danger," Hayden said. "So, for
example, while we share the view that terrorism is an urgent danger, we
disagree on how best to confront it."
Still, Hayden said U.S. and EU intelligence cooperation was closer than
ever. He said the greater the collaboration the "greater [the] opportunity
for disagreement."
"The United States believes it is a nation at war, a war that is global
in scope, and requires, as a precondition for winning, that we take the
fight to the enemy, wherever he may be," Hayden said. "In much of Europe,
terrorism is seen differently: primarily as an internal, law enforcement
problem, and solutions are focused more narrowly on securing the homeland."
Unlike the United States, the EU has been challenged by the influx of
North African Muslims, the fastest growing minority on the continent. Hayden
said there are 16 million Muslims in Europe, or three percent of the overall
population, with a birth rate of at least twice that of ethnic Europeans.
"Differing views over the nature of threats and the right tactics to
address them are likely to impact U.S.-Europe relations for much of this
century, and the effects will be felt on many levels — from intelligence
and law enforcement to military cooperation and foreign policy," Hayden
said. "Managing the disagreements and tensions that arise in the absence of
a
unified vision will complicate what has traditionally been America's easiest
relationship."
Hayden warned that the United States, regarded as a melting pot, was not
immune to the Muslim threat in Europe. Without specifying, the CIA director
did not rule out the prospect that new immigrants would refuse to accept
American democracy.
"Our status as the world's melting pot is a source of national pride and
strength," Hayden said. "Unless we are careful, though, that pride and
experience might create a blind spot for us. We might misunderstand or
discount the potency of ethnic nationalism in other parts of the world — a
mistake that could have serious implications for U.S. security and policy."
Hayden said the CIA has sought to recruit officers with a range of
language skills and overseas experience. He said officers with skills in
Arabic, Farsi, Pasto and Urdu were required in the war against Al Qaida.
"We need more experts in Islamic studies and in Middle Eastern politics,
culture, and society," Hayden said. "Add South Asia, too."
