they will become advocates of the stronger brazil us relationship. >> and it is important. we have been talking about business-to-business from us companies investing. it is incredibly important to.out the number of brazilian companies investing in the united states as well. members are not too well known. >> a new study will be launched next week in preparation for the visit sponsored by brazilian trade investment promotion agency that impact brazil and the brazil industry coalition. the members are here. and it is amazing the findings that they have in this new report. what we find is -- i won't tell everything because it is still confidential but i can tell just one. >> a lot of preview.

>> 2001 and 2012 brazil was the emerging country. country. the us increase the most which was impressive. you look at who are the emerging countries. nowadays they like to travel. >> am actually in rio right now. [laughter] >> if you like to travel there's a good chance you'll probably fly on a brazilian aircraft. if you get hungry you can order brazilian hamburger and drink your brazilian beer brazilian orange juice in the cup paper plastic manufactured in the us by a brazilian petrochemical company.

>> coming, coming, lots of recognition of how important brazilian multinational and now many jobs they provide's >> i want ~ members the figures. >> we are going to use the last 20 minutes. plenty more questions. we will take the remainder to ask questions. if you're watching via webcast you can tweak your question. >> if we were having this

conversation five or ten years ago at a meeting between the two be about to happen we would be discussing support for brazil and the security council, the united nations. why is this an issue anymore >> i have i have to look down my panel to see. >> trying. in a sense. two very important movements in this. good defense and some element of the global issue. why it's so important. understand this kind of agreement as a way the two

countries are going in a direction we finally find common political realm between the two countries. more broad political agreement to find a more concrete agenda. the brazil us relations of blood -- broad political platform. brazil and the us don't have it. this kind of element now start to have a sign that we can have something in common coming around across the political platform. ten years ago yet he is a

little bit different. now we have a different time to discuss this kind of issue. the security council, but there are the issues of defense it used to be a very complicated element. >> other questions? >> with the financial times. 100 percent. why should we be skeptical? to be skeptical and think that this visit might be a bit more talkative substance.

>> , and optimist. >> no reason to be skeptical. >> the biggest thing would be a missed opportunity. nothing tangible comes out of it that would be the skepticism nothing tangible. could argue businesses are groups the one action out of this figure frustrated that of it. again, given what we have have come from to where it is, i think it seems very unlikely given the breadth of the conversation education to science technology to defense cooperation the climate change to global regional issues.

but thank you for that doesn't skepticism you read. [laughter] >> other questions. first row over here. >> the council of economic effective of economic affairs. it's to the us afghanistan moscow the senate deal to the carrier broken for the past ten years give or take. talk more about any possible deals when they come to washington. >> okay. defense deals. >> high. this question is for secretary jacobson.

the growing political and economic crisis. >> on the 1st issue on the defense issue not necessarily the right person answer the cooperation between the two government decides and nondefense industry issues. a pheromone already. but i think our brethren my brother and at the department of defense are qualified you a broader answer.

>> the two companies, the brazilian company an american company that offered to create a reserve center to pass the biofuel this is something interesting that will help us to reduce the mission in the future. and the and the center is going well and they are already products in the market. it seems that they qualify for commercial views. maybe in the future you will have for brazil, the us, private sector proffering to solve this kind which is a lot of value in terms of

research and development in science and innovation. this will also be very competitive advantage in the future since we have all countries. >> to raise the question. >> on that question we believe and have for a long time that brazil is a crucial actor venezuela its influence is critical not only bilaterally because of there relationship but obviously in the important role you played vis-à-vis venezuela and certainly at one time the foreign ministers from brazil, ecuador, and columbia can reemerge important in terms of getting a date both of

them have individually on the election issue. >> second row and peter has a question as well. >> how much is this helped politically domestically? >> thanks. >> here in the 1st row.

>> thanks. i want to ask if we can address where we are on some of the forms particularly the economic forms that are happening in brazil and, of course the bilateral relationship is critical. things cannot happen unless some of the changes the pres. is president is proposing, the finance minister is proposing are actually going to occur. i would love to here about that is. >> thanks. >> start on the reforms. >> okay. i think from the political side facing a very complicated domestic political conquest. basically the visions the shoot breaking down. facing the risk for political relations. and the situations have to do with the emergence on the

position groups from the more right side of the political spectrum. and in this context when they have been meeting with the us try to recall that part of the issue that used to be associated for a more liberal or right-wing group. i think for her it has been part of the timing of this. try to indicate, look, i'm not just national or whatever. but also to have this kind of global engagement the relations with the us. whether i think it is important, it's an opportunity for her to have an effect with the media. right now it's in a position to have a good agenda a good agenda with the brazilian media. for her it is important from

the political side. >> the question. >> am sorry. a brisk -- a business engagement. economic reform. >> politically. >> again i think that economic reform -- the status -- i will let my colleagues comment on the status of the economic reform that we need to see -- businesses need to see business being done in the country the use of which has to do with reform and tax structure's the need to happen. you will see more confidence in the private sector to continue investment at four or five years ago was pretty obvious and evident. a lot of folks looking for the stability. >> other questions?

third row. a row. a quick question and then some closing remarks. >> john sanchez. the president must sense to bills to the congress yesterday's about terrorism. this means that we can see some movement and global entry and also we can see some increasing tourism flow particularly from us to brazil. >> thank you. >> i guess what i would say is i anticipate that there will be a positive conversation on global entry is part of this visit. i cannot -- i do not know whether that will be you know, and announcement of actual implementation or anything. you know, it is getting close but obviously we are pleased by movement of the bill and we will continue to

discuss with brazil, you know, how to move forward on that issue. >> just to add some of the low hanging fruit from the perspective to enable business to happen getting business happen, getting business -- visitors in the country, a real example, our chief officer is supposed to be -- actually ran in brazil on monday and some of his entourage that would have come within could not get visas process in time or vice versa. folks trying to come to the united states to do the exchange programs and things of that nature the complexity on our side not our side but equally not easy to do. again, i see that as low hanging fruit to let the private sector. >> the global enterprise is also a matter of what else can happen in the future. visit is future. the visit is an opportunity to kind of push things forward that might not have happened and to give it the presidential direction to make that happen. just a quick final question.

the perspective. what has happened in washington? >> for the trip to be a went? a when? to come back to brazil and say, this trip was successful. >> from the western perspective the private sector, american private sector perspective to indications that there is room for improvement in economic gains would be the key element. if she had these had in her hand when she comes back to brazil it's the asset that she needs to move forward, forward, to go forward in a sense to build this, the kind of political.

>> president obama his 4th quarter what does this have to look like for it to be a went from a went from the us perspective? or is it already? >> i think we do not set the bar too low, but i think that the fact that we are back to having regular conversations there's a lot going on below all that we set up at the ministerial level and below are working and the movement ahead is on some tougher issues whether it is internet governance or defense of climate. we will have at advances.

all of that to me speaks of victory. >> i think that is an appropriate way to conclude the panel. before panel. before they come up to give closing remarks, please join me in a round of applause. [applause] >> and a great pleasure to introduce the representative from the us brazil business council, or partner in this event and our partner in multiple events we have done on brazil a great a great working relationship. also vice president. >> thank you. as you can tell from my appearance you get to for the price of one. i am here representing but the brazil us business council and the us private counsel that does business in and with brazil and also the gentleman who had the honor of serving as chair of the us brazilian counsel the last three years. what we like to say is we are approaching a 50/150 it

is our birthday, 150 years old this year. fifty years in brazil. it is an honor for us to be here. for the panelists and guests alike i like to see familiar faces. that was an outstanding discussion. they give they give us a glimpse into the future of the bilateral relationship and the pres.'s visit to president's visit to washington, but not only as we heard about the bilateral relationship, but the focus on the global relationship on global partnership on issues and also the original partnership, which is quite important. but, we are pleased that you have saved some for the president and look forward to her visit. a special a special thank you to secretary roberta jacobson. we know that you have a lot on your plate and a proud to have you leading the dialogue. we're definitely looking forward to your next steps. to our deputy chief

admissions thank you for being here with us today. peter, i wanted to say thank you for bringing all of these important issues to the front burner. burner. thank you very much to the atlantic council and the brazil council. we are grateful for you being gracious hosts. i want to congratulate the center so this information now we believe will provide a great base for future cooperation between our two countries and for the larger benefit of the trade discussion taking place between the two countries.

brazil countries. brazil and us are at a pivotal moment in the private sector plays a crucial role we know in helping to define a clear agenda with concrete steps. we have remained engaged in conjunction with counterparts over the last few years as the relationship has taken different twists and turns and are hopeful for the outcomes on the commercial side of this visit. after hearing from our distinguished guests, it is clear that the relationship has been forward. our agenda is appropriately ambitious you still achievable and worth pursuing. on behalf of the brazil us business council and the us private sector i want to reiterate our commitment to strengthening the brazil us relationship and contributing to a positive agenda for the president's visit that benefits both countries and citizens. a pleasure to be here with you and thank you for our host and have a wonderful a

wonderful and restful not only did the weekend. you deserve it. thank you. [applause] >> thank you very much. much. i want to thank adrienne for being with us today. [applause] and i want to thank our fantastic team led by natalie. [applause] spearheads are brazil work in this event would not be possible without her vision and dedication and that of the entire fantastic team. if you team. if you have not received your copy of the report, it is out there. interactive online. thank you.

>> every weekend book tv with nonfiction books and authors live coverage of the festivals were on the country and the behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry. c-span2, the best at -- access to congress that in a state department report released today. today. another part of the story global terrorism that's

nearly doubled. number of deaths increased by 81 percent to more than 32,000. here is the press conference on the report from the state department. this is about 40 minutes. >> thank you for coming this morning. morning. this provides us with an opportunity to review the state of terrorism worldwide and define the nature and scope. doing so allows us to assess our effectiveness and to best calibrate strategy and response. reviewing how involved and engaged countries are in the various aspects of the counterterrorism efforts which comprises really the bulk of this report helps us

to make informed assessments about our priorities and where to place resources in our various capacity building programs. first, i would note that according to the statistical annex that was prepared by the university of maryland the number of terrorist attacks in 2014 2014 increased 35 percent and total fatalities decreased 31 percent compared to 2013 largely due to activity in iraq, afghanistan, and nigeria. more than 60% of all attacks took place in five countries, erratic, pakistan afghanistan, india, nigeria and 78 percent of all fatalities due to terrorist attacks also took place in five countries, erect, nigeria, afghanistan, pakistan, and syria. the increase in total fatalities was, in was, in part, a result of certain

attacks that were exceptionally legal. 2014 there were 20 attacks that killed more than 100 people compared only to such attacks in 2013. while i cite these statistics which are compiled by the university of maryland and are not a us product -- us government product per se i want to stress again that they do not provide the full context aggregate totals or numbers of attacks are not a particularly useful metric for measuring the aims of the extremist groups core or of our progress in preventing or countering those activities. to that end i would like to talk more about the content of the report itself and some of the trends that we noted in 2014. despite significant blows to the leadership of al qaeda week or failed governance continues to provide an enabling enabling government for the emergence of extremist radicalism and violence notably in yemen, syria, libya, nigeria, and

iraq. we are deeply concerned about the continued evolution of the islamic state of iraq and the labonte the emergence of self-proclaimed isis affiliates and tens of thousands of foreign terrorist fighters who are exacerbating violence in the middle east and posing a continued threat to their own home countries. the ongoing civil war has been a spur to many of the worldwide terrorism events we witnessed. since the report covers only calendar year 2014 it knows that the overall flow of foreign terrorist fighter travel to syria was estimated at more than 16,000 16,000 foreign terrorist fighters from over 90 countries has of late december which is a number that exceeds any similar flow of foreign terrorist fighters traveling to other countries in the last 20 years. many foreign terrorist

fighters joined the iso which has seized continues to have contiguous territory in western iraq and eastern syria. iraqi forces and the counter coalition have dealt significant blows but the continues to control substantial territory. as with many other groups worldwide isis has brutally repressed the communities under his control and used ruthless methods of violence such as beheading and crucifixion. uniquely it demonstrates a particular skill in and playing new media tools to displace brutality. but go around shares the use of brutal tactics. though central leadership has been weakened, weakened, the organization continues to serve as a focal.of inspiration for a worldwide

network a worldwide network of affiliated groups including al qaeda in the arabian peninsula come a long-standing threat to yemen, the region, and the united states, al qaeda and the islamic ukiah and al should bob. we saw we saw a rise in loan offender attacks including ottawa and québec in sydney in december 2014. ..

>> >> when the oil trade was

not fully eradicated. isil was not the only threat that threat into the allies iran sponsored terrorist fears around the world through the islamic revolutionary guard forces they included hezbollah and iraqi military groups, san the palestine islamic jihad. with the need to of undertake efforts to efficacy of a governance and messaging to combat the growth of the emerging violent extremist groups to require an expanded approach president obama has emphasized repeatedly we need to bring strong and capable divers partners to the forefront to enlist their help with the and deborah of coble

counterterrorism a successful approach must evolve around partnership. the vital role has become even clearer with the divergence of isil as a huge the destructive force for we have worked to build the ijssel -- isil:ship and one that should be pursued alone more than 60 partners are contributing to this cover that is multi faceted natalie to stop the offensive is on the ground but to combat the flow of foreign fighters, led disrupt isil messaging and resources and appeal among other objectives i also highlight the adoption of u.n. security council resolution has a significant step forward to cooperate to

and from the conflict. the notion to find and enable partners is not new and indeed many significant counterterrorism success in the past that comes as a result to working with partners from intelligence to aviation security united states needs partners to conduct our rest am prosecution's to address terrorism in a rule of law framework is critical to insure sustainability and preventing the rise of new forms of extremas the mall to relent -- multilateral global terrorism form can play a critical role to

mobilize the technical assistance in this regard to develop that partnership with terrorist capabilities and also dave parker's for governmental and non-governmental to help with the recruitment and makes committees susceptible to violence who must do more arturs addresses cycle of extremism and from which they emerge that is why we are committed to enlarging our strategy with the headline condition not just the visible symptoms of violent extremism this is of major theme earlier this year which brought together 500 purchase of prince represents a national and local government, a civil society the private sector and multilateral organizations that highlighted the role

teapartier with a civil society in counterterrorism efforts. a the service rendered may provide a wide array of expertise for our partners to help them identify than disrupt the financing of terrorism with border security to sharpen enforcement to the tools to respond to the terrorist threat. the challenges we face continue to revolve at a rapid pace for what the landscape will look like one decade or one year from now. but we believe strongly we can best protect america's interest over the long run with a robust diplomacy to expand partnership to remove regional capabilities to promote holistic in rule of law approaches. this remains a program of

and now i am happy to invite questions. >> you said one of the reasons of the accord is to assess the effectiveness but given the sharp rise of attacks of killings and kidnappings what does that say about this department and this administration as of march with its effectiveness to fight terror? >> i want to point to the numbers that don't tell whole story in there is a reason to highlight that they are geographically focused in conflict areas that isn't surprising and the legality has gone up. is an entirely with the air raid of the numbers we've previewed.

it is one way but not the sole way homes we can talk about that whole array of things of the trend but i do think and i emphasize it is in day battle that he said states can undertake alone but that said we have plenty of things to offer to our partners to intensify the effort put on the full array we can go into more detail. >> if that is not a good indicator our criteria, can you explain what you were using when you put it together? were they effective to fight terrorism? >> with the capability of our partners you can charge

that in a variety of ways with the efforts with foreign terrorist fighters and number and add the inactive rule of law frameworks in ways they have not previously done and up to the efforts of border security and information sharing that we find compelling with terrorist by chance we see from a variety of countries not just where it comes from but yes if we have progress did not want to portray the wrist and left to be done but there is >> now that is the biggest terrorist threat from al qaeda number one. thank number two can you talk about the rise of

terrorism in nigeria and africa? that is one of the biggest areas where the terrorism groups are finding ground. >> with your first question on isil in the restraints it is hard to make those comparisons and that no one to because there are concerns about a variety of groups who have concerns about al qaeda and aq looking at the affiliate's in yemen or the peninsula of. we are continuing to track that we have grave concerns in we will keep a very sharp eye on that. you will see us do things to function with u.s. policy

but i think there is a set of concerns on the uh the aq side that with isil i laid out things that concern to us but there is good reason to be concerned there as well as well of things the fact the affiliate's have now specifically align themselves that we can have that discussion with the appeal of isis or isil. there are different ways and different respects but i don't think we will take our eye off the ball. with your second question and, there are places in the world but certainly in africa there are places and groups we concern ourselves with and al shabaab in east

africa we made some gains and acting on the ground in somalia can our partners in east somalia have done quite a bit to combat extremist some. other that are being attacked as part of the efforts to redress that a and also groups in the northern part of africa. so that is one of the areas. >> you have a section every year with iran as state-sponsored terrorism has been on the last 30 years as a you don't indicate whether the terrorist activity increased toward decrease can you give us an indication prexy and what will you in your advisory capacity going to

say to the critics why should he be signing a nuclear agreement with iran when they are a state sponsor of terror could use sanctions relief to further their activity? >> but not necessarily to talk about numbers of attacks by specific countries in all cases it would be hard to make the exact calculus of the numbers you're talking about with the rand but we continue to be very, very concerned about activity as well as proxies' acting on behalf of iran including hezbollah and others. but it does have a specific context banded is essential we pursue those negotiations but that said it doesn't

imply we would take our eye off the ball with respect to what iran is doing as a supporter of terrorism. we have sanctions in place related to the terrorism issue and that will not change so i beecher that as a growing concern and will much change as a function of the discussions that we have. >> they will not be taking of any sanctions? it is not contemplated in the entities will not take up sanctions that is the national iranian oil company. >> what i said is we will not remove any sanctions that are related to do terrorism. >> i want to follow-up on that question mark you don't want to talk about specific numbers and the ongoing concern but it does suggest

in the report that the shiites malicious title iran and iraq, you see a decrease or lessening of specific targetting of u.s. personnel on the ground is that because isil is a bigger enemy or that iran has made a deliberate choice given in the negotiations improving of relations has decided to look away from targeting the united states? and can you expand on the idea it is proliferation of sympathizers to isil mother affiliate's or groups that aspire to be like basis, how is that a new era? doesn't matter if they have command and control and

money? or do you see that they don't require a lot of money or command and control could be anywhere in the world? this seems it doesn't matter if they are the official affiliate's. >> with the first part of the of question refer you back to dod and my colleagues of the specifics of on the ground and by that she had militia may or may not be but the situation there on the ground is very complex. but what i will say generally with respect to do isil is we are concerned we're watching carefully the impact of isil i don't even know they are creating but

the affiliate's help identify but it is different in each case to look at it against a specific circumstance that you see. they had affiliate's declared in libya and egypt and other places of the world. is so little hard to assess with that level of back and forth but that said it is something we're watching and there are places obviously in libya we would like to see a political process underway to have that in place to push back on the extremism with that isil component. >> pretty been four or five

guys. >> we mention in that because we have undertaken to share information of border security elements it is harder to get around in traveling from place to place and for that you to talk to domestic security agencies but how do they mobilized in a new environment? one of the ways is through the lone wolf attacks that they can successfully used social media to encourage or inspire. >> i have a quick point in your discussion you mentioned activities the provision of a substantial

military support to facilitate the fighters from iraq and afghanistan. the report cuts off in december but i gather from your remarks that there is nothing in iran's activities since then to ameliorate or concerns that it is an ongoing concern. >> with their support and paki's - - proxy support is a concern to us. yes. >> ambassador, first click housekeeping matter then i will proceed to my main question you emphasized the university of maryland numbers did the united states government contribute inputs to the university of

maryland system of conclusions? >> they do agree to the criteria that they lay out and it is helpful it is mandated we have the anax but we don't shape the way. >> yes no way to challenge? >> not necessarily. it is a little differently than are. >> also you emphasized those distressing numbers from the university of maryland did not provide a full context of the american and counterterrorism mission and you also said some of the conclusions are not based on the most recent metrics a lullaby to run through a couple of quick patrick said i do think provides specifically and then comment if you would. first obviously since the president took office at which point he acknowledged

last week that aq has been defeated that has captured roughly half of syria and iraq as a spread through 15 countries but between 2012 than in 2015 there is a report that the two hottest groups are doubling every year seeing the influence on the part of iran as a leading sponsor of terrorism that of president had to clear that and 75 percent of the centrifuges installed by iran occurred under this president's watch for the with these metrics have reduced the record of success with counterterrorism? >> i address that question. >> but not my metrics.

>> there from the rand corporation. >> again, i will for a bit like i did before the issue is what have we seen on the countries to take up the challenge at large? the cannot do it by ourself we have to talk to our partners to put all methodologies to bear that we can prescribe believe we have done at and they are responding that is pretty clear. through the military coalition with respect to isil account of finance or information in sharing all of which are more robust over time if they are vested in as we are we have raised our support and funding in a variety of ways to what you mentioned was included by any standard you could say

we have made progress. have we done everything that can be done to push back? >> clearly not. >> caddie regard the influence with the numbers of attacks in fatalities as a success? where do you gain ground instead of lose ground? >> it is a very broad question that goes beyond specific to the terrorist quotient. >> you talk about the input i talk about the outcome. >> but if that is not satisfactory we can have a conversation offline about other issues. >> they give for doing the briefing. i want to narrow the question about foreign fighters and though bulls specifically looking at that question to follow that a hostage taking in the attack and canada last year, what

can be done effectively with someone who isn't affiliated with any group to prevent them to carry out an attack under the gaza al qaeda horror isil or al shabaab? is that just a risk of modern life? >> and the rest can be mitigated to an extent. but there are things i think can be done talk to the homeland agencies under very engaged in day are doing a variety of things but summer not security oriented obviously with a variety of efforts to those individuals we know of are a concern but to identify those that our vulnerable here and overseas

as well and that is another aspect to enable our partners to be engaged you want to be engaged with the summit the referenced earlier we brought stakeholders and representatives of minneapolis and los angeles to experience the problems now they have good skill sets to get into the community to build trust and identify early. so it has to be a variety of efforts with individuals hey mike dash we have already turned it but how do you bring them back? it is of broad span and we are engaged in all of those. >> i have a quick question.

there are reports they are conducting talks with that help? what country is most responsible for allowing writers to go into syria? >> that is beyond my expertise because that is the political process of i cannot give you a good answer but this is a problem we have seen the fighters in the of multifaceted problem we have been engaged for quite awhile now you see it from a variety not just one region but globally the numbers have gone up because we're better at counting and we are paying attention but also because we go and we have seen it happen in in a

variety of regions and number of transit countries and final destinations as well. i truly believe countries on that continue and have made efforts. there is work to be done. yes informations and sharing is a big part to be sure that other countries to as much as they can to share what we know who they are and where they're going and where they have ben parks also encouraged them that their borders are secure you want to know who cross says your borders. the also want to insure obviously to counter message those that try to get there in the first place and in

the environment where social media but once they are there to do what we need to do on the battlefield that is where the coalition comes as well as the variety of efforts on counterterrorism finance. very weird and textured approach but we are working on all those things. >> a quick follow-up question. ice understand the numbers are a leading indicator but as i read your section of the report, there are several instances of iran were keen to expand its terraces of it worked to increase exports. >> we are very engaged in

the efforts to make sure we're doing everything we possibly can to undercut the efforts both iran and the proxy are taking that are illicit that supports the terrorist ever. >> my question is from your reporting, is it fair to conclude that iran worked to expand? >> i would say they're continuing their support -- pursued it is hard to judge but they're still doing it and we are concerned. >> has alleged that the state sponsor of terrorism it seems clear that iran is the leading sponsor of terrorism with scope and

scale of their activities, range coming in the indicator is qualitatively more than and the sudan. >> i have to be careful to define this but we have a definition when we look at who was the state-sponsored to make that assessment? present leading but if they are state sponsors we continue to have those concerns. >> did your professional opinion? >> yes but to enable terrorism but you also

mentioned some policy of the chinese government what is the trend in china for this type of activity? and howard qc. >> with respect to china china, received them as an important partner on a counterterrorism we are engaged in a dialogue that will probably go there later their sheer. with their concerns about the activities of groups within china that has carried out attacks.

we condemn terrorism of any form as long as we have enough evidence to say it is a terrorist attack. but often we see it tried as a terrorist attack but we don't have enough evidence to make that assessment but we read characterize that effort as counterproductive in and of itself because they encourage even though it isn't deberg radically conclusive so we have a robust conversation but the specific organization from 2002 re had a designated coble terrorist organization bent we have expressed our concerns clearly they could do more themselves to lessen that threat through other productive means.

>> did ministration? period yes. the countries themselves can have a good robust conversation they have their own concerns about extremism problems that they see pipe -- pop up but there has better affiliate's but how meaningful that is we continue to assess. i will say specifically but we are continuing to work with them on the counter terrorism reproaches. >> a quick follow-up question for those that are out there today concerned because they're the most by

gas air and it is clear and i would make a strong case that really what needs to happen is not only in an effort against isil but really truly read apolitical process that will lead to a national unity government so without that you have the basis of any further formation of the state that provides for our efforts it is just a place to witness the of better we will

continue to separate the effort and his precursor but i have been getting to think of that endures but then you mentioned that with of columbia so what about venezuela? is this part of the issues?

directory do have the ongoing discussions but i really don't want to tear gas into the back-and-forth fare from the into terrorism front and venezuela we have been watching as we do every year and last your request them as a country that is not cooperating fully with a reference. that is our assessment but we could have that conversation further. >> i will not again into the back-and-forth but that is our perspective. >>

president obama continued his call for stricter gun laws after shooting in the charleston south carolina church on wednesday that killed nine people. he was in san francisco this afternoon speaking to the u.s. conference of mayors. here's some of what he said. >> obviously the entire country has been shocked and heartbroken by what happened in charleston and. the nature of this attack in a place of worship witter congregants' invited a stranger to worship with

them only to be done down adds to the pain. the apparent motivation of the shooter remind us that racism remains a blight we have to combat together we have made great progress but we have to be vigilant with the poisons of lines of young people and veejays our ideals to tear democracy apart. but as much as we grieve this particular tragedy coming is important that these are far too commonplace. few people understand the toll of the violence like

mayors whether a mass shooting or individual attacks they add up over time. it tears at the fabric of the community it cost money and resources and it has cost this country dearly. more than 11,000 americans were killed by gunfire lynn's in 2013 alone. 11,000. :chris past common sense the and safety reform after a group of children were gone down into their arms last term something that 90 percent of the american people supported we would not have prevented every act of violence we don't know if

we could prevent what happened in charleston nobody can guarantee the elimination of violence that we may have more americans or we could have stopped one shooter. [applause] some families might still be home while i attend future heroes. we should be strong enough technological at the very least to talk to wrap this has susan but if there is any debate to involve the talk to take to repair these guns away. i know today's politics making it less likely we have safety legislation four

dash ince grabher market is very unlikely this congress would act. and some reporters texas as resignation and for her i am resigned to provide half fate they will eventually do the right thing. [applause] i was simply making the point we have to move public opinion and feel that is an emergency. alternately congress will follow and we have to stop being confused that as some point as a comfort we have to reckon what happens is not enough simply to show sympathy. you don't see murder on this scale with frequency in any

other advanced nation on earth. every country has violent or hateful or mentally unstable people. was different is not every country is awash. so i refuse to act as if it is the new normal or to pretend it is sufficient that any man generous doing something to stop it is politicizing the problem. [applause] [cheers and applause] we need a change is in attitudes. among everybody. multiple gunners those who

were unfamiliar and we have to have a conversation and ultimately congress acts within the public insists on action. we have seen how public opinion c tessin that with marriage in beginning to change on climate change we have to shift everything about this issue. and we have the capacity to change that we as a people have got to change. that is how we honor those families of newtown and the families of aurora.

-- >> reuters reports despite obstacles and those -- negotiators appear likely to reach a deal to restart iran's nuclear from sanctions according to western and iranian leaders. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] >> we are going to get started here. we need a live mike.

we need a live mike here. so this is yours here. i'm going to put it right here. is that on? there we go. can i get everyone's attention i know you are very excited about lunch. thank you very rich for being here is great to have a packed house for an important event today if you don't know me when the chairman of the american conservative union and a little over your door was elected chairman of the original conservative organization. created to obtain greater political and policy victories that we need now

more than ever it is a great honor to work with our team to restore our financial health and we imagine in the c-pac to make it clear they share the american conservative union will stand for a conservative philosophy across the spectrum and advocate for strong family is, in a culture by sacred id traditions. we will fight the growth and incompetence of our out-of-control centralized government power from behind -- behalf those that empower the individual and curtail government and as we clearly state to day the american conservative union and the foundation will stand up for america, her security and foreign policy to call to

guidance of ronald reagan who urged us of peace through strikes in use in a pleasure to tell you we have unveiled our new policy center they have read about for statesmanship in diplomacy and it is the inaugural event. we believe the content this year was too valuable to the fat and add a comprehensive and that is the spirit me need to day. that is why we are coming back with more policy centers to come with a full range of conservative issues. our parents is to better inform acted history and officials or staff and other key decision makers. i don't suffer from lack of

opinion is specially with my daughters. [laughter] for information we are dailies with information and the conduit to get the timely information to understand to make a positive difference. we do suffer from a perception that conservatives are people who complain, yell stop and stand in the corner with their arms crossed with their mind closed. actually with the topic today that might be the right stance. but we also know we love our country to bring peace him prosperity to intrude on the world and we are optimistic and confident we can still make a difference.

why did we start with statesmanship bin diplomacy? because there is a very unusual dynamic brokering with politics we all hear about the analysis that people's economic stance determines who they will vote for in much because of president obama, the next election the issues of security will dominate security in our communities and homes and in our nation in the americans of radicalized terrorist the white house space our entire feature on the simple rose garden strategy. we would not be here today if not for too timid groups of people and thank you to all the staff who worked tirelessly to put on seed

packets and today and all the great policy and now someone to do special recognition to one of our board members to flew in and presides in colorado he got here very early this morning and murphy whose ideas and support made the plan calling for word speaking of the energetic people i am proud to introduce to you our foundation fellows and we are honored to have her on the scene it is rare in politics to find someone who is smart and famous san dynamic but also of a sincere and caring and

hard-working. no one in the country to help those were to put on this fabulous event we just had it was not all about her making the country understand the huge problem of obama foreign policy to earned our respect with the perfect person to meet our discussion today. [applause] >> thank you all very a much. the topic we want to talk about is iran there is no issue on the american foreign policy agenda but in

other words, with two weeks' time we have assembled the greatest group of experts that we could find. it isn't so much numbers but as quality we have to other great iran experts today who has spoken now and has been years studying this issue but the person i am prepared protect movie -- but surely the guy that'd van. [applause] but the general is a lieutenant general who stepped down as head of the defense intelligence agency last year. every ready is the cia? but the defense intelligence agency provided intelligence analysis that only a gentrifies military threats but it recommends what we need to do about them.

so with the two or three most respected senior military analyst in the country and for decades never speaking to the public he was not that to be blunt and was considered one of the great national security analyst certainly of his generation. he emerges from the shadows to become one of the leading spokesman to say things in a way that everybody and destines not just the experts but the man and woman on the street and has surrounded the alarm and a wealthy so asking us who is

joining us never resident scholar. [applause] at the american enterprise institute lazore also a commentator on the various new shows including fox news which is the best. the pentagon in the bush administration in which but he lifted opposed revolutionary eric ran an end the authors said nine days ago he had his second child. his wife had there second child and finally my friend for vice president for

security policy senior fellow for policy research and was a career cia operations officer. the movie zero dark 30 think her. the post cia career focus is on radical islam with coble jihad and iran and author of the acclaimed paper the rise of the iran lobby. before i get to the general in the other speakers i want to do some housekeeping turnoff your cellphone to a understand that the general has a very busy schedule will leave promptly at 1225. wheels up. to ask him to make a presentation i will interview him then we will throw things open to questions he will leave then we will do the same within each making opening

statements will engaged then we will throw it open to questions and reroute at. >> but to talk about the iran deal to do some history and set the stage they used to be our greatest friend the shah was the close ally been in 1979 there was the iranian revolution and a very different kind of regime historically for the last 35 years the most active state sponsor of terrorism around the world and it has pursued a weapons program that is worrisome to all of us but what it has done over the last decade it has been the state stop sponsoring terrorism and it

now gives a certain amount of credibility of the death to america when they first started to chant that they ever called hostage when president reagan came into office the relationship was tenuous at best but over the last 35 years one of the concerns that we have is the agreement we are not sure what is in it or if this is verifiable or enforceable. the three experts will talk about all experts of that than i will interject my brilliant to thoughts is that a legitimate question

is that another option? is it verifiable as president reagan said trust but make sure you verify is this an agreement as a verifiable? to clawback the sanction why does iran what this agreement? with those forces against america and all of that is a rich topic to summarize their thoughts to fly high

so i will turn the podium over to reman who is a terrific spokesman for america's national security now that he can talk publicly. [applause] [applause] >> i don't have prepared comments why i believe them number one where they are on a given day and when i looked into the future to see where we want to be as a

country i see it through the eyes of grandchildren and i have several. she lived intel 90 years of age the most courageous person i have ever known is an extraordinary woman to grow up in an irish catholic dimly retiring from the army as the sergeant has the system within their home. looking at my granddaughter who is three in she can live to the age of my mom my granddaughter will be alive in the next century.

think about as we think about one in administration to the next most don't even know what they will do saturday night. there is serious about the country even just doing basic history fat eventually they go way. in the dustbin of history we have to be careful that we understand to see the indicators and the warning signs that come our way they are tactical but what you don't hear enough about rarity what your country to

be? but i spoke to an audience the voting actually matters. with the terms of them come so people have to vote to pull a lever or a piece of paper and as they have no idea to their voting for so they vote blindly. but you are preaching to the

choir for the most part it doesn't pay attention that we will try the voting thing. you have to get involved. my mom was involved in local politics very heavily as a young child i was picked up by a school bus and he would have the hustle of the school bus local politics to was court -- escort the ladies to the bus to the voting booth then step back in and take them home. that still exist in this country not what i see with this cry of being very

general but a side of the political domain people need to be involved at the local level to take responsibility that affected me because i have grown up this is what is important about america. to get involved in the future of this country when she hopefully is alive going into the next century. so i will throw that out there into some questions we will not have a lot of time. this needs clarity instead of confusion there confuse

for national security perspective we need clarity and we need that now. that has to stop at the top of the government talk about the iranian deal transparency is important i want my leadership to be confident. i am confident in what i do and i don't want to demonstrate we can settle with united states of america us to appear weak but i have very selfish self-interest with united states of america and i want us to be confident the matter what we do or where we do it to even though we may be weak we have to be

confident in everything we do has to start at the top the third word is coherence instead of discord what an enormous opportunity to bring a sense of coherence instead of the discord that we see. edits unbelievable enormous opportunities squandered the nato herrin's it -- coherence we are the team of teams in the international community then you don't get a seat at the table. you don't get to the greater good of humanity.

the fourth for his character. what type of character to relaunch united states to be known for? trust for the best? of a good friend and partner when we need to be? respected we have lost our consciousness of what america is built on with a sacrifice over many generations to hundred 40 years roughly this last sunday was the flag day of the united states army but we have not been a long that long to be honest we have always been there a great nation pre-world power since the end of world war ii and

we came into our own. we did. 70 years is the anniversary so we have to be conscious of that and character matters with all people that we have i can stand for mistakes that people make human error is okay i have major mistakes but mistakes to try something. with those moral or unethical things we're in a period of history where the

major trends are happening so then we will be a different country but for those things that tell us why is it changing and will take a back to voting make it count for each and every one of you. i want to make sure we get to questions so i will stop there and thanks again i am honored to be here with everybody they are unbelievable experts. thankou. [applause]

>> the general has given us the broad area of but care and you hear me if i stand here? in the white house situation room as a national security adviser i will ask about the agreement with iran first of all, did you deal with iran? >> the agreement i think it is based on false assumptions we've made in one is that we can change their behavior even recently said death to america somebody punches you in the nose you have to do something so why would you deal with somebody who cries out death to america? why would ready deal with the number one state sponsor of terrorism? why do we deal with a country that has negative baggage before we change

their behavior? it gets back to our you contributed to the greater good or not? so i don't think right now we did not start this off from the right flecked. >> to negotiate with friends -- enemies, not friends so what about the regime change a different attitude or we're to be willing to do ideal if you had complete confidence and verification? >> this is all hindsight right now because we will have to deal with every like it or not. that is the bigger issues to deal with. we are moving into an era to

pick a side with the attitude with friends and allies to the have the lack of trust to violate the sanctions with those of violated the sanctions with the p5 + 1 it has been a bigger stake in it only a couple years ago assumed that the deal goes a rash of bad deal they had no deal. why? you do cut deals with your friends we're trying to get

nato to up their security so it isn't just dealing with the enemies you do deal with your friends but in this case not only the enemy but the country that has not demonstrated one iota of good behavior. >> if there is no deal what happens? >> i think iran will continue down that path they were on to have that development of nuclear capabilities and eventually a nuclear weapon that people thought we will go to war if he were in israel you might feel very uncertain so we always have to do check with the israelis to see how you

feel on a given day because we don't want them to do something irrational you can act irrationality of venture israel with the environment they are in today's so we have to answer the question what are the implications of the region going nuclear? we should seek nuclear energy development but called the bluff of iran and russia and china china and has been helping to violate those sanctions in iran right now they are cutting dated - - heels of egypt what are those implications

but i will assume. >> deal already made the conclusion "deal or no deal." >> they will get them down the road. so the deal they cut with north korea and where they are at. from the intel perspective we've missed the boat. >> so what happens with a nuclear iran with two others in the region to? >> if they open themselves up to routes through inspection they said with they will not do, they should not have a choice we deal with a country that is a pariah there at the table with the united states of

america we should make the decisions with what they will do then let them know the expectations of international law with the norms and behavior's then say if you are willing to except that you can sit at the table but we did not do that so i say that you call the bluff by allowing others in the region to do this there has been a nuclear energy deals already that have been assigned one is going on with the russians right now this will happen so we have to keep that the level that is a nuclear energy and not nuclear weapons. >> the sanctions regime is already collapsing and other countries are basically saying we are tired of the

sanctions the administration has said we cannot keep them much longer so that my fridge will dissipate so there will not be any leverage left is there any way to get out of this habit you get your head around the middle east with nuclear weapons? >> - - is you have the rise of the proxy wars which we see right now with that she has a unique community that indicates others are supporting them like iran or russia or china or venezuela but the positive that it is a long-term issue that it

does come around to energy because 100 plus years the world has relied on the oil coming out of the middle east if you like kidder not have you ever see in the chinese aircraft carrier inside the persian gulf? rhetorical question. no. they have between 50 or 60 percent of their hydrocarbon out of the middle east. we have been guaranteeing that to put aircraft task force's 40 am your 35 years. so we guarantee their energy in china so the price of a barrel of oil means a lot down the road will not go back up this country is capable of the energy independent to make that

into depended on the united states of america for energy that economic system has to change and move away from oil. it has to and there are some ideas how to do that and they are in play right now and we're watching a list occur for those who are paying attention to their media and inside of our country that are breaking about this new energy ecosystem that is built on a nuclear energy but it is important because oil is not the future any longer. >> you gave certificate testimony in it to see where the region is going but with

the rise of isis you made reference to look at that region to say. >> but it is your so pretension so pay close attention to that there is a new middle east struggling to be born how it will take shape with sad rebirth of the middle east with an iraq or syria or kurdistan all the different pieces of east africa certainly north

africa are all changing as borderless societies and this goes back over 100 years when the british drew lines on a map it changes as we speak here it will not go back to the way it was but iraq itself could end up for different ways we have to decide how to contain it i had been a big proponent to describe the erev structure arab leaders have said we agree and others have said they had sessions or forums to discuss this but they cannot do that unless the united states gets involved does it mean boots on the

ground but they cannot organize themselves the way we can help them that is step one to do that then move in their direction read day take care of their own security responsibilities they can do it. they have to know the united states is there. we provide enormous security umbrella for the middle east to protect everybody from iran it is like we have given that up? i don't know that is what this leaderless summit should have talked about or agreed to spin dash egregious started to scratch the surface but we do have to get the general of the fear in 20 minutes will you call on people? >> straight back.

>> please wait for the microphone also say he wore. -- and. you are. >> naming and serial and frank. >> we have seen it tends to take better isfahan into its own hands resawed that with a nuclear reactor at what point will israel feel it has to take matters into its own hands and in that case if they do what you see as the outcome?

>> a good question where you from? or what do you do? >> i steady international affairs at george washington university. >> good for you. when israel loses the confidence they have always had to take care of the issue that is what dave might act as the irrational way. i use that word earlier because it could lead to a fifth order of facts in the region so i would like to think they are very thoughtful and very methodical and precise so we constantly have to have a

conversation but across the human spectrum so that second part is it only days to escalation but we will see that in the conflict anyway this is said about to end anytime soon we will not wake up in the summer of 2016 that we are back to normal. this will escalate. i'm guessing you are a young 20 year-old kid. this is partly your problem or going to be your problem i have been dealing with this pretty much ruled life there are periods where it is relatively stable wave may be vermis strategic mistakes over the last couple of decades enormous over the decade and a half but we cannot beat each

other over the head with that stick delegator futures and forward what can we do about it? the recommended everybody don't know my testimony please read it i offer a full range of solutions but what do redo about it? >> my question is to believe iran would use a nuclear weapon? >> actually i do. the behavior is so erratic and has been and they have demonstrated verbal and actual behavior is so out of the norm and their belief

system is something that very few people can understand. to sit down and talk with them talking about the religious and cultural belief but i do see that. when a country is cornered sometimes they do erratic things. so to the regime change of a couple of countries in the region have changed three times since 2011 so we have to pay close attention. so we have to be very conscious who we are dealing

with and actions matter. actions matter. >> you use the word clarity and you have been very clear. we are clear we know there is a strategy in this administration why is it more people like you are not willing to call is on the terrorism if we don't mean it if more people are not saying what that strategy is.

>> i don't know. i know what i dealt with. starting with my grandchildren i believe that. to join the army and i did okay but i spent my entire life doing this. so i see things that we have to be clear. because some of that don't worry about it. but what i do know there is a lot of people like me that

don't say it but believe it. i don't know why but there is a lot that feel this way i wish more people would be i am now one side or the other. honestly i want leadership the best leaders leading this country. period. i don't care about issues to a degree. anyway. . . >> as a retired u.s. customs agents i hope to prosecute back in '94 i was puzzled to find $100 million of