Michael S. Smith II
Michael S. Smith II | |
|---|---|
 Smith in 2008 | |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Batchelor of Arts; GC, Intelligence Analysis[1] |
| Alma mater | College of Charleston |
| Occupation | Terrorism analyst[2] |
| Years active | 2005-present |
| Employer | Kronos Advisory |
| Political party | Republican |
Michael S. Smith II is an American counter-terrorism analyst. He is a co-founder of Kronos Advisory, a U.S.-based firm established in 2011 that is owned by James E. Livingston and Smith, and has served as an advisor to members of the United States Congress.[4] Foreign Policy magazine designated him one of the "100 Leading Global Thinkers of 2016."[5]
Smith is authoring a book on the Islamic State Group’s external operations.[6]
Career
In 2011 Smith produced a report on Iran’s ties to Al-Qaeda that was distributed to members of the Congressional Anti-Terrorism Caucus.[7][8][9][10] Titled "The al-Qa’ida-Qods Force Nexus: Scratching the Surface of a Known Unknown," a redacted version of Smith’s report is available online via the blog site owned by American military geostrategist and The Pentagon's New Map author Thomas P.M. Barnett.[11] The report’s Issue Summary section explains: "This report focuses on the history of Iran’s relationship with al-Qa’ida, and briefly addresses potential implications of these ties. Additionally, its author provides a list of recommended action items for Members of the United States Congress, as well as a list of questions that may help Members develop a better understanding of this issue through interactions with defense and intelligence officials."
Smith has played the role of intermediary between the U.S government and pro-social hacker organizations such as the Ghost Security Group (GSG) and CtrlSec. facilitating their provision of threat information on the Islamic State group.[12] One such tip disrupted a plot for a terror attack at a Tunisian resort, resulting in the arrest of more than a dozen terror suspects.[12]
In 2017 Smith entered into a conflict with former Breitbart editor and Donald Trump advisor, Sebastian Gorka, questioning Gorka's experience and expertise with respect to international terrorism. Gorka responded by allegedly threatening lawsuit over Smith's remarks on Twitter and inviting Smith to have coffee with him at the White House.[13]
References
- ^ .Alison Graham. “Charleston man on front line of intelligence monitoring by tracking ISIS social media.” The Post and Courier. July 30, 2016.
- ^ Rukmini Callimachi. “How ISIS Built the Machinery of Terror Under Europe’s Gaze.” The New York Times. March 29, 2016.
- ^ .Alison Graham. “Charleston man on front line of intelligence monitoring by tracking ISIS social media.” The Post and Courier. July 30, 2016.
- ^ Dun & Bradstreet Business Information Report Synopsis, Accessed July 18, 2011
- ^ "100 Leading Global Thinkers of 2016. The Moguls: Michael S. Smith II". Foreign Policy. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
- ^ Eric Schmitt and Anne Barnard. “Senior ISIS Strategist and Spokesman Is Reported Killed in Syria.” The New York Times. August 30, 2016.
- ^ Ambassador plot casts light on Iran's strike force. The Associated Press. October 13, 2011
- ^ Report highlights alleged Iran forces al-Qaeda links. AFP. May 4, 2011
- ^ US congressional report: Iran offering support to al-Qaida. The Jerusalem Post. May 5, 2011
- ^ Report from Congressional panel says Iran’s Revolutionary Guard helps Al-Qaeda. Al Arabiya. May 5, 2011
- ^ The al-Qa’ida-Qods Force Nexus
- ^ a b Segall, Laurie (20 November 2015). "The secret hackers trying to bring down ISIS". CNN. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
- ^ "Listen to controversial White House terrorism adviser Sebastian Gorka's angry call to a critic". 23 February 2017. Retrieved 23 February 2017.