Counterterrorism Office

The Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Henry A. Crumpton, heads the office and coordinates all U.S. Government efforts to improve counterterrorism cooperation with foreign governments and participates in the development, coordination, and implementation of American counterterrorism policy.

U.S. Counterterrorism Policy
First, make no concessions to terrorists and strike no deals;
Second, bring terrorists to justice for their crimes;
Third, isolate and apply pressure on states that sponsor terrorism to force them to change their behavior; and
Fourth, bolster the counterterrorism capabilities of those countries that work with the U.S. and require assistance.

International Terrorism: American Hostages
The U.S. Government will make no concessions to individuals or groups holding official or private U.S. citizens hostage. The United States will use every appropriate resource to gain the safe return of American citizens who are held hostage. At the same time, it is U.S. Government policy to deny hostage takers the benefits of ransom, prisoner releases, policy changes, or other acts of concession.

Weapons of Mass Destruction
Preventing terrorist access to or use of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems, and related materials, as well as advanced conventional weaponry, is one of our government's highest priorities. The Department of State has numerous programs and initiatives underway to prevent, halt, deter, or combat terrorist efforts to acquire or use weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems or related materials, and advanced conventional weaponry. Please click on the link below to be directed to the Bureau of Nonproliferation webpage for more information on these important efforts: http://www.state.gov/t/np.