I do not - I never believed it's better to kill a terrorist than to detain him. We want to detain as many terrorists as possible so we can elicit the intelligence from them in the appropriate manner so that we can disrupt follow-on terrorist attacks.

In this quote, John O. Brennan expresses his belief that it is more effective to detain terrorists rather than kill them. He argues that capturing terrorists allows authorities to extract valuable intelligence through interrogation and other appropriate methods, which can help prevent future terrorist attacks. Brennan emphasizes the importance of gathering information that can lead to the disruption of further threats, suggesting that detention provides a better opportunity to protect national security in the long term than simply eliminating a terrorist.

Brennan’s statement also underscores the distinction between using lethal force and intelligence-gathering in counterterrorism efforts. While the immediate response to terrorism may involve taking action against threats, he advocates for a more strategic approach, where the capture of terrorists allows for detailed intelligence to be gained. This approach aims not just at neutralizing a threat in the short term but at ensuring a long-term solution by understanding the networks and plans of terrorist organizations.

The origin of this quote is tied to Brennan’s experience as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where he oversaw efforts to combat terrorism through intelligence operations. Throughout his career, Brennan was involved in developing policies and strategies focused on the effective use of intelligence in national security, which included emphasizing the importance of detaining suspects for interrogation rather than relying on military action alone.

Ultimately, Brennan’s quote highlights his belief in the importance of intelligence and the value of detention in preventing terrorism. By focusing on gathering information from detained suspects, he advocates for a more nuanced, information-driven approach to counterterrorism that goes beyond immediate military responses, aiming to disrupt terrorist activities before they can cause harm.