Biden denounces "white supremacy and domestic terrorism" in inauguration speech. Yes! But separating "domestic" from "international" terrorism = recipe for discrimination & neglects extreme right's global reach. US should justly use ample laws it already has, not enact more.

2/ Thrilled Biden will prioritize other urgently needed US counterterrorism reforms: reviewing options to reduce "forever wars" & deadly use of force operations; restoring transparency on civilian casualties, pushing to close #Guantanamo. But devil will be in the details. And...

3/ ... And, reality check: Obama also promised to close #Gitmo on Day 1 but 40 men still there, most never charged. Civilian casualties in CT operations soared during his presidency and his transparency on that carnage was welcome but too little, too late.

4/ Let's not forget that Obama failed to provide accountability for #CIA torture. & he fiercely resisted declassifying the US Senate report on torture or even portions of it beyond the summary. Biden can & should do better. https://www.politico.com/blogs/under-the-radar/2016/12/barack-obama-torture-report-declassify-preserve-232519

5/ Biden faces immense challenges, from Covid-19 to the economy, but it's striking how many intersect with US counterterrorism policy. On this front, his "Build Back Better" vow should mean not only undoing Trump's disasters but also taking a hard look at where Obama fell short.