Never mind that it’s been a dozen years or so that the U.S. last talked seriously with Iran, people who don’t like the U.S.-Iranian relationship will find fault with it. Yet the recent short-term agreement between the West and Iran seems an important step toward a less strident relationship between the us and them.

Homeland Security Watch provides a balanced view of the recently completed first-stage Geneva talks between Iran and Western powers, including the U.S. “Personally,” says writer Arnold Bogis, “I think the deal is positive and a great start, however it cannot be fully judged until (and if) a long-term agreement is eventually reached.” Rather than attempt to settle the Iranian relationship all at once, Bogis refers us to a new website, “Iran Matters,” hosted by the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

“The website,” Homeland Security Watch advises, “includes original analysis from the Center’s experts, including former high level White House, State Department, DOD, Intelligence, and IAEA officials. There are also fact sheets, videos, Q & A’s, etc….all the trimmings of a thorough policy-orientated website.” Looks like a good source on an oft-vexing subject.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is renewing its “If You See Something, Say Something” security campaign in cooperation with communities and shopping centers in New Hampshire. As a security keynote, though, the “See/Say” advisory is good, and important, anywhere. Actions or appearances outside familiar, normal bounds are worth alerting whomever might have the local responsibility for your safety.

“We’re all safer when everyone is alert and engaged,” says Government Security News, where the advisory on DHS’ activities appears. Chances are that whatever might seem suspicious won’t be menacing. But you won’t know for sure until its checked out. Don’t go slack on security.

On a flight, you probably don’t think about the reality that you are no more secure than the baggage in your plane’s hold. Effective baggage screening is key to safe air travel. Government Security News provides a treatise the size of a small flight bag on effective airport baggage screening.

It’s good to know all that goes into achieving baggage safety, or “hold baggage screening” (HBS). But then, security starts with attention to detail, and the realization of possible catastrophe from inattention to possibilities for harm. Today’s laws require that 100 percent of aircraft baggage be inspected, including by explosion detectors.

Jeh Johnson apparently did well Wednesday before the U.S. Senate Homeland Security Committee, which is considering his nomination to become Secretary of Homeland Security. Homeland Security Watch reporter Christopher Bellavita provides “ten summary observations” about the Johnson hearing.

Jonson was cautious in his answers to questions that needed deeper consideration and “closed his testimony predicting that at the end of his DHS tenure, the senate committee will say ‘Johnson was somebody that worked well with us in a bipartisan fashion.’”

Don’t rely only on checkboxes to insure security. That’s been the warning of security “evangelists” for some time, notes Risk Management Monitor, and it’s wise never to forget the advice. “They warn that if you focus too much on the list of requirements, you’re bound to miss risks that may not actually be covered in rules and regulations.”

Reality is ever-changing. A ComputerWorld article referenced by RM Monitor notes that “just 17 percent of organizations have what they consider a mature risk management program–i.e. one that goes beyond ticking off items on an audit list. (And that, we’d note, likely goes not only for computers, but for operations in general.) So get out there, look around and do some dire imagining. Your facility will be safer for it.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) isn’t a utility company, but it is rightly concerned about avoiding the failure of power grids around the country. Thus DHS notes that President Obama has designated November as Critial Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month.

All of which leads to a DHS invitation to visit and participate in its infrastructure-protection website – www.dhs.gov/critical-infrastructure . Education, planning and vigilance are the site’s hallmarks.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a host of independent study courses in crisis operations. “FEMA,” says Government Security News, “anticipates that its Emergency Management Institute, which educates first responders, will hear from more than two million individuals each year who are interested in the Institute’s independent study courses.”

FEMA’s courses include such areas as operational planning, public disaster communications and hazard mitigation. “All are offered free-of-charge to those who qualify for enrollment,” says a FEMA website.

Oh dear, we don’t know whether it could actually happen, but suppose it could. Suppose America had a total power blackout due to a cyber attack. National Geographic explores such a conjectured, 10-day experience in an hour-long broadcast, American Blackout.
The show will be aired on television at 9 p.m. Eastern time, and at other times throughout the day. Or it can be viewed on YouTube anytime – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PreJvrljihI

Find out, says the promo, “who would be left standing when the lights come back on.”