Lieutenant General Michael Barbero talked about combating the enduring global threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). He provided an overview of the Defense Department’s Joint IED Defeat Organization, its mission, and especially the challenge of combating IED threats in Afghanistan, where he said IEDs are the weapon of choice. Other topics included the U.S. partnership with Pakistan on combating IEDs, working with the fertilizer and defense industry, and combating sea and air-based IEDs. He responded to questions from members of the audience.