"We need to strengthen our analytic capacity in Washington, we need to centralize the anti-terrorism effort"

In this quote, John Ashcroft is emphasizing the value of improving the analytical abilities of the government in Washington. He believes that by doing so, they will be better geared up to fight terrorism. Furthermore, Ashcroft recommends centralizing the anti-terrorism effort, indicating that all firms and departments involved in combating terrorism ought to collaborate in a coordinated and merged manner. This would enable more effective and reliable strategies to be established and executed. Overall, Ashcroft is highlighting the requirement for a more powerful and more organized method to resolving the danger of terrorism, which he views as a leading concern for the federal government.