FBI whistleblower criticizes counterterrorism unit's capabilities

WASHINGTON (CNN) - The FBI's highest-ranking Arab-American agent and outspoken whistleblower told a congressional panel Wednesday he is not being allowed to work on significant counterterrorism assignments, despite a serious FBI shortage of experienced agents expert in the Arab language and culture.

Egyptian-born Bassem Youssef told sympathetic Democrats and Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee that the current staffing level at the FBI Counterterrorism Unit where he is assigned stands at only 62 percent.

Youssef blamed the shortfall on several factors, including a policy that requires personnel with five years of experience in counterterrorism to be transferred to other offices. He said they are replaced with inexperienced agents.

"We still have agents who are highly dedicated, but don't have the tools needed to get into the mind of the enemy," Youssef told the committee.