This work examines the labyrinth of complexities that confronts the
Intelligence Community in its efforts to provide accurate and
timely intelligence in support of American foreign policy and
national security interests. Kennedy begins with an analysis of the
collection processes and the obstacles that must be overcome if
accurate and meaningful information is to be obtained. He addresses
such issues as the need for strategic vision and clarity in setting
priorities, as well as constraints imposed by the executive branch
and the complexities associated with translating priorities into
collection programs. The focus then shifts to the obstacles that
confront those tasked to analyze collected information, examining
such issues as the impact of people, technology, and budgets on the
overall analytical effort. The third area of emphasis for Kennedy
centers on the "quality control" of collection and analysis,
addressing both Executive Branch and Congressional Oversight of the
intelligence processes. Finally, he examines issues associated with
the distribution and use of the intelligence products - the
so-called "end game" obstacles. Issues addressed include the lack
of presidential support for and confidence in the Intelligence
Community, the impact of "worst-case planning," and the "coloring"
of intelligence to suit policy preferences. Ultimately, the
component parts provide the reader with a broad understanding of
the Intelligence Community and the difficulties it faces as it
strives to keep the United States safe and informed. In the wake of
recent intelligence failures, the Intelligence Community has come
under increasing attack. Yet few people outside of government, and
all toofrequently many inside of government, do not understand just
how difficult and complex are the processes of collecting,
analyzing, disseminating, and effectively using gathered
intelligence. The purpose of this undertaking is to illustrate the
many road blocks the Intelligence Community confronts as it
attempts to meet the needs of policymakers and to provide the
average American, students of foreign and security policy, and many
inside of government with a more comprehensive understanding of the
overall intelligence effort. The complex processes for identifying,
prioritizing, and communicating requirements to the intelligence
community are further complicated by a lack of strategic vision on
the part of American policy makers. Kennedy contends that those
problems are compounded by Executive department oversight of the
Intelligence Community, which has contributed significantly to past
failures of intelligence. Moreover, the lack of effective oversight
by Congress of the Intelligence Community in terms of the quality
of its product upon which Congress has often been required to make
life and death decisions too often has been either seriously
deficient or non-existent. All too frequently, Kennedy notes, what
could be called "political coloring" adversely affects the
intelligence product. Intelligence findings are often "colored" to
suit the preferred policies of decision-makers. As a result,
actions are taken based on assumptions and opinions that are not
supported by existing intelligence.
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