Unshackling the Sphinx: Intelligence in the Post-9/11 World

摘要

The terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001 in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania caused an intense self-examination by the United States Federal Government in which it made tough decisions concerning the use of foreign intelligence in relation to law enforcement activities. Existing constraints to collection of foreign intelligence dissemination to law enforcement agencies and placement in information databases created a wall between the Intelligence Community and the law enforcement agencies. Since 9/11 several key actions have worked to reduce that wall. Laws such as the USA PATRIOT Act the Homeland Security Act and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act have served to eliminate undue restrictions on transfer of terrorist-related intelligence between law enforcement and the Intelligence Community. Government reorganization actions led to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security the U.S. Northern Command and the National Counterterrorism Center and the establishment of the new position of Director of National Intelligence. What has not occurred as of yet is a review of the role Military Intelligence should have in this new construct of intelligence law and counterterrorism organization. Also current restrictions on Military Intelligence activities within the United States can severely hamper the ability of a commander called upon to execute homeland defense or consequence management missions. A review of these restrictions is imperative. Such reviews should take place soon in order to fully utilize the capabilities of the Military Intelligence community.