The Fight Againt Terrorism

1115 Words3 Pages

Intelligence Sharing
In the fight against terrorism, information is the most powerful tool. Without information, it is difficult to come up with adequate strategies to fight terrorists at home or abroad. Information allows security agencies to understand how terrorists work and come up with adequate measures to diminish them. In this perspective, the primary role of security agencies in fighting terrorism is collection of information. After collection, information is then analyzed for viability and then used in decision making. However, it is important to note that there is not one, but several security agencies tasked with counter-terrorism. This means that at one given time, there are several agencies following leads on terrorism and trying to counter them. With this in mind, it is therefore; of great importance that information is shared amongst these security agencies. Without flawless and efficient intelligence sharing mechanisms, the risk of being infiltrated by terrorists remains high. The 9/11 Commission Report shows the great need for information sharing among security agencies. However, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) bears most responsibility for lack of information sharing leading to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Being the lead intelligence agency in the country, the CIA is tasked with collection and analysis of intelligence from all sources. The CIA is equipped with the capacity and resources to collect information and use it to help other security agencies in maintaining security in the country. Prior to the 9/11 bombings, the CIA had critical information critical to the prevention of the attacks. The agency had collected information that was helping in conducting investigation on the said attackers. However, ...

... middle of paper ...

... encoded in a way that outsiders have no access to it. In addition, different security organizations have differing data systems making it difficult for them to share information. Technical incompatibility between agencies continues to be a problem when it comes to information sharing.
In conclusion, the United States is better prepared to overcome intelligence sharing difficulties now, as compared to pre 9/11. However, challenges in information sharing are still present. Streamlining security data systems would help in creating a smooth pathway to enhance flow of information across agencies. In addition, relationships across agencies must be enhanced if intelligence sharing is to be improved. In conclusion, though there are visible improvements in information sharing strategies, much more needs to be done for efficient flow of information across security agencies.

More about The Fight Againt Terrorism

Open Document