Much as I LOVE bashing on the intelligence community, this problem is only partially their fault.
This mess is caused by congress’s and the American people’s unwillingness to take responsibility for clearly defining the boundaries of intelligence.
What we should have from congress is a clear statement of scope. It should say something like:
- These countries are enemies. You are allowed to act freely against them.
- These countries are unaligned. Actions against them may be allowed, but are subject to review.
- These countries are allies. You may not act against them. Actions against them are a violation of US and ally law. We will prosecute any action against an ally to the fullest extent of the law.
- Any action against the citizens of the US is a violation of US law and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Instead, what we have is:
- We are afraid. Make it stop. NOW!
- Congress doesn't want to take any responsibility.
- If anything goes wrong, it's the Intelligence Community's fault.
- Intelligence must protect us from bad concepts.
- Intelligence must protect us from ourselves.
Yes, the Intelligence community has done us wrong. They have taken full advantage of our fears. But, we have been a compliant victim. Both of these problems must be fixed.
We must demand limits to Intelligence. We must accept some responsibility when bad things happen. We must accept that the future is uncertain and face it with courage.
