Prelude to Desert Storm: A Case Study in the Politicization of Intelligence

Abstract

Abstract : The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is charged with the responsibility for collection and analysis of intelligence and its distribution to the president and his staff. In recent years this responsibility has been expanded to include Congress and other government departments and agencies. As policymakers deal with more complicated and time-sensitive issues they look for clear and complete intelligence information that will inform and guide their decision-making efforts. Policymakers work with ambiguity and complexity. There is a natural tendency for them to seek intelligence information which supports their own view. They consider intelligence information which support their position to be a potential political threat. Some will ignore unfavorable intelligence, while others may attempt to discredit it through the political process (Gates, 218-221). It is also generally acknowledge that in a politically charged environment some policymakers selectively use intelligence to influence public debate or policy. A small number disingenuously label intelligence they dislike as too soft, biased, slanted or cooked to destroy its legitimacy (Gates, 219).