Reflections on History: Family and the Impact of Intelligence Failures

The tragic events that unfolded on September 11 highlighted significant failures within the U.S. intelligence community. Despite possessing crucial information, barriers to effective communication and information sharing among agencies like the CIA, FBI, and DOD contributed to the attacks. This lack of collaboration stemmed from entrenched fiefdoms and a culture of secrecy that inhibited necessary cooperation. Historical context shows that the effectiveness of intelligence in winning the Cold War came from the efficient dissemination of information, rather than strictly maintaining classified secrets. In the wake of 9-11, a response was implemented to enhance information sharing, swinging away from a 'need to know' basis towards a more open approach. However, this shift also introduced risks, as seen in subsequent leaks by figures like Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning, leading to a re-evaluation of information access protocols. The discussion emphasizes that the tragic outcomes of 9-11 were not merely the result of external attacks but were significantly influenced by internal systemic failures to leverage available intelligence effectively.