Season Two Research Files
Episode Five
12:00pm-1:00pm
SHARING U.S. INTELLIGENCE IN THE FACE OF TERRORISM
Without question, the United States has the most capable intelligence apparatus of any country in the world and, historically, it has been willing to reciprocate where it shares common interests and concerns. In the wake of the events of September 11, it was strategic for the U.S. to enhance relationships with other nations, especially those with proximity to Afghanistan. Some countries on the frontline of the war on terrorism are governed by authoritarian regimes with conflicted priorities not always in line with American interests. Even where the interests of the United States and another country do not entirely converge, intelligence has often supplied the "quid" for the other's "quo." Yet such relationships must be carefully and frequently be assessed by senior policymakers to ensure that the benefits of the relationship outweigh the inherent risks in the continuing association.
Countries who rely on U.S. intelligence reciprocate in other ways. In some cases, they provide geographic access that would not otherwise be available. In others, they provide skills and expertise the U.S. would otherwise have to develop. In a few cases, other governments have financed capabilities that have spared U.S. taxpayers considerable costs. By and large, these relationships have remained confidential.
Information derived from intelligence also forms an important element of U.S. participation in international organizations, such as the United Nations. The United States frequently uses such information to alert organizations to impending crises or to motivate action in appropriate circumstances. American intelligence units regularly share information with their counterparts in other countries. The Director of Central Intelligence Counterterrorist Center works closely with friendly foreign security and intelligence services around the world through information-sharing on terrorists groups and training in preventing terrorist attacks. The State Department's Counterterrorism unit also facilitates information sharing with foreign law enforcement authorities.
Despite the importance of these bilateral and multilateral relationships, questions are frequently raised about the security and reciprocity of these arrangements. Will other governments and international organizations protect information provided by the United States? Are foreign partners pulling their share of the load and is the United States benefiting sufficiently in return? And does this shared information jeopardize our own operatives working within these countries?
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