Suchergebnisse

In coming years, the greatest threats to the United States are likely to emanate from states that cannot adequately govern themselves or secure their own territory. The U.S. government must improve its ability to help its partners defend themselves or, if necessary, fight alongside U.S. troops. Adapted from the source document.

THIS ARTICLE EXAMINES THE ROOTS OF AMERICAN INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS AND OUTLINES THE CHALLENGES FACED BY SUCH OPERATIONS TODAY. AMERICAN INTELLIGENCE BEGAN WITH GENERAL WASHINGTON, BUT IT TOOK PEARL HARBOR TO CONVINCE THE NATION OF THE NECESSITY OF GOOD INTELLIGENCE. AS A RESULT, IN 1942 THE OFFICE OF STRATEGIC SERVICES (OSS) WAS ESTABLISHED. SUCCESSORS TO THIS ORGANIZATION INCLUDE THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL (NSC) AND THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY (CIA). WHILE THE CIA'S ORIGINAL RAISON D'ETRE WAS COUNTERING THE SOVIET THREAT, THE DANGERS IN THE POST-COLD WAR WORLD JUSITFY ITS CONTINUED EXISTENCE. WITHIN THE AMERICAN SYSTEM OF CHECKS AND BALANCES, WITH CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT, INTELLIGENCE IS A PROTECTOR OF RATHER THAN A THREAT TO BASIC FREEDOMS.