U.S. Intelligence and Policymaking: The Iraq Experience
Abstract
A continuing issue for Congress is the question of whether the U.S. Intelligence Community failed to provide accurate information about Iraqi capabilities to develop and use weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and whether the Bush Administration systematically misused intelligence to garner support for launching Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003 and for continuing military operations in Iraq. The Senate Intelligence Committee submitted a report on the Intelligence Community's performance in July 2004 (Senate Report 108-301), but a follow-on assessment of the use of intelligence was not prepared and became the source of controversy that led to a rare closed session of the Senate on November 1, 2005. This report explores, in general terms, the relationship between the production of intelligence and the making of policy as reflected in the period prior to the war against Iraq in March 2003. The report also examines the implications of this relationship for Congress. This report will be updated if circumstances warrant.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 02, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA446230
Entities
People
- Richard A.. Best Jr.
Organizations
- Library of Congress