A cry in the wilderness from the legenday ex-head of Mossad, Ephraim Halevi. Having put the recent storms over the use of intelligence into a balanced and reasoned perspective, he concludes with the following sobering observation:

'Rather than seeking long-term overhauling and restructuring of the system, and the creation of new high-level slots, surely this is a moment in history when the body politic should swing behind those who are already in the trenches and give them encouragement and support in this fateful battle that has been thrust upon us.

'Those who have experienced times of acute crisis know that lines often get blurred and formal functions and positions do not reflect the real influence of various players on the scene. You will find political masters absorbing copious quantities of raw intelligence and forming their own estimates and evaluations of the situation. You will also find intelligence chiefs not only passing on information and assessments, but also advocating specific courses of action. This is simple human nature and no rule or regulation can change it.

'This is especially so when the intelligence chief not only has his army of assessment officers but also has units and forces and assets directly involved in the conflict. At such a time, the attempt to apportion blame and responsibility between the political and executive levels of government becomes artificial and obsolete. They are in it together for better or worse.

'In an ideal world, each player performs his part. In reality, personalities often shine way beyond their limited bailiwick. This happens more often than not when others melt into the woodwork under the intense pressures of war. An intelligence chief can never wither in the heat. Let us hope, for the sake of us all, that the inquiry commissions will not create a climate wherein the George Tenets and Richard Dearloves and John Scarletts of this planet will not be able to function. After everything has already been said, let us never forget that there are not all that many of them around.'

Alas, there is every danger at present that the current poisonous climate will prevent them from functioning, just as Halevi fears.

Posted by melanie at August 3, 2004