In the Agora: Release the NIE

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September 26, 2006

Release the NIE

I'll add my own small voice to growing calls for the government to release at least a redacted copy of the National Intelligence Estimate on the Global Jihadist Movement, about which much was made this weekend following a leak to the New York Times.

The article doesn't quote from the report at length, relying instead on summaries and interviews about it. The interesting consequence is the nearly complete confirmatory bias in both camps. Critics of the Iraq War think it's a smoking gun; supporters of the President claim there are exculpatory details in the classified document. I'm inclined to believe that even if we get a public version of the NIE, these reactions will persist, even though disclosure would resolve the debate for any candid mind.

As for myself, I will accept the Time's characterization until proven otherwise. I once trusted this Administration's version of intelligence consensus; I will not do that again.

But even if we get a useful copy of the NIE, I fear we will still be in the dark about important subjects. Although intelligence officials assure the Times that the conclusions were not "softened or massaged for political purposes," there is reference in the article to previous drafts which contained sections on inflammatory US actions to which policymakers objected. How much of that information didn't make it to the final draft?

Update: As Karl notes in the comments, ITA gets results.

Posted by Zach Wendling at September 26, 2006 12:24 PM

Comments

So...the last time this happened...the 2002 NIE on Iraq...the Administration declassified it, but by some unbelievable chance, forgot to declassify at first all of the parts containing the doubts about Iraq's WMD programs.

Posted by: Balta at September 26, 2006 01:21 PM | permalink

Zach is influential. It did not take Bush long to respond to this post.

Posted by: Karl at September 26, 2006 02:07 PM | permalink

But....to trust the Times? Not good.

Posted by: Anonymous at September 26, 2006 05:16 PM | permalink

Talking Points Memo reports that their sources on the Hill have confirmed that there's another secret report floating around the intelligence agencies---and that Rep. Jane Harman referenced it this morning at the National Press Club. This one is specifically concerned with Iraq, and word is that it paints a " very bleak picture."

The problem appears to be that the executive branch is shuffling it's feet with regards to labeling the report as an official "NIE"---because NIEs are supposed to be shared with members of Congress.

C'mon, White House! As Phyllis Schlafly says: "The American people do not and should not tolerate government by secrecy."

Posted by: JohnS at September 26, 2006 06:42 PM | permalink

As Phyllis Schlafly says: "The American people do not and should not tolerate government by secrecy.

I bet she said that before 9/11. But 9/11 changed everything.

Posted by: Jason Kuznicki at September 26, 2006 07:17 PM | permalink

Phyllis Sclafly should never be quoted as an authority on anything, unless it's to prove what a nutso she is.

Posted by: Nick Blesch at September 26, 2006 11:41 PM | permalink

it was amazing to watch "special report with brit hume" last night. the "all-star" panel used the report to completely blame clinton and support bush. essentially using the argument "we are safer now." talk about an example of the ends justifying the means.

Posted by: Anonymous at September 27, 2006 10:08 AM | permalink

One has to assume that the parts released by the White House are the ones that would cast the best light on their actions. Given that it doesn't do that much for their case I wonder what the rest of it might say?

Posted by: Jim S at September 27, 2006 09:24 PM | permalink

September 26, 2006

Release the NIE

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