STRATEGIC INTELLIGENCE MANAGEMENT Chapter by Andrew Staniforth Chapter 2 - Securing the State: Strategic Responses for an Interdependent World, Pg. 10

Section:1 National Security Strategies and Issues 2. Securing the State: Strategic Responses for an Interdependent World, Pg. 10 The 9/11 Commission report was critical of the United States administration in a number of key areas. It questioned how 19 suicide terrorists could be imported into America without examination and how were they able to live undetected within local communities for several months while seeking English language classes and flight instruction. Furthermore, the 9/11 Commission sought to identify why the al-Qaeda operatives were not identified by United States agencies working overseas in the first place It is difficult to comprehend the United States authority's failure to recognize the signs that a major terrorist plot was developing within their communities. The sheer size and scale of the United States security machine did not correctly analyse, assess, and prioritize intelligence on a national level. A large number of agencies that held critical data did not share its information. These organizations were working in isolation each with their own “need to know” principles and limited “need to share” protocols. A full national picture of the emerging threat was not put together.

Section:1 National Security Strategies and Issues 2. Securing the State: Strategic Responses for an Interdependent World, Pg. 10 The British government believes that the UK is well placed to benefit from the world of the future, but in its National Security Strategy it sets out three key steps for a secure and prosperous Britain. These steps include using all of its national capabilities to build Britain's prosperity, to extend its national influence in the world, and to strengthen its security.

Section:1 National Security Strategies and Issues 2. Securing the State: Strategic Responses for an Interdependent World, Pg. 10 For the UK, and other countries of the Western world, the concept of national security today is very different that it was 10 or 20, let alone 50 or 100 years ago. Geographically Britain is an island, but economically and politically it is a vital link in the global network. That openness brings great opportunities, but also great vulnerabilities. The British government knew, for example, that terrorist groups like al-Qaeda were determined to exploit its openness to attack its cities and infrastructure by plotting to kill as many UK citizens as possible or to inflict a crushing blow to the UK economy. This specific threat is the most pressing threat that the UK faces today. Any strategy to build a strong Britain and to protect the UK's national security must begin with the role that Britain wants to play in the modern world.