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Us Intelligence Oversight Case Study

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Us Intelligence Oversight Case Study
Discuss U.S. intelligence oversight. Is the process sufficient? If not, how should it be changed? U.S. intelligence oversight is imperative due to the risks associated with the possible politicization of intelligence data as we witnessed with the data collected on Iraq’s Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and its use to justify the subsequent invasion in 2003. The Iran nuclear deal that is currently being negotiated has provided us a glimpse of this oversight in action. A few weeks ago, House intelligence chairman Congressman Devin Nunes sent a letter to Director of National Intelligence James Clapper requesting an “out of the box” assessment on a number of issues relating to Iran as well as an analysis of Iran’s nuclear intent. Additionally, Nunes requested information on how intelligence agencies will be able to confirm Iran’s compliance with any deal that is agreed upon (Dilanian 2015). There are multiple methods by which Congress exerts influence on the Intelligence Community (IC), the first being through financial means. Congress, through their review and authorization of the budgets of agencies within the IC, can withhold funds as a means to ensure accountability. Secondly, Congress to assigned the duty of ensuring …show more content…
The members of Congress who are chosen to participate on the Intelligence Oversight Committee must be selected for their willingness to serve their tenure and not serve with the goal of furthering their political ambitions by using information they are afforded access to. Members of Congress are not required to have security clearances and they must understand the ramifications of leaking information which could potentially endanger a member of the IC or the success of an operation. Having individuals who are set on using their powers to better our IC and not politicize the mistakes and successes will ensure the oversight process works correctly and as
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