Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Dear Colleagues:
As we approach the eight anniversary of 9/11, we in the Intelligence Community can be proud of the work that thousands of us have done, are doing, and must continue to do to help keep the country safe. Against a ruthless enemy that violates the norms of civilized behavior we along with out teammates from other departments and agencies, have carried out our duties effectively, and in ways that exemplify American values. Over the next several days there will be public discussion about individual incidents from the past in which some intelligence officers fell short of the high standards we set for ourselves. Their conduct tarnishes us all. However, the questionalbe actions of a few should not obsure the dedicated, difficult, and correct actions of the many. Most important, we must continue to improve our effectiveness against an enemy still seeking to attack us.
In the future we will find and detain more important officials of al Qaida and sympathizer groups. Based on the recommendations of a task force of which I was co-chair, the President has decided that high-value interrogations will be conducted by a dedicated, expert interagency interrogation team, back by a strong analytical team. This team will not use enhanced interrogation techniquest and will be guided by the Army Field Manual.
Another important issue in the public domain over the next several days will be Congressional oversight of the Intelligence Community. I and other leaders in the Intelligence Community are committed to keeping the Congress fully and currently informed. We have repeatedly demonstragted our genuine commitment to serious oversight in partnership with the Congress during my seven months as DNI and will continue to do so.
So, as you read the articles, watch the television reports, and check out the blogs, remember that the fundemental strenth of this country is to learn from the past and do better in the future. Your job is to sustain the best of what has been developed by those before you and improve on the rest. Meanwhile, we have work to do and a country to keep safe. Press on.
Dennis C. Blair |