Director of National Intelligence Position Still Undefined

It is often said that the taped telephone conversations of the 9/11 terrorists were waiting to be transcribed and analyzed weeks after the event. Indeed, the United States intelligence apparatus still collects reams of data that it doesn't know exactly what to do with. Computer experts at the NSA are working on next generation computer systems to help with analyzing the information in a more efficient matter, but coordination among the nation's top spy agencies remains spotty despite the large amount of data flowing in.

The position of DNI, or Director of National Intelligence, was created in 2004 in response to criticism involving coordination of the nation's intelligence gathering activities preceding the events of 9/11. However, while on paper the DNI is the head of the United States intelligence community, the position has much less authority and operational control than its creators had intended. Current CIA head Leon Panetta hedged when asked whether he reported to the president or to the DNI. After all, the CIA head was previously technically considered the head of the intelligence community. Without significant authority to adjust budgets outside of the office of the DNI, it is hard to see how the DNI can make sure that the government's 16 spy agencies avoid the mistakes made prior to 9/11 which were characterized as an intelligence breakdown.

Though many inside the CIA, and other institutions, believe that a change in the culture in the intelligence community was needed more than another bureaucratic position with a poorly defined role. Recently the Obama administration has selected a new DNI, retired Admiral Dennis Blair, though the president has previously sided on the behalf of Leon Panetta concerning various issues raised about spying operations abroad. Meaning that in practicality the head of the CIA is still the leader of the intelligence community. Whatever happens with Blair's tenure as DNI, it is clear that a better coordination between the nation's intelligence gathering agencies be developed. As more of this information is being analyzed by computers with ever increasing levels of artificial intelligence sophistication, a possibility could be that the NSA will assume a greater role in analyzing and disseminating information between the spy agencies and various domestic institutions such as the FBI.

Eventually, the organizational structure of the office of the DNI may need to be changed, and its role within the intelligence community better defined.

Sources:

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2010/06/06/fight_looms_over_intelligence_chief/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Director_of_National_Intelligence

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hfh6Lr3ypU5SGJli3WGVx2zGl6OQD9G3V4D80