The Wikileaks Intelligence Disaster Will Probably Undo Post-9/11 Intelligence Reforms

Newspaper fronts reporting on the documents released by the whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks are seen in New York, on Nov. 29. Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

How WikiLeaks Could Undo Post-9/11 Intelligence Reforms -- Christian Science Monitor

A former US diplomat who helped push for the intelligence-sharing reforms aimed at preventing another 9/11 says the WikiLeaks fiasco could prompt a reversal.

Governments are already using the WikiLeaks release of a trove of US diplomatic traffic to bolster their own international agendas, from Israel's push for military action against Iran, to Iran's effort to paint US engagement as insincere.

But the WikiLeaks intelligence fiasco could have far-reaching implications for US diplomacy, well after the initial shock waves subside. By sending a message to America's counterparts and confidential informants around the world that the US can't keep conversations private, the controversy could severely compromise the quality of information US policymakers receive, and America's own ability to coordinate its diplomatic and antiterror efforts.

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My Comment: Unfortunately, undoing post-9/11 intelligence reforms will probably be the end result from the Wikileaks intelligence disaster. Intelligence information will now be compartmentalized, with only those with a need to know being the only ones who will have access to intelligence data. As for the State Department .... this disaster will take years to recover, and unfortunately for Sec. of State Clinton she will be remembered (unjustly) as the person who had this happen on her watch.