To the Point

The Credibility of Intelligence

For almost a week, the Bush administration has been going public with intelligence information to help make the case for war in Iraq, but the effort has limitations. Officials can-t reveal all they know about the alleged relationship between Osama bin Laden, al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein, and what they reveal is subject to different interpretations. Some spies tell reporters that governments -cherry pick,- and only make public what suits their policies, while keeping the bad news classified. How good is the intelligence, and how do we separate the information from the politics? We find out more from a specialist on political Islam, experts on counter-terrorism and national security, and the man who blew the whistle on Britain-s plagiarizing of a report on Iraqi security. Making News: North Korean Threat to West Coast The International Atomic Energy Agency has reported North Korea to the UN Security Council for violating agreements on nuclear weapons. Also today, US officials told Congress that North Korea has developed an untested ballistic missile capable of reaching the western United States. David Usborne, who reports from the UN for Britain-s Independent newspaper, is following the story. Reporter-s Notebook: Is Homeland Security Really Securing the US? Expecting an eventual attack from al Qaeda, the Department of Homeland Security says it-s time to stock up on food and water, and plastic sheets and duct tape to seal windows and doors. But states and local governments are not getting the federal funds they need to better equip and train their police, fire and public health officials. Donald Kettl of The Century Foundation assesses American preparations for a terrorist attack.