The pre-Iraq war and pre-9/11 performance of

some secret services is subject to harsh criticism and, in

some countries, various investigations. Governments are

accused to have taken essential decisions based upon

dubious information. The different agencies are blamed

for inter- and intra-agency rivalry blocking the efficiency

of any early warning system. In addition, they are heavily

criticized for delivering the message their political masters

wanted to hear.

We do not want to blame anybody. But we

believe that it is necessary to rethink the whole business

of secret services.

Without knowing the details that obviously led to

serious deficiencies, there are several fundamental

problems with the work of secret services in open,

democratic societies. In democracies, there is often a basic

mistrust towards intelligence gathering. It seems to be a

dirty job. Democracy asks for openness and transparency.

People in democracies do not like the work in a shadow.

Scientists and journalists refrain in general from

cooperation with secret services. They are afraid to

destroy their access to foreign countries and colleagues.

Recruitment of qualified young people has become

difficult.

Dieter Farwick. Internet: http://www.world securitynetwork.com/showArticle3.cfm?article_id=9226 (with adaptations).