
Why Intelligence Failed Before 9/11: Inside the Shadow War Against al-Qaeda
A revealing look into the missed signals, bureaucratic hurdles, and interagency rivalries that allowed history’s deadliest terror attack.
The Early Hunt: Alec Station and Bin Laden
Long before the attacks, the CIA established Alec Station, a dedicated unit to track Osama bin Laden. Analysts gathered intercepted communications and pieced together intelligence.
Interagency Rivalries and Communication Breakdowns
The FBI and CIA often operated in silos, with poor information sharing and competition undermining efforts.
Data Overload and Legal Constraints
The explosion of data overwhelmed analysts, making it difficult to identify key threats. Legal and policy restrictions limited surveillance scope.
Lessons Learned and the Path Forward
The tragic failure to prevent 9/11 highlighted the need for improved coordination, intelligence fusion centers, and legal reforms.
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