Letter from Dennis C. Blair: Director of National Intelligence [January 7, 2010]   [open pdf - 33KB]

This message from Dennis C. Blair, Director of National Intelligence, outlines the U.S.'s failure in recognizing signals that Mr. Abdulmutallab was planning a terrorist act. Mr. Blair then proceeds to outline ways in which U.S. security will be enhanced, "1) Assigning clear lines of responsibility for investigating all leads on high-priority threats, so they are pursued more aggressively; 2) Distributing intelligence reports more quickly and widely, especially those suggesting specific threats against the U.S., 3) Applying more rigorous standards to analytical tradecraft to improve intelligence integration and action; and 4) Enhancing the criteria for adding individuals to the terrorist watchlist and 'no fly' watchlist."