Reasons for Failure

Milan N. Vego (2009). Joint Operational Warfare - Theory and Practice. (Newport: U.S. Naval War College), S. VIII-35:

"One of the major problems with intelligence at the operational and strategic levels is interference by policy makers who, by either overt or subtle pressure, want an intelligence product that supports a strategic decision that has been made or is to be made. Politicization of intelligence also occurs when an intelligence product is unacceptable because it runs counter to a certain policy or is too critical of higher officials or foreign leaders. Experience shows that the overpoliticization of one's intelligence can seriously undermine a political or military rationale for war. In general, overselling a threat before a war leads to overreacting during conflict. It also results in major credibility problems in the aftermath of the conflict, which, in turn, can interfere with nation-building and limit domestic and international support in future conflicts."