Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Wiretap Program Had 'Limited' Value: Fed Report

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 11, 2009 8:15 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Bush administration's warrantless wiretap program wasn't such a great anti-terror tool after all, says a new federal report. The wiretaps—on the international communication of Americans—"generally played a limited role" in counterterrorism efforts, despite the assertions of President Bush, Dick Cheney, and other top officials that they were essential, the New York Times reports.

Intelligence officials “had difficulty citing specific instances" when they actually helped. The report, compiled by five federal inspectors-general, also suggests the Bush administration used "scary memos" to pressure the NSA to keep the program running. One of the problems with the controversial program is that it was too secret, the report says. So few CIA staffers knew about it, for instance, that any leads it produced were "vague or without context."

President Bush, flanked by CIA Director Michael Hayden, right, and Deputy CIA Director Stephen Kappes, makes a statement after participating in a briefing on terrorism last year.
President Bush, flanked by CIA Director Michael Hayden, right, and Deputy CIA Director Stephen Kappes, makes a statement after participating in a briefing on terrorism last year.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Law professor John Yoo's involvement in drafting the legal groundwork for the surveillance program was strongly criticized in the federal report.
Law professor John Yoo's involvement in drafting the legal groundwork for the surveillance program was strongly criticized in the federal report.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

I believe this report shows that their obsession with secrecy and their refusal to accept oversight was actually harmful to US national security, not to mention the privacy rights of law-abiding Americans.
- Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Fondue
Jul 12, 2009 3:10 AM CDT
Common English translations of the word amen include: "Verily", "Truly", "So be it", and "Let it be." Feel free to use it regardless.
Doctor-Zaius
Jul 11, 2009 5:18 AM CDT
Great, let's shred the constitution for zero benefit. Just another titanic blunder to add to the ever increasing list of Bush's blunders.
Robert_Dada
Jul 11, 2009 4:06 AM CDT
You're so right. If I wasn't an atheist, I'd say amen.

More Newser Stories

Want to Track Me, Feds? Here's Everything I Do

US Scientist Confesses to Attempted Espionage

Bush-Era FBI Put Liberal Activists on Terror List

US Illegally Wiretapped Islamic Charity: Judge

Liz Cheney Thrives as Dad's Attack Dog


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne