The testimony of Richard A. Clarke illustrates the perennial problem with intelligence: how do you get leaders to accept information they do not want to believe? Intelligence will always be incomplete; it will often run counter to what people want it to say. Leaders, however, are paid to overcome these obstacles. They can only lead when they deal with reality -- and then take steps to help us plan for the worst. David Kahn, author of "The Codebreakers", provides today's history lesson. |