Our orders are delivered strictly on time without delay 
Michelle Shorter
When prosecuting the war on terror, several agents are focused on acquiring relevant information regarding terrorist organizations and their activities, specifically through intelligence. The intelligence community played an essential role in assisting with prosecuting the war on terror and supporting the disbursement of insight and information about terrorist organizations and their leaders and proposed attacks. Intelligence agencies gather and analyze pertinent information to identify and understand terrorist threats and prevent future attacks, as well as to help support operations and strategies of both the military and law enforcement and assist policymakers in making more informed decisions regarding national security policies.
Intelligence agencies collect information through various means, which further encompasses gathering data from a wide range of sources, including agents and informants, as well as through intercepted means, such as wiretaps or other captured communication devices, satellite imagery, and even though information that is readily available to the public (Johnson, 2017). After collecting relevant intelligence, Johnson (2017) noted that analysts within the intelligence community effectively evaluate and interpret that information to identify patterns, assess potential threats, and develop insights into future terrorist activities, networks, and motives. This analyst help informs other stakeholders regarding constructive action that should be taken, such as strategy formation or policymaking. The intelligence community disseminates its findings and assessments to those stakeholders, as timely and accurate intelligence is critical for decision-making. Doing so ultimately allows policymakers to formulate effective strategies and target terrorist organizations, helping to prevent attacks. Given the global nature of terrorism, according to Gill and Phythian (2018), intelligence agencies from different countries often collaborate and share information so that they can augment their collective understanding and response. Cooperation among intelligence agencies assists in identifying cross-border threats, for instance, allowing for terrorist networks to be disrupted, which helps facilitate international counterterrorism efforts.
They reflect the more significant intelligence cycle, encompassing the iterative process of gathering, assessing, and disseminating intelligence (Omand, 2013). The cycle begins with the planning stage and coming up with an appropriate direction. In this first stage, Omand (2013) stated that intelligence priorities are established based on the needs of policymakers and operational commanders. Goals and objectives are also defined, allowing collection strategies to be developed. For a terrorist organization, intelligence agencies and policymakers may begin the process by establishing priorities and goals related to understanding and countering a particular terrorist organization. They may identify critical questions that need to be answered, such as the group's leadership structure, how it funds itself, strategies for recruitment, and similar.
In the subsequent stage, Sheptycki (2013) indicated that collection occurs. During this stage, intelligence agencies gather pertinent data utilizing various sources and methods, using different techniques like surveillance, intercepting communications, or monitoring internet activity. For a terrorist organization, intelligence agents might have communications between members of the terrorist group intercepted, then decrypted and analyzed so that they can uncover their plans, connections, and intentions. They may also scour publicly available media, such as social media, for instance, or online websites, to gather helpful information about the organization's propaganda, how it recruits people, and what attacks they have claimed (Omand, 2013). After the data is gathered, according to Sheptycki (2013), intelligence agents must process and utilize the information meaningfully after the data is collected. It is organized in a manner that is more well-understood and translated. Information from intercepted communications of a terrorist group, for instance, can be solved, decrypted, and analyzed to gain valuable insights.
Following that, analysis and production can occur (Omand, 2013). In this regard, the intelligence agents examine the information processing to understand the terrorist group comprehensively. They seek out patterns, potential trends, and connections that can be made. These connections allow the intelligence agents to draw insights and produce intelligence reports, which can then be disseminated safely to relevant stakeholders, as per Matei and Bruneau (2011). Some examples of this include policymakers or law enforcement organizations. Policymakers, for instance, may receive intelligence briefings that inform policy decisions or resource allocation for countering a particular terrorist organization. At the same time, military commanders might get actionable intelligence to help them plan and execute operations targeting the group, such as raids or airstrikes. Finally, after the information is distributed to the right stakeholders, feedback is gathered from these individuals to discern the value and usefulness of the intelligence given (Matei & Bruneau, 2011). This feedback ultimately helps improve future planning and collection efforts.
Proverbs 24:6 states, "For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in the abundance of counselors, there is victory" (English Standard Version). In essence, seeking guidance and counsel is integral when participating in warfare or similar conflict. There is a distinct need for both wisdom and advice in counterterrorism, as well as in intelligence. Intelligence activities require wisdom, discernment, and informed decision-making. Seeking guidance from experienced and knowledgeable sources assists both leaders and policymakers in making well-informed choices in their efforts to combat terrorism. Intelligence agents support God's recommendations to seek victory as a result.
