The Failure of Intelligence: Overlooking Right-Wing Extremism

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. A Failure of Intelligence
3. Intelligence Services and their Approach
4. The Focus on Muslim Communities
5. Ignoring the Threat of Right-Wing Extremism
6. The Role of Intelligence Agencies
7. The Need for an Independent Review
8. The Challenge of Lone Wolf Attacks
9. Learning from Other Countries
10. Improving Intelligence Sharing and Assessment
11. Conclusion

🕵️‍♀️ A Failure of Intelligence

In the wake of the Christchurch shootings, global experts have labeled it as a catastrophic failure of intelligence. But why was the gunman not known to the security services? The first reason, as investigative journalist Nicky Hager points out, is that the shooter was not in New Zealand; he came from another place. However, Hager emphasizes that this is not an excuse. New Zealand has been preparing for the possibility of foreign-inspired terrorism since the September 11 attacks, but there seems to be a bigger problem at play here.

📚 Intelligence Services and their Approach

Hager believes that the intelligence services in New Zealand have been focused on an Anglo-American view of the world. This narrow perspective, which was set up by the agencies themselves, has led them to primarily target Muslims as potential threats. Over the years, Muslim communities in New Zealand have been subjected to surveillance, searches at airports, and even harassment. However, what they have failed to do is prioritize the threats that are more realistic for a country like New Zealand, such as right-wing extremism.

👀 The Focus on Muslim Communities

While the intelligence services were busy looking for Muslims as potential threats, they overlooked the rising tide of right-wing extremism. Hager suggests that the agencies should have been paying attention to gun clubs and the meeting places of racist individuals, as these were the places where the Christchurch shooter obtained his weapons and practiced. By focusing on the wrong targets, the intelligence services allowed a lone wolf to slip through their grasp.

⚠️ Ignoring the Threat of Right-Wing Extremism

The failure to recognize and address the threat of right-wing extremism is a grave oversight on the part of the intelligence agencies. Their primary function is to protect against such actions, including random lone wolf attacks. While they have been effective at monitoring overseas Muslim sites and flight schools, they have neglected to keep a close watch on the places and individuals associated with the growing wave of right-wing extremism. This negligence has resulted in a catastrophic failure, as witnessed in the Christchurch shootings.

🏛️ The Role of Intelligence Agencies

The shortcomings of the intelligence services will undoubtedly be a key issue in the official investigation announced by the Prime Minister. However, there is a concern that the agencies themselves may be tasked with conducting the probe, potentially undermining its credibility. To avoid such a scenario, Hager strongly advocates for an independent review of the intelligence services. This will ensure a thorough examination of their actions and shortcomings without any conflicts of interest.

🐺 The Challenge of Lone Wolf Attacks

The fact that the Christchurch shooter was a lone wolf poses a significant challenge for intelligence services worldwide. Their primary responsibility is to prevent such isolated incidents. However, as observed in this case, lone wolf attackers can slip under the radar, making them particularly difficult to detect and counteract. This incident highlights the need for a dynamic and adaptive approach to intelligence gathering and analysis.

🌍 Learning from Other Countries

One of the crucial steps New Zealand can take to improve its intelligence capabilities is to broaden its international relationships. While the country has primarily relied on intelligence cooperation with Anglo-American nations, Hager suggests that diversifying these relationships to include non-anglo and non-European countries can provide valuable insights and intelligence. By embracing a broader worldview and considering different perspectives, New Zealand can enhance its understanding and response to various threats, including right-wing extremism.

🤝 Improving Intelligence Sharing and Assessment

Intelligence sharing and assessment are crucial components of an effective security apparatus. New Zealand needs to improve its intelligence sharing mechanisms both domestically and internationally. This includes fostering stronger relationships with international partners and enhancing information exchange between agencies within the country. Additionally, the assessment process should include a broader range of perspectives to ensure a comprehensive understanding of potential threats.

✍️ Conclusion

The Christchurch shootings serve as a wake-up call for New Zealand to reevaluate its intelligence approach. The failure to recognize and prioritize the threat posed by right-wing extremism highlights the need for a more comprehensive and inclusive strategy. By embracing a diverse range of perspectives, improving intelligence sharing, and conducting independent reviews, New Zealand can enhance its intelligence capabilities and better protect its citizens from threats of all kinds. It is imperative for the country and its intelligence agencies to learn from this tragedy and adapt accordingly.

Highlights

• The Christchurch shootings exposed a failure of intelligence in New Zealand.
• The intelligence services have focused primarily on Muslim communities, neglecting the threat of right-wing extremism.
• An independent review of the intelligence services is necessary to address the shortcomings and biases.
• Lone wolf attacks pose a challenge for intelligence agencies worldwide.
• New Zealand can learn from other countries by diversifying their intelligence relationships.
• Improving intelligence sharing and assessment is crucial for a more effective security apparatus.

FAQ

Q: Why were the intelligence services unaware of the Christchurch gunman?\ A: The gunman was not in New Zealand and came from another place. However, this is not an excuse for the failure of intelligence.

Q: What has been the focus of the intelligence services in New Zealand?\ A: The intelligence services have primarily targeted Muslims as potential threats, ignoring the threat of right-wing extremism.

Q: Will there be an investigation into the failures of the intelligence services?\ A: The Prime Minister has announced an official investigation, but there are concerns about the credibility of the agencies conducting the probe. An independent review is necessary.

Q: How can New Zealand improve its intelligence capabilities?\ A: New Zealand can broaden its international relationships, improve intelligence sharing, and conduct independent reviews. Embracing a diverse range of perspectives is crucial.

Q: What is the challenge posed by lone wolf attacks?\ A: Lone wolf attackers can slip under the radar, making them difficult to detect and counteract. Intelligence agencies need to adopt dynamic and adaptive approaches to address this challenge.