To the editor:

“Intelligence reports” attempt to provide accurate information that can be used, for example, in the defense of our country and for development of sound, rational approaches for engaging (hopefully peacefully) other countries around the world. The Bush administration has failed miserably in the gathering, interpretation and utilization of intelligence information.

Conveniently, when no weapons of mass destruction were found, the official reason for the invasion of Iraq suddenly shifted to noble liberation of the Iraqi people. We have all seen reported in the press endless examples of failed intelligence followed by artful “spin doctors” explaining away responsibility for the failures.

Another type of intelligence could be referred to as “social-political” or the ability of leaders of a country (the United States) to understand the impact of its actions on another country and the serious consequences that can result if there are miscalculations. President Bush is even less endowed with this ability. The Iraqi people have not received Americans with cheering open arms as President Bush and his advisers assured us would happen. Instead, we are viewed as arrogant and greedy opportunists by most of the world, and terrorism is increasing.

The United States’ illegal occupation of Iraq is now clearly proving to be a regrettable act of aggression that is resulting in far more and longer-lasting problems than it will ever resolve, both in human suffering and financial costs. President Bush’s defective judgment and bamboozling of Americans to gain support for his aggressive personal agendas is extremely serious, and he must be held accountable.

Donald Moss,

Lawrence