'Misguided focus' on Iraq threatens America with bankruptcy

'Confronting foreign intelligence and information gaps' was the topic of discussion at the New America Foundation led by Senator Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) Feingold identified a lack of any coherent plan of
action since 9/11 which occurred almost seven years ago. He said America's vulnerability lies in strategic planning, institutional readiness and allocation of resources.

Feingold feels the biggest strategic mistake after 9/11 was the failure to directly deal with al Qaeda. In his opinion, America cannot construct an effective national security strategy which leaves thousands of U.S. troops in Iraq indefinitely, a scenario which he is against. Feingold also said he is sure that if there were a geographical base to al Qaeda, it was not in Iraq. He said al Qaeda's
goal to bankrupt America, as claimed by Osama bin Laden in a 2004 speech, has been successful thus far as America continues to spend its resources on its 'misguided focus' on Iraq.

In Feingold's opinion, a better and more effective national security strategy must include improved resources to collect undercover and public information, enhance multilateral diplomatic ties and hinder
proliferation of nuclear weapons. The strategy must also encourage transparent and fair government around the world, and promote accountability and the rule of law. Feingold emphasized that the best
information was obtained not by covert means but by open foreign service official channels.