Free Open Source Intelligence Essay Example

The open source intelligence mention in the article was most likely obtained from three sources, namely press reports, Taliban propaganda reports, and local hearsay, gossip and rumors. Press reports includes news stories and academic research from local, regional and international sources including as mainstream media such as the New York Times, academic journals including the Long War Journal as well as specialized media such as the Small Wars Journal Blog. In additional Taliban propaganda is most likely readily accessible in Afghanistan especially in Taliban controlled areas are well as those areas that are a target for Taliban action. Lastly, being stationed in Kandahar, the intelligence officer necessarily has access to local rumors and gossip in regards to Taliban actions.
The analyst most likely came to the conclusion that Taliban commanders were most likely to stay during the winter months to plan attacks as a result of their review and analysis of available open source information. The key information was most likely Taliban propaganda. While understanding that it was surely filled with some exaggeration and falsehoods, it still remains one of the few sources that are “officially” Taliban. Using that as a basis, the analysts could then “fact-check” the information provided in the propaganda with news reports. For instance, perhaps there was a new report of an exclusive interview between a reporter for Al Jazeera and a key Taliban operative that could provide some corroboration to what was in the propaganda. Lastly, the analysts could apply any rumors, gossip or “chatter” that they have come across as an additional layer of verification. Naturally, as all the information is open-sourced, it cannot be absolute but is can provide potential scenarios that provides the decision-makers with options such as making preparations for a long winter of Taliban attacks.