1. Under "Background" below, read the explanation of the Intelligence Community - the "spy" agencies referred to in the article. What will the technology program being launched by Mike McConnell, Director of National Intelligence (DNI), enable intelligence analysts to do?

2. a) Why do spies have trouble emailing colleagues in other U.S. intelligence agencies?
b) How does Mr. McConnell aim to solve this problem?

3. How will the new system help intelligence analysts as they work to keep America safe?

4. Why had previous efforts to link intelligence information between the different agencies been halted?

5. How did the idea for this new system evolve?

6. Mike McConnell has said that if asked, he would stay on as DNI. However, President Obama has nominated Dennis Blair for the post. Mr. Blair's confirmation hearing is today. If as equally qualified as Mr. McConnell, do you think President Obama should have accepted Mr. McConnell's offer to stay, or replaced him (as is customary for a new president to do) with a man of his own choosing? Explain your answer.