Every day, the United States faces countless threats within its borders as well as abroad. There are countless issues happening around the world that could help foreshadow events that might happen in the near future and help make policy decisions. An effective way to help predict possible outcomes in the future is to use National Intelligence Estimates (NIE). The NIE is defined as “authoritative written judgments on national security matters designed to assist U.S. civilian and military leaders in developing policies to protect the national security interests of the United States” (National Intelligence Council, 2007 ). The NIE is the highest-level strategic document generated by U.S. intelligence agencies. How are NIEs created? NIEs are only produced when requested by “A senior executive branch official, House or Senate committee chairman, or senior military official may request an NIE. An estimate may also be initiated independently by the National Intelligence Council. The request is authorized by the Director of National Intelligence”# (National Intelligence Council, 2007). The NIE can be requested for more in-depth studies of a country: economic state, military power, technological progress, political state, and many other reasons. For example, past NIEs include: July 2007, The Terrorist Threat Against the United States, or November 2007, Iran's Nuclear Intentions and Capabilities. If a news story is worthy and attracts the attention of those authorized to request an NIE, then it will occur, such as the Iraqi weapons of mass destruction program of 2002. Once the request is made, it is sent to the Committee national intelligence. "The NIC employs thirteen national intelligence officers – high-ranking experts from the intelligence center's agencies...... middle of paper ...... their sources used in developing the critical judgments of the NIE”#(National Intelligence Council, 2007. NIEs have continued to play a vital role for the United States in predicting the future., January 6, 2011. Web. January 18, 2014. .Bruno, Greg and Sharon Otterman . “National Intelligence Estimates.” Council on Foreign Relations, May 14, 2008. Web January 19, 2014. https://www.cfr.org/iraq/national-intelligence-estimates/p7758Iran: Nuclear Intentions and Capabilities." National Intelligence Council , November 2007. Web January 18.. 2014.