In comparing and contrasting the Cuban Missile Crisis and the terrorist attacks on 9/11, account must be taken of the fact that these two incidents were played out in very different political milieus and against the background of different demands on the Intelligence community in the United States. By this is meant that the possible lack of intelligence that many critics see as one of the causes of the events of 9/11 was founded on a complex array of political and international issues and prerogatives that faced the United States at various times. .

             A number of studies indicate that the nature of the intelligence requirements were very different in the Cuban Missile Crisis due to the overall international political situation at that time. Examining this, various authors attest to the fact that the cold war environment was much more clear-cut and that the intentions of the opposing groups were more obvious. This led to a specific form of intelligence gathering and analysis which was therefore more focused and directed during the Cuban incident than was to later be the case with regard to the 9/11 situation. The intelligence factors surrounding the 9/11 attacks were less obvious with no definite and easily discernable enemy to observe. These are important issues that should be taken into account when comparing the intelligence aspects of these two periods. .

             Intelligence gathering and analysis during the Cuban Missile Crisis was largely determined by aerial surveillance and photography. Therefore, the technological approach to intelligence was the paramount way of obtaining data with regard to this crisis. "In 1962 it was easy enough to show photographs of missile sites - fairly unambiguous and with only one purpose - and make a decisive point. " ( Robbins J.S. 2003) However the threat that was posed by the contemporary terrorism is more nuanced and presents different and possibly more complex problems for the Intelligence community.