Philip D. Zelikow

Philip D. Zelikow is the Counselor of the United States Department of State. He was also director of the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia until February 2005. He is perhaps best known as the executive director of the 9/11 Commission.

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• One reason you tend to doubt conspiracy theories when you've worked in government is because you know government is not nearly competent enough to carry off elaborate theories. It's a banal explanation, but imagine how efficient it would need to be.
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• Data mining, like any other government data analysis, should occur where there is a focused and demonstrable need to know, balanced against the dangers to civil liberties. It should be purposeful and responsible.