Report on Missile Threat to U.S. Too Optimistic, Woolsey Charges

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Former CIA Director R. James Woolsey told Congress yesterday that a recent intelligence estimate on the missile threat to the United States was flawed and should not be used as a basis for defense policies.

Appearing before the House National Security Committee, Mr. Woolsey challenged the conclusions of a recent national intelligence estimate (NIE) that said no long-range missiles will threaten the 48 contiguous United States for at least 15 years.

Limiting the estimate's focus on the missile threat to the 48 states "can lead to a badly distorted and minimized perception of very serious threats we face from ballistic missiles now and in the very near future - …