According to Donavan (1986) politics looks to intelligence for a logic of evidence, and analysis seeks politics to serve. Despite the common goal of promoting the national security interest, the relationships between producers and consumers of intelligence assessments are not naturally harmonious. According to The Politicization of Intelligence History (2006), there are fewer allegations that carry more weight within the intelligence community than claims that intelligence analysis and reporting have been influenced by political considerations. The process and pressures through which political influence influenced Iraq's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) estimates, the Soviet Union's military capabilities, and Vietnam's military forecasts will be discussed, in order to highlight the safeguards necessary to successfully manage the relationship between intelligence providers and consumers. According to Davis (2006), tensions in the relationship between intelligence analysts and administration policymakers are a common occurrence due to their distinctive professional missions. The analyst's professional commitment is to evaluate national security issues without bias for or against the outcomes sought by the incumbent administration, while the policy maker's commitment is to articulate, support and advance the agenda administration's national security policy (Davis 2006). Davis (2006) however argues that eradicating tension is unwise, as tension in the relationship helps both parties deal more effectively with the challenges of analytical and political uncertainty. Under criticism from politicians, analysts tend to reevaluate their hypotheses, evidence and arguments; however a substantial change in judgment usually does not occur… middle of the paper… no. 6, pp. 959-979.• Kent's Imperative, 2006, The politicization of intelligence history, accessed 12 May 2010, .• Kouri, J 2006, The politicization and irrelevance of intelligence analysis, Renew America, accessed 14 May 2010, .• New Zealand Security Intelligence Service 2009, Intelligence Cycle, accessed 8 March 2010 < http://www.nzsis.govt.nz/methods>.• Peterson, M 2005, 'Intelligence-led policing: the new intelligence architecture', Bureau of Justice Assistance, NCJ 210681, accessed 7 March 2010,• Phythian, M 2009, 'Intelligence analysis today and tomorrow', Security Challenges, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 67-83.• Pillar, P 2006, 'Intelligence, Policy, and the War in Iraq', Foreign Affairs, vol. 85, no. 2, pages. 15-27.