I tend to make fun of the Brits from time to time but it seems that British Intelligence identified the Manchester bomber within two hours of the blast. American intelligence is still trying to unravel the mystery of the DNC hacking.
That's a massive difference in the challenges they pose. One is a global leader of state spycraft, hacking and intelligence tactics (presumably Russia), another is some deranged, cowardly, sob who was caught on multiple CCTV and left behind DNA and evidence to help narrow him down. Not to mention phone records with call to his mother and brother.
U.S Intelligence is superior to British Intelligence if you ask me, they were originally trained by the OSS so many years ago but have expanded successfully. Not to take away from the British, but the Americans are on par with Israel, Pakistan and Russia as Top Tier intelligence agencies. I believe Britain and France are slightly behind, though of course, it all depends on risks involved and threats posed against their state. Furthermore, America (like France and many others) are aggressive with their offensive capabilities, not just remaining defensive. That's how empires and powerful nations are maintained. You want advantages, especially economically.
America has identified many British double agents in the history of the Mi5, while the Brits scoffed off the allegations, because well, the British elites can be very pompous and self righteous, these Ivy School, liberal elites used to make up the Mi5 exclusively and Russians were well versed in their processes and even their drinking spots, because they were all "gentlemen".
I can tell you that in the last decade there have been a number of Canadian attacks thwarted...BY THE FBI...they are doing a better job protecting Canadians than our police are. This includes a high ranking Navy officer who was bought off by the Russians and another guy who was a radical literally on the way to blow himself at a mall. The second scumbag was even on the RCMP watch list.
Also, when you consider how many more threats America has to deal with on a day to day basis, cyber warfare and otherwise, you have to tip your hat to them. No nation has such a powerful economy, a diverse citizen base from around the world, and, so many adversaries. Yet, America is still the most free and desired nation in the world for which other citizens wish to live.
