You cannot extract from a classified report the open source material and publish it in the clear. You have to develop the info from other open sources.
But, isn’t an OSINT Report designed to take OS info and “connect the dots”, providing ^likely^ conclusions? The conclusion itself and the “how” of connecting those dots would be classified, but NOT the OS info.
You are talking of two things. The open source material and the 'product' that results from it that satisfies a Request for Information (RFI). One could be classified, and unless the OSINT portions were in unclass paragraphs, you would have to develop the OSINT from a different source before using it in the clear.
Your MKUltra example is different in that a) there is no RFI from any agency, and b) you can only assume the MKUltra capabilities and other links even if you see them in writing since you have no provenance of their origin. The difference between 'assessed capability' proven and therefore must be planned for by Operations and suspected 'unproven.
I apologize, it has been awhile since I did collections vs analysis. LP likely has more recent or deeper experiences.
Looks to me like you nailed it in one.
This is one reason why I so very rarely, and certainly VERY carefully, comment on certain stories. I may know information about the subject sources, methods, etc. that might lend provenance to otherwise unsourced data.
Consider the Information Pyramid
The Information Pyramid has four steps. Data forms the base. Data, in and of itself, has no value. Given context, Data becomes Information, the next step up the pyramid.
Information is useful, structured, and organized. Given meaning, Information becomes Knowledge, the third step.
Knowledge is contextual, synthesized learning. Given insight, Knowledge becomes Intelligence, the capstone of the Pyramid.
Intelligence is integrated and actionable. It is the one priceless commodity to any commander.
WWG1WGA
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)