Topic: Central Intelligence Agency

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Can drone strikes target US citizens? Critics say rules are vague.

Criticism of the leaked Justice Department document – which allows for drone strikes against top level terrorists who are US citizens – is piling up from both the right and left, with critics charging that its language is too permissive.
Oscars: Producers aim to cut broadcast's boring parts

Oscar producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron say they watched 40 years of past ceremonies to finds ways to nip and tuck unnecessary moments that can turn the show into a marathon.
After his rough Senate hearing, Chuck Hagel gets a boost from backers

His confirmation hearing performance was universally described as 'lackluster' at best – and far worse by many accounts. But Defense Secretary-nominee Chuck Hagel got some support Sunday, including another Republican backer in the Senate.
WikiLeaks film script leaks, draws criticism and support

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange claims to have the leaked script to the WikiLeaks movie, due out in November. He calls it propaganda. Film director Bill Condon calls it a drama-meant to explore the information age.
Opinion Gabrielle Giffords and NRA are both right about one thing: US culture of violence

Gabrielle Giffords made a compelling plea at the Senate hearings on gun control today, but the National Rifle Association's Wayne LaPierre is also partly right: Banning guns won’t address a pervasive culture of violence that doesn't distinguish between real and virtual violence.
SAG Awards 2013: Who took the top prizes

The SAG Awards 2013 featured 'Argo' winning the best ensemble cast prize and Daniel Day-Lewis continuing on his seemingly sure path to the Oscar stage.
'Red October' malware found snooping on Russian state networks

Russian Internet security firm Kaspersky Labs reports that the newly discovered 'Red October' malware has infected servers worldwide, but Russia and other former Soviet states are the worst hit.
The Daily Reckoning Is the US a nation of dependents?

When too many people and companies depend on government subsidies, Bonner writes, your society consumes more wealth than it produces.
Golden Globes: 8 book adaptations that won

Book adaptations did very well at this year's Golden Globe awards – one of the US's most prestigious award ceremonies.
Amy Poehler, Tina Fey host a Golden Globes that shut out broadcast television (+video)

Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, the Golden Globes hosts, were also both nominees for starring on broadcast television shows, but PBS was the only broadcast network to win any big prize. Poehler was nominated for 'Parks and Recreation' and Fey was nominated for '30 Rock.'
Golden Globes: 'Argo' surprises, and so does the Jodie Foster speech

'Argo' won best motion picture at the Golden Globes, but wasn't even nominated for an Oscar. Jodie Foster gave an unusual speech that indicated she was gay and leaving Hollywood. But later, Jody Foster backtracked.
Following attack on Italian consul, Libya announces special diplomatic security force

On Saturday, gunmen opened fire on the Italian consul's armored car in Benghzi, Libya. In the wake of this attack, and the Sept. 11 attack on the US mission which killed the ambassador and three other Americans, Libya has announced a plan for a special security force to protect foreign diplomats.
Oscar nominations: 'Lincoln' pulls down 12 nominations

Oscar nominations: 'Lincoln' got Oscar nominations for best picture, best director, best actor, and best-supporting actress and actor. Other Oscar nominations for best picture: 'Amour,' 'Argo,' 'Beasts of the Southern Wild,' 'Django Unchained,' 'Les Miserables,' 'Life of Pi,' 'Silver Linings Playbook,' and 'Zero Dark Thirty.'
Decoder Wire Why is Sen. Lindsey Graham now Obama's antagonist in chief?

Not long ago, the Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina was seen as a 'maverick' Republican willing to work across the aisle. But there appears to be a clear reason for his rightward shift.
Obama expected to nominate Jack Lew as Treasury secretary

The President's chief of staff has an extensive background in government work that includes running the Office of Management and Budget.
Focus Cyber security in 2013: How vulnerable to attack is US now? (+video)

Businesses, government, and individuals seek better cyber security measures, as cyberattacks mount in the US. One key focus is how to protect 'critical' systems such as power, water, and transportation.
Benghazi investigation falters amid fear of militant reprisals

A four-month investigation is reportedly turning up links between Al Qaeda groups and the Sept. 11 attacks on the US diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya. But as Libyan investigators fall prey to harm, concerns rise that the probe may be derailed.
For CIA chief, Obama taps drone strike defender (+video)

John Brennan, nominated to lead the CIA, is one of the few administration officials who has publicly supported the use of controversial interrogation techniques and drone strikes.
With John Brennan, Obama doubles down on drone strikes (+video)

President Obama wants John Brennan to head the CIA. In the confirmation process, he could face questions from the left and right about his past at the CIA and his vision for the war on terror.
Obama's 'in your face' cabinet picks: why he chose Chuck Hagel, John Brennan

President Obama officially nominated Chuck Hagel for Defense secretary and John Brennan for CIA chief Monday. Each brings a unique view of the organization he would lead.
Decoder Wire Hagel, Brennan, and history: How often does Senate reject cabinet nominees?

The Senate has only rejected two presidential cabinet picks since World War II – though six others have withdrawn their names, and the process is becoming more contentious.
Who faces tougher nomination: John Brennan at CIA or Chuck Hagel at defense?

Early Monday afternoon, President Obama will nominate John Brennan to head the CIA and Chuck Hagel to be secretary of defense. But both Hagel and Brennan may face an uphill nomination process.
Top 10 richest Americans

The 100 richest people in the world gained $241 billion in net worth last year, according to Bloomberg's Billionaires Index. Americans dominated the list, occupying five of the top 10 spots. This countdown of the top 10 wealthiest Americans features a casino mogul, software tycoons, and a lot of Wal-Mart money.
5 female teachers killed: Pakistan aid work imperiled

The daylight killing of the five teachers and two health workers stokes worries that public health campaigns will suffer and lead to a resurgence of diseases like polio.
George H.W. Bush out of intensive care, on the mend

Former President George H.W. Bush has been moved from the intensive care unit to a regular room in Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. Bush, who is 88, was admitted for respiratory problems following a bought of bronchitis.