Topic: Central Intelligence Agency

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Where do things stand at Guantánamo? Six basic questions answered.

President Obama this week pledged to “reengage” with Congress to find a way to close the terror detention camp at the Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, naval base. The renewed focus comes as 100 of the 166 detainees are reported to be engaged in a hunger strike. Here is a brief look at where things stand now.
Pakistan elections: Who's running?

This election will mark the first transfer of power from one government to another without any military interference. Here is a look at the main candidates for prime minister.
George H. W. Bush in his own words: 10 stories from the updated 'All the Best, George Bush'

"All the Best, George Bush" is a collection of the personal correspondence of George H. W. Bush from his first years in the Navy in 1942 all the way to 2011. Here are 10 excerpts from the book.
Top 3 threats to the United States: the good and bad news

The annual Worldwide Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community is out this week, a widely-anticipated report compiled by the nation’s intelligence agencies. Here is the good and bad news about the top three threats facing the United States, according to an unclassified version of the report.
3 questions to ask about US drone policy

White House spokesman Jay Carney has defended the Obama administration's controversial drone policy, asserting: “These strikes are legal, they are ethical, and they are wise.” But rather than closing the debate, that statement frames the three essential questions Americans should be asking about US drone policy.

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Karzai: Explosions show Taliban 'at the service' of America

Afghan President Hamid Karzai accused the Taliban and US forces of working together on Sunday. He said Saturday's suicide bombings, which coincided with Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's visit, were meant to show violence will worsen if foreign troops leave.
How police and FBI tracked and captured bin Laden's son-in-law

For more than a decade, one FBI agent and a New York police detective investigated Abu Ghaith, Osama bin Laden's son-in-law, who was a spokesman for al Qaeda. Ghaith is currently on trial in New York for conspiring to kill Americans.
Rand Paul filibuster: What about civilian drone casualties in Pakistan?

Sen. Rand Paul filibustered over the hypothetical drone targeting of American civilians on US soil. But critics say hundreds of other civilians already are being killed in US drone attacks in Pakistan and elsewhere.
3 questions to ask about US drone policy

White House spokesman Jay Carney has defended the Obama administration's controversial drone policy, asserting: “These strikes are legal, they are ethical, and they are wise.” But rather than closing the debate, that statement frames the three essential questions Americans should be asking about US drone policy.
Rand Paul's drone filibuster shakes up Republicans

Sen. Rand Paul's filibuster got results: The White House acknowledged that killing US citizens suspected of being terrorists must follow the rule of law. But it also shook up the Republican caucus.
Global News Blog A changed Venezuela after Chávez?

A survey of opinions about what Hugo Chávez's passing means for Venezuela, and the region.
Decoder Wire Rand Paul rising: Has filibuster made him US political star? (+video)

Some Republicans saw the filibuster performance by Sen. Rand Paul as a morale boost for the party. He aimed to spark a broader discussion about the possible domestic use of armed drones.
Opinion: Where Rand Paul and John Brennan can agree on US drone program (+video)

Sen. Rand Paul's epic filibuster raised valid concerns about the US drone program, delaying the vote to confirm John Brennan as CIA director. Turns out Mr. Brennan also values transparency and accountability and may support the transfer of CIA drone operations to the US military.
Terrorism & Security Nearly 1 in 20 Syrians are now refugees (+video)

Neighboring nations are straining to handle the 1 million refugees generated by two years of fighting.
Hugo Chavez era ends: Will US-Venezuela relations improve?

Hugo Chavez passing may intensify the US dialogue with Venezuela on several key issues, including counterterrorism and energy. But many expect healing to take time.
Decoder Wire Brennan CIA nomination clears panel. What did White House have to divulge?

The nomination of John Brennan to head the CIA had languished in the Senate Intelligence Committee. Panel members were keen to know about the legal defense of the secret US drone program.
Opinion: Three questions to ask about US drone strikes

The US drone program raises serious ethical concerns – particularly about accountability and due process. Congress, with support from President Obama, must develop new oversight rules to ensure that US values are safeguarded.
The 'Argo' effect: Film could stoke suspicions about Americans abroad (+video)

The Oscar-winning film 'Argo' tells of how CIA operatives posed as a film crew to free hostages in Iran in 1979. The film could reinforce impressions in some countries that Americans are government agents.
Opinion: Beyond 'Zero Dark Thirty' Oscars fail: Torture is an ineffective interrogation approach

Academy-Award nominated film 'Zero Dark Thirty' has more issues than its disappointing Oscar showing. Based on my interviews with military interrogators, the movie's portrayal of torture as effective – even vital to getting Osama bin Laden – couldn't be further from the truth.
Though likely to be confirmed, McCain questions Hagel's qualifications

Chuck Hagel is expected to be confirmed as secretary of defense by the Democratic-controled Senate. On Sunday, Republican Senator John McCain said he did not believe Hagel is qualified for the job, despite their personal friendship.
Opinion: 'Zero Dark Thirty' has the facts wrong – and that's a problem, not just for the Oscars

The movie 'Zero Dark Thirty' is a gripping drama and credible contender in this year’s Oscar competition – nominated for five Academy Awards. But because it advertises itself as factually grounded, I have to point out: On each of its three major points, the film gets the story wrong.
Zero Dark Thirty ban? Rumors of unofficial ban swirl in Pakistan (+video)

The movie traces the arc of the CIA's decade-long hunt for bin Laden through the eyes of a young female analyst, who spends most of her time ostensibly in Pakistan.
Why Republican delay isn't likely to stop Chuck Hagel confirmation (+video)

Republican senators blocked a vote on the nomination of Chuck Hagel to be Defense secretary. But they acknowledged that the situation could be different in a few days.
Ethiopia airs jihadi film amid sensitive Muslim protest trial

The strategic Horn of Africa country is one-third Muslim and two-thirds Christian; why is its state-TV ginning up religious tension?
'A Good Day to Die Hard' makes John McClane a little too invincible (+video)

The 'Die Hard' franchise starring Bruce Willis may have run its course.
The Monitor's View: A soft response to North Korea nuclear test (+video)

The North Korea nuclear test may well bring tougher sanctions. But the US can use the lure of liberty – visas – to undercut the Kim regime and challenge China's support of it.
Obama's State of the Union address both bold and modest (+video)

Little in the president's State of the Union address was new – he's touched on the ideas many times before – but he didn't seem to be in a mood to bow to Republicans.
The Monitor's View: For Obama's second term, a call to arms control

From gun control to nuclear-weapons cuts to drone warfare, Obama's second term may be highlighted by a need to define new concepts of security for instruments of aggression.
Obama girds for State of the Union address. His Republican opponents do too.

President Obama will face a tough crowd of Republicans during his State of the Union address Tuesday night. They probably won't like what they hear about taxes and spending.
Do US drone kills need an oversight board? How would it work? (+video)

The confirmation hearing for John Brennan, Obama's pick to be CIA chief, has given impetus to the idea that drone strikes on terror suspects be subject to some form of judicial oversight.