Topic: Central Intelligence Agency

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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.
Trumpeting technological strength, Iran releases video it says is from downed US drone (+video)

The release of the video comes as Iran showcases a slew of scientific and technological advances to herald the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, which will be celebrated on Feb. 10.
Why Brennan came off better than Hagel in Senate hearing

CIA director-designate John Brennan, in a confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, was not pressed very hard on the controversial drone strike program.
Pentagon leaders: We support plan to arm Syrian rebels

Senator John McCain (R) of Arizona has championed greater US involvement and chided the Obama administration at a hearing, pressing Panetta and Dempsey about whether they backed the recommendation by the State Department and CIA chiefs last year to arm the Syrian rebels.
The Monitor's View A rightful airing of Obama drone policy

In the latest concern over war tactics against terrorists, President Obama had to release his guidelines for the use of drones in targeted killings. To help ensure constancy and consistency in civic values during wartime, Congress must openly debate this policy.
Lena Dunham captures Directors Guild TV award

Lena Dunham won the TV comedy directing prize from the Directors Guild of America for her HBO show 'Girls.' Lena Dunham stars on, directs, writes and produces the show.
Will John Brennan get hit hard for drone policies in Senate hearing? (+video)

John Brennan, President Obama's pick for CIA director, is sure to get an earful from some senators about the administration’s rationale for drone strikes against terror suspects, including US citizens.
Opinion Do we want drone-architect John Brennan as CIA chief?

At John Brennan's Senate confirmation hearing, the candidate for CIA director should be asked about the killing of Americans, civilian victims of drone strikes, extraordinary renditions, and torture. Do those actions make us safer? Are they consistent with US laws and values?
Iran airs footage allegedly from captured US drone (+video)

The video, shown on Iranian TV, purports to show intelligence gathered by the drone before it was brought down by Iran in Dec. 2011.
Lawmakers to get drone documents ahead of Brennan hearing

President Obama has instructed the Justice Department to hand over classified documents explaining the administration's rationale relating to drone strikes on American citizens abroad. The documents will be released ahead of a Thursday confirmation hearing for John Brennan, Obama's nominee for CIA director.