This Man May Become Our New National Intelligence Director
The job that James R Clapper Jr may take over from his could-be predecessor, Dennis C Blair, is not an easy one -- in fact, it has been described by insiders as "the second-toughest in Washington" (continued).
The job that James R. Clapper Jr. may take over from his could-be predecessor, Dennis C. Blair, is not an easy one — in fact, it has been described by insiders as “the second-toughest in Washington,” according to the Los Angeles Times. Yes, Clapper is closing in on the daunting position of our nation’s national intelligence director, which may involve tense interactions with the president along with those pesky national security emergencies, but certain operatives think he may be the man for the job. –KA
Wait, before you go…Los Angeles Times:
The director does not have operational control over any of the 16 agencies he nominally oversees. The post frequently overlaps with existing intelligence fiefdoms and has little power to overcome those more politically connected agencies. Blair reportedly often lost out to CIA chief Leon E. Panetta and White House security advisor John Brennan in disputes over administrative priorities.
But Defense Department officials said that Clapper has skills to succeed in the post where others have failed and would be able to cajole the various intelligence agencies to work together.
“Clapper’s power is knowing how to work the system, knowing how the intelligence bureaucracy works and effectively managing it,” said a senior Defense Department official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. “That is exactly what this position needs. It doesn’t need a strong personality out there vying with Panetta.”
If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.
Support Truthdig
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.