The intervention reflects simmering tension between the two most powerful players in the U.S. intelligence community: Director of National Intelligence Dennis C. Blair and CIA Director Leon E. Panetta.
The memo maintains the CIA’s status as the nation’s lead spy service on covert missions, rejecting an attempt by Blair to assert more control. But the document also includes language detailing the agency’s obligation to work closely with Blair on sensitive operations.
The two sides have sparred in recent months over the CIA’s role in Afghanistan, officials said, with Blair voicing frustration that the agency had given too little attention to supporting U.S. efforts to strengthen the existing government in Afghanistan and reduce the power of Taliban insurgents…
The White House sided with the CIA on one of the thorniest issues — who would select the top U.S. spy representatives to countries overseas. The Jones memo establishes that the prestigious posts always will be held by the CIA, rejecting Blair’s request to be free to choose representatives from other U.S. intelligence agencies.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member