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As the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic get pounded with snow today, there is also a blizzard of controversies brewing within the intelligence community (OK, OK, so not the best metaphor, but let’s go with it). First up, the appointment of Charles “Chas” Freeman as the Chairman of his National Intelligence Council has caused quite a stir. More about that below. In addition, the Senate is planning on investigating the CIA and its controversial interrogation tactics and use of secret prisons during the Bush administration.

First Up, Let’s Talk About “Chas”
Late Thursday, it was confirmed that Charles “Chas” Freeman will be appointed as the Chairman of his National Intelligence Council . Now what makes this a controversial appointment? Freeman served as US ambassador to Saudi Arabia during the 1991 Gulf War and has major expertise regarding China. As such, his appointment has brought criticism from elements of the pro-Israeli community. Now, in this completely unbiased media age that we are living in (that was obviously a joke), we have compiled some stories and Op-Eds that make the case for, and against “Chas”:

- “Why We Should Defend Obama’s Latest Intelligence Pick from Right-Wing Attacks,” The Nation. Here’s the article.

- “Some anti-Freeman links,” The Capital J (The Global News Service of the Jewish People). Here’s the article.

- “It’s Official: Saudi Puppet to Head NIC,” The Weekly Standard. Here’s the article.

- “The Wrong Man for the Job,” Investor’s Business Daily. Here’s the article.

- “The Saudis’ Man in the White House,” Huffington Post. Here’s the article.

So, what is going on here? Obviously, the pro-Israel contingency is not down with this appointment. But, what is going on between the more left- and right-oriented media outlets on this? The Nation approves of the appointment, where as Huffington Post does not? And, Investor’s Business Daily does not approve either. Perhaps this appointment transcends the left and the right, and it all comes down to who backs Israel? We definitely want your thoughts on this!

Senate to Investigate C.I.A.
The Senate Intelligence Committee announced that it will launch an investigation of the CIA’s detention and interrogation programs during the Bush administration. We certainly saw this one coming. This has definitely been the biggest controversy surrounding the intelligence community with exception to intelligence gathering mistakes leading up to launching the war in Iraq. What do you all think? Should the Senate Intelligence Committee put its time and efforts into this?

Tags: Charles Freeman, Chas Freeman, CIA, Intelligence Community, Interogation, National Intelligence Council, Panetta