got geoint?

Yesterday, the CIA declassified slew of documents that detailed the questionable treatment by the CIA of terrorist suspects. In an effort to defend the agency, CIA Director Leon Panetta sent an e-mail to the agency’s workforce saying it is his “primary interest—when it comes to a program that no longer exists—is to stand up for those officers who did what their country asked and who followed the legal guidance they were given.” He also added that “That is the president’s position, too,” he added.

“The Agency sought and received multiple written assurances that its methods were lawful,” the CIA director wrote. “The CIA has a strong record in terms of following legal guidance and informing the Department of Justice of potentially illegal conduct.”

We certainly have to applaud Panetta’s internal communications efforts. At a time when morale needs to be high at the agency, he did the right thing by addressing this issue head on, and effectively letting the staff know that he “has their back.” What more could you ask for in a boss? In a city where many of those in power like to roll their underlings “under the bus,” it is refreshing to see a boss who will defend his people. What do you all think about this?

Tags: Central Intelligence Agency, CIA, CIA Director, CIA interrogation, DIA, Eric Holder, GEOINT, Leon Panetta, Panetta, Panetta Email