The Taliban: Ideologically Extreme and Brutal
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In Story of Jihadi John, Don't Trust the Headlines
Cipher Brief Expert and former Senior CIA Officer Doug Wise writes that when it comes to the hunt for Jihadi John, the headlines don’t tell the whole story. “Almost a year ago, I was...
The CIA Director's Real Skills
On April 16, The New York Times published an article (in which I am quoted) with the headline, “Gina Haspel Relies on Spy Skills with Trump.  He Doesn’t Always Listen.”  It is...
One Bad Decision on Syria Doesn't Necessarily Lead to Another
President Donald Trump now says U.S. troops will “slowly” be withdrawn from Syria after his controversial announcement in December, saying that troops would be pulled out within 30 days,...
A Very Personal Take on Threats to Strip Security Clearances
I served the United States for 48 years in various national security roles that required me to hold a security clearance.   I saw it as a privilege, granted by our government, and reflecting the...