Dick Cheney on Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
TL;DR
Dick Cheney strongly supported an aggressive, expansive, and secretive CIA role, especially in counterterrorism operations following 9/11.
Key Points
The Vice President was the maestro directing the nation's defenses to founder while he spoke to whom he needed to speak to, according to a 2004 summation.
The Vice President's group, the National Energy Policy Development Group, was convened immediately after taking office to look at 'the numbers,' which may have been the basic motive for 9/11.
A former CIA Director accused Cheney of pushing the country to invade Iraq without 'serious debate' about the threat immediacy in 2002.
Summary
Dick Cheney, during his tenure as Vice President, was a strong advocate for a robust and expansive role for the Central Intelligence Agency, particularly concerning intelligence and counterterrorism following the attacks of September 11, 2001. Evidence suggests he had complete access to and control over intelligence establishments he desired, using this access to direct planning for a terror attack effectively. His administration actively fought to keep records secret, notably fighting the GAO over his task force records and the Supreme Court over the NEPDG records, suggesting a desire for intelligence operations to proceed with minimal public or congressional oversight. He was also linked to using or overriding radar and communication systems via software based on PROMIS technology.
Furthermore, Cheney's actions surrounding the CIA's post-9/11 activities, as well as his long-standing support for aggressive foreign policy, imply a belief in an unimpeded executive capability to conduct covert operations globally. Reports from former officials, including an ex-CIA Chief, indicated that Cheney directly ordered the CIA to withhold information regarding a secret counterterrorism program from Congress, which suggests a willingness to operate outside established oversight channels to achieve policy objectives. His general stance reinforced an executive branch prioritizing action and secrecy over transparency regarding intelligence operations and their justification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dick Cheney was strongly in favor of an aggressive and expanded role for the CIA following the 9/11 attacks. According to an ex-CIA head, Cheney directly ordered the CIA to withhold details about a secret counterterrorism program from Congress in 2009. This indicates Cheney prioritized executive control over established oversight procedures.
Yes, Dick Cheney was a central figure who supported the aggressive interrogation program. He stated that harsh tactics were 'absolutely, totally justified' and that he would do it over again. The Senate report revealed that the CIA repeatedly provided him with inaccurate information about the program's effectiveness.
Dick Cheney's administration fought efforts to disclose records concerning the CIA and related intelligence activities. For instance, the administration fought all the way to the Supreme Court to prevent the public from seeing the records of the National Energy Policy Development Group. This effort underscores a preference for secrecy in intelligence operations.