Former CIA Analyst Ray McGovern: Petraeus Will Expand Pro-War Agenda as New CIA Director

[Jefferson23]

From Democracy Now:

Snip* AMY GOODMAN: Many analysts say the nomination of David Petraeus to head the CIA will further increase the militarization of the spy agency. Petraeus is also a strong backer of drone warfare and the use of the military to carry out intelligence operations. In May 2010 he signed a secret military order to expand clandestine military operations in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iran and other places in the Middle East and Central Asia in order to, quote, "penetrate, disrupt, defeat and destroy" militant groups.

We’re now joined by Ray McGovern, former senior CIA analyst whose duties included preparing the President’s Daily Brief and chairing National Intelligence Estimates. He was the daily briefer for then-Vice President George H.W. Bush for years, and he was with the agency for more than a quarter of a century. He’s co-founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity.

So, this is just about to be announced today, Ray McGovern. What’s your concern? Panetta from CIA to Pentagon, and Petraeus to replace Panetta at the CIA.

RAY McGOVERN: Well, Panetta is not really a concern. He will do at the Pentagon what he did at the CIA, and that is, act as the lawyer for the department, as he was a lawyer for the agency. He did not take hold. He did not lead the agency. Nor will he lead the Defense Department. He’s a—he described himself in his nomination hearings as a creature of the Congress. And so, you can bet on him placating congressional interests and making sure that the military-industrial complex flourishes.

in full: http://www.democracynow.org/2011/4/28/former_cia_analyst_ray_mcgovern_petraeus

[leveymg]

1. Never imagined Leon would be CIA Director and Sec'y of Defense when I knew him as my Congressman.

That seems so long ago in Santa Cruz.

On the other hand, Patraeus reminds me of Gen. MacArthur with more political ambition, and perhaps less smarts. This guy really does seem to want to be an American Caesar - of America and its Empire.

[msongs]

2. more change we can believe in, the continuation of the BUSH agenda run amok nt