Political Crossfire Forums

[Shepherd]

I'm reading a book right now called "Ghost Wars" by Steven Coll. This is a very enlightening read especially for those interested in the CIA's involvement in the middle east since the 70's. Also I've been watching some cool things on you tube about the muslim brotherhood and a 1987 PBS special on the CIA called "The secret government." In general does anyone think such an organization like the CIA should exist? or does it have too much power? When is assassination acceptable?Some politicians have found it more acceptable to drop bombs on cities killing innocents and children rather than a bullet to the head from a sniper rifle. When the CIA was giving weapons to the afghan rebels congress didn't allow rifles with scopes to be sent, rather all scopes had to be taken off thousands of rifles.

[David]

I believe it was Nixon that stopped all assassination's of heads of state.He was scared someone would come after him in retaliation if it got out that we were involved in something like that.Should the CIA exist? Yes. Does it have way too much power right now? Hell yes.

[lilwolf]

I remember reading something a few years back that up until that article (I wish I still had it) the CIA was a very powerful agency. There was not alot they could not get away with. For instance a spook friend of mine once told me and showed (in my Army days) a card that authorized him to obtain any weapon he wanted up to and including a nuke if he had need and it could be justified. Reagan killed that off Thank God.
They are powerful but not like they once were.
Every since the agency was set up after WW2 by a former Nazi I believe (might be wrong there) it has changed and it has lost a lot of its power but they are still pretty powerful and dangerous if need be.

[perdidochas]

David wrote: I believe it was Nixon that stopped all assassination's of heads of state.He was scared someone would come after him in retaliation if it got out that we were involved in something like that.Should the CIA exist? Yes. Does it have way too much power right now? Hell yes.

How does it have too much power now?

[Shepherd]

i would agree this organization is a very powerful one in america but i have seen no evidence that they are going above and beyond accepted duties, or getting into any unconstitutional waters. They are way more tamed than similar organizations in other countries like Pakistans ISI. The ISI seems to really call the shots, particularly when General Zia died and Bhutto gained power, only because of the ISI's control. anyone know what i'm talkin bout?