Loons, liars, losers are now running US agencies!
This will not have a happy ending unless these hard-right war hawks are driven from power either through the ballot box, impeachment or indictment!
The US is starting it's slide from the leader of nations to pariah status!
This will not have a happy ending unless these hard-right war hawks are driven from power either through the ballot box, impeachment or indictment!
The US is starting it's slide from the leader of nations to pariah status!
2
When you start a regime change project in a country with 70% turn out in its latest presidential election, you should look in the mirror to see who is the source of destabilizatin in the middle east...
11
Great! Another dump by Trump: Shift investigations from ISIS, Al Qaida, (Saudi sponsored) Wahhabi extremism to Iran (who fights Isis along side US special troops in Iraq). Isis and al Qaida will applause!
7
Sounds like a classic piece of disinformation....maybe we are taking lessons from the Russians.
4
I can't wait until those 21 nuclear sites are mysteriously blown up. PSSST it was the Saudis with our permission.
One thing this article clearly defines, and we have seen the signs for some time now - the left is no longer loyal to the United Stated.
2
Does it really seem prudent to publish security and military information or strategy? Does the NYTimes believe that Iran is a 'good guy?' I know they believed Russia was a good guy, until Obama decided they were not - Trump election. Is it okay to promote an action if the Dems like it when it's wrong, and decry an action that Reps like when it's right?
Or is there no 'right' or 'wrong' - just partisan politics?
Or is there no 'right' or 'wrong' - just partisan politics?
7
The creepiness of this is only exceeded by what it reveals about CIA's hopelessly inaccurate ideas about Iran, paralleling how little they knew or understood about the USSR till the day it disappeared.
1
Other than Satellite and eaves dropping equipment or maybe an occasional personnel infiltration into Iran to gather military intelligent, what or who can read the Mullah’s mind or even comprehend their communication and decision making?! So, good luck to CIA and NSA etc., this is only going to cost the American Tax payer a lot of money and nothing will be gained.
Why you may ask? It’s clear then that we just don’t want to make peace with the Iranians and we have made that clear to them. So, this is going to be a wild goose chase at best. The whole scenario is A-s backward. We side with the Terrorists and call them (Saudi Wahabia, Kuwait, Jordan, UAE etc) who support ISIS financially and ideologically, our friend and allies. Then we call the only country that has fought against the ISIS from its inception, namely Iran, Terrorist!! So, it is also clear that we want this mess to stay around so we can fish the muddy waters and sell arms as our president just did with the Saudi Wahabia $120B in heavy arms.
If we really want peace and harmony there, then we should make peace with Iran and ‘call a spade a spade’, and have a true friend there that can help us with real intelligence and support, which is the only way to make America safe again.
Why you may ask? It’s clear then that we just don’t want to make peace with the Iranians and we have made that clear to them. So, this is going to be a wild goose chase at best. The whole scenario is A-s backward. We side with the Terrorists and call them (Saudi Wahabia, Kuwait, Jordan, UAE etc) who support ISIS financially and ideologically, our friend and allies. Then we call the only country that has fought against the ISIS from its inception, namely Iran, Terrorist!! So, it is also clear that we want this mess to stay around so we can fish the muddy waters and sell arms as our president just did with the Saudi Wahabia $120B in heavy arms.
If we really want peace and harmony there, then we should make peace with Iran and ‘call a spade a spade’, and have a true friend there that can help us with real intelligence and support, which is the only way to make America safe again.
5
Here we go again, back to our old tricks stretching back to 1953 when the U.S. overthrew Iran's progressive and democratically elected leader Mohammad Mosaddegh because he had the audacity to think Iran owned its oil and tone deaf to Iran's recent move toward a more democratic, open society.
6
Where are your lines? How was the appropriateness of this article vetted? Who is responsible for a) putting US lives at risk b) giving up information that is incredibly valuable to our adversaries c) severely setting back our efforts in Iran? It's ok for you to do this but it's not ok for Trump to do so? Seriously. Trump has some very obvious and crippling shortcomings, but by stooping to his level you give him credibility. Well done.
3
Whatever happened to not telling your enemies what you're doing?
6
Didn't we promote regime change in in 1953by helping the overthrow of their democratically elected president in favor of the autocratic Shah. How did that work out?? Their are signs of change from within going on in Iran starting with the Ayatollah's approval of the nuclear deal and the reelection of the reformist President. If we attempt to impose our will we will only harden the resolve of the hardliners. A policy of containment of Iran's nefarious ventures make sense. Promoting regime change does not.
5
Once again, our legislators are putting the interests of Israel over that of the U.S. This citizen wants better relations with Iran which is in our best interests regardless of how it affects Israel. D'Andrea has a history of torture & human rights violations which are hidden from our citizens. Another wrong move by The Conman.
7
Not sure what the news is here other than revealing the name of someone undercover. The Trump Iran policy is well known. It's the wrong approach and priority in to the Middle East. And putting someone in charge with apparently a lot of experience with bin Laden and who knows what Saudi connections to terrorism simply weakens that effort.
2
This is not a scoop but a well-orchestrated piece of news, catering to Trump voters who wonder why Iran is spared. If the news is that Iran is in for a more robust 'treatment', that is meant as a boon for Israel and the Saudis, too. Whether Israel will be impressed seems very uncertain, but the Saudis may see it as a backup of Trump's positive gestures last week. (Did he make a 'deal' stipulating withdrawal of radical clergymen from Saudi-paid mosques in Africa and Europe in return?That would undergird meaNwh his nboasts during the campaign, but seems unlikely.) Iran will read it as a statement of intent that better relations will be a mirage. Not a gesture that will further split the Iranian elite, the goal the US would rationally aim for. Apparently Trump sees the leadership of that sad country as still a monolithic bloc. So how does he read his just-reelected colleague in Tehran? Is the Iranian president really that different from Gorbachev, who after all believed his dismantling of Communism would save the Soviet Union, just like Rouhani thinks liberalization will save mullah rule? Questions, questions. One would wish for a few good minds in the West that would base what little the West can do to influence the goings-on in that hellhole on good, clear insights, and not on categories like 'terrorism', whose explanatory power is poor and getting poorer.
1
Things we know:
Iran is by no means a monolithic regime; there are good guys and bad guys, with a lot of support for the good guys coming from the people, who are smart and hard-working.
Regime change doesn't always work out, especially when prompted from the outside.
If the report on torture contains evidence that torture took place, we are required by law to identify and prosecute the perpetrators. Period. (Actually, Trump could do that more easily than Obama, in a sort of Nixon-goes-to-China move.)
Ergo, Mr. D'Andrea may not be the best person for this job.
Iran is by no means a monolithic regime; there are good guys and bad guys, with a lot of support for the good guys coming from the people, who are smart and hard-working.
Regime change doesn't always work out, especially when prompted from the outside.
If the report on torture contains evidence that torture took place, we are required by law to identify and prosecute the perpetrators. Period. (Actually, Trump could do that more easily than Obama, in a sort of Nixon-goes-to-China move.)
Ergo, Mr. D'Andrea may not be the best person for this job.
3
With the landslide election of Reformist Dr. Rouhani, the Iranians want Rouhani to continue his efforts for a normal relation with America. Rouhani has signed the Iran Deal and has been observing the terms of the Deal. The Iranians want to try to reform their system and gain more freedom in the ballot boxes. The regime change in Iran will bring miseries to the people. The US should have learned a lesson from the disastrous outcome of the Arab Spring or overthrow of Saddam. These not only brought democracy to the countries but brought devastation and loss of thousands lives with millions of refugees and destabilization of the region. Contrary to the popular belief that Iran is involved in terrorism, I must say that the cause and sources of Terrorism are not in Iran. For a major cause you need to look at decades of brutality and killing toward the people of Palestine and for the sources of terrorism you need to look at Saudi Arabia and other Sunni Arabs. Reports show that 94% of terrorists are Sunni(not Iranian Shia) with the ideological roots in Wahhabism, a very minor radical Sunni brand practiced in Saudi Arabia. For decades Sahdi's have built mosques in the West and their Imams have been preaching Wahhabisim and hatred and radicalizing young Muslims to be terrorists or join ISIS. On the other hand, among 2 millions Iranians in the West not a single terrorist has been found. The involvement of Iran in Yemen, Lebanon and Iraq is because these people are Shia like Iran.
1
Reckless and irresponsible; journalists need to think twice before identifying our operatives. The fact that the name was made public before, is no justification to identify him when he is assigned to a new covert job at the CIA . You have scored points with your ideological partners on the left, raised the angst of those on the opposite political spectrum, put our national security at risk, saved the Iranians money and resources in their counterespionage efforts, and pinned a target on an American who is willing to give his life to preserve our freedom.
5
Mr. D'Andrea's primary function will be to provide distraction cover for Mr. Trump, he will be busy, Mr. Trump campaign and nascent presidency has been built on disinformation (alternative facts) and distraction and as his problems with congress and the American people deepen he is going to need all the help he can get, distraction-wise.
1
Editors, by again revealing the identity of this undercover agent you're putting a target on his back. It's OK to take issue with Trump's Iran policy, but it's very irresponsible to recklessly endanger the life of an American working on the behalf of our national security.
31
I don't consider this person an "american working on behalf of our national security." I think he's part of the problem with our national security and actively working to undermine it. You presume consensus and consent where none exists.
1
Working on behalf of your national security? How has Iran ever threatened the murderers national security.
4
Agreed. Why was it necessary to release his real name? Who cares if somebody else did? The explanation in the column is lame, not helpful and potentially lethal.
2
Does anyone seriously think that a modern state with a sophisticated and extensive intelligence system is vulnerable to regime change initiated by another state...oh...wait a minute.
14
Saudi Arabia is a far bigger threat than Iran. The way Iran treats its own people, torturing and without warning executing prisoners, is likely worse than anything the US can do.
3
You placed a man's life in danger just because he’s an Iran hawk likely to oppose the previous administration’s attempts to normalize the nation by giving it billions of dollars, trading it terrorists for hostages, and blessing its nuclear program.
How. Do. You. Sleep. At. night.
How. Do. You. Sleep. At. night.
21
When our government fawns over Wahhabi beheaders (the same folks who fried a crowd of girls in their burning dormitory because they had no male family members to escort them out while it burned) while demonizing Iran, it constitutes evidence of the nonexistence of a just God.
1
Iran is not the number one terror state Saudi Arabia is. Its Wahhabi mosques throughout the world spread the poison which makes for world wide recruits. The Iranians are the good guys. They have elections, girls are on the streets with their faces uncovered. They whirl, etc. Anyway we have just been bribed again. Was a big price tag.
27
The Saudis in the long run but Iran right now.
This is incredible.
The C.I.A. declined to comment on Mr. D’Andrea’s role, saying it does not discuss the identities or work of clandestine officials.
So why did the NY Times reveal his identity?
It's obvious. Ben Rhodes disapproves of him doing this job because he is coddling Iran. Part of the wonderful Iran Agreement.
The C.I.A. declined to comment on Mr. D’Andrea’s role, saying it does not discuss the identities or work of clandestine officials.
So why did the NY Times reveal his identity?
It's obvious. Ben Rhodes disapproves of him doing this job because he is coddling Iran. Part of the wonderful Iran Agreement.
21
Wait...
Did you just give a name to an operative?
Did you just give a name to an operative?
23
What is it exactly that humans, in particular when ruled by conservatives, exhaust itself in mindless bloodshed, struggling for the same supremacy of one group or another?
Will the day ever come when humans, in particular conservatives, get the insight to restrain themselves?
Will the day ever come when humans, in particular conservatives, get the insight to restrain themselves?
10
How do your thoughts about violence and conservatives apply to situations like the Khmer Rouge, Stalinist Russia, the National Socialist Party in Germany in the 1930's and what is happening currently in Venezuela?
11
The Americans', Israelis', Saudis' and the Gulf Sheikhdoms' fondest wish and dream is to see Iran - a well-functioning country, where over 50 million people took part in open presidential elections last month - to be decimated by civil war, and turned into a much bigger Syria with endless bloodshed of innocents to follow.
When will decent people in these countries wake up and take resposibility for what their governments do in their name?
When will decent people in these countries wake up and take resposibility for what their governments do in their name?
3
Communists (Vietnamese) did for for Khmer Rouge, Communists in Russia got rid of Stalinism, and the Communist Red Army defeated the Nazis in Germany with a little help from the Allies (who defeated the smallest proportion of the of the German army, which was easy given the most and best of their forces were being driven back to Berlin by the Russians). When you look back over the last 100 years, or so, at who invaded who, right-wing administrations seem to dominate the list of aggressors, with a few exceptions.
2
Trump's next big move should be to tear up Obama's traitorous Iranian deal.
8
Sure Sven, and then sell another $100B in weapons to Saudi Arabia, home of Bin Laden and majority of 9/11 terrorists.
22
I'm always skeptical when I hear about individuals with catchy nicknames and history like this. If he was that dark, we wouldn't be hearing about him and we certainly wouldn't know his name.
I think I smell a new Netflix series in the pipeline.
I think I smell a new Netflix series in the pipeline.
10
This is 100% Mike Flynn.
He may be gone from the White House but the imprinting he did on Trump's impressionable, empty head will haunt us all.
Flynn was/is absolutely irrationally obsessed with Iran. He is also so unhinged and you can pull up clips of him ranting on on Fox News to see for yourself. The military had to force him into early retirement he was so unglued.
Flynn is so disturbed that one of the handful of concrete bits of advice Obama gave Trump was to stay away from Mike Flynn and not to hire him to work in the White House.
He may be gone from the White House but the imprinting he did on Trump's impressionable, empty head will haunt us all.
Flynn was/is absolutely irrationally obsessed with Iran. He is also so unhinged and you can pull up clips of him ranting on on Fox News to see for yourself. The military had to force him into early retirement he was so unglued.
Flynn is so disturbed that one of the handful of concrete bits of advice Obama gave Trump was to stay away from Mike Flynn and not to hire him to work in the White House.
20
Being "Unhinged" seems to be the only prerequisite necessary to fall in line with Trump and the Republican Party's gang.
2
It's getting to the point where I'm about ready to root for the other team. Go Iran! Beat Trump and his mercenaries!
9
Strange... Why there's no photo of Mr. D’Andrea?
Alas, but the the biggest threat to America's national security is not Iran or any other nation but Trump himself!
12
Sounds like a real psychopath. He'll be good for the job. Seriously we may as well go invade Vietnam again. What does "winning" look like at this point?
9
In response to G:
"What does winning look like at this point" is maybe the best comment I have read in this paper.
"What does winning look like at this point" is maybe the best comment I have read in this paper.
1
Should the first paragraph read that the drone program killed hundreds of Islamist militants and thousands of civilians?
9
The CIA (barley) covertly meddling in Iran......what could POSSIBLY go wrong, I wonder?
11
Regime change--why not? Worked great when the CIA directed the 1953 coup that deposed Iran's democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh, didn't it? What could possibly go wrong?
19
Thanks. I was just thinking about the Dulles brothers, Kim Roosevelt et alia. But will readers know who they were.
1
Iran today is the legacy of our oil cartel and their step-'n-fetchit, the CIA.
I have questions.
1. How is Iran "the number one terror state"? Do we have secret evidence?
2. If we use spies to topple the moderate government, just elected by the young majority of Iranian citizens...Does the administration presume to be assured that what follows it will be more moderate? How does it propose to ensure the ascension of anyone other than more egregiously radical religious leaders?
3. What on God's earth is wrong with this administration?
1. How is Iran "the number one terror state"? Do we have secret evidence?
2. If we use spies to topple the moderate government, just elected by the young majority of Iranian citizens...Does the administration presume to be assured that what follows it will be more moderate? How does it propose to ensure the ascension of anyone other than more egregiously radical religious leaders?
3. What on God's earth is wrong with this administration?
24
The number one terror state? Under the current administration it seems it's the United States
7
Sounds like D'Andrea is an accomplished covert action operator, someone really good and breaking things and neutralizing bad guys. But that kind of guy usually has not enough patience to conduct any kind of sophisticated human agent recruitment and information gathering. So what does Trump think it going to happen? He's going to drop anti-regime infiltrators into the country and foment regime change?
He's in charge, he's not the only person assigned to this. So therefore he can have others do the recruitment.
2
Regime change is urgently needed. And not in Iran!
The world can't permit this fool in the White House to carry on like this. Everything points towards a rapid escalation with a nuclear strike against Iran becoming more likely. Russia will not stand by idly if that were to happen. The result will be Armageddon.
Could somebody, please, explain to Trump, what that would mean?
The world can't permit this fool in the White House to carry on like this. Everything points towards a rapid escalation with a nuclear strike against Iran becoming more likely. Russia will not stand by idly if that were to happen. The result will be Armageddon.
Could somebody, please, explain to Trump, what that would mean?
18
Here are a few interesting reads by 'Company men' if anyone has any illusions left to shatter about the Criminal Instigators Association:
'The Praetorian Guard: The U.S. Role in the New World Order'
'In Search of Enemies'
by John Stockwell
'Deadly Deceits: My 25 Years in the CIA'
by Ralph W. Mc Gehee
'Inside the Company: CIA Diary'
'On The Run'
by Philip Agee
Also very informative if one wants to know why Snowden did what he did.
'The Praetorian Guard: The U.S. Role in the New World Order'
'In Search of Enemies'
by John Stockwell
'Deadly Deceits: My 25 Years in the CIA'
by Ralph W. Mc Gehee
'Inside the Company: CIA Diary'
'On The Run'
by Philip Agee
Also very informative if one wants to know why Snowden did what he did.
9
Remind me again. Why is it bad for Russia to interfere with our elections but alright for us to engage in regime change, both overtly and covertly?
19
Good point, Mark.
1
In the Iraq - Iran war 1980-88 the US put its entire fist down in favor of the aggressor Iraq and gave Iraq tanks armament aid and helped other countries aid Iraq. When it looked like Iran was going to win, the precursor stock of mustard gas was shipped to Iraq from the US and over 1000 tons was shipped covertly.
Iran lost more than 1,000,000 men and boys in this war. it was only after this defensive war that Iran decided to pursue a atomic bomb. Without our fist helping carry Sunni water, two wars in Iraq could have been avoided. Republican policies have damaged the ME and our Country's reputation enormously in the last 70 years carrying Sunni water.During the Iraq -Iran war, Israel favored Iran and had normal relations.
Iran lost more than 1,000,000 men and boys in this war. it was only after this defensive war that Iran decided to pursue a atomic bomb. Without our fist helping carry Sunni water, two wars in Iraq could have been avoided. Republican policies have damaged the ME and our Country's reputation enormously in the last 70 years carrying Sunni water.During the Iraq -Iran war, Israel favored Iran and had normal relations.
10
Carrying Sunni water, yes we get it along with shrink wrapped pallets delivered on an Iranian airstrip while hostages waited there to be released. A little assortment package of international currencies, worth Million$, that Kerry collected while breaking a leg through a Swiss banking district on his bicycle.
Iran is a really bad player in the Middle East and they have lots of hypocritical political leaders who despite being clerics are fixed upon living in luxury and their Revolutionary Guard is just like any other unaccountable group of thugs but the Iranian regime is not like Al Qaeda nor ISIS because they value the country that they rule and would not want to see it destroyed. This makes them rational players in international affairs with who our government can deal. We have been able to have their nuclear program changed to something less threatening, which was a big deal because the Iranian leadership wanted sanctions lifted. But we have not been able to convince them to stop interfering in the affairs of their neighbors and probably will have a hard time achieving that end. So will treating the Iranians like the fanatics who join Al Qaeda or ISIS do any good? Probably not, but it will make Trump and a lot of people who feel annoyed by Iran joyful.
1
It's nice to see the Trump administration diversifying and including Muslims. Maybe it's just a token gesture though.
Just to be clear. Except for some casualties in Iraq caused by Iran-supported Shia militias, Iran has not been a source of terror attacks against America. The 9/11 hijackers, Al Qaeda and ISIS are all Sunnis, many of them from Saudi Arabia and inspired by the Wahhabi teachings that the Saudis export to other Muslim nations. Iran is anti Israel (although not anti Jewish) and takes the side of the Palestinians; that is true. Still, I don't understand why we should be so friendly with Saudi Arabia (especially now that we don't need their oil) and consider Iran our greatest enemy on earth.
31
What about Hezbullah, Einstein? Who killed the marines in Beirut, the martians? Who fights in Syria on the side of Asad? Who provokes our ships in the Middle East? Who develops prohibited nuclear and rocket projects? Yeah, it must be the martians...
8
since iran works by proxy, there are quite a bunch of terrorist acts committed against the usa that have iran's fingerprints... just sayin you may not be right about this....
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_and_state-sponsored_terrorism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_and_state-sponsored_terrorism
6
Just to be clear--Iran did not cause "some" casualties in Iraq. It is directly responsible for the deaths of hundreds, if not thousands, of American soldiers via its supply of Explosively-formed Penetrator (EFP) IEDs to Shi'i militias in Iraq. It is directly responsible for far more Iraqi deaths thanks to its infiltration of post-Saddam Iraqi Security Forces and their love for (very painful) extra-judicial killings.
Iran planned a terrorist attack to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the US in Washington, D.C. They scrubbed the mission only because they realized the FBI and CIA were on to them.
It's now widely understood that they were responsible for the 1996 Khobar Towers attack, which killed 20-some US Air Force personnel in their barracks.
Iran was responsible for the 1983 bombing of the Marine Corps barracks in Beirut which killed over 200 US servicemen--who, incidentally, were there on a peacekeeping mission.
And as for Iran not being "anti-Jewish," their 1994 destruction of a Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires that killed 85 civilians should put to rest that fantasy.
No one is proposing a campaign of murdering Iranian civilians. The new leader (a Muslim) simply wants a robust, tough counter-intelligence/counter-terrorism program against an enemy that has murdered thousands. Doesn't sound so shocking to me.
Iran planned a terrorist attack to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the US in Washington, D.C. They scrubbed the mission only because they realized the FBI and CIA were on to them.
It's now widely understood that they were responsible for the 1996 Khobar Towers attack, which killed 20-some US Air Force personnel in their barracks.
Iran was responsible for the 1983 bombing of the Marine Corps barracks in Beirut which killed over 200 US servicemen--who, incidentally, were there on a peacekeeping mission.
And as for Iran not being "anti-Jewish," their 1994 destruction of a Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires that killed 85 civilians should put to rest that fantasy.
No one is proposing a campaign of murdering Iranian civilians. The new leader (a Muslim) simply wants a robust, tough counter-intelligence/counter-terrorism program against an enemy that has murdered thousands. Doesn't sound so shocking to me.
2
Given the contents of this "article" on Mr. D'Andrea's own brand of terror, it's no wonder worldwide terrorism by the other side has grown in its savagery and proportion. Let's not harbor any illusions, the more we engage in these types of uncivilized behavior the more that we'll be seeing of the same from our perceived or real enemies.
18
Thanks, New York Times, for clarifying this!
2
Good luck with recruiting source inside Iran. Educated, liberal Persian urbanites always looked to the US as a shining example of democracy, freedom, and prosperity, and had nothing but disdain for narrow-minded mullahs or fanatical and corrupt Revolutionary Guards. I can help but wonder whether Trump's thuggish and transactional America still holds the same appeal, esp. now that elections have once more shown the Persians desire for change.
12
"Mr. Trump called Iran “the number one terror state”....Mr. Trump says lots of things that don't make any sense. 15 of the 19 9/11 terrorists were Saudi. The Saudis are Sunni as are the terrorist cells of Al Qaeda and ISIS, and the Saudis have continued to provide them with back door financing. Iran is Shia. They are enemies of the Saudis as well as enemies of Al Qaeda and ISIS. - but Iran is the number one terrorist state?
25
If Trump says so, it must be true. (Kool-Aid, anyone?)
2
I remember the good old days of CIA involvement in Iran. Like when they overthrew duly elected prime minister mosaddegh for oil and gave us the shah Pahlavi clan and the Sovak secret police. What could go wrong?
25
Based on this article Mr. D’Andrea used a style that worked with the tools provided (drones). That type of physicality isn't an option dealing with Iran. The tools used will be different as will the methods.
Given the differences extrapolating how Mr. D’Andrea will act in his new role based on his previous role is dubious.
Given the differences extrapolating how Mr. D’Andrea will act in his new role based on his previous role is dubious.
Now we know what the "basket of deplorables" actually looks like in the House of Trump.
2
Isn't this the exact thing that sent Scooter Libby to jail? How will this work, will Mr. Rosenberg and Goldman share a cell?
4
Actually, Mr. Clark, Valerie Pflame never had her life endangered by identifying her to targets that might wish to kill her.
2
So this is worse?
Mobsters in New York's Five Families and Chicago's Outfit all have nicknames too, to bolster their sinister images: Carmine the Snake Persico, Joey Bats Accardo to name but two. Yet they are pleasant enough in life and often generous with bequests afterward, with children who only want to improve upon the tarnished reputations...
6
Leadership, for a change
5
...toward jingoistic disaster.
6
No, I'd say it's way past time we started biting back.
Being smarter about Iraq is better than being anti-Iran. WMD? That was not fake news from Iran. Toppling Saddam without an end game? Not Iran's fault. No Sunnis in Iraqi government? That was our gift to Iran, not a request from Iran. Penny-wise-pound-foolish-premature-pullout from Iraq that spawned ISIS? Again, not Iran's idea. If D'Andrea is as smart as billed and is really anti-terror, look for a shift from Iran to Saudia Arabia in terms of intelligence. Fighting terror is like robbing banks; you go where the money is.
15
It seems to me that this appointment is less about Mr. Trump's "hard line" against Iran than it is a reflection of the CIA's historic inability to understand Iran.
Rather than name a scholar of Iranian history who speaks Persian fluently and who truly understands the country, CIA elevates a professional liar and killer.
No wonder the world -- including most of the US diplomatic corps -- detests the CIA.
Rather than name a scholar of Iranian history who speaks Persian fluently and who truly understands the country, CIA elevates a professional liar and killer.
No wonder the world -- including most of the US diplomatic corps -- detests the CIA.
15
A more "muscular" approach to espionage...Is that anything like "enhanced interrogation" or will they be hiring only spies with tight abs or what? Maybe the Times reporters who wrote this aren't quite sure what they mean.
7
The Republican Party has introduced a stealth bill in the Senate, S.722 "Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act of 2017." This is a zombie bill dating back to 2013 that has been re-introduced with new language. It has 50 co-sponsors including Democratic Senators Bennett, Blumenthal, Booker, Cardin, Casey, Donnelly, Klobuchar, Manchin, Nelson, Peters, Stabenow, and Wyden.
With 12 Democratic co-sponsors, the Bill would be filibuster-proof if it came to the floor of the Senate for a vote. A version has already passed the House.
S.722 would grant the President personal, unchecked authority to impose sanctions on Iran and enforce travel bans based on "recommendation" from the Secretary of State for a broad range of unspecified actions. This would in effect be Congress granting President Trump a blank check to deal with Iran any way he personally saw fit.
This bill is a clear move to allow the President to undermine the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA--the "Iran Deal") and yet another attempt to destroy everything that was accomplished by President Obama.
This bill is one of the most important "asks" for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
The entire JCPOA can't be "torn up" of course, because there are five other nations in addition to Iran who agreed to it. Also the United Nations sanctions previously imposed have been lifted and will not be reimposed.
But S.722 is a plan for disaster as President Trump antagonizes Iran and the world
With 12 Democratic co-sponsors, the Bill would be filibuster-proof if it came to the floor of the Senate for a vote. A version has already passed the House.
S.722 would grant the President personal, unchecked authority to impose sanctions on Iran and enforce travel bans based on "recommendation" from the Secretary of State for a broad range of unspecified actions. This would in effect be Congress granting President Trump a blank check to deal with Iran any way he personally saw fit.
This bill is a clear move to allow the President to undermine the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA--the "Iran Deal") and yet another attempt to destroy everything that was accomplished by President Obama.
This bill is one of the most important "asks" for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
The entire JCPOA can't be "torn up" of course, because there are five other nations in addition to Iran who agreed to it. Also the United Nations sanctions previously imposed have been lifted and will not be reimposed.
But S.722 is a plan for disaster as President Trump antagonizes Iran and the world
13
It would be a disaster, and it would also demonstrate to the world how impotent Trump and Congress are when the rest of the world continues to trade with Iran.
2
It seems whenever both parties are mostly in agreement, you can almost bet it is for the benefit of Israel.
2
Is this a comic book?
5
"He met his wife, who is Muslim, on a C.I.A. posting overseas..."
I feel compelled to ask: Is his wife Sunni or Shiite?
I feel compelled to ask: Is his wife Sunni or Shiite?
14
Our hard line with Iran hasn't worked very well in the past 40 years. Maybe a different approach is called for?
9
It was working well until Obama let them off the hook.
2
Calling a CIA chief a dark prince, and naming him demonstrate that the NYT is effectively anti-American. I love all the anecdotal commentary about Iranians. It seems they are just like us, and are a charming, friendly people. Sure, we are all just pals here in our melding global pool. Americans have lost their sense of individuality and their right to prosper, preferring to believe that we can and must create one world nation, happily ever after.
13
Well, throw out Trump, can't get much more anti-American than his defending Putin by calling Americans "killers", and US intelligence agencies as acting like "Nazis".
D'Andrea was named a long time ago: the "Undertaker":
http://www.newsweek.com/cia-michael-dandrea-new-york-times-mark-mazzetti...
D'Andrea was named a long time ago: the "Undertaker":
http://www.newsweek.com/cia-michael-dandrea-new-york-times-mark-mazzetti...
1
He's probably a nice enough guy.
2
Does the CIA bench include another hard nosed driver like D'Andrea that could lead a more aggressive approach to Russia? We really need to send signals to Putin that enough is enough. This message certainly won't emanate from the White House or State Department.
7
I wish people would stop using the word "muscular" when they mean aggressive, it hides the reality of the damage being done.
11
Unlike the Wahabi cult Arab countries especially Saudi Arabia, Iran is multi-cultural and multi-religious country. Iranian Shias and Sunnis live together in peace. Not only that, some Iranians freely inter marry people from outside their own religion.
Therefore, the false narration of Shias against Sunnis spread by the Wahabi cult Arabs, (Wahabism is a cult outside the four Sunni denomination namely, Hanafi, Shafaie, Hanbali, and Maaleki. Wahabis reject the four Sunni denominations and despise Shia religion.) the West, and Israel is to deceive the public.
Noew, regardless of their religion and the state religion imposed upon them by the present rulers, Iranians are nationalists first. They take pride in their rich history, heritage, art, culture, and scientific achievements. The Persian Gulf Arabs with the exception of Iraq have nothing to offer to the world except Islam without roots. As a result, the desert Wahabi cult Arabs of the Persian Gulf are not only jealous of Iran's rich culture, art, history, etc., but also are determined to influence the US and Israel in order to destroy anything that is Iranian or Persian.
Therefore, the false narration of Shias against Sunnis spread by the Wahabi cult Arabs, (Wahabism is a cult outside the four Sunni denomination namely, Hanafi, Shafaie, Hanbali, and Maaleki. Wahabis reject the four Sunni denominations and despise Shia religion.) the West, and Israel is to deceive the public.
Noew, regardless of their religion and the state religion imposed upon them by the present rulers, Iranians are nationalists first. They take pride in their rich history, heritage, art, culture, and scientific achievements. The Persian Gulf Arabs with the exception of Iraq have nothing to offer to the world except Islam without roots. As a result, the desert Wahabi cult Arabs of the Persian Gulf are not only jealous of Iran's rich culture, art, history, etc., but also are determined to influence the US and Israel in order to destroy anything that is Iranian or Persian.
28
Dark Prince?
Tell that to the 18-20 Chinese agents killed when their cover was blown.
The CIA can not walk and chew gum at the same time.
Tell that to the 18-20 Chinese agents killed when their cover was blown.
The CIA can not walk and chew gum at the same time.
6
Is CIA responsible for China's despotism?
1
A reasonable fear is that this appointment will result in excesses, given the leadership or lack thereof indicated by the president's rhetoric. In fact, we should expect little moral or ethical leadership from the White House. If D’Andrea's reputation for recklessness is at all correct, that won't help. Such excesses could take the form of civilian deaths; over use of drones, which will turn people and nations against us; mindless anti-Muslim activity; and the like. We should also expect highly visible and dramatic failures and reversals. In Iran, for instance, the majority of the civilian population would prefer a friendlier relationship with the United States. At least, that was the case before Mr. Trump was elected. Finally there is even the worry that intelligence excesses could feed Mr. Trump's explicit fondness for unconstitutional and illegal domestic programs: e.g., muzzling or imprisoning the press and leakers; imprisoning political opponents; suppressing investigations; and removing government checks and balances. This administration clearly prefers lies and cover-ups, over transparency. That will only make things worse.
46
Always be suspicious of power mongers like Bannon and Trump starting fights to use as an excuse to grab more powers. Think Reichstag Fire.
6
We must clearly separate the Iranian people from the Illegitimate medieval Mullahs' terrorist regime occupying Iran today.
13
He was good for Obama but now he is no good for Trump?
9
Latest example of a testosterone driven decision and to hell with history, ours or Iran's. Another step in undercutting the agreement with Iran to limit their nuclear weapons development. Another move away from being an international leader cooperating diplomatically with other nations.
More drone strikes is truly a great way to win over the hearts and minds of those on the sidelines, just trying to avoid being killed or seeing their family killed. Muscular - sure. Smart. NO.
More drone strikes is truly a great way to win over the hearts and minds of those on the sidelines, just trying to avoid being killed or seeing their family killed. Muscular - sure. Smart. NO.
4
It’s very sad how far Trump is from the reality and truth. Saudi Arabia a barbaric regime, which enslaves women and funds global terrorists like Taliban and ISIS to fight the western values, is a great friend of America. For Trump has business in SA and Corporate America is milking Saudi Arabia by 100s of billions each year for selling advanced weapons, so they can bomb and kill innocent civilians in Yamen and other places. When was the last time America was invaded by Iran? As far as I remember most of 9/11 terrorists were Saudis, the radical and extremist Wahabi Sonnies that lead and finances global terror. Let’s honor the thousands of American lives lost in 9/11 and stop supporting the Saudi’s barbaric regime. Trump is planning a new big war like Bush did, a great mistake that cost thousands of American life’s and billions of taxpayers’ money. Trump should take care of the homeless American’s rather than invading another peaceful nation. We’ve severe poverty and social injustice in American, while we spend billions to invade and destroy other peaceful nations. A shortcut for robbing the American’s tax money by few corrupt billionaires. This has been the common practice in last two centuries, to distract American’s focus from huge national problems such as budget deficit, growing poverty and social injustice by invading weaker nations and selling a false pride to the sleepy innocent American’s by the dishonest media which is controlled by few corrupt billionaires.
11
In game theory, there are three types of players: givers, takers, and reciprocators. The givers work well until they encounter takers, who cheat them. Reciprocators can deal with both; if you give, they give. If you cheat, they don't cooperate with you anymore.
By casting America as a consistent giver, he justifies acting instead as a taker, which will cause all the reciprocators to shun us. Most of the governments in the world are reciprocators. We're going to end up isolated.
By casting America as a consistent giver, he justifies acting instead as a taker, which will cause all the reciprocators to shun us. Most of the governments in the world are reciprocators. We're going to end up isolated.
17
That is completely wrong. Trump is very much a reciprocator. You don't end up being as successful in business as he has been otherwise.
The officials spoke only on the condition of anonymity because Mr. D’Andrea remains undercover, as do many senior officials based at the agency’s headquarters in Langley, Va.
And the NYT names his as the CIA new Iran chief revealing his identity because it was "previously published" by NYT. Some news fit to print is best left unsaid for the sake of decorum and avoidance of impropriety.
And the NYT names his as the CIA new Iran chief revealing his identity because it was "previously published" by NYT. Some news fit to print is best left unsaid for the sake of decorum and avoidance of impropriety.
19
After the Palme fiasco I thought it was totally not proper to out a CIA agent?
5
Mr. Trump called Iran “the number one terror state”...
no one has ever explained to me why iran is the bad guy, or worse than saudi arabia, syria, egypt, iraq and even seemingly turkey these days. all have multiple skeletons in the closets, and probably even literally.
old generals and presidents always fight the last war, and 1979 was a long time ago. and ayatollahs are known for being dogmatic and theocratic, not rational and objective.
also, does the US really want to stick its hand into the 21st century version of the 30 years war?
on the other hand, we could focus on raqqa and kurdistan and try to rebuild a secular society in mesopotamia. maybe even iran (and iraq) can help.
p.s. tobacco is an addictive, unhealthy drug. just say no.
no one has ever explained to me why iran is the bad guy, or worse than saudi arabia, syria, egypt, iraq and even seemingly turkey these days. all have multiple skeletons in the closets, and probably even literally.
old generals and presidents always fight the last war, and 1979 was a long time ago. and ayatollahs are known for being dogmatic and theocratic, not rational and objective.
also, does the US really want to stick its hand into the 21st century version of the 30 years war?
on the other hand, we could focus on raqqa and kurdistan and try to rebuild a secular society in mesopotamia. maybe even iran (and iraq) can help.
p.s. tobacco is an addictive, unhealthy drug. just say no.
10
One of my friends, a former Green Beret and Iraq War veteran, said the morning after it was clear Trump would be our President, "Well, looks like we're going to war again." He was right.
14
He didn't know we were already at war?
1
The real question is: How many?
2
Ezra Cohen-Watnick wishes to use American spies to take down the Iranian government? Has he ever studied history? Has he ever taken the time to learn about how disastrous such efforts have been? It only merits a sentence in this article, but I personally find it extremely alarming - especially in light of his rank in the NSC. His is a terrible idea and would surely spell disaster for both Iran and the U.S.
11
There are different factions within Iran which we can use to pit the country against itself, ideally tearing the country apart.
This article should not have been published. The agent described is not a politician or public figure. He's doing his job. Don't like it? Then vote or don't vote for the politicians he works for. I think less of the NYTimes after reading this.
14
The only reason we are against Iran is because the Saudis tell us to be.
15
Plus, of course, Netanyahu also directs us to ha anti-Iran to provide continuing cover for the colonization project.
10
Plus the fact that they took over the US Embassy and held hostages for years. And the fact that they're hoping to nuke Israel and us, if possible.
3
Iran hostage crisis and "Death to America" mean anything to you? Dead Americans from Iranian EFPs? Yeah, they are like Shiite Canadians.
4
Having returned from Iran last year, I can confirm that the people of there like the people of the United States. They would be happy -- as we saw right after the election -- to have a western style life democracy (R.I.P.) and less repressive governance. Everywhere I went, across the country, great admiration for the U.S. was expressed; " we love America" is what I heard most often, from men and women, young and old. The clash exists only at the level of government and rulers.
12
That's wonderful that you indulged yourself in that country. Of course, your experience has nothing to do with real conflicts that exist between the West and Iran. Hilarious that liberals think a pleasurable visit bears any weight on a complex international conflict.
What do you mean by 'indulging?' Visiting a country one has never been to gives one the opportunity to find out more than what the headlines announce. Contrary Ian, I am merely reporting on the fact that 30-40 people a day came up to express their appreciation of the US. And their dissatisfaction with the ruling, clerical, elite. Iran has one of the most fascinating and ancient civilizations. Finding out more about unfamiliar cultures is not, to my mind, an indulgence: it's a fascinating journey. And why do you sound so very angry?
3
What I mean is your idea that a tourist trip to Iran makes you an authority on anything is absurd. Yes they are human beings, no they are not friendly or conducive to the West. Indulge on another trip and then appoint yourself ambassador.
1
This article says that Mr. D'Andrea is a "convert to Islam." What kind of Islam? This is a major flaw in the article, and if it is information that could not be discovered by the reporter, that fact should have been mentioned. It's time for a major news organization like the Times to stop using "Muslim" or "Islam" as though it were a single, easily understood label. At the very least, an attempt to determine Mr. D'Andrea's leanings towards Sunnis (majority in Saudi Arabia) vs. Shias (majority in Iran) is in order.
17
It's been obvious for a long time that the real power in the Republican Party and the White House isn't the base of the party but the people who write the checks. In this case it's primarily the same man who writes the checks for Netanyahu.
14
“The Iranians are professionals at cheating,” he said.
Pompeo said, “The Iranians are professionals at cheating,”.
So far, the US Congress and Trump administration have shown to the world that they are cheaters by imposing more illegal sanctions against Iran on false charges. He can lie as much as he wants to please the Wahabi cult Arabs, the creators and sponsors of the world terrorism, Israel, and the Israeli lobbies in the US, but the world will not believe him and /or yield to the US bullying.
Pompeo said, “The Iranians are professionals at cheating,”.
So far, the US Congress and Trump administration have shown to the world that they are cheaters by imposing more illegal sanctions against Iran on false charges. He can lie as much as he wants to please the Wahabi cult Arabs, the creators and sponsors of the world terrorism, Israel, and the Israeli lobbies in the US, but the world will not believe him and /or yield to the US bullying.
13
Dude sounds qualified.
5
The ultimate aim of this administration seems to be armed conflict or invasion of a country that has recently shown promising signs of becoming more moderate. Maybe the saber-rattlers should clean up our mess in Afghanistan and bring our troops home before engaging in what will likely become an all-out regional conflict in the ME.
10
You prefer a Commander in Chief who speaks softly while quietly ordering drone strikes? No saber rattling just stealth attacks and pussyfooting mix of sweet talk and questionable diplomacy.
This paper whined and yelled for people to go to prison when Valerie Plame's name was inadvertently released by Richard Armitage, so who goes to prison for this blatant disregard for national security
9
There is a big difference between uncovering an overseas undercover operative for personal spite (Cheney and company) and disclosing the name of a political appointive in Langley which is newsworthy because of a significant change of policy to the detriment of US interests.
4
The Gentleman mentioned is a professional not a politician. Further, the name of the game is to collect intelligence not subvert the governmet of Iran.
But the Post used a poor excuse for naming him.
But the Post used a poor excuse for naming him.
2
Seems like spite to me. Trump won the election. The "resistance" is now doing what it can to undermine him.
1
We will come to regret this policy. If I read the news correctly, there is a good chance that the next Leader of Iran will be chosen during Rohani's second term. The more we make it difficult for Rohani, the more likely they are going to select a hardliner and we will have to live with that. That is bad news not only for the Iranian people but all those that want an open Iran. We have a foreign policy that wants to shoot us in the foot so that we can please the Saudis and the Zionist.
16
Can someone please explain how/why Iran is considered by so many to be the "number one terror state"? I can't think of a single major terrorist attack in the past 20 years where Iran was implicated. Yes, Iran supports Hamas and Hezbollah, but last time I checked they they weren't responsible for any terrorist attacks beyond their neighborhood. When I think terrorism, I think Al Qaeda and and ISIS, both of which Iran is more likely to consider enemies than friends, based on the Shiite-Sunni split. So what's the story here? Are we ramping up for a war against a nation based on lies and misinformation? What are the real US motives here? How exactly is Iran a threat to the security of the United States? Are we just doing Saudi's bidding again?
28
The Palestinian issue, and the fact that Iran publicly states its intent to wipe Israel off the earth is more than a neighborhood problem.
2
whatever one's feelings about Iran or the CIA, the times' habit of revealing names and inner workings of a critical governmental agency is highly questionable. The job of protecting our country becomes much more difficult if the protectors are made more vulnerable.
11
Iran has the only remotely democratic government amongst the Muslim nations of the Middle East. If our leaders had any sense we would be trying to be at peace with Iran and cut relations with the barbaric government of Saudi Arabia (source of most of the 9/11 hijackers. Of course, Trump has financial interests in Saudi Arabia and they are buying billions of dollars in beautiful weapons from U.S. companies.
19
Remotely democratic. Explain how that should be considered positive. I don't see it.
1
I am thoroughly unconvinced as to the propriety of publishing this article. I assume its newsworthiness is grounded in the fact that D'Andrea's appointment is "the first major sign that the Trump administration is invoking the hard line the president took against Iran during the campaign." I would think that this thesis could be supported with facts and policies generated from without the CIA's inner workings, rather than identifying a particular undercover CIA agent and his newly assigned post spying on a global rival.
9
If the Times weren't doing away with the Public Editor, we might also hear more about how the decision to run this article in its present form was made.
12
We have now become the Saudi's lackeys. They want us to take care of their enemies, next will be Czar Putin's requests. Secret operations are another name for violating all the laws we held other regimes too. The one about following orders even if immoral, we tried Nazis for their immoral actions. Yes, we have terrible enemies within and outside our country. Iran wanted to join the world, we should be cautious of course. The Middle East is full of our enemies including the Saudis who are probably the worst of the lot, they can fund anyone at a drop of whim. So the cycle will not be broken that of funding CIA operations without any oversight. We are definitely benefiting from these operations, terrorist groups wanting to behead us and drug cartels on our southern border. Oh yeah, great strategy.
8
I've met young Iranians studying abroad. They are not hardliners. There is a generational shift in that country. Our leaders are insane if they think the best thing to do is antagonize a bunch of old men.
30
It is disingenuous and irresponsible to justify your release of this person's name because "his identity was previously published in news reports, and he is leading an important new administration initiative against Iran." The link to the previously published news report is to your own earlier article outing him! Releasing his name adds nothing to the reportage and possibly creates threats to his safety and the success of the new initiative you cite and therefore possibly undermine. Your smug belief in the sanctity of disclosure, despite the agency's request, is sordid.
13
A number of commentators here seem to forget that he was "Obama's man" before he was Trump's man.
5
The officials spoke only on the condition of anonymity because Mr. D’Andrea remains undercover,
Since this is openly being run today in the Times for all to see, this can only mean rather that he's still in bed. Certainly it can't mean what normally one would think of about CIA agents, because that would be stupid of the Times which we know is impossible. Only Trump does stupid stuff.
Since this is openly being run today in the Times for all to see, this can only mean rather that he's still in bed. Certainly it can't mean what normally one would think of about CIA agents, because that would be stupid of the Times which we know is impossible. Only Trump does stupid stuff.
7
Had to read it twice, OK, maybe three times, but now I get it. Well done.
Trump is still ,"wittingly or unwittingly",..........weakening,undermining,and compromising Americas intelligence services..........Flynn( likely Russian recruit) , access to top secret data,......Ezra Cohen-Watnick (an inexperienced 30 year old now a "senior intelligence adviser")....who tried help Trump by obtaining top secret documents for Nunes to deflect the Russia probe has a "wife" a Ms Miller,working for a lobbying firm,that planted pro-Russian propaganda in US media.......Strangely Ezra(with no experience in the field) is in charge of assigning ,special ops to veteran CIA and DoD agents. Jared Kushner has been caught trying to create back channels with Russia(requesting Russian security) and talking to Putins banker......during Trumps presidential campaign......Sessions,US attorney general,now stands accused of yet more "forgotten"Russian contacts after 'UNINTENTIONALLY" leaving out previous incidents from his security clearance form........which recused him from the Russian Connection investigation.
The incompetence of Trump and his suspect and misplaced security advisers........are eroding US values and security structure,which can lead to new catastrophic and neverending conflicts...........like Afganistan and Iraq.
The US needs a proper captain for the ship of state.....the current one is incompetent.
The incompetence of Trump and his suspect and misplaced security advisers........are eroding US values and security structure,which can lead to new catastrophic and neverending conflicts...........like Afganistan and Iraq.
The US needs a proper captain for the ship of state.....the current one is incompetent.
5
More "Muscular" ? But I thought amongst all we "woke" people, that diplomacy, negotiation, compromise & cooperation worked better than bellicosity, "toughness", machismo & intimidation.
Women have known this since Neanderthal days.
Are men that slow to learn ?
Mr. d'Andrea & Mr. Pompeo seem slow to learn.
"How to win friends & influence people" by being "surly" ?
Fear, torture & harassment as leadership tools are out-dated.
Women have known this since Neanderthal days.
Are men that slow to learn ?
Mr. d'Andrea & Mr. Pompeo seem slow to learn.
"How to win friends & influence people" by being "surly" ?
Fear, torture & harassment as leadership tools are out-dated.
8
This article should never have been written. There's a good chance you just signed this man's death warrant.
12
He's already been widely identified in the press and books on the war on terror for years. There was even an entire major character based on him in Zero Dark Thirty,
seen by millions and millions around the world (remember the senior CIA leader we meet doing Muslim prayers in his office?). His cover is already blown long ago and he doesn't work clandestinely abroad anymore because of it. So no new damage done here.
seen by millions and millions around the world (remember the senior CIA leader we meet doing Muslim prayers in his office?). His cover is already blown long ago and he doesn't work clandestinely abroad anymore because of it. So no new damage done here.
6
How many death warrants has this man signed and a lot of them were innocent. Every life is worth the same.
2
Hans writes, "This article should never have been written. There's a good chance you just signed this man's death warrant."
That is not correct. Did you read the article? It clearly states that they are including his name because it has already been published in other public news sources.
That is not correct. Did you read the article? It clearly states that they are including his name because it has already been published in other public news sources.
5
The Iranians hate us for overthrowing their democratically elected government in order to put the Shah on the throne. They overthrew this American puppet at great cost to themselves in lives. Provoking the the enmity of the Iranians with a "Dark Prince" who works at punishing them with drones is not the way to promote peace in the Middle East.
But I guess Trump is only interested in domination in Iran and this appointment shows that. They hate us so we fire more drones at them. Not a working solution.
But I guess Trump is only interested in domination in Iran and this appointment shows that. They hate us so we fire more drones at them. Not a working solution.
11
Intelligence gathering is one thing. Active attempts at subversion another. Which pattern does this appointment suggest?
The pattern of appointments and Executive Orders so far is clear: whatever common sense suggests, do the contrary. It all fits in with the Mercer-Bannon agenda: dismantle government and provoke war within Islam.
It becomes clearer all the time that Trump is the puppet of a few zany billionaires. Alone, he's unable to focus or grasp what's going on around him, can't count, can't read, can't tell if it's raining. Just tweet & avoid typos & add quotation marks to allow wiggle room (just in case events show things need to be "properly interpreted").
The pattern of appointments and Executive Orders so far is clear: whatever common sense suggests, do the contrary. It all fits in with the Mercer-Bannon agenda: dismantle government and provoke war within Islam.
It becomes clearer all the time that Trump is the puppet of a few zany billionaires. Alone, he's unable to focus or grasp what's going on around him, can't count, can't read, can't tell if it's raining. Just tweet & avoid typos & add quotation marks to allow wiggle room (just in case events show things need to be "properly interpreted").
14
"Dismantle government and provoke war within Islam."
___
That's a novel idea... HOW many hundreds of years have the many sects of Islam been at war with one another in the Middle East?
___
That's a novel idea... HOW many hundreds of years have the many sects of Islam been at war with one another in the Middle East?
2
I know why don't we get the guy who is the best at attacking Sunni extremists, who account for 94% of all terrorist attacks worldwide between 2110-2015, and have him go after Iran which is responsible for less than 5%. Maybe he can even figure out a way for the Shiites to stop helping us fight ISIS in Iraq! Another idiotic move by the most ignorant and ill prepared president in American history.
28
The highlighting of this figure's alias as the "Dark Prince" while the appointment - with his full name - to be a chief at an intelligence agency, which works clandestinely, seems downright silly.
7
In my experience, the CIA is very into drama and their officers appear to be devotees of James Bond. It doesn't help their image to have names like Dark Prince for a guy whose mame appears in the NYTimes.
3
"Mr. Trump called Iran “the number one terror state”..."
That's a ridiculous claim without any evidence. When bombs are going off right and left all over Europe by jihadists financed by Sunni Gulf States, to claim Iran is the number one terror state is utterly laughable lie the media doesn't bother to counter because it's Israel that wants the lie to take hold.
" ..and Mr. Trump has appointed to the National Security Council hawks eager to contain Iran and push regime change, the groundwork for which would most likely be laid through C.I.A. covert action."
Yeah, that groundwork Robert Ford laid in Syria for regime change worked out so well. Those who cooked up that operation have the blood of 400,000 Syrians on their hands. And anyone who thinks Iran is anything like Syria that we will cook up an uprising through Iranian Kurds or the Mojahedin is an utter fool.
That's a ridiculous claim without any evidence. When bombs are going off right and left all over Europe by jihadists financed by Sunni Gulf States, to claim Iran is the number one terror state is utterly laughable lie the media doesn't bother to counter because it's Israel that wants the lie to take hold.
" ..and Mr. Trump has appointed to the National Security Council hawks eager to contain Iran and push regime change, the groundwork for which would most likely be laid through C.I.A. covert action."
Yeah, that groundwork Robert Ford laid in Syria for regime change worked out so well. Those who cooked up that operation have the blood of 400,000 Syrians on their hands. And anyone who thinks Iran is anything like Syria that we will cook up an uprising through Iranian Kurds or the Mojahedin is an utter fool.
53
Yes!! We need another good war to distract the average american from the way the government is picking his or her pockets, and re-enslaving the working man.
19
It's completely clear, this administration is looking for a war. Iran is a possibility, maybe China, North-Korea or Europe. I really hope there are people who stand up against this administration. USA, the most dangerous country in the world. This president and it's angry alt-right man are completely crazy. And what I don't understand are the financial indices which keep going up. How is that possible, USA will be isolated more and more and this will have effect on the economy.
18
Mr D'Andrea is hardly a prince, he is a paid assassin. From the description, he sounds like a sociopath and probably would work for the mafia if he wasn't CIA.
This aside, Saddam Hussein used to be Sunny and we freed the Shiites from them, eventually creating Isis when the Sunny rebelled against losing power. Saudi Arabia is Sunny and gave birth to most of the perpetrators of 9/11 but somehow are now our best friends because there is money to be made.
Now, Iran has been chosen to be the big villain Trump needs to show his unwashed masses to keep them scared and dependent, and everybody happily goes along with this. Reminds me of the time Cheney invented the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Does any of this make any sense at all?
This aside, Saddam Hussein used to be Sunny and we freed the Shiites from them, eventually creating Isis when the Sunny rebelled against losing power. Saudi Arabia is Sunny and gave birth to most of the perpetrators of 9/11 but somehow are now our best friends because there is money to be made.
Now, Iran has been chosen to be the big villain Trump needs to show his unwashed masses to keep them scared and dependent, and everybody happily goes along with this. Reminds me of the time Cheney invented the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Does any of this make any sense at all?
19
Let's me get this, regime change in Iran, the only country in that part of the world that holds "democratic elections".
No surprise the U.S has been so wrong in the Middle east.
No surprise the U.S has been so wrong in the Middle east.
32
What are "democratic elections?" Certainly, Iran is far from democracy.
My memory is all those people with with green in the streets of Tehran and then the crack down. My memory is the stories of the abuse of the people who protested what they thought was a rigged election. And Obama did nothing. i was so ashamed of the USA. The Iranian people thought we would come and help and we didn't.
This article makes it increasingly likely that D'Andrea will be killed by Hezbulllah or Al Queda.
The US insists on looking at Iran thru Netanyahoo's prism.
Pres. Obama proved that that prism distorted reality greatly. That Trump quietly re-certified Iran's compliance with the treaty proves Pres. Obama to be right.
The US insists on looking at Iran thru Netanyahoo's prism.
Pres. Obama proved that that prism distorted reality greatly. That Trump quietly re-certified Iran's compliance with the treaty proves Pres. Obama to be right.
6
Oh dear, there goes the CIA meddling in Iranian affairs again. Can another coup be far behind?
12
Iran-Contra affair anyone?
5
Don't think it will be that easy this time around.
4
If history is any judge, nothing good will come out of this that's for sure!! This is not going to end well.
2
Congratulations, Iran. You are now the #1 designated enemy. A great distraction, in Donald's back pocket. To be used in case of pending impeachment. Beware.
24
We kick and scream about Russia meddling in our affairs and now designate someone to meddle in the affairs of Iran? The suffocating hubris.
39
And the meddling in various European ellections. Brexit by supporting Farrage, the support for the populist right wing parties in Europe and Trumps attempt to divide Europe. Pointing to the Russians is the easy way although I am sure there was support for Trump and there were contacts. I wonder if they are still happy with him.
What a boy's club to be giving stupid nicknames to people entrusted with prima facie important, serious jobs.
6
McMaster should be reminded that since the 1953 CIA/MI6 coup in Iran, the US, the UK, Israel, and their terrorist agent, MEK, have murdered hundreds of thousands of innocent Iranians including the shooting down of Iranian passenger plane by the US murdering nearly 300 people, helping Iraq with chemical weapons to murder thousands of Iranian soldiers and innocent civilians, and murdering of top Iranian civilian and military officials, and Iranian scientists.
Finally, exposing D'Andrea is a deliberate attempt in order to deceive the Iranians. It will not work.
Finally, exposing D'Andrea is a deliberate attempt in order to deceive the Iranians. It will not work.
13
The New York Times needs to publish a fuller, more persuasive justification for publishing the identity of a covert agent newly assigned to one of the most important U.S. intelligence assignments in the world. This is one scoop that should have been spiked, at least based on the justification included in the Times story. I say this as a retired foreign correspondent who admires the Times and dotes on its courageous coverage of the Trump administration.
13
This article, like its contents, seems poorly designed. It is right to question the actions of the CIA, especially given methods that have raised serious ethical questions over the past few administrations. However, I see no reason to publish names of active agents - ever. If it is fine to publish anonymous comments, then the subject of this article could also remain unnamed. Even if the Times were to leave out a name, painting a biographical picture makes it easier for others to put the pieces together. Why not stick to the methods and policies, and leave the agents out of it? In the words of Ice-T, "Don't hate the playa, hate the game." These players are appointed and placed in certain roles. If you want to report on the CIA's strategy, then stick to the decision makers who control the rules of the game.
6
Thank you! Well said.
Has the basis of America in the world of today reached a point where the existing structures of government and tradition prove unable to provide a future that can inspire Americans? What will become of teh "shining city on the hill", accomplished by the sacrifices of citizens for over 200 years? Thousands and thousands of Americans gave their lives over two centuries to preserve our liberty and freedom. We now see how a small number of misguided voters have provided the environment in which the greatest county on earth will regress into a money grubbing business empire. Shouldn't the improvement of the lives of Americans deserve more emphasis and be the first priority of our government? The economy, if it grows and improves American's lives is certainly important but to merely reduce business income taxes and allow businesses to have so-called religious belief priority over American lives is not the way. The Trump administration uses PR tricks to cloud perceptions and create an environment with so many crises that most Americans don't know what's really going on, don't understand where America is heading and what crisis tomorrow may bring. The framers ideals and actions that created this country has withstood many crises and American governments have responded intelligently to major problems and brought our country to preeminence in the world economically, militarily and more importantly, socially. What are we on the road to becoming today?
4
@Dick M,
The truth is what has inspired Americans over last two centuries is invading weaker nations, extrajudicial killings and distraction smaller and weaker nations worldwide. Evidence? Read the record of CIA and DoD operations, they toppled more than 100s of legitimate governments worldwide by innocent and sleepy American’s tax money.
"Thousands and thousands of Americans gave their lives over two centuries to preserve our liberty and freedom"
Please weak up! When was the last time that America was invaded by any foreign nation? All those thousands of American lives are given to promote American ideology, the Imperialism and Corporate America's interests, which is a failed system. If it's not failed why we have 1000+ of young homeless Americans in every city all over America? While we spend billions to invade and destroy other weaker nations. A shortcut and the best way of robbing the sleepy American’s tax money by a few retired Generals and billionaires.
I agree with the rest of your article. This has been the common practice in last two centuries, to distract American’s focus from huge national problems such as budget deficit, growing poverty, social injustice and other internal problems by beginning new wars on weaker nations by each administration and selling a false pride to sleepy American’s by the dishonest and fake media which is controlled by those few billionaires.
The truth is what has inspired Americans over last two centuries is invading weaker nations, extrajudicial killings and distraction smaller and weaker nations worldwide. Evidence? Read the record of CIA and DoD operations, they toppled more than 100s of legitimate governments worldwide by innocent and sleepy American’s tax money.
"Thousands and thousands of Americans gave their lives over two centuries to preserve our liberty and freedom"
Please weak up! When was the last time that America was invaded by any foreign nation? All those thousands of American lives are given to promote American ideology, the Imperialism and Corporate America's interests, which is a failed system. If it's not failed why we have 1000+ of young homeless Americans in every city all over America? While we spend billions to invade and destroy other weaker nations. A shortcut and the best way of robbing the sleepy American’s tax money by a few retired Generals and billionaires.
I agree with the rest of your article. This has been the common practice in last two centuries, to distract American’s focus from huge national problems such as budget deficit, growing poverty, social injustice and other internal problems by beginning new wars on weaker nations by each administration and selling a false pride to sleepy American’s by the dishonest and fake media which is controlled by those few billionaires.
1
Back to the cold war days, do they never learn, this are the times when Iranians are trying to fight for moderate Governments. If there is any Government that must be brought down it should be the Saudis closely followed by Israelis, they are the ones that have brought instability to the Middle East and the rest of the Muslim countries. Iranians have never participated in any terrorist plots in the West.
105
Right on!
Followed by the Egyptians, Baharainians, Omanis, Qataris, UAE, Yemenis and Jordanians.
Followed by the Egyptians, Baharainians, Omanis, Qataris, UAE, Yemenis and Jordanians.
3
"Brought instability to the Middle East"... if I remember my history correctly, there was a good bit of instability in that region before the US and Western Europe moved in and continued to make things worse....
2
What do you call the bombing of the Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires?If that was not terrorism in the West, not sure what is!
Well, well - The CIA using all sorts of 'covert' tactics to destabilize and overthrow the elected government of Iran. What could possibly go wrong? Hmm, history reminds us of the Shah of Iran, his fall and the result of that.
At a time when we are going nuclear fussing about interference in our 2016 elections (and that was 'only' cyber) we now have a testosterone fueled alpha male CIA agent starting on Iran.
There are too many wrongs with this picture to even contemplate.
The CIA should look at their history of rogue, covert operations and maybe stay at home for awhile. At a time when our diplomatic relationships are tanking and our national character is eroding, American involvement by CIA operatives will only make the world and especially the Middle East distrust and hate us even more.
At a time when we are going nuclear fussing about interference in our 2016 elections (and that was 'only' cyber) we now have a testosterone fueled alpha male CIA agent starting on Iran.
There are too many wrongs with this picture to even contemplate.
The CIA should look at their history of rogue, covert operations and maybe stay at home for awhile. At a time when our diplomatic relationships are tanking and our national character is eroding, American involvement by CIA operatives will only make the world and especially the Middle East distrust and hate us even more.
105
Ronnie Reagan's Iran-Contra scam was the immoral pinnacle of American hypocrisy with respect to Iran.
Followed by showering the Shah of Iran with American arms.
Followed by showering the Shah of Iran with American arms.
4
unfortunately Elizabeth, believe it or not, there are indeed evil people out there and I suspect that having CIA stay at home could have adverse consequences.
By the way, your biased phrase "testosterone fueled alpha male" suffers from, inter alia, the scientific falsehood that testosterone fuels aggression.
By the way, your biased phrase "testosterone fueled alpha male" suffers from, inter alia, the scientific falsehood that testosterone fuels aggression.
Unlike most Americans, the Iranian people know the role that America played in a coup against a democratic Iranian government, putting the royal tyrant Shah in power in Iran, supporting Saddam Hussein's Iraqi war against Iran, shooting down a civilian Iranian airplane, invading and occupying Iranian neighbors Afghanistan and Iraq and engaging in regime change cyber drone and murder war against Iran.
Shia Muslim Persian Iran is among the most implacable motivated foes of the Sunni Muslim Arab extremists in Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Arab states, Egypt, al Qaeda, ISIS and al Nusrah and their affiliates. Iran did not attack America on 9/11/01 nor any other time. Iran is a theocratic democracy with no nuclear weapons and no empire. Iran is among the most liberal secular Muslim nations when it comes to gender human rights. Iran is an ancient nation with an educated young population.
Saudi Arabia is a Sunni Muslim theocratic royal fossil fuel autocratic tyranny. Israel is a theocratic Zionist Jewish supremacist colonial apartheid Jim Crow state sponsor of terrorism with nuclear weapons. Israel is an immoral albatross as an American 'ally' whose military is useless in the Sunni/Shia Muslim Arab struggle. The Saudis and the Israelis are united in their ethnic sectarian opposition to Iran.
Only 20% of 1.6 billion Muslims are Arabs. The Sunni Muslim Turks and the Sunni Muslim Kurds are also motivated foes of the Sunni Muslim Arab extremists nations and organizations.
Shia Muslim Persian Iran is among the most implacable motivated foes of the Sunni Muslim Arab extremists in Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Arab states, Egypt, al Qaeda, ISIS and al Nusrah and their affiliates. Iran did not attack America on 9/11/01 nor any other time. Iran is a theocratic democracy with no nuclear weapons and no empire. Iran is among the most liberal secular Muslim nations when it comes to gender human rights. Iran is an ancient nation with an educated young population.
Saudi Arabia is a Sunni Muslim theocratic royal fossil fuel autocratic tyranny. Israel is a theocratic Zionist Jewish supremacist colonial apartheid Jim Crow state sponsor of terrorism with nuclear weapons. Israel is an immoral albatross as an American 'ally' whose military is useless in the Sunni/Shia Muslim Arab struggle. The Saudis and the Israelis are united in their ethnic sectarian opposition to Iran.
Only 20% of 1.6 billion Muslims are Arabs. The Sunni Muslim Turks and the Sunni Muslim Kurds are also motivated foes of the Sunni Muslim Arab extremists nations and organizations.
6
Mike sounds like a hard working guy with good track record. Let's hope that he is not partisan and has good judgment in managing Iran intelligence operations (to the benefit of American people, not Trump).
I love the Times, but this reporting is, frankly, a bit reckless for such an important newspaper. Twenty years ago publishing the identity of CIA's Iran chief would have been unthinkable. Discretion is sometimes necessary for our own security and the security of our intelligence officials. The fact that other newspapers have published similar information should not serve as a proxy for the Times to do so.
7
Mr. Pompeo, was among the fiercest congressional critics of the Iran deal. Two months before the election, He published an essay in Foreign Policy magazine titled, “Friends Don’t Let Friends Do Business With Iran.”
US and British intelligence agencies, on behalf of British Petroleum, orchestrated a violent coup d’ etat to successfully overthrow Iran’s democratically elected government and replaced it with The Shah. Then, with US backing for 40 years he persecuted his people and enriched himself. Yes, Iran was a Democracy before we helped our friend and contributed to a mess in the Middle East.
US Politicians, for decades, shoveled taxpayer money and military arms to middle east royal families to keep cheap oil flowing to the US and for them to play nice with Israel, despite their treatment of their people and Palestinians.
Elected Politicians did this while taking contributions of money and benefits from Arab rulers. And, they took contributions and benefits from Israel, and election funding and votes from supporters of Israel.
Since 2001, thousands of US military and innocent local lives have been taken in the Middle East and approximately $5 Trillion, and growing, of US debt incurred spying and fighting these wars.
Elected Politicians must be held responsible for their mismanagement, often for their benefit, that of their party and special interest contributors, and for the cost in lives, and for the debt they have put our country in!
http://usdebtforum.com
US and British intelligence agencies, on behalf of British Petroleum, orchestrated a violent coup d’ etat to successfully overthrow Iran’s democratically elected government and replaced it with The Shah. Then, with US backing for 40 years he persecuted his people and enriched himself. Yes, Iran was a Democracy before we helped our friend and contributed to a mess in the Middle East.
US Politicians, for decades, shoveled taxpayer money and military arms to middle east royal families to keep cheap oil flowing to the US and for them to play nice with Israel, despite their treatment of their people and Palestinians.
Elected Politicians did this while taking contributions of money and benefits from Arab rulers. And, they took contributions and benefits from Israel, and election funding and votes from supporters of Israel.
Since 2001, thousands of US military and innocent local lives have been taken in the Middle East and approximately $5 Trillion, and growing, of US debt incurred spying and fighting these wars.
Elected Politicians must be held responsible for their mismanagement, often for their benefit, that of their party and special interest contributors, and for the cost in lives, and for the debt they have put our country in!
http://usdebtforum.com
7
Our anti-Iranian program of 30 years has just dug us into deeper hole in the Middle East. We are essentially on the wrong side of this. And we are still digging.
9
The Post's article paints a much fuller and more negative picture of this guy:
1. Brutally insensitive to subordinates. Just one example, saying to one person in front of his peers "that's the worst [work product] I've ever read."
2. People skills so lacking he's been passed over for promotion to his dream job (Chief of overseas clandestine operations) several times.
3. Came up with theory that CIA should rely on a person's "patterns of behavior" in targeting drones rather proof so that person's presence at the target. Convinced superiors to adopt his theory. No wonder so many "mistakes" happen in our drone programs if this is the method they follow to target drones.
This man doesn't even belong at the CIA, let alone in such a sensitive position.
1. Brutally insensitive to subordinates. Just one example, saying to one person in front of his peers "that's the worst [work product] I've ever read."
2. People skills so lacking he's been passed over for promotion to his dream job (Chief of overseas clandestine operations) several times.
3. Came up with theory that CIA should rely on a person's "patterns of behavior" in targeting drones rather proof so that person's presence at the target. Convinced superiors to adopt his theory. No wonder so many "mistakes" happen in our drone programs if this is the method they follow to target drones.
This man doesn't even belong at the CIA, let alone in such a sensitive position.
10
I would be interested to hear the long term objectives that the US, i.e. the Trump administration is pursuing in Iran.
3
The false narrative of the US losing manufacturing jobs to other countries that pay lower wages, the belief that the Trump corporation is successful, the fictional spread of crime-ridden, decaying inner cities and now a supposedly dangerous Iranian government - just more evidence that Trump sees the world as though it was still 1978, not 2017. Twitter is the Pet Rock.
8
Mr. Trump, whatever happened to your "America First" policy? Regime change in Iran is NOT an American First policy. Seems like we are planning to again do the bidding of foreign nations at a severe cost to us. Please stop the madness.
97
This is Trump's policy by son-in-law. Because Iran is anti-Israel, and the Kushner family is very pro-Israel, there does not need to be any other reason for Trump to be anti-Iran. Oh, and don't forget his determination to discredit/damage/undo every single thing President Obama accomplished.
Just when Iran is on a reform path under the renewed mandate for the pro-West moderate Islamic leader President Hassan Rouhani, and holds great strategic potential to contribute to fulfilling the US interests in the Middle East, the Trump administration under its diplomatic myopia adopts a hostile and self-destructive course towards Iran by appointing a hard line CIA spy to unduly provoke Iran against the US. It seems another Iran-Contra like situation is in the making.
22
"Iran on a reform path"? The same radical theocrats are still in charge of running the country. The new president is simply a placeholder with no authority or power and is under the thumb of the Islamic rulers. To think otherwise is its ownl form of myopia. One question: how does one provoke a country whose leaders already cry "Death to America" on a daily basis?
1
This government is trying to discourage these slogans. This government is a reform minded government unlike that of the Saudis and the Israelis. If you want to bring change in the Middle East the 2 countries that need to be reformed are the Saudis and the Israelis. Also do not encourage dictators like that of Egypt, Turkey and Philippine.
2
So let me get this, we hired a known killer to go after the Iranians? Where have the CIA been successful after Chile's Allende? Yes, they have murdered millions around the globe, has been their only "success" in over 40 years.
And what makes you think the Iranians are not up to the task? They have a return address.
And what makes you think the Iranians are not up to the task? They have a return address.
20
"“The Iranians are professionals at cheating,” he said."
look in the mirror. we're the poster child of exceptionalism.
look in the mirror. we're the poster child of exceptionalism.
26
This is an obvious smokescreen. Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan individually export more terrorism and are more corrupt than Iran. We have supported over 35 dictators since the end of WW2 and have even covertly overthrown some that were democratically elected.
39
Yes, we supported Stalin, not democratically elected, but we did not support Hitler who was democratically elected. Now, if being "democratically elected" is your standard then may i ask do you support Trump? Just answer "yes" or "no". Thank you.
Just out of curiosity... Do YOU support overthrowing democratically elected governments. Just answer yes or no. By the way, Hitler seized power after eliminating remaining democratic institutions in Germany. Read up on your history.
3
He was appointed Chancellor by the German President. That is the fact. Their embryonic democracy had no centers of institutional power to blunt a strong Executive system. Their history is so completely unlike ours, in the sense of representative government, that any HennyPenny flailing and attempts at similarities fail not only the smell test, but the stupid test as well. Indeed, read up on your history.
1
We snuggle up to the Saudis, whose fanaticism bred the 9/11 terrorists, but we continue to go after Iran? What's up with that? Couldn't be because Iran shakes it's fist at our buddy Israel, could it? Couldn't be because the Trump family has no businesses in Iran that could be threatened, could it? For 16 years, the US has given the Saudis a pass and not demanded accountability for 9/11, even going so far as attampting to stop 9/11 families from suing the Saudi government for their complicity. But, Iran is the enemy. Ok.
49
Could it possibly be due to their support of that little JV team called ISIS?
Saudi Arabia and Netanyahu are the problem in the Middle East not Iran. We've been on the wrong side of this region forever.
187
Absolutely right.
Regime change in Iran by the CIA? What could be more of a counter-productive fantasy just as the moderates are gaining ground through the only democratic elections in the region? The CIA did it once with Mossedegh and it was a disaster that led directly to Khomeni, from whom we are only now beginning to recover. Why are the Republicans so wedded to the ideology of permanent war?
177
Robert, it is good business for the industrial military corporations that make billion of dollars from the wars and help to fund the reelection of the GOP in Washington. A vicious cycle which is not going to stop anytime soon.
3
Arms sales, I would think.
3
Cold hard cash.
Trump "has appointed to the National Security Council hawks eager to contain Iran and push regime change, the groundwork for which would most likely be laid through C.I.A. covert action" under the authority of Michael D'Andrea, an Islam convert.
The CIA was behind the notorious 1953 coup against Iran's democratically elected prime minister Mohammad Mosaddeq. It didn't admit its involvement until 2013, when declassified documents described in detail how US – with British help – engineered the coup. Now Trump has another plot up his sleeve - "to use American spies to help oust the Iranian government."
Although Iran has been governed by a highly conservative clerical elite since 1979, it appears to be entering another era of political and social transformation with the victory of the liberals in parliamentary elections in recent years, most notably the re-election of Hassan Rouhani four weeks ago. Depite repression and human rights violation, Iranians go to the polls and elect their leaders, and activists defy authorities and demand more freedom. We don't see that elsewhere in the Sunni Arab world.
No doubt the theocracy in Iran is obsolete, and is seen as a thorn in the Saudis' side. But please let Iranians - especially the youth - pave their way to democracy, without Trump's clandestine meddling.
The CIA was behind the notorious 1953 coup against Iran's democratically elected prime minister Mohammad Mosaddeq. It didn't admit its involvement until 2013, when declassified documents described in detail how US – with British help – engineered the coup. Now Trump has another plot up his sleeve - "to use American spies to help oust the Iranian government."
Although Iran has been governed by a highly conservative clerical elite since 1979, it appears to be entering another era of political and social transformation with the victory of the liberals in parliamentary elections in recent years, most notably the re-election of Hassan Rouhani four weeks ago. Depite repression and human rights violation, Iranians go to the polls and elect their leaders, and activists defy authorities and demand more freedom. We don't see that elsewhere in the Sunni Arab world.
No doubt the theocracy in Iran is obsolete, and is seen as a thorn in the Saudis' side. But please let Iranians - especially the youth - pave their way to democracy, without Trump's clandestine meddling.
51
Trump's actions against Iran rely on a Muslim, and a convert at that. Said convert Muslim married an immigrant Muslim.
This does seem to contradict every assumption on which Trump has relied, about Muslims and immigration too.
This does seem to contradict every assumption on which Trump has relied, about Muslims and immigration too.
24
Or it supports that Trump is not, per se, against immigration. I'm sure Mr. D'Andrea is not the only government official who is Muslim or who is married to someone who is Muslim. I think you're reading too much into the appointment.
This is such an odd piece. The man who oversaw the hunt for Bin Laden? I thought this was going to be something about Obama's role in international affairs, and the changes happening under the Trump administration. "Look, this is another Obama person Trump is keeping on, because in the past he has gotten the job done? Hopefully Trump won't try to suborn this one the way he did Comey?"
Instead, we get some uninformed, juvenile swipes at Iran, a country whose people just elected a moderate reformer to head their government, rather that the hard right, mildly psychotic Holocaust denier supported by the religious rulers. Why has this article, talking about the US government bringing down the Iranian government, been published at all? It just reads as poorly edited misinformation serving as a distraction from the disastrous decisions Mr. Trump is making regarding the future of the world.
What was the editorial board thinking?
Instead, we get some uninformed, juvenile swipes at Iran, a country whose people just elected a moderate reformer to head their government, rather that the hard right, mildly psychotic Holocaust denier supported by the religious rulers. Why has this article, talking about the US government bringing down the Iranian government, been published at all? It just reads as poorly edited misinformation serving as a distraction from the disastrous decisions Mr. Trump is making regarding the future of the world.
What was the editorial board thinking?
19
Forty year fan and follower of the NYT and understand the need today, more than ever, to get the TRUTH/facts out. But, publishing this agent's name is unnecessary to the article and could potentially be hurtful/harmful.
Rethink this policy please.
Rethink this policy please.
Objective #1: Forge Iran. Bring Snowden, Assange and Manning to justice, one way of another.
Objective #2: Save the USA from the traitors part of the new moles in the White House, beginning with Trump, Kushner, Flynn, etc... (don't forget Roger Stone, Manafort and Bannon)
Save the USA, not from Iran, but from the traitors within!
Objective #2: Save the USA from the traitors part of the new moles in the White House, beginning with Trump, Kushner, Flynn, etc... (don't forget Roger Stone, Manafort and Bannon)
Save the USA, not from Iran, but from the traitors within!
27
Someone might think that publishing this article constitutes an breach of secrecy and an act of a traitor. . The man's name was mentioned in other news media? But not, I think, his appointment to this position. I can't really see, as a former journalist, how the NYTimes can justify this "outing". They might as well paint a target on his back.
1
Manning has already paid. Please try to keep up.
1
"Working with the Israelis, the C.I.A. used a car bomb kill to Mr. Mugniyah as he walked home in Damascus"
In other words, Mr. D'Andrea is known to have ordered deadly terror attacks on foreign soil, as well as having participated in torture and other crimes against humanity. But the Iranians (who are emphatically NOT supporting ISIS and Al Qaeda terrorism) are the bad guys.
In other words, Mr. D'Andrea is known to have ordered deadly terror attacks on foreign soil, as well as having participated in torture and other crimes against humanity. But the Iranians (who are emphatically NOT supporting ISIS and Al Qaeda terrorism) are the bad guys.
80
Oh, and then there were those recently held elections in which the people re-elected a moderate.
2
Someone has to do the spadework for our next major war.
13
But will it be Iran, or North Korea, or China, or Ukraine/Russia? We are preparing so many wars.
9
As a sane person, I would hope it will be NK and iran at the same time, so we can begin removing the cancerous regimes of vermin off the face of the earth. Removing them would stabilize the mideast and SE asia almost overnight.
Can we choose more than one? I thought we were on the unlimited plan now.
3
The Grifter is a loud mouth: he delegated his get tough position of North Korea to China and now who will he nominate to handle Iran? He is a chump!
10
This article is proof positive that the NYT hates Trump more than it cares about America or American military, intelligence officer's, etc. I'm surprised that they didn't publish D'Andrea's address, the name of his children and his car license plate as well.
10
It doesn't even seem like a paper owned by a US citizen anymore.
I would like to share a different view of the Iranian issue that I just happened to read yesterday by Paul Pillar, formerly with the CIA. I hope Mr. Pillar will not mind. It is helpful to get a different perspective.
http://nationalinterest.org/blog/paul-pillar/costs-the-clenched-fist-20824
http://nationalinterest.org/blog/paul-pillar/costs-the-clenched-fist-20824
6
Iran, despite Donald Trump's speech in Saudi Arabia, is the other center of Islam. They are waging a literal holy war with their Sunni opponents. Unlike the Sunni Gulf States, Iran is somewhere along the path to modernity, including having some democratic institutions and some degree of personal freedom, especially for women. But when we pursue our agenda in their part of the world, the Middle East, and when we are support their Sunni enemies, they no doubt target us. Unlike our so-called friends the Saudis, they haven't - yet - exported their form of Islamist terrorism to directly attack the West.
Because of the Iranian hostage crisis, a lot of Americans think that Iran is our mortal enemy. Then again, most Americans have no understanding of our efforts to control Iran or knowledge of the devastation that our puppet the Shah brought to the people of Iran, our support of the despot Saddam Hussein in the Iran-Iraq war and our more recent anti-Iran efforts.They have a lot to hate us for, but by the accounts that I have read, a large part of their population does not. But they are a nuclear state and have recognized that they will not be safe in their world without nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them. That is a threat to our Israeli and Sunni allies.
Israel and Saudi Arabia want us to make Iran our mortal enemy. If so, the resulting conflict, even before they develop nuclear weapons, will make out previous adventures in the Middle East look like child's play.
Because of the Iranian hostage crisis, a lot of Americans think that Iran is our mortal enemy. Then again, most Americans have no understanding of our efforts to control Iran or knowledge of the devastation that our puppet the Shah brought to the people of Iran, our support of the despot Saddam Hussein in the Iran-Iraq war and our more recent anti-Iran efforts.They have a lot to hate us for, but by the accounts that I have read, a large part of their population does not. But they are a nuclear state and have recognized that they will not be safe in their world without nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them. That is a threat to our Israeli and Sunni allies.
Israel and Saudi Arabia want us to make Iran our mortal enemy. If so, the resulting conflict, even before they develop nuclear weapons, will make out previous adventures in the Middle East look like child's play.
23
They have elections in Iran. There are synagogues in Tehran. And while their electoral process is burdened by structures that undernine the one man/woman-one-vote ideal, we have the Electorial College and United States Senate.
So, if the CIA is talking about government change outside of their electoral process what are they saying? Are they going to disinter the Shaw? That surely served us well.
Unlike the Shaws, Kings and Emirs that we favor, the Ayatollahs recognize the cohesive value of giving their country's great unwashed the political means of having their voices heard and accounted for. It is a fools folly to think there is profit in a policy that seeks to use the internally unpopular Gulf Arab Potentates as allies of Israel in a campaign to marginalize Iran.
This is the same type of insight into the Islamic world that thinks the Palestinian conflict will alas be settled by a 30 something years-old Orthodox Jewish American who believes the metes and bounds of a final settlement are found in the Book of Exodous!
So, if the CIA is talking about government change outside of their electoral process what are they saying? Are they going to disinter the Shaw? That surely served us well.
Unlike the Shaws, Kings and Emirs that we favor, the Ayatollahs recognize the cohesive value of giving their country's great unwashed the political means of having their voices heard and accounted for. It is a fools folly to think there is profit in a policy that seeks to use the internally unpopular Gulf Arab Potentates as allies of Israel in a campaign to marginalize Iran.
This is the same type of insight into the Islamic world that thinks the Palestinian conflict will alas be settled by a 30 something years-old Orthodox Jewish American who believes the metes and bounds of a final settlement are found in the Book of Exodous!
18
Iran just elected a moderate president and rejected the hard liner. Why radicalize them now?
42
Because they are de-radicalizing, and we don't really want that. We have other priorities, which are served by confronting Iran no matter what it does.
12
This is unbelievable. Has the administration no sense of history at all? I guess not... the last time the CIA got involved with changing the government in Iran and engineered the coup against Iran's democratically elected prime minister Mohammad Mosaddeq in 1953, it set in motion the disastrous chain of events that led to Ayatollah Khomeini. This administration, with our inept and ignorant president, will likely trigger a nuclear war. But this is, I am sure, the cover Trump is looking for to evade the investigations that are closing in on him at home.
19
Unbelievable that the NYC would publish the name of a top CIA official who from what I can tell was only previously published by the nyt... incredibly irresponsible and reckless... shameful
10
The involvement of the less than competent Ezra Cohen-Watnick has all he ingredients of a sit-com.
2
Great article! Please publish more articles like this and less opinion pieces about Trump ;)
4
What purpose was served by including the name of the CIA operative in this piece? Although I understand the value of announcing the appointment of someone with his bona fixes to the Iran desk, much of the personal detail seems unnecessary to the goal of the story. By including the person's name, the NYT is encouraging other media to behave in the same way just to. get a scoop. I would have thought that the uproar over the Times' coverage of the Manchester bombing would have led the Times to be more. thoughtful about what needs to be included in it such coverage.
Please remind me how many of the 9/11 terrorists were from Iran and how many from Saudi Arabia...
Great stupidity is what happens when you are on covfefe for too long
Great stupidity is what happens when you are on covfefe for too long
15
Spot on. I was just about to contribute this thought myself. Iran has a centuries-old rich history and culture, and a young, well-educated, and forward-looking voting bloc. And Saudi??....One can only hope that the rest of she world does not judge the majority of our own population by our "elected" head of state.
2
To all those who have commented negatively about the appointment of Mr. D’Andrea to lead the CIA’s Iran operation, I suggest that they go live in Iran for a while, see if they like living in a medieval theocracy. Thank you.
5
Yes, you should get out more often. Get out of Tennessee. The world awaits to give you an open mind.
4
It would be easier and more accurate to check it out in our ally Saudi Arabia.
5
Lack of transparency, misinformation, dubious alliances, dismantling of the social net, misogyny, racism, inflating the military at the expenses of health coverage and education, radicalization of the judiciary, etc. Who needs to go live in Iran when you can find all of this in the US?
3
This chapter has just begun, I don't think Iran is overtly worried , the complications are huge and upping the ante might break EU away from US radically. EU is not weak, befriend Russia , Iran , India and China as buisness-
partners and the world is split in a new way. The Sunni Arabs are a dead end,
The President wants to give US-Russia a chance , Erdogan is in the middle but weak, pipelines , oil and gasfields are going in all directions. The clear winner right now is China, but who knows, next week the Pakistanis might get eyeballed and Sunnis could be flushed down the toilet! Everyday is interesting right now, very entertaining.
partners and the world is split in a new way. The Sunni Arabs are a dead end,
The President wants to give US-Russia a chance , Erdogan is in the middle but weak, pipelines , oil and gasfields are going in all directions. The clear winner right now is China, but who knows, next week the Pakistanis might get eyeballed and Sunnis could be flushed down the toilet! Everyday is interesting right now, very entertaining.
1
Excellent, the more the world stands up to the cancerous terror state of iran, the better for the world.
How do I know? The thousands in their gulag prison system, the millions of mass slaughtered and ethnically cleansed syrians, the thousands of murdered Lebanese, the thousands more dead iraqis, the thousands of maimed/dead Israelis, and the thousands of maimed and dead US soldiers due to iranian terrorism have all told me so. That doesn't even mention its illegal nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles programs.
No doubt, the far left/anti-america crowd will whine "oh my goodness, what about what about what about...the saudis!"
The saudis are ants compared to the gigantic elephant that is iran in terms of terrorism inflicted on other countries in the region. There will NEVER be peace in the mideast as long as the current fascist regime of thugs and murderers that is iran exists, and seeing that the US will FINALLY have some mature adults who will deal with them as they should - unlike the pathetic obama administration - is a welcome sign indeed for most of those living in the region.
How do I know? The thousands in their gulag prison system, the millions of mass slaughtered and ethnically cleansed syrians, the thousands of murdered Lebanese, the thousands more dead iraqis, the thousands of maimed/dead Israelis, and the thousands of maimed and dead US soldiers due to iranian terrorism have all told me so. That doesn't even mention its illegal nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles programs.
No doubt, the far left/anti-america crowd will whine "oh my goodness, what about what about what about...the saudis!"
The saudis are ants compared to the gigantic elephant that is iran in terms of terrorism inflicted on other countries in the region. There will NEVER be peace in the mideast as long as the current fascist regime of thugs and murderers that is iran exists, and seeing that the US will FINALLY have some mature adults who will deal with them as they should - unlike the pathetic obama administration - is a welcome sign indeed for most of those living in the region.
4
I'm sure you and your children will be the first to sign up to go overseas and "deal with them".
2
It was almost entirely Saudis behind the WTC/Pentagon attacks, which in turn led to the US intervening in Iraq and Afghanistan. That intervention got us tithe current mess throughout the Mid-East, but now we have ISIS, Al Queda, and Russians propping up the murderous thug in Syria. I'm sure you'll also recall that it was the usual right-wing nuts who led us down that path of death, waste and destruction. But, somehow, you'd have us believe the eternal party of war and profit has finally identified the true path to peace in the Middle East?
I'm rather dubious.
I'm rather dubious.
1
bob rivers, very well said it is all true all the facts on the ground about the illegitimate regime of medieval Mullahs occupying Iran.
1
Mr. D'Andrea sounds like an effective operator who will ruthlessly protect American interests. I wish him much success in his new role.
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Opposition shmoposition. I can't oppose putting someone called the Dark Prince in charge of CIA in Iran.
1
If history is an indication, the CIA got us into trouble precisely when it exercised its muscle: Iran, Chile, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Iraq. The big stick may work for the moment, but it leaves permanent scars.
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Too often it has not even worked in the moment. Castro was never assassinated, and the Bay of Pigs was a disaster. Laos was a CIA operation, and nothing good came of that vast killing.
More recently, US efforts in Venezuela only made a bad situation worse with attempted coups giving substance to foreign devil explanations, and the US backed removal of the President of Honduras has produced widespread chaos and murder.
In fact, your correct list of sorry exploits was the CIA at its best, and it has done a lot worse.
More recently, US efforts in Venezuela only made a bad situation worse with attempted coups giving substance to foreign devil explanations, and the US backed removal of the President of Honduras has produced widespread chaos and murder.
In fact, your correct list of sorry exploits was the CIA at its best, and it has done a lot worse.
6
Let's not forget the CIA's staging of a coup in Iran in the 1950s.
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Your comment remand me the title of the history of the CIA by Tim Weiner: "Legacy of Ashes".
Wha? If this Administration is pulling out of its global leadership role by leaving the Paris accord, then what in the world is Don the Con thinking when he loads up spy agencies, spending money on stuff like the Dark Prince, when Trump is supposed to be only focused on taking care of America First. Why the concern over what happens in Iran? Let some other county (China?) spend the money to do that. For that matter, close the CIA. The coal miners can use the cash since it is very unlikely that the decades old declining coal industry will not rebound to really help anyone...
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Trump policy is no deal with Iran is possible so let them build nukes and we will bomb them.
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That gives Trump's ideas too much credit for manning up to the consequences of decisions. It is more in the realm of wishful thinking and fantasy.
Is the Times trying to help Trump prepare the way for war with Iran the way you printed false stories to help prepare the way for the war in Iraq? This irresponsible article reads more like an outline for a cloak and dagger movie script than serious journalism. You make it seem like the CIA and NSC staff are a bunch of crazy people out for killing and war--with or without reason--and like that's okay. You note without context that Ezra Cohen-Watnick is NSC senior director for intelligence and wants to use CIA to "oust the Iranian government," but fail to point out that he was brought into the White House by the disgraced Gen. Flynn, has been involved with misuse of classified documents, and has his job over the objections of NSA McMasters. If, as this article implies, the Trump administration is preparing to commit acts that may lead to war with Iran, then maybe that is the story you need to report on, not the disposition and sleeping habits of a CIA spook.
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Setting up a spy system in Iran is one thing, and likely quite beneficial. Playing the "regime change" game is another, and historically leads to foolishness at best, and putting people into positions of power who turn around and lop your head off (or orchestrate a few planes crashing into buildings) often leads to worse scenarios.
Wise would be the slow withdrawal from most all of the 'Middle East,' leaving networks of communication, legitimate and otherwise, but visible removal of US presence. We are but a thorn in many an eye, and justification enough for their "freedom fighting" (jihad, or whatever term one wishes to use).
Wise would be the slow withdrawal from most all of the 'Middle East,' leaving networks of communication, legitimate and otherwise, but visible removal of US presence. We are but a thorn in many an eye, and justification enough for their "freedom fighting" (jihad, or whatever term one wishes to use).
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I wish him well. It's a tough job and he seems equipped to do it
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So we're now living in a comic book world? The "Dark Prince?" Unfortunately these people do not have super powers and this is not funny.
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It seems wrong for the NYT to publish his name even if other sources did so previously it.
I like that Trump is getting tough with Iran. Trump should take to the airwaves, twitter, the internet and other media to encourage the people of Iran to overthrow their unelected, illegitimate, Twelver, religious fanatic rulers, the guys in their little costumes and 6th century headgear who surreptitiously seek to acquire nuclear capability and oppress women and gays.
Iran's delusional rulers are waiting for some mythical 12th imam named Al Mahdi to show up. They preach that Al will show up with Jesus to redeem mankind.
Their president even said as much at the UN. (Skip to close to the end.)
http://www.thetruthseeker.co.uk/?p=57189
Destroying Israel, with whom they have no border or other natural conflict, is part of their plan. They have said so openly and unambiguously.
How do you peacefully deal with this type of insanity except to encourage its overthrow?
Iran's delusional rulers are waiting for some mythical 12th imam named Al Mahdi to show up. They preach that Al will show up with Jesus to redeem mankind.
Their president even said as much at the UN. (Skip to close to the end.)
http://www.thetruthseeker.co.uk/?p=57189
Destroying Israel, with whom they have no border or other natural conflict, is part of their plan. They have said so openly and unambiguously.
How do you peacefully deal with this type of insanity except to encourage its overthrow?
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What can be accomplished by "getting tough?" Seems like fluffing the base at home.
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"encourage the people of Iran to overthrow their unelected, illegitimate, Twelver, religious fanatic rulers"
They just had an election, in which the moderates won. The response to that from our side has the reek of the fanatic.
They just had an election, in which the moderates won. The response to that from our side has the reek of the fanatic.
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We have delusional leaders who think Jesus is going to show up, too, but they don't buy the part about Al Mahdi. I'm not sure that difference is cause for celebration.
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It's very doubtful that the CIA has ever stopped using these so-called tactics.
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They did not have to re-establish the group. They just appointed a new head.
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Wait...So...
He isn't going to give them billions in US cash to continue their covert nuclear program?
He isn't going to give them billions in US cash to continue their covert nuclear program?
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Ah yes, the famous CIA covert programs of killing innocent civilians in foreign countries while making us less safer- by giving the terrorists endless propaganda and increasing recruitment. It is a success in keeping the coffers of the CIA filled.
Iran may be on a path towards modernization- we'll never know with this President.
Iran may be on a path towards modernization- we'll never know with this President.
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As a Obama supporter it is incumbent upon me to acknowledge that Obama used drones to achieve the same killing of civilians. I opposed that policy.
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Obama was captured by the hawks inside his Administration, in this instance. It is not one of his better moments, but it was a long 8 years.
2
Americans need to WAKE up and recognize when their government is out of control and trying to start a war with another country over bogus reasons.
Our government has ulterior motives.
Ask yourself, why do we have no problem with Saudi Arabia but we have a problem with Iran?
Perhaps it's because we have no business with Iran, which takes their resources on mostly our terms?
Wake up Americans. Stop letting our government kill people because they won't hand over their resources.
Our government has ulterior motives.
Ask yourself, why do we have no problem with Saudi Arabia but we have a problem with Iran?
Perhaps it's because we have no business with Iran, which takes their resources on mostly our terms?
Wake up Americans. Stop letting our government kill people because they won't hand over their resources.
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Missing the broad side of the barn here. Iraqi oil could be "handed over" if we so desired, but we do not need it and they need the cash to power their graft. In a few weeks Venezuela, with the highest level of proven recoverable crude in the world, will be begging Big Oil to rescue their economy - only if it's cheaper than our own domestic, unfettered and without insured transport costs sources - but they won't be interested for a while. Iranian oil? Why should we care? Their biggest customers are our allies, and without them they have no market in a world awash in a plethora of sources with ever-advancing extractive technologies. No, our only interest in their fields is sabotage; we sell to Europe and Japan too y'know.
Instead of a hardline approach to Saudis who are responsible for 9/11, once again a GOP president is tackling the wrong country which is fighting ISIS. Cheney must love him.
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The Persians in their current form are enemies. They speak like enemies, they treat with North Korea and they act like enemies. The sooner we burst their hegemonist bubble the better. We can control the Arabs; they're greedy, transactional, irreligious despite the rhetoric and can be either paid off or bumped off. The Persians are a different duck and need to be dealt with shrewdly and with extreme, decisive measures. The Israelis know this and they are the experts. This hire is very well acquainted with them.
6
We have also done our level best to drive them to those "friends" and to alienate them from us. If we wanted a different outcome, we had a strange way of showing it.
4
The company operates in the realities the politicians create. Under LBJ, RMN, GRF, JEC, RWR, George 1, WJC, George 2, BHO and up to the present, it's the same standing orders only the tone varies. Methods come and go, but the salubrious ones always remain in the tool kit. Inevitably the company is asked to renew acquaintences with old norms.
Inman Don't ever equate the people of Iran (Persians) to the Mullahs' terrorist regime in Iran.
2
Did our Founding Fathers really plan on our federal government being run by ideologues from the least populated and backward states in the country - Pompeo, Pruitt, Grassley, Chaffetz, etc.? They worked in that 3/5ths of a person rule and enabled southern aristocrats like Madison, Jefferson, Monroe to get elected but at least they were well-read and informed. So now we have these crazies and their twitter commander-in-chief and they are all about making Christianity the national religion, returning to fossil fuels as the new job creator, and, let's face it, finding some way to reduce Iran to an agrarian society with Tel Aviv and Riyadh in control of their future.
17
The U.S. putting all its chips on the wrong side -- again.
40
So the US administers a coup in Iran, bit the Iranians are cheats? How very convenient! So much for exceptionalism.
7
CIA doesn't make policy, it executes it. But based on the record of the last dozen years it's beginning to look otherwise.
The media is full of descriptions about Iran like 'contain' or 'halt their ambitions.' Yet nothing is said about our ambitions. The policy advocates from the neocon camp called for 'regime change' in seven Middle East states, Iran being one of them. In other words our official policy was to wage war, covertly or overtly to unseat heads of state--and then what?
The the now failed state of post occupation Iraq is a perfect example of this 'and then what' policy. Libya, the source for the Manchester bomber is another failed state. Syria another target is on the verge of becoming one as it slowly falls apart due in part to the Salafist onslaught funded by our Wahhabist 'ally' Saudi Arabia.
Iran's influence in the region was quite limited to defending Shia in Lebanon and Syria from Saudi Arabia's war of religious domination. But with the collapse of Iraq failed US policy, not Iranian ambition have changed those dynamics.
American presidents since Bill Clinton seem captured by some strange force and unable to see the folly in these policies of regime change. They have failed even on their own terms.
Rather than a 'hard line' the CIA should be providing honest intelligence that demonstrates that policies of disruption and disorder in the region at some point come home to haunt us. The victims of 9/11 know this, so why don't our leaders?
The media is full of descriptions about Iran like 'contain' or 'halt their ambitions.' Yet nothing is said about our ambitions. The policy advocates from the neocon camp called for 'regime change' in seven Middle East states, Iran being one of them. In other words our official policy was to wage war, covertly or overtly to unseat heads of state--and then what?
The the now failed state of post occupation Iraq is a perfect example of this 'and then what' policy. Libya, the source for the Manchester bomber is another failed state. Syria another target is on the verge of becoming one as it slowly falls apart due in part to the Salafist onslaught funded by our Wahhabist 'ally' Saudi Arabia.
Iran's influence in the region was quite limited to defending Shia in Lebanon and Syria from Saudi Arabia's war of religious domination. But with the collapse of Iraq failed US policy, not Iranian ambition have changed those dynamics.
American presidents since Bill Clinton seem captured by some strange force and unable to see the folly in these policies of regime change. They have failed even on their own terms.
Rather than a 'hard line' the CIA should be providing honest intelligence that demonstrates that policies of disruption and disorder in the region at some point come home to haunt us. The victims of 9/11 know this, so why don't our leaders?
14
The US has been harmed by more terrorist from the Sunni side than the Shia side. Iran is mostly Shia. BZ
15
95 pct. of all terrorist attacks in the West over the last 20 years have been linked to Saudi Arabia and the Wahabbi supported (Sunni) Taliban and ISIS.
None have been connected back to (Shiite) Iran. Of course SA and Iran have no love for each other but certainly Tehran is modernizing as quickly as most cities in the Middle East.
And of course Trump supports SA. They have the money he needs. This is a very big mistake.
None have been connected back to (Shiite) Iran. Of course SA and Iran have no love for each other but certainly Tehran is modernizing as quickly as most cities in the Middle East.
And of course Trump supports SA. They have the money he needs. This is a very big mistake.
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Actually, about 95% of the terrorism inflicted on US allies in the mideast has been traced to iran, like its use of terrorist proxies to de-stabilize entire countries like syria, lebanon, iraq, yemen, bahrain...which does not include the thousands of maimed/killed US soldiers from iranian suicide bombings and weapons provided to other terrorist groups.
Let's stick to the facts, shall we?
Let's stick to the facts, shall we?
The terrorist proxies destabilizing Syria are from Saudi Arabia, and many are operating with our help. Iran is fighting all of them in Syria.
The others are much more complex than just "Iran bad." See Yemen, which is a Saudi invasion, with UAE just grabbing the Port of Aden away from the Saudis, while the opposition is led by the former President who had been installed with US and Saudi help until he was blown up in a terrorist bombing sponsored from Saudi Arabia.
The others are much more complex than just "Iran bad." See Yemen, which is a Saudi invasion, with UAE just grabbing the Port of Aden away from the Saudis, while the opposition is led by the former President who had been installed with US and Saudi help until he was blown up in a terrorist bombing sponsored from Saudi Arabia.
1
This should make our "ally", Israel, very happy. Of course, if we need to ever use troops on the ground, we will never see any IDF soldiers near by. They will continue to be busy assaulting Palestinian women and children.
Iran is NO essential threat to the U.S.!!!
Iran is NO essential threat to the U.S.!!!
15
After Paris the Iran nuclear deal is next, of course. And then war against Iran, on the pretense of supporting terror, of course. And since U.S. troops will be in the region anyway why not take over Iraq as well, with all the juicy oil they got? He's been saying this for years, the voters knew it, they elected him anyway, so he's the president now, so why not simply steal all the oil you can everywhere, it's for America, and that's good, and right, and God given, and anybody saying otherwise is a communist and will be shot at sunrise!
How did Lord Voldemort get into the Oval Office? Rural America has a lot to answer for...
How did Lord Voldemort get into the Oval Office? Rural America has a lot to answer for...
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>>> Iran’s intelligence services have spent nearly four decades trying to counter American espionage and covert operations.
No, really?
No, really?
5
Sounds like a great appointment to me. The US needs strong representation in Iran, especially in the CIA. Keep an eye on the Iranians. During the last eight years, the US gave Iran a pass. It is heartening to see the current administration withdraw that pass. I support President Trump. I oppose Obama. Thank you.
6
SB, you can think for yourself and have the proper perspective on iran; that makes you FAR too intelligent to be an average NYT reader.
@bob rivers, well thank you, Bob, I appreciate your remarks. Peace.
Iran does not threaten U.S. national interests and we should dialogue and trade with them, not continue to accuse them of acts which they do not commit. Iran is our ally in the fight against ISIS. Unfortunately, because Iran is unfriendly towards Israel, our politicians are forced to maintain a hostile attitude against Iran, no matter how wrong and self-destructive this agenda is.
203
Iran's leaders would take issue with your categorization of them being an American "ally" in the war against ISIS. Iran's objectives in that conflict are quite different from those of the US. Iran's theocratic leadership has ruled out any restoration of ties with the US, since doing so would undermine a key element of their governing platform.
3
Amen. And the idea that we are going to "use American spies to help oust the Iranian government" is just astonishingly foolish. We have gone down that road a number of times before and it has almost always ended badly. Any American government official who is considered "knowledgeable" about Iran is still ignorant on the subject and his decsions on actions to take are consequently more likely to be destructive rather than constructive.
2
I thought Iran calls the USA "the Big Satan"? I thought I had seem video of a hundred thousand in the streets chanting "Death to America"?
This article seems to me a new kind of reportage, one suited to advance advertising for a spy novel, not current news. I am left with three questions:
And . . . ? (What are you preparing us for; what currently illegal action has Mr. D'Andrea taken?)
Why . . . ? (In the public interest, is this about the Trump administration or, since it is an open-ended story with no current dramatic incident on which to focus, was it just time for this lurid biography to be published?)
But . . . ? (Is Mr.D'Andrea a loose cannon, or is he the one clear embodiment, a bellwether, the extension and -- for these reporters -- a revelation of Mr. Trump's more aggressive agenda for America First, an extension of his "wall" method for maintaining the President's vision of America pure?)
And . . . ? (What are you preparing us for; what currently illegal action has Mr. D'Andrea taken?)
Why . . . ? (In the public interest, is this about the Trump administration or, since it is an open-ended story with no current dramatic incident on which to focus, was it just time for this lurid biography to be published?)
But . . . ? (Is Mr.D'Andrea a loose cannon, or is he the one clear embodiment, a bellwether, the extension and -- for these reporters -- a revelation of Mr. Trump's more aggressive agenda for America First, an extension of his "wall" method for maintaining the President's vision of America pure?)
36
well we know he's a chain smoker; keeps a bed in his office; and has no personal life. sounds like the perfect spook for the job.
19
One wonders what office in Tehran is coordinating Iranian thinking and planning for regime change in the United States. We might want to think carefully about a "more muscular approach" to Iran as American vulnerability in cybersecurity, supply chains, security arrangements, and other systems is readily demonstrated. Despite fantasy rhetoric about Iranian links to international terror Iranian actions abroad have been very focused on regional objectives linked to defending national interests. Support for Hezbollah is a counterweight to Israeli threats and covert activities while engagement in Yemen is not surprising given Saudi enmity and links to the U.S. If Lt. Gen. McMaster wants to square accounts with those responsible for deaths in Iraq he can start inside the Beltway with those functionaries and lobbyists who sent them there. Iranians working with Iraqi insurgents were working to contain a threat to Iranian security poised by the invasion of a neighboring country by a power hostile to Iran. Had Iran invaded Mexico would McMaster regard it as unreasonable for American agents to aid Mexican resistance fighters against the invaders? The real problem here is we may face a contemporary George Bush-style "pivot" from dealing with Al Qaeda and ISIS to pursuing a vendetta against the Iranians because putative allies convince us to work in their interests, not in ours. Saudi Arabia and Israel will be happy to risk our security pursuing their goals through the U.S. as proxy.
169
"Regime Change" is a mandatory requirement in the United States every eight years at maximum. Other countries don't have to overthrow our government because we do it ourselves on a regular basis.
Do I hear a drumbeat? Preparing the American public to make Israel and Saudi Arabia's rival for power into America's eternal foe?
When do we reboot this whole scene, this march to another war? Iran is a big, ancient country. The CIA overthrew a democratically elected leader there and installed a dictator friendly to western oil interests. The Iranians had plenty of cause to overthrow him and plenty of reason to not trust us. Let's reboot our thinking, putting American interest in peaceful coexistence and the tools of diplomacy first. This article makes it sound as if the Trump administration is on the opposite path.
When do we reboot this whole scene, this march to another war? Iran is a big, ancient country. The CIA overthrew a democratically elected leader there and installed a dictator friendly to western oil interests. The Iranians had plenty of cause to overthrow him and plenty of reason to not trust us. Let's reboot our thinking, putting American interest in peaceful coexistence and the tools of diplomacy first. This article makes it sound as if the Trump administration is on the opposite path.
7
Looks like somebody already done changed our regime... and they weren't from Teheran.
Can somebody name a time when regime change actually left a country, our country, or the world better off? Outside off EWII, I can't think of any. Certainly not when the CIA replaced the democratically elected president of Iran with the Shah.
125
Or the democratically elected government of Guatemala in 1954. And it goes on and on...
7
Gee, I think a regime change is in order here, and would be A Good Thing. Peacefully, of course; we have mechanisms and procedures for conducting regime changes in our own country.
2
Regime change worked well for us in 1776.
There are many moderate Iranians who would like better relations with the US and the West. Iran is a country with many educated and sophisticated people who just overwhelmingly elected a moderate President. Terrorism practiced by any country is to be abhorred but we have had no trouble dealing with many countries that have blood on their hands: China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the Philippines etc. We need dialogue with Iran, not just saber rattling. Not likely to happen with this administration though. No foresight there.
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Hi Bernard, hi to all good and eaucated people of great america. I'm one of thoese moderate iraninans who voted for peace. We iranians just wanna say we are not your enemies. We have no respect for our government and we love you.
" Iran is a country with many educated and sophisticated people who just overwhelmingly elected a moderate President"
Unfortunately the U.S. didn't.
Unfortunately the U.S. didn't.
2
The Iranians have rejected a right wing candidate and re-affirmed their faith in the more progressive leadership that advanced the important Iran nuclear deal. It looks like Trump is now authorizing a hard line right wing trajectory that will likely jeopardize the deal and push Iran back into the arms of its much more dangerous right wing. While applauding the undemocratic Saudis. He is making our future less secure, internationally - and domestically.
295
Well said. In order to rally political support at home one often needs a strong enemy, real or perceived. Maybe I've become cynical, but rallying political support at home seems to be at the top of most political leaders list, not solving problems.
9
Reminds me of an old political cartoon from the Nixon era. Nixon is in a huddle with his staff and tells them: "The people are clamouring for the truth about Watergate. There's only one thing to do. Start a war."
1
Regardless if his name was released before, now you made his name front page news? Very reckless journalism. Now you you put him and his family under unnecessary risk for the sake of a article. I never saw so many leaks from media in my life, especially from the NYT. Loose lips sink ships!
30
oh yeah right, as if the Iranians didn't know who he was or what he did, if not through their own intelligence network then probably by Trump himself via Russia!
2
It identifies him as "covert" and as part of an assassination and as running the drone program of large scale killing. It seems a reckless disregard of the rule about covert operatives, even if his name has been in print in other contexts.
3
Hah! The source is most probably someone in the Potus circle. He's captain of a very leaky ship.
1
this does not bode well for the future. considering how ignorant and easily lead -- and desperate to prove his tough guy bona fides trump is, he's the perfect stooge to finally accomplish what the likudniks of the u.s. congress have long wanted. a military attack on iran.
95
By the way, I always thought Lucas, a manufacturer of Triumph electrical harness components, was the "Prince of Darkness." They are tough competition...70 mph northbound on the M1 at night and all the sudden... poof!