Reuters AlertNet Lite - McConnell takes over as new U.S. intelligence chief

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McConnell takes over as new U.S. intelligence chief

20 Feb 2007 16:42:35 GMT
Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON, Feb 20 (Reuters) - Retired Adm. Mike McConnell was sworn in on Tuesday as the U.S. national intelligence director, taking over at a time when the al Qaeda organization appears to be regrouping.

McConnell assumes the most senior intelligence position from John Negroponte, who is now deputy secretary of state. McConnell will be responsible for briefing President George W. Bush daily on intelligence matters.

One issue he will confront is whether al Qaeda, responsible for the Sept. 11 attacks that began the U.S.-led war on terrorism, is on the move again.

The New York Times reported on Monday that senior al Qaeda leaders operating from Pakistan have re-established significant control over their global network and during the past year have set up training camps in the tribal regions near the Afghan border.

Quoting U.S. intelligence and counterterrorism officials, The Times said there was mounting evidence that Osama bin Laden and his deputy, Ayman al-Zawahri, had been steadily building an operations hub in the mountainous Pakistani tribal area of North Waziristan.

Until recently, the two al Qaeda leaders had been believed relatively detached from their followers and cut off from operational control of al Qaeda.

Bush has been criticized by Democrats for pursuing war in Iraq at the expense of Afghanistan, a charge the administration denies.

White House spokesman Tony Snow said it was wrong to suggest the administration "is taking its eye off the ball."

He told reporters it was clear al Qaeda was trying to adapt and adjust.

"I don't know how we would characterize it, except that al Qaeda still is a serious player and needs to be dealt with seriously," he said.

Bush, at the swearing-in ceremony for McConnell at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, said the new intelligence director knows that al Qaeda is "determined to strike our nation again" and use the tools of modern technology, such as rapid transportation and instant communications, to facilitate new attacks.

"He knows that his task as the director of national intelligence is to make certain that America stays ahead of this enemy and learns their intentions before they strike," Bush said.

Bush said he has asked McConnell to improve information-sharing within the intelligence community and ensure that U.S. intelligence focus on bringing in more Americans with language skills and cultural awareness necessary to meet threats.

McConnell pledged to make some changes in order to merge foreign and domestic intelligence.

"The old policies have hampered some common-sense reforms, such as hiring first- and second-generation Americans who possess native language skills, cultural insights and a keen understanding of the threats we face," he said.

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Last updated:Tue Feb 20 16:43:03 2007