CNN has just announced that Porter Goss (background) has resigned...
'developing' as they say...
The announcement, made by Bush in the WH with Goss seated beside him, offered no clues about the reason for the resignation. Bush simply that that he accepted it and thanked Goss for his service. Goss reciprocated the thanks and that was basically the gist of it.
Goss was not a popular choice for the job when his appointment was announced. Bush said Goss's role was one "of transition". He was chosen for the job after embattled former CIA director George Tenet resigned amid concerns about "intelligence failures" surrounding 9/11. There may have been failures, but the political manipulation of the actual facts presented by CIA analysts in the run up to the Iraq war certainly was not the agency's fault (except for 'slam dunk' Tenet).
If I had my choice, I'd appoint former CIA analyst Ray McGovern - who lambasted Rummy on Thursday - to be the next director. But, that will happen when pigs fly.
Update: Former CIA Director Stansfield Turner told CNN that he suspected Goss's resignation had to do with the fact that he was overlooked for the position of National Intelligence Director, which was given to John Negroponte.
Former congressman Bob Barr believes this is a 'devastating blow' and indicates a 'continuing downward slide' of the US's intelligence services. Barr also potentially cited the Duke Cunningham bribery scandal as a possible reason for the resignation due to the connection of the CIA's number three man, Kyle Foggo, with a key figure in that probe, Brent Wilkes. Hookers, poker parties, CIA officials...oh my...
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