CIA Director George Tenet resigned this morning. It’s about time; I’m amazed he’s been able to keep his job this long.
President Bush said Thursday that CIA director George Tenet has resigned “for personal reasons” and that his deputy will temporarily lead America’s premier spy agency until a successor is found.
“He’s been a strong and able leader at the agency and I will miss him,” said Bush as he was getting ready to board Marine One for a trip to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., and on to Europe.
Well, that’s a little hard to believe, on both counts. I don’t see how Bush could describe Tenet’s tenure favorably and I seriously doubt Bush will “miss” Tenet’s mistakes and misguided advice.
That said, Tenet has repeatedly beaten Bush back every time the White House has tried to place blame at the CIA’s doorstep. Richard Clarke’s book was great, Paul O’Neill’s concerns were persuasive, and Anthony Zinni’s condemnation was devastating, but can anyone imagine what Tenet’s tell-all book would be like?