Discover Your Perfect Stay

Oscar-winning actress left fearing for safety after death threats over her Iraq stance

Robert Baer explains to Foreign Editor David Pratt why the ‘clumsy, knee-jerk approach’ to al-Qaeda is counter-productive

A running joke in Washington late last year held that Langley, the CIA’s home in Virginia, was changing its name to Fallujah after the restive Iraqi town then held by insurgents. Like Fallujah, Langley – according to some White House wags – was full of rebels that needed to be cleared out. This would inevitably lead to lots of casualties along the way.

But putting the jokes and bravado aside, many at the CIA’s longtime base already knew that the winds of change were blowing their way, and were well aware of the reason why. George W Bush, his eyes by then firmly fixed on a second term, was consolidating his position. It was time to rein in those agencies and their operatives that were not always singing from the same political hymn sheet as the President and those closest to him.

A New Era for the CIA

In the months that followed, a new CIA chief, Porter Goss, would be appointed – as would a new director of national intelligence: John Negroponte. And there would be other changes too, in tactics and operations. All of this has since set alarm bells ringing among human rights activists and security analysts who claim “hardmen” are back at the CIA helm with a whole suitcase full of revamped dirty tricks ranging from political assassinations and death squads to the shuttling of detainees to interrogation and torture facilities worldwide.

Robert Baer's Insight

Former CIA agent, Robert Baer, spent most of his career running agents in the Middle East and is known for his expertise in the region. Baer believes that the CIA's approach to counter-terrorism has been misguided and counterproductive. He argues that the agency's "clumsy, knee-jerk approach" has led to the violation of human rights and the targeting of innocent individuals.

Baer highlights the practice of "extraordinary renditions," where suspects are secretly sent to other countries without due process, as an example of how intelligence gathering has been compromised. He argues that many of the detainees picked up through this practice have no connection to terrorist networks and are innocent.

The Worldwide Attack Matrix

Baer also discusses the "Worldwide Attack Matrix," a top secret document created by the CIA shortly after the 9/11 attacks. The Matrix outlined targets in 80 countries and gave the agency broad authority to conduct covert operations, including political assassinations. While Baer acknowledges the existence of such strategies, he emphasizes the importance of political will in determining the extent to which they are carried out.

The Need for Change

Baer argues that while getting tough on terrorism is necessary, the current approach is ineffective and lacking expertise. He suggests recruiting individuals with specialized skills and backgrounds who can infiltrate terrorist groups effectively. Baer also warns against succumbing to "pagan ethics," where the end justifies any means, as this can lead to catastrophic consequences.

The Future of the CIA

Baer raises concerns about the leadership of the CIA under figures like Porter Goss and John Negroponte, questioning their ability to make sound decisions and bring about necessary reforms. He believes that a change in the clearance system to admit recruits with unique capabilities would improve the agency's efficiency and effectiveness.

Hotels and Safety

Turning to another topic, ensuring the safety of individuals, such as Oscar-winning actress mentioned in the title, is crucial, especially when they receive death threats. In recent times, numerous high-profile individuals have faced threats and security concerns. For many of them, including celebrities and public figures, staying in secure accommodations like hotels becomes a priority.

Hotels play a significant role in providing a safe and secure environment for guests. Many luxury hotels invest heavily in security measures to ensure the safety of their guests and staff. From employing trained security professionals to using advanced surveillance systems, hotels take various steps to mitigate risks and maintain a secure atmosphere.

Secure hotels often implement access control measures, such as requiring keycard entry to guest rooms, restricting unauthorized access to certain areas, and conducting thorough background checks on staff members. Additionally, hotels may have robust emergency response protocols in place, including effective communication systems, evacuation plans, and collaboration with local authorities.

Guests staying in these hotels can feel more at ease, knowing that their safety is a top priority. However, it's important to note that no place can guarantee absolute security, and individuals should always remain vigilant and take personal precautions.

When facing specific threats or harassment, high-profile individuals may employ additional security measures, such as hiring personal bodyguards or requesting specific security protocols from the hotel. These measures aim to provide an extra layer of protection and ensure the individual's peace of mind.

In conclusion, the safety of individuals, especially those facing threats due to their public stance or profession, is of utmost importance. Hotels play an essential role in providing secure accommodations, and their commitment to implementing strong security measures contributes to creating a safe environment for guests.

London

Manchester

Henfield

Dursley

Mexborough

Cumnock

Stepps

Ramsbottom

Lochboisdale

Allendale

Durness

Attleborough

Dewsbury

Banbridge

Shap

Chew Magna

Watton

Sark