How the U.S. Built a Hidden Anti-Terror Apparatus After 9/11 (full documentary) | FRONTLINE (PBS)

Tonight on Front Line, Tonight on Front Line, >> after 9/11, the gloves come off. >> after 9/11, the gloves come off. >> after 9/11, the gloves come off. >> 10 years after September 11th, >> 10 years after September 11th, >> 10 years after September 11th, >> what happens after 9/11 is this >> what happens after 9/11 is this >> what happens after 9/11 is this tremendous ramping up. tremendous ramping up. tremendous ramping up. >> The money just came out of Congress. It >> The money just came out of Congress. It >> The money just came out of Congress. It goes flying out. goes flying out. goes flying out. >> Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist Dana >> Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist Dana >> Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist Dana Priest investigates the creation of top Priest investigates the creation of top Priest investigates the creation of top secret America. that's shrouded in secret America. that's shrouded in secret America. that's shrouded in secrecy. secrecy. secrecy. >> We weren't going to play by the the old >> We weren't going to play by the the old >> We weren't going to play by the the old set of rules. set of rules. set of rules. >> Go out and get the bad guys, disrupt >> Go out and get the bad guys, disrupt >> Go out and get the bad guys, disrupt them, interrogate them, kill them. them, interrogate them, kill them. them, interrogate them, kill them. >> Tonight on Front Line, Top Secret >> Tonight on Front Line, Top Secret >> Tonight on Front Line, Top Secret America. >> Good morning, America. I'm Charles >> Good morning, America. I'm Charles Gibson. Gibson. Gibson. >> I'm Diane Sy. And it's Tuesday, >> I'm Diane Sy. And it's Tuesday, >> I'm Diane Sy. And it's Tuesday, September 11th, 2001. Just a few moments ago, something Just a few moments ago, something believed to be a plane crashed into the believed to be a plane crashed into the believed to be a plane crashed into the south tower of the world.

south tower of the world. south tower of the world. >> Crashed into one of the towers. Looks >> Crashed into one of the towers. Looks >> Crashed into one of the towers. Looks almost like a mushroom. almost like a mushroom. almost like a mushroom. >> Figure out exactly what happened, but >> Figure out exactly what happened, but >> Figure out exactly what happened, but clearly something relatively clearly something relatively clearly something relatively devastating. devastating. devastating. >> Welcome back to Fox News. We have a very >> Welcome back to Fox News. We have a very >> Welcome back to Fox News. We have a very tragic alert for you right here. tragic alert for you right here. tragic alert for you right here. >> Something hit the Pentagon on the >> Something hit the Pentagon on the >> Something hit the Pentagon on the outside of the fifth corner. on a day outside of the fifth corner. on a day outside of the fifth corner. on a day unlike any other in the long course of unlike any other in the long course of unlike any other in the long course of American history. A terrorist act of war American history. A terrorist act of war American history. A terrorist act of war against this country. President freedom against this country. President freedom against this country. President freedom is not. is not. is not. >> Make no mistake, the United States will >> Make no mistake, the United States will >> Make no mistake, the United States will hunt down and punish those responsible hunt down and punish those responsible hunt down and punish those responsible for these cowardly acts. President Bush said to us in the President Bush said to us in the basement of the White House on the night basement of the White House on the night basement of the White House on the night of 9/11, "You have everything you need." of 9/11, "You have everything you need." of 9/11, "You have everything you need." And that was true. Uh because as soon as And that was true. Uh because as soon as And that was true. Uh because as soon as we went to the Congress, they said, we went to the Congress, they said, we went to the Congress, they said, "Just tell us what you need. Blank "Just tell us what you need. Blank "Just tell us what you need. Blank check." check." check." >> The president was determined to spend >> The president was determined to spend >> The president was determined to spend whatever was necessary and do whatever whatever was necessary and do whatever whatever was necessary and do whatever was necessary to conduct a new kind of was necessary to conduct a new kind of was necessary to conduct a new kind of war. The president turned to me and said war. The president turned to me and said war. The president turned to me and said in my direction anyhow. He said never in my direction anyhow. He said never in my direction anyhow. He said never let this happen again.

let this happen again. let this happen again. >> I understood that to mean there was no >> I understood that to mean there was no >> I understood that to mean there was no end of the earth we weren't willing to end of the earth we weren't willing to end of the earth we weren't willing to go to. There was nothing we weren't go to. There was nothing we weren't go to. There was nothing we weren't willing to ask for. There was nobody we willing to ask for. There was nobody we willing to ask for. There was nobody we wouldn't work with. wouldn't work with. wouldn't work with. >> The key to the new war would be secrecy. >> The key to the new war would be secrecy. >> The key to the new war would be secrecy. >> We'd have to work the dark side, if you >> We'd have to work the dark side, if you >> We'd have to work the dark side, if you will. We got to spend time in the will. We got to spend time in the will. We got to spend time in the shadows and in the intelligence world. shadows and in the intelligence world. shadows and in the intelligence world. In the first few days, the entire In the first few days, the entire In the first few days, the entire blueprint for what would happen over the blueprint for what would happen over the blueprint for what would happen over the next decade was written all in secret. next decade was written all in secret. next decade was written all in secret. The public didn't know, the media didn't The public didn't know, the media didn't The public didn't know, the media didn't know, and it would take us years to find know, and it would take us years to find know, and it would take us years to find out. out. out. >> For 10 years, Pulitzer Prizewinning >> For 10 years, Pulitzer Prizewinning >> For 10 years, Pulitzer Prizewinning reporter Dana Priest has reported on reporter Dana Priest has reported on reporter Dana Priest has reported on hidden military and intelligence hidden military and intelligence hidden military and intelligence operations. operations. operations. >> A lot of what needs to be done here will >> A lot of what needs to be done here will >> A lot of what needs to be done here will have to be done quietly without any have to be done quietly without any have to be done quietly without any discussion using sources and methods discussion using sources and methods discussion using sources and methods that are available to us. In the that are available to us. In the that are available to us. In the beginning, we saw a little bit of this beginning, we saw a little bit of this beginning, we saw a little bit of this world everywhere and we were gathering world everywhere and we were gathering world everywhere and we were gathering bit by bit. bit by bit. bit by bit. >> It's going to be vital for us to use any >> It's going to be vital for us to use any >> It's going to be vital for us to use any means at our disposal to achieve our means at our disposal to achieve our means at our disposal to achieve our objective. objective. objective. >> Really took years to figure out how big >> Really took years to figure out how big >> Really took years to figure out how big it really was and we were shocked.

it really was and we were shocked. it really was and we were shocked. >> For priest, one of the first hints of >> For priest, one of the first hints of >> For priest, one of the first hints of the secret war was revealed at this the secret war was revealed at this the secret war was revealed at this congressional hearing. congressional hearing. congressional hearing. >> Joint fire hearing will come to order, >> Joint fire hearing will come to order, >> Joint fire hearing will come to order, please. When I speak, I think the please. When I speak, I think the please. When I speak, I think the American people need to look into my American people need to look into my American people need to look into my face and I want to look the American face and I want to look the American face and I want to look the American people in the eye. My name is Kofheer Black. My name is Kofheer Black. >> Kofheer Black was in charge of the CIA's >> Kofheer Black was in charge of the CIA's >> Kofheer Black was in charge of the CIA's counterterrorism efforts. counterterrorism efforts. counterterrorism efforts. >> This is a very highly classified area. >> This is a very highly classified area. >> This is a very highly classified area. All you need to know is that there was a All you need to know is that there was a All you need to know is that there was a before 911 and there was an after 911. before 911 and there was an after 911. before 911 and there was an after 911. After 911, the gloves come off. After 911, the gloves come off. After 911, the gloves come off. >> Beyond that, Black refused to divulge >> Beyond that, Black refused to divulge >> Beyond that, Black refused to divulge any details. any details. any details. >> They just wanted no information out. I >> They just wanted no information out. I >> They just wanted no information out. I think the reality is that they wanted to think the reality is that they wanted to think the reality is that they wanted to keep it secret because they were doing keep it secret because they were doing keep it secret because they were doing things that a lot of people would not things that a lot of people would not things that a lot of people would not approve of. approve of. approve of. And they wanted to do them as long as And they wanted to do them as long as And they wanted to do them as long as they could without being found out.

they could without being found out. they could without being found out. The plan for the secret war began here The plan for the secret war began here The plan for the secret war began here at the Central Intelligence Agency in at the Central Intelligence Agency in at the Central Intelligence Agency in the hours right after 9/11. the hours right after 9/11. the hours right after 9/11. The reaction in our building and among The reaction in our building and among The reaction in our building and among our leadership was pretty simple. Anger our leadership was pretty simple. Anger our leadership was pretty simple. Anger and resolve. and resolve. and resolve. We were fighting these guys and they won We were fighting these guys and they won We were fighting these guys and they won a huge victory on that day and it was a a huge victory on that day and it was a a huge victory on that day and it was a huge defeat for us. huge defeat for us. huge defeat for us. This one has finally got past all of our This one has finally got past all of our This one has finally got past all of our defenses. defenses. defenses. We had plans that had been, you know, We had plans that had been, you know, We had plans that had been, you know, developed in the past that um had uh had developed in the past that um had uh had developed in the past that um had uh had reached their due date with 911. reached their due date with 911. reached their due date with 911. >> He was very aggressive. He saw no >> He was very aggressive. He saw no >> He was very aggressive. He saw no boundaries to what he could do. At one boundaries to what he could do. At one boundaries to what he could do. At one point, he talks about bringing Bin point, he talks about bringing Bin point, he talks about bringing Bin Laden's head on a platter with flies on Laden's head on a platter with flies on Laden's head on a platter with flies on the eyeballs. the eyeballs. the eyeballs. When 911 happened, it was Kofheer who When 911 happened, it was Kofheer who When 911 happened, it was Kofheer who really took the lead in and being the really took the lead in and being the really took the lead in and being the most vocal person saying, "Okay, this is most vocal person saying, "Okay, this is most vocal person saying, "Okay, this is a tragedy, but the gloves are off. We're a tragedy, but the gloves are off. We're a tragedy, but the gloves are off. We're going to go out and we're going to going to go out and we're going to going to go out and we're going to defeat al-Qaeda. We're going to kill Bin defeat al-Qaeda. We're going to kill Bin defeat al-Qaeda. We're going to kill Bin Laden, and we're going to win this war."

Laden, and we're going to win this war." Laden, and we're going to win this war." That night, they prepared an operational That night, they prepared an operational That night, they prepared an operational plan. Kofern and his people pulled plan. Kofern and his people pulled plan. Kofern and his people pulled together what was going to be the next together what was going to be the next together what was going to be the next steps as far as going after al-Qaeda, steps as far as going after al-Qaeda, steps as far as going after al-Qaeda, going after Afghanistan, going after Afghanistan, going after Afghanistan, and they were the ones that actually and they were the ones that actually and they were the ones that actually were able to bring the plans to the were able to bring the plans to the were able to bring the plans to the table first and present them at the table first and present them at the table first and present them at the White House where everybody else is White House where everybody else is White House where everybody else is looking for their maps on Afghanistan. looking for their maps on Afghanistan. looking for their maps on Afghanistan. We were ready to rock, ready to roll. I We were ready to rock, ready to roll. I We were ready to rock, ready to roll. I mean, we were waiting for the mean, we were waiting for the mean, we were waiting for the bureaucracy to catch up. bureaucracy to catch up. bureaucracy to catch up. >> Black would personally present the plan >> Black would personally present the plan >> Black would personally present the plan to President Bush. to President Bush. to President Bush. CIA had already done more homework on CIA had already done more homework on CIA had already done more homework on al-Qaeda than any other part of the US al-Qaeda than any other part of the US al-Qaeda than any other part of the US government. And so what they were able government. And so what they were able government. And so what they were able to do then was to put together a to do then was to put together a to do then was to put together a proposal and a timeline as far as how proposal and a timeline as far as how proposal and a timeline as far as how the CIA could be the the vanguard of the the CIA could be the the vanguard of the the CIA could be the the vanguard of the US government move against al-Qaeda. US government move against al-Qaeda. US government move against al-Qaeda. >> The CIA code name for the covert program >> The CIA code name for the covert program >> The CIA code name for the covert program would become Greystone. They had a would become Greystone. They had a would become Greystone. They had a matrix that they offered to the White matrix that they offered to the White matrix that they offered to the White House that said, "These are the House that said, "These are the House that said, "These are the countries we need to go into. Go after countries we need to go into. Go after countries we need to go into. Go after Bin Laden and his terrorist network, Bin Laden and his terrorist network, Bin Laden and his terrorist network, kill and capture them and their kill and capture them and their kill and capture them and their supporters."

supporters." supporters." >> Greystone was a challenge to the old >> Greystone was a challenge to the old >> Greystone was a challenge to the old ways of fighting. And the Secretary of ways of fighting. And the Secretary of ways of fighting. And the Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, knew it. Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, knew it. Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, knew it. >> So the CIA was very much in front of the >> So the CIA was very much in front of the >> So the CIA was very much in front of the military, and that bothered Rumsfeld military, and that bothered Rumsfeld military, and that bothered Rumsfeld greatly. greatly. greatly. But Rumsfeld's generals had no plans for But Rumsfeld's generals had no plans for But Rumsfeld's generals had no plans for dealing with al-Qaeda or Afghanistan. dealing with al-Qaeda or Afghanistan. dealing with al-Qaeda or Afghanistan. >> We had no plan. I mean, to be honest, >> We had no plan. I mean, to be honest, >> We had no plan. I mean, to be honest, you have operational plans for different you have operational plans for different you have operational plans for different parts of the world. There was none for parts of the world. There was none for parts of the world. There was none for Afghanistan. Afghanistan. Afghanistan. >> Rumsfeld scrambled, but Kofheer Black >> Rumsfeld scrambled, but Kofheer Black >> Rumsfeld scrambled, but Kofheer Black was way ahead of him. In less than a was way ahead of him. In less than a was way ahead of him. In less than a week, the president initiated Greystone. week, the president initiated Greystone. week, the president initiated Greystone. We all assemble in the cabinet room and We all assemble in the cabinet room and We all assemble in the cabinet room and the president lays down about 12 the president lays down about 12 the president lays down about 12 decisions just like that. Machine gun decisions just like that. Machine gun decisions just like that. Machine gun fashion. fashion. fashion. >> What did he say? >> What did he say? >> What did he say? >> Well, of course, the thing that stands >> Well, of course, the thing that stands >> Well, of course, the thing that stands out in my memory because it it hit me uh out in my memory because it it hit me uh out in my memory because it it hit me uh vividly was he said, "I want CIA in vividly was he said, "I want CIA in vividly was he said, "I want CIA in there first." there first." there first." >> That day, President Bush signed a key >> That day, President Bush signed a key >> That day, President Bush signed a key document, a finding authorizing Kofheer document, a finding authorizing Kofheer document, a finding authorizing Kofheer Black and the CIA to wage a covert Black and the CIA to wage a covert Black and the CIA to wage a covert international war. It was a very international war. It was a very international war. It was a very comprehensive finding. It was generally comprehensive finding. It was generally comprehensive finding. It was generally worded. It was go out and get the bad worded. It was go out and get the bad worded. It was go out and get the bad guys, disrupt them, kill them, guys, disrupt them, kill them, guys, disrupt them, kill them, interrogate them. This was an interrogate them. This was an interrogate them. This was an overarching overarching overarching authorization of the CIA.

authorization of the CIA. authorization of the CIA. >> I had never seen a presidential >> I had never seen a presidential >> I had never seen a presidential authorization as farreaching in and as authorization as farreaching in and as authorization as farreaching in and as aggressive uh in scope. It was um it was aggressive uh in scope. It was um it was aggressive uh in scope. It was um it was simply extraordinary. simply extraordinary. simply extraordinary. >> In a post 911 world, we weren't going to >> In a post 911 world, we weren't going to >> In a post 911 world, we weren't going to be so prissy. We were going to work with be so prissy. We were going to work with be so prissy. We were going to work with and do what we needed to do, no matter and do what we needed to do, no matter and do what we needed to do, no matter how difficult or undesirable it was. We how difficult or undesirable it was. We how difficult or undesirable it was. We were going to do what we needed to do to were going to do what we needed to do to were going to do what we needed to do to get the information we needed to protect get the information we needed to protect get the information we needed to protect the American people. the American people. the American people. >> The finding would set the ground rules >> The finding would set the ground rules >> The finding would set the ground rules for the new war on al-Qaeda. for the new war on al-Qaeda. for the new war on al-Qaeda. that sets in motion a the largest covert that sets in motion a the largest covert that sets in motion a the largest covert action program since the height of the action program since the height of the action program since the height of the cold war and many people inside the cold war and many people inside the cold war and many people inside the agency will say it's even larger than agency will say it's even larger than agency will say it's even larger than that. that. that. >> Now basically in a nancond we're going >> Now basically in a nancond we're going >> Now basically in a nancond we're going from where we were staked to the ground from where we were staked to the ground from where we were staked to the ground like a junkyard dog. You can report but like a junkyard dog. You can report but like a junkyard dog. You can report but you can't do anything to new you can't do anything to new you can't do anything to new authorities, new rules of engagement, authorities, new rules of engagement, authorities, new rules of engagement, lots of funding to support this. This is lots of funding to support this. This is lots of funding to support this. This is a whole new ball game.

Within two weeks in Afghanistan, the Within two weeks in Afghanistan, the first phase of Greystone began. first phase of Greystone began. first phase of Greystone began. My team of were seven officers including My team of were seven officers including My team of were seven officers including myself and three air crew flew in on the myself and three air crew flew in on the myself and three air crew flew in on the 26th of September. 26th of September. 26th of September. And when I began to distribute money, And when I began to distribute money, And when I began to distribute money, uh, $200,000 here, $250,000 for this, I uh, $200,000 here, $250,000 for this, I uh, $200,000 here, $250,000 for this, I think the Afghans were convinced that we think the Afghans were convinced that we think the Afghans were convinced that we we were sincere. we were sincere. we were sincere. >> The action was uh planned to be classic >> The action was uh planned to be classic >> The action was uh planned to be classic CIA. It's going to be a multi-prong CIA. It's going to be a multi-prong CIA. It's going to be a multi-prong threat attack where we work with locals, threat attack where we work with locals, threat attack where we work with locals, minimize the American footprint. minimize the American footprint. minimize the American footprint. CIA officers of course in Afghanistan CIA officers of course in Afghanistan CIA officers of course in Afghanistan for the first time since uh you know for the first time since uh you know for the first time since uh you know World War II are involved in World War II are involved in World War II are involved in battlefields and combat operations battlefields and combat operations battlefields and combat operations doing things that we hadn't done in 60 doing things that we hadn't done in 60 doing things that we hadn't done in 60 years. So I think it's a kind of a shock years. So I think it's a kind of a shock years. So I think it's a kind of a shock to the military. to the military. to the military. >> The CIA went in right off the bat, >> The CIA went in right off the bat, >> The CIA went in right off the bat, hooked up with the Northern Alliance, hooked up with the Northern Alliance, hooked up with the Northern Alliance, and it was really quite remarkable what and it was really quite remarkable what and it was really quite remarkable what they accomplished with so few people on they accomplished with so few people on they accomplished with so few people on the ground.

It didn't take long for the Taliban to It didn't take long for the Taliban to fall. fall. fall. The CIA had demonstrated it could fight The CIA had demonstrated it could fight The CIA had demonstrated it could fight effectively in the shadows. effectively in the shadows. effectively in the shadows. We like the survivors of 9/11 to know We like the survivors of 9/11 to know We like the survivors of 9/11 to know that those of us in the business that those of us in the business that those of us in the business consider it the CIA's finest hour. We consider it the CIA's finest hour. We consider it the CIA's finest hour. We went in to kick ass and we did. There have been dramatic developments on There have been dramatic developments on the ground in the war in Afghanistan. the ground in the war in Afghanistan. the ground in the war in Afghanistan. >> Suffered a series of defeats as northern >> Suffered a series of defeats as northern >> Suffered a series of defeats as northern allian allian allian >> Washington publicly celebrated the first >> Washington publicly celebrated the first >> Washington publicly celebrated the first victory in what they began to call the victory in what they began to call the victory in what they began to call the war on terror. war on terror. war on terror. >> There were celebrations in Afghanistan's >> There were celebrations in Afghanistan's >> There were celebrations in Afghanistan's capital today as follows a series of capital today as follows a series of capital today as follows a series of stunning successes by the North. stunning successes by the North. stunning successes by the North. >> Mr. Speaker, the President of the United >> Mr. Speaker, the President of the United >> Mr. Speaker, the President of the United States, >> terrorists who once occupied Afghanistan >> terrorists who once occupied Afghanistan now occupy cells at Guantanamo Bay.

And this evening, we welcomed the And this evening, we welcomed the distinguished interim leader of a distinguished interim leader of a distinguished interim leader of a liberated Afghanistan, Chairman Hamemed liberated Afghanistan, Chairman Hamemed liberated Afghanistan, Chairman Hamemed Carzi. Victory in Afghanistan came so quickly Victory in Afghanistan came so quickly and the ball kept rolling in secret and and the ball kept rolling in secret and and the ball kept rolling in secret and by and large it's continued in secret. by and large it's continued in secret. by and large it's continued in secret. >> Greystone was underway well beyond the >> Greystone was underway well beyond the >> Greystone was underway well beyond the borders of Afghanistan. In more than a dozen countries, In more than a dozen countries, operatives were fighting a global secret operatives were fighting a global secret operatives were fighting a global secret war. war. war. George Tennant calls me one morning George Tennant calls me one morning George Tennant calls me one morning said, "We've got our target." said, "We've got our target." said, "We've got our target." >> I said, "Okay, we're good. I'm going >> I said, "Okay, we're good. I'm going >> I said, "Okay, we're good. I'm going down to the UAV room." down to the UAV room." down to the UAV room." >> The unmanned aerial vehicle room was in >> The unmanned aerial vehicle room was in >> The unmanned aerial vehicle room was in Tampa, Florida. A drone was flying over Tampa, Florida. A drone was flying over Tampa, Florida. A drone was flying over Yemen. The target was in an SUV. Yemen. The target was in an SUV. Yemen. The target was in an SUV. >> Got a vehicle moving out. >> Got a vehicle moving out. >> Got a vehicle moving out. >> One of the vehicles moving right now. >> One of the vehicles moving right now. >> One of the vehicles moving right now. >> I'm sitting back like this looking at >> I'm sitting back like this looking at >> I'm sitting back like this looking at the wall and talking to George Tennant the wall and talking to George Tennant the wall and talking to George Tennant and he goes, "You going to make the and he goes, "You going to make the and he goes, "You going to make the call?" I said, "I'm I'll make the call."

call?" I said, "I'm I'll make the call." call?" I said, "I'm I'll make the call." He says, "This SUV over here is the one He says, "This SUV over here is the one He says, "This SUV over here is the one that have Ali in it." I said, "Okay, that have Ali in it." I said, "Okay, that have Ali in it." I said, "Okay, fine." You know, shoot them. fine." You know, shoot them. fine." You know, shoot them. >> You are declared to engage it. >> You are declared to engage it. >> You are declared to engage it. >> They lined it up and shot it. >> They lined it up and shot it. >> They lined it up and shot it. >> Let's go. >> Let's go. >> Let's go. >> Roll it in. >> Roll it in. >> Roll it in. >> Hey, Eddie. >> Hey, Eddie. >> Hey, Eddie. >> Good shot. >> Good shot. >> Good shot. >> It's a pretty good size explosive in an >> It's a pretty good size explosive in an >> It's a pretty good size explosive in an SUV. You can imagine big explosion. SUV. You can imagine big explosion. SUV. You can imagine big explosion. >> So, we knew everybody in the vehicle was >> So, we knew everybody in the vehicle was >> So, we knew everybody in the vehicle was dead. dead. dead. An attack in Yemen this week killed a An attack in Yemen this week killed a An attack in Yemen this week killed a top al-Qaeda leader. top al-Qaeda leader. top al-Qaeda leader. >> The US government called the attack >> The US government called the attack >> The US government called the attack highly successful. highly successful. highly successful. >> The CIA had fired an armed predator at a >> The CIA had fired an armed predator at a >> The CIA had fired an armed predator at a car driving in the desert in Yemen with car driving in the desert in Yemen with car driving in the desert in Yemen with a weapon that we didn't know they had in a weapon that we didn't know they had in a weapon that we didn't know they had in a way that we had never seen anybody do a way that we had never seen anybody do a way that we had never seen anybody do anything like this before. anything like this before. anything like this before. >> It's just war. It's It's no different >> It's just war. It's It's no different >> It's just war. It's It's no different than than than going to the store to buy going to the store to buy going to the store to buy some eggs. I mean, it's just something some eggs. I mean, it's just something some eggs. I mean, it's just something you got to do. These guys, these are the you got to do. These guys, these are the you got to do. These guys, these are the same people that uh had just killed over same people that uh had just killed over same people that uh had just killed over 3,000 people in the Twin Towers and 3,000 people in the Twin Towers and 3,000 people in the Twin Towers and killed over almost 200 people in the killed over almost 200 people in the killed over almost 200 people in the Pentagon. Uh this this was easy.

Pentagon. Uh this this was easy. Pentagon. Uh this this was easy. >> It just begged so many questions. Is >> It just begged so many questions. Is >> It just begged so many questions. Is this assassination? this assassination? this assassination? You know, what rules are they operating You know, what rules are they operating You know, what rules are they operating under? under? under? >> Still, it raises a host of new >> Still, it raises a host of new >> Still, it raises a host of new questions. Does the director of central questions. Does the director of central questions. Does the director of central intelligence now have a James Bond style intelligence now have a James Bond style intelligence now have a James Bond style license to kill? license to kill? license to kill? >> Drone attacks were only a part of >> Drone attacks were only a part of >> Drone attacks were only a part of Greystone. In Afghanistan, the military Greystone. In Afghanistan, the military Greystone. In Afghanistan, the military captured thousands, but some of the high captured thousands, but some of the high captured thousands, but some of the high value terrorists disappeared. value terrorists disappeared. value terrorists disappeared. >> I know from the military people who were >> I know from the military people who were >> I know from the military people who were on the ground on the ground on the ground that not everybody was going into the that not everybody was going into the that not everybody was going into the military penal system. military penal system. military penal system. So where were they going and what were So where were they going and what were So where were they going and what were they doing with them? they doing with them? they doing with them? >> Only later did priest learn that Kofheer >> Only later did priest learn that Kofheer >> Only later did priest learn that Kofheer Black and the CIA were using harsh Black and the CIA were using harsh Black and the CIA were using harsh techniques to extract information. techniques to extract information. techniques to extract information. >> Someone uses the term, well these are >> Someone uses the term, well these are >> Someone uses the term, well these are called stress and duress techniques called stress and duress techniques called stress and duress techniques and that sort of crystallizes stress and and that sort of crystallizes stress and and that sort of crystallizes stress and duress techniques. That doesn't sound duress techniques. That doesn't sound duress techniques. That doesn't sound like the military rules. In secret, the like the military rules. In secret, the like the military rules. In secret, the administration had authorized the CIA to administration had authorized the CIA to administration had authorized the CIA to use what they called enhanced use what they called enhanced use what they called enhanced interrogation techniques.

interrogation techniques. interrogation techniques. >> The enhanced interrogation techniques >> The enhanced interrogation techniques >> The enhanced interrogation techniques were set of techniques that would work were set of techniques that would work were set of techniques that would work on someone uh was thought to likely have on someone uh was thought to likely have on someone uh was thought to likely have information about a possible next information about a possible next information about a possible next imminent attack on the homeland. imminent attack on the homeland. imminent attack on the homeland. >> They can do a lot of things uh that used >> They can do a lot of things uh that used >> They can do a lot of things uh that used to be considered torture. Waterboarding, to be considered torture. Waterboarding, to be considered torture. Waterboarding, for example, by any definition, it's for example, by any definition, it's for example, by any definition, it's torture. Justice Department called it torture. Justice Department called it torture. Justice Department called it enhanced interrogation methods and enhanced interrogation methods and enhanced interrogation methods and approved seven of them, including approved seven of them, including approved seven of them, including waterboarding. waterboarding. waterboarding. Al-Qaeda's Khaled Shik Muhammad was Al-Qaeda's Khaled Shik Muhammad was Al-Qaeda's Khaled Shik Muhammad was waterboarded 183 times. waterboarded 183 times. waterboarded 183 times. It took reporter Dana Priest years to It took reporter Dana Priest years to It took reporter Dana Priest years to piece together where prisoners like piece together where prisoners like piece together where prisoners like Khaled Shake Muhammad were. Khaled Shake Muhammad were. Khaled Shake Muhammad were. They had been hidden in a secret network They had been hidden in a secret network They had been hidden in a secret network of CIA prisons known as black sites. of CIA prisons known as black sites. of CIA prisons known as black sites. In the investigation of the black sites, In the investigation of the black sites, In the investigation of the black sites, I found a worldwide system of about two I found a worldwide system of about two I found a worldwide system of about two dozen prisons throughout the world run dozen prisons throughout the world run dozen prisons throughout the world run by the CIA, paid by the CIA, organized by the CIA, paid by the CIA, organized by the CIA, paid by the CIA, organized by the CIA, but with cooperation from by the CIA, but with cooperation from by the CIA, but with cooperation from other countries.

other countries. other countries. >> Top CIA official John Rizzo helped >> Top CIA official John Rizzo helped >> Top CIA official John Rizzo helped authorize the prisons. authorize the prisons. authorize the prisons. >> Creating a prison system was something >> Creating a prison system was something >> Creating a prison system was something certainly in my 25 years we had never certainly in my 25 years we had never certainly in my 25 years we had never done. It was essential that these people done. It was essential that these people done. It was essential that these people be held in absolute isolation be held in absolute isolation be held in absolute isolation with with access to the fewest number of with with access to the fewest number of with with access to the fewest number of people. That quickly led to the people. That quickly led to the people. That quickly led to the conclusion that that facilities had to conclusion that that facilities had to conclusion that that facilities had to be built overseas, secret facilities. be built overseas, secret facilities. be built overseas, secret facilities. >> For the first time, the White House had >> For the first time, the White House had >> For the first time, the White House had approved the building of an approved the building of an approved the building of an international prison system entirely in international prison system entirely in international prison system entirely in secret. The amount of secrecy is secret. The amount of secrecy is secret. The amount of secrecy is phenomenal. The desire and the phenomenal. The desire and the phenomenal. The desire and the willingness of government to operate in willingness of government to operate in willingness of government to operate in secret and to deny the public, the secret and to deny the public, the secret and to deny the public, the media, the basic facts about what they media, the basic facts about what they media, the basic facts about what they were doing was all inclusive. were doing was all inclusive. were doing was all inclusive. We were falling deeper and deeper into a We were falling deeper and deeper into a We were falling deeper and deeper into a secretlyrun government >> and the secrecy was spreading. At the >> and the secrecy was spreading. At the Pentagon by 2002, Donald Rumsfeld was Pentagon by 2002, Donald Rumsfeld was Pentagon by 2002, Donald Rumsfeld was waging his own covert campaign inside waging his own covert campaign inside waging his own covert campaign inside the defense department.

the defense department. the defense department. >> The CIA was very much in front of the >> The CIA was very much in front of the >> The CIA was very much in front of the military and that bothered Rumsfeld military and that bothered Rumsfeld military and that bothered Rumsfeld greatly and he would write memos saying greatly and he would write memos saying greatly and he would write memos saying this cannot stand. We have to create a this cannot stand. We have to create a this cannot stand. We have to create a capacity ourselves. capacity ourselves. capacity ourselves. >> The only defense against uh terrorism is >> The only defense against uh terrorism is >> The only defense against uh terrorism is offense. You have to simply take the the offense. You have to simply take the the offense. You have to simply take the the battle to them. How do you do that? Uh battle to them. How do you do that? Uh battle to them. How do you do that? Uh you don't you don't do it with you don't you don't do it with you don't you don't do it with conventional capabilities. You do it conventional capabilities. You do it conventional capabilities. You do it with unconventional capabilities. with unconventional capabilities. with unconventional capabilities. >> Rumsfeld was something of an empire >> Rumsfeld was something of an empire >> Rumsfeld was something of an empire builder, you know, to create as much builder, you know, to create as much builder, you know, to create as much power in in in his uh department as power in in in his uh department as power in in in his uh department as possible. possible. possible. Quietly, Runsfeld expanded the Quietly, Runsfeld expanded the Quietly, Runsfeld expanded the Pentagon's most secret group, Joint Pentagon's most secret group, Joint Pentagon's most secret group, Joint Special Operations Command, Jark. It Special Operations Command, Jark. It Special Operations Command, Jark. It provided a capability within the provided a capability within the provided a capability within the Pentagon that the Pentagon didn't have Pentagon that the Pentagon didn't have Pentagon that the Pentagon didn't have before. Um, and was not considered before. Um, and was not considered before. Um, and was not considered appropriate for the Pentagon to have appropriate for the Pentagon to have appropriate for the Pentagon to have before.

before. before. Buried deep inside the Pentagon Buried deep inside the Pentagon Buried deep inside the Pentagon bureaucracy, Rumsfeld anointed Jac with bureaucracy, Rumsfeld anointed Jac with bureaucracy, Rumsfeld anointed Jac with power and money. power and money. power and money. >> One of the reasons that Secretary >> One of the reasons that Secretary >> One of the reasons that Secretary Rumsfeld became very enamored of special Rumsfeld became very enamored of special Rumsfeld became very enamored of special operations forces was the readiness of operations forces was the readiness of operations forces was the readiness of special operations forces to deploy and special operations forces to deploy and special operations forces to deploy and do what they were asked to do. Whereas do what they were asked to do. Whereas do what they were asked to do. Whereas the army presented resistance, JOK began a systematic series of capture JOK began a systematic series of capture and targeted killing operations. Hey. and targeted killing operations. Hey. and targeted killing operations. Hey. Hey, get ready. One by one, they aimed for al-Qaeda One by one, they aimed for al-Qaeda leaders wherever they found them. leaders wherever they found them. leaders wherever they found them. >> Using conventional war authorities, they >> Using conventional war authorities, they >> Using conventional war authorities, they did it all with less oversight than the did it all with less oversight than the did it all with less oversight than the CIA. So, in the past, covert action was CIA. So, in the past, covert action was CIA. So, in the past, covert action was done by CIA. done by CIA. done by CIA. The president had to approve covert The president had to approve covert The president had to approve covert action and notify the Congress. action and notify the Congress. action and notify the Congress. Now, a lot of what looks like the same Now, a lot of what looks like the same Now, a lot of what looks like the same sort of thing, covert action, is done by sort of thing, covert action, is done by sort of thing, covert action, is done by Jak.

Jak. Jak. Now, they say when they do it, it's not Now, they say when they do it, it's not Now, they say when they do it, it's not covert action. It's a military covert action. It's a military covert action. It's a military operation. So, the president does not by operation. So, the president does not by operation. So, the president does not by law have to approve every operation and law have to approve every operation and law have to approve every operation and the intelligence committees are not the intelligence committees are not the intelligence committees are not notified. notified. notified. Then in Afghanistan, a story circulated Then in Afghanistan, a story circulated Then in Afghanistan, a story circulated that Rumsfeld wanted to use J- Sock that Rumsfeld wanted to use J- Sock that Rumsfeld wanted to use J- Sock forces on a new battlefield, forces on a new battlefield, forces on a new battlefield, Iraq. You could see changes being made Iraq. You could see changes being made Iraq. You could see changes being made in the US military staffing in in the US military staffing in in the US military staffing in Afghanistan that the Green Beret units, Afghanistan that the Green Beret units, Afghanistan that the Green Beret units, the fifth special forces group, for the the fifth special forces group, for the the fifth special forces group, for the most part, were being pulled out to most part, were being pulled out to most part, were being pulled out to refit and get ready for Iraq. And it was refit and get ready for Iraq. And it was refit and get ready for Iraq. And it was clear that the the kind of guys that uh clear that the the kind of guys that uh clear that the the kind of guys that uh I think a lot of us believed were I think a lot of us believed were I think a lot of us believed were essential US military personnel with essential US military personnel with essential US military personnel with special operations capabilities uh were special operations capabilities uh were special operations capabilities uh were being pulled away. being pulled away. being pulled away. >> By 2002 in the springtime, it was almost >> By 2002 in the springtime, it was almost >> By 2002 in the springtime, it was almost uh taken for granted that we were going uh taken for granted that we were going uh taken for granted that we were going to go to war with Iraq. to go to war with Iraq. to go to war with Iraq. >> The president needed a convincing reason >> The president needed a convincing reason >> The president needed a convincing reason for war with Saddam Hussein.

for war with Saddam Hussein. for war with Saddam Hussein. George Tennant and the CIA said they had George Tennant and the CIA said they had George Tennant and the CIA said they had no evidence Saddam had helped al-Qaeda, no evidence Saddam had helped al-Qaeda, no evidence Saddam had helped al-Qaeda, but Secretary Rumsfeld did. but Secretary Rumsfeld did. but Secretary Rumsfeld did. A secret unit at the Pentagon claimed it A secret unit at the Pentagon claimed it A secret unit at the Pentagon claimed it had found a connection. had found a connection. had found a connection. >> They needed an office that would produce >> They needed an office that would produce >> They needed an office that would produce the intelligence that the CIA wouldn't the intelligence that the CIA wouldn't the intelligence that the CIA wouldn't produce. Rumsfeld said, "I can solve produce. Rumsfeld said, "I can solve produce. Rumsfeld said, "I can solve your problem." And they created the your problem." And they created the your problem." And they created the Office of Special Plans. So, they're Office of Special Plans. So, they're Office of Special Plans. So, they're going to do their own analysis and going to do their own analysis and going to do their own analysis and they're going to show what the CIA's they're going to show what the CIA's they're going to show what the CIA's been missing all along about the true been missing all along about the true been missing all along about the true relationship between Saddam and relationship between Saddam and relationship between Saddam and al-Qaeda. al-Qaeda. al-Qaeda. >> They worked in a vault deep inside the >> They worked in a vault deep inside the >> They worked in a vault deep inside the Pentagon. They had what is known as all Pentagon. They had what is known as all Pentagon. They had what is known as all source clearances, total access to source clearances, total access to source clearances, total access to intelligence information. I went into intelligence information. I went into intelligence information. I went into the system, our classified system to see the system, our classified system to see the system, our classified system to see what did we know about terrorist groups what did we know about terrorist groups what did we know about terrorist groups and the relationships as well as their and the relationships as well as their and the relationships as well as their uh connection and associations with uh uh connection and associations with uh uh connection and associations with uh not only al-Qaeda but also uh with state not only al-Qaeda but also uh with state not only al-Qaeda but also uh with state sponsors.

sponsors. sponsors. >> The information was rarely vetted. >> The information was rarely vetted. >> The information was rarely vetted. Instead, it moved up the chain of Instead, it moved up the chain of Instead, it moved up the chain of command to the office of the vice command to the office of the vice command to the office of the vice president. president. president. And this became uh material that was And this became uh material that was And this became uh material that was then used sort of in white paper-like then used sort of in white paper-like then used sort of in white paper-like fashion to be leaked to journalists uh fashion to be leaked to journalists uh fashion to be leaked to journalists uh or to create links between Saddam or to create links between Saddam or to create links between Saddam Hussein and al-Qaeda. Hussein and al-Qaeda. Hussein and al-Qaeda. >> It was delivered to the American public >> It was delivered to the American public >> It was delivered to the American public and the world. and the world. and the world. >> Information has come to light. >> Information has come to light. >> Information has come to light. >> I want to spend time looking at that >> I want to spend time looking at that >> I want to spend time looking at that relationship between Iraq on the one relationship between Iraq on the one relationship between Iraq on the one hand and the al-Qaeda organization on hand and the al-Qaeda organization on hand and the al-Qaeda organization on the other. And um there has been the other. And um there has been the other. And um there has been reporting that suggests that there have reporting that suggests that there have reporting that suggests that there have been a number of contacts over the been a number of contacts over the been a number of contacts over the years. years. years. >> And they began relying on a new phrase >> And they began relying on a new phrase >> And they began relying on a new phrase >> connection >> connection >> connection >> weapons of mass destruction >> weapons of mass destruction >> weapons of mass destruction >> acquired nuclear weapon. But we don't >> acquired nuclear weapon. But we don't >> acquired nuclear weapon. But we don't want the smoking gun to be a mushroom want the smoking gun to be a mushroom want the smoking gun to be a mushroom cloud. cloud. cloud. >> Leaving Sodom Hussein in possession of >> Leaving Sodom Hussein in possession of >> Leaving Sodom Hussein in possession of weapons of mass destruction for a few weapons of mass destruction for a few weapons of mass destruction for a few more months or years is not an option. more months or years is not an option. more months or years is not an option. Not in a post September 11th world. Not in a post September 11th world. Not in a post September 11th world. Rapid series of 40 explosions lit up Rapid series of 40 explosions lit up Rapid series of 40 explosions lit up Baghdad in the early morning hours.

Baghdad in the early morning hours. Baghdad in the early morning hours. >> Military officials have been using the >> Military officials have been using the >> Military officials have been using the term shock and awe to describe the term shock and awe to describe the term shock and awe to describe the assault on Iraq. By the spring of 2003, assault on Iraq. By the spring of 2003, assault on Iraq. By the spring of 2003, the US had attacked Iraqi. the US had attacked Iraqi. the US had attacked Iraqi. >> Fast and mobile, Rumsfeld's JC team >> Fast and mobile, Rumsfeld's JC team >> Fast and mobile, Rumsfeld's JC team secretly paved the way. secretly paved the way. secretly paved the way. >> Reported to be about 30 miles from the >> Reported to be about 30 miles from the >> Reported to be about 30 miles from the outskirts of outskirts of outskirts of >> fighting a conventional war >> fighting a conventional war >> fighting a conventional war unconventionally seemed at first to unconventionally seemed at first to unconventionally seemed at first to work. The scenes of free Iraqis celebrating in The scenes of free Iraqis celebrating in the streets, riding American tanks, the streets, riding American tanks, the streets, riding American tanks, tearing down the statues of Saddam tearing down the statues of Saddam tearing down the statues of Saddam Hussein in the center of Baghdad are Hussein in the center of Baghdad are Hussein in the center of Baghdad are breathtaking. On September the 11th, 2001, our freedom On September the 11th, 2001, our freedom and way of life came under attack by and way of life came under attack by and way of life came under attack by brutal enemies who killed nearly 3,000 brutal enemies who killed nearly 3,000 brutal enemies who killed nearly 3,000 innocent Americans. innocent Americans. innocent Americans. >> On the night of 9/11, the CIA had >> On the night of 9/11, the CIA had >> On the night of 9/11, the CIA had planned a secret war abroad. And since planned a secret war abroad. And since planned a secret war abroad. And since September the 11th, we've been on the September the 11th, we've been on the September the 11th, we've been on the offensive against the terrorists offensive against the terrorists offensive against the terrorists plotting within our borders. plotting within our borders. plotting within our borders. >> At home, another front had been opened.

>> At home, another front had been opened. >> At home, another front had been opened. >> The battle to protect the American >> The battle to protect the American >> The battle to protect the American homeland. homeland. homeland. >> We had to move from proving what >> We had to move from proving what >> We had to move from proving what happened to preventing something from happened to preventing something from happened to preventing something from happening because the costs that came happening because the costs that came happening because the costs that came with a mass destruction event like 9/11, with a mass destruction event like 9/11, with a mass destruction event like 9/11, we can't allow that. we can't allow that. we can't allow that. The president asked the nation's largest The president asked the nation's largest The president asked the nation's largest and most secret intelligence agency to and most secret intelligence agency to and most secret intelligence agency to step forward. step forward. step forward. >> A couple weeks into the war, we were >> A couple weeks into the war, we were >> A couple weeks into the war, we were asked, "Is there anything more we can do asked, "Is there anything more we can do asked, "Is there anything more we can do to defend the homeland?" to defend the homeland?" to defend the homeland?" >> At that time, Michael Hayden ran the >> At that time, Michael Hayden ran the >> At that time, Michael Hayden ran the National Security Agency, the NSA. National Security Agency, the NSA. National Security Agency, the NSA. >> Began a conversation with the vice >> Began a conversation with the vice >> Began a conversation with the vice president and then with the president, president and then with the president, president and then with the president, saying that here are some additional saying that here are some additional saying that here are some additional things we could do, but we cannot do things we could do, but we cannot do things we could do, but we cannot do them because we do not currently have them because we do not currently have them because we do not currently have authorities to do them. Um, that was the authorities to do them. Um, that was the authorities to do them. Um, that was the basis of the evolution of what became basis of the evolution of what became basis of the evolution of what became the terrorist surveillance program. the terrorist surveillance program. the terrorist surveillance program. >> The terrorist surveillance program >> The terrorist surveillance program >> The terrorist surveillance program authorized the NSA to intercept certain authorized the NSA to intercept certain authorized the NSA to intercept certain telephone calls and emails of American telephone calls and emails of American telephone calls and emails of American citizens without a warrant.

>> It clearly was atypical when it came to >> It clearly was atypical when it came to where the traditional boundaries of the where the traditional boundaries of the where the traditional boundaries of the National Security Agency had been when National Security Agency had been when National Security Agency had been when it came to communications. one end of it came to communications. one end of it came to communications. one end of which was in the United States. That was which was in the United States. That was which was in the United States. That was a change. a change. a change. >> Nobody was in a mood to say, "Well, wait >> Nobody was in a mood to say, "Well, wait >> Nobody was in a mood to say, "Well, wait a minute. Are you infringing on a minute. Are you infringing on a minute. Are you infringing on privacy?" You know, privacy versus privacy?" You know, privacy versus privacy?" You know, privacy versus another 9/11 attack. There was no real another 9/11 attack. There was no real another 9/11 attack. There was no real question about what was going to win question about what was going to win question about what was going to win over that. over that. over that. >> From inside their secure Maryland >> From inside their secure Maryland >> From inside their secure Maryland headquarters, the NSA was now focused on headquarters, the NSA was now focused on headquarters, the NSA was now focused on trying to prevent the next terrorist trying to prevent the next terrorist trying to prevent the next terrorist attack. attack. attack. I began to lay out to the people of NSA I began to lay out to the people of NSA I began to lay out to the people of NSA what our mission had become and it was what our mission had become and it was what our mission had become and it was clear it was going to be clear it was going to be clear it was going to be counterterrorism. counterterrorism. counterterrorism. I said we would be shifting over to the I said we would be shifting over to the I said we would be shifting over to the offense and that we would be an integral offense and that we would be an integral offense and that we would be an integral part of that offensive move. part of that offensive move. part of that offensive move. >> The NSA created a global electronic drag >> The NSA created a global electronic drag >> The NSA created a global electronic drag net capable of reaching into America's net capable of reaching into America's net capable of reaching into America's communication networks capturing 1.7 communication networks capturing 1.7 communication networks capturing 1.7 billion intercepts every day.

billion intercepts every day. billion intercepts every day. The National Security Agency has a huge The National Security Agency has a huge The National Security Agency has a huge vacuum cleaner around the world. Uh and vacuum cleaner around the world. Uh and vacuum cleaner around the world. Uh and it is sucking down information from it is sucking down information from it is sucking down information from computer networks, from radios, from computer networks, from radios, from computer networks, from radios, from telephone calls all over the world. So telephone calls all over the world. So telephone calls all over the world. So much information that no human being much information that no human being much information that no human being could ever go through it on a daily could ever go through it on a daily could ever go through it on a daily basis. basis. basis. >> Other basic challenge is in sorting >> Other basic challenge is in sorting >> Other basic challenge is in sorting through the huge volume of information. through the huge volume of information. through the huge volume of information. The analogy is not so much a needle in a The analogy is not so much a needle in a The analogy is not so much a needle in a hay stack. It's a needle in a stack of hay stack. It's a needle in a stack of hay stack. It's a needle in a stack of needles. needles. needles. >> But finding the exact needle would take >> But finding the exact needle would take >> But finding the exact needle would take manpower, lots of it, and in a hurry. manpower, lots of it, and in a hurry. manpower, lots of it, and in a hurry. >> The NSA turned to a new force in the >> The NSA turned to a new force in the >> The NSA turned to a new force in the covert war. Private contractors. covert war. Private contractors. covert war. Private contractors. >> You had this boom in the corporate >> You had this boom in the corporate >> You had this boom in the corporate intelligence world as well. companies intelligence world as well. companies intelligence world as well. companies like Khaki, Loheed Martin, General like Khaki, Loheed Martin, General like Khaki, Loheed Martin, General Dynamics, Dynamics, Dynamics, just all the oldfashioned industrial just all the oldfashioned industrial just all the oldfashioned industrial were building ships and submarines type were building ships and submarines type were building ships and submarines type corporations quickly moved into the corporations quickly moved into the corporations quickly moved into the intelligence and information space.

intelligence and information space. intelligence and information space. >> The NSA spent billions of dollars on >> The NSA spent billions of dollars on >> The NSA spent billions of dollars on more than 480 private companies. Michael more than 480 private companies. Michael more than 480 private companies. Michael Hayden led the effort in the days right Hayden led the effort in the days right Hayden led the effort in the days right after 9/11. after 9/11. after 9/11. >> Uh, I did it at NSA. George did it at at >> Uh, I did it at NSA. George did it at at >> Uh, I did it at NSA. George did it at at at CIA. We all did it. It was a way to at CIA. We all did it. It was a way to at CIA. We all did it. It was a way to go out there and and and to get these go out there and and and to get these go out there and and and to get these capabilities into the flow infinitely capabilities into the flow infinitely capabilities into the flow infinitely more quickly than you would have been more quickly than you would have been more quickly than you would have been able to do had you gone through the the able to do had you gone through the the able to do had you gone through the the government personnel system. government personnel system. government personnel system. >> In office parks near the NSA, thousands >> In office parks near the NSA, thousands >> In office parks near the NSA, thousands of private contractors, many making much of private contractors, many making much of private contractors, many making much more money than federal employees, help more money than federal employees, help more money than federal employees, help digest data. This war was not a war that digest data. This war was not a war that digest data. This war was not a war that required a lot of tanks, a lot of required a lot of tanks, a lot of required a lot of tanks, a lot of fighter jets. It required information fighter jets. It required information fighter jets. It required information and information and information and information flows in a different way and is is flows in a different way and is is flows in a different way and is is analyzed by machines. analyzed by machines. analyzed by machines. >> Exactly how much money the NSA was >> Exactly how much money the NSA was >> Exactly how much money the NSA was spending in the years after 9/11 is one spending in the years after 9/11 is one spending in the years after 9/11 is one of the government's most closely guarded of the government's most closely guarded of the government's most closely guarded secrets.

secrets. secrets. The AY's budget, like its work, is a The AY's budget, like its work, is a The AY's budget, like its work, is a state secret. >> Well, have you actually looked at this >> Well, have you actually looked at this building on a satellite map yet? building on a satellite map yet? building on a satellite map yet? >> No. >> No. >> No. >> It's gigantic. I mean, it's it's >> It's gigantic. I mean, it's it's >> It's gigantic. I mean, it's it's >> in Vermont. A reporter and former >> in Vermont. A reporter and former >> in Vermont. A reporter and former defense analyst, William Arin spent defense analyst, William Arin spent defense analyst, William Arin spent years trying to track the post 911 years trying to track the post 911 years trying to track the post 911 growth of America's hidden intelligence growth of America's hidden intelligence growth of America's hidden intelligence world. world. world. >> But it's a government organization. It >> But it's a government organization. It >> But it's a government organization. It shows up nowhere. It's in a pizza shows up nowhere. It's in a pizza shows up nowhere. It's in a pizza parlor. It looks like it's a cover parlor. It looks like it's a cover parlor. It looks like it's a cover address. There's no defense organization address. There's no defense organization address. There's no defense organization there. I'll have to go look at it or there. I'll have to go look at it or there. I'll have to go look at it or you'll have to go look at it. you'll have to go look at it. you'll have to go look at it. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Working with Dana Priest, the two would >> Working with Dana Priest, the two would >> Working with Dana Priest, the two would do what no one else had done. Identify do what no one else had done. Identify do what no one else had done. Identify one by one the buildings and companies one by one the buildings and companies one by one the buildings and companies in what they called top secret America. in what they called top secret America. in what they called top secret America. >> Defense policy analysis. defense program >> Defense policy analysis. defense program >> Defense policy analysis. defense program supportric warfare group supportric warfare group supportric warfare group project special organizations project special organizations project special organizations >> CIA and FBI and NSA and all the other >> CIA and FBI and NSA and all the other >> CIA and FBI and NSA and all the other agencies.

agencies. agencies. It took me about a year to complete a It took me about a year to complete a It took me about a year to complete a decent catalog of the government decent catalog of the government decent catalog of the government entities and corporate entities that entities and corporate entities that entities and corporate entities that work in this world. work in this world. work in this world. >> They discovered they were the only >> They discovered they were the only >> They discovered they were the only people in the country collecting such people in the country collecting such people in the country collecting such detailed information. detailed information. detailed information. The only way they could verify any of it The only way they could verify any of it The only way they could verify any of it was to go there in person. was to go there in person. was to go there in person. >> Two separate buildings. >> Two separate buildings. >> Two separate buildings. >> Hundreds of secret locations hiding in >> Hundreds of secret locations hiding in >> Hundreds of secret locations hiding in plain sight in office parks. plain sight in office parks. plain sight in office parks. >> This is a gate to to the NSA. >> This is a gate to to the NSA. >> This is a gate to to the NSA. >> There's a there's a government facility >> There's a there's a government facility >> There's a there's a government facility back in there. You'll see it better back in there. You'll see it better back in there. You'll see it better after we turn down this road. after we turn down this road. after we turn down this road. >> Inside buildings like these, >> Inside buildings like these, >> Inside buildings like these, they launch drone strikes, they launch drone strikes, they launch drone strikes, gather and spread secret information, gather and spread secret information, gather and spread secret information, engage in cyber conflict. You've got engage in cyber conflict. You've got engage in cyber conflict. You've got Titan in here. CSC is in one of these Titan in here. CSC is in one of these Titan in here. CSC is in one of these buildings. General Dynamics. buildings. General Dynamics. buildings. General Dynamics. >> So, you really have the big mega firms, >> So, you really have the big mega firms, >> So, you really have the big mega firms, the giants of this whole industry here. the giants of this whole industry here. the giants of this whole industry here. North of North of North of >> Grumman Grin, >> Grumman Grin, >> Grumman Grin, >> Boeing >> Boeing >> Boeing >> with a security station here in front >> with a security station here in front >> with a security station here in front where they they check out the cars and where they they check out the cars and where they they check out the cars and look underneath.

look underneath. look underneath. >> Yeah. So, maybe you should put the >> Yeah. So, maybe you should put the >> Yeah. So, maybe you should put the camera down now camera down now camera down now cuz cuz cuz >> you just never know who's watching over >> you just never know who's watching over >> you just never know who's watching over here. >> All right. So, can we just go over what >> All right. So, can we just go over what you have? you have? you have? >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> At the Washington Post, Priest and her >> At the Washington Post, Priest and her >> At the Washington Post, Priest and her team compiled what they found. team compiled what they found. team compiled what they found. >> This is the picture that I went up to >> This is the picture that I went up to >> This is the picture that I went up to that credit union place. that credit union place. that credit union place. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And it is >> And it is >> And it is >> for the rest of my life, I will never >> for the rest of my life, I will never >> for the rest of my life, I will never see the world the same way again, see the world the same way again, see the world the same way again, especially around Washington. especially around Washington. especially around Washington. >> So, had it not been for the leaves off >> So, had it not been for the leaves off >> So, had it not been for the leaves off the trees and at night, you you just you the trees and at night, you you just you the trees and at night, you you just you would never see this thing. would never see this thing. would never see this thing. >> And yet, it's gigantic. >> And yet, it's gigantic. >> And yet, it's gigantic. >> Yeah. these buildings that they might >> Yeah. these buildings that they might >> Yeah. these buildings that they might only be four stories high, but they go only be four stories high, but they go only be four stories high, but they go down 10 stories. down 10 stories. down 10 stories. And there's a whole world down there And there's a whole world down there And there's a whole world down there like shops and places to eat that you like shops and places to eat that you like shops and places to eat that you don't know about that's just for them. >> They had uncovered a new secret world >> They had uncovered a new secret world that had grown up in the years after that had grown up in the years after that had grown up in the years after 9/11. 9/11. 9/11. You You You >> could put the dots on the map. you had >> could put the dots on the map. you had >> could put the dots on the map. you had an alternative geography of the United an alternative geography of the United an alternative geography of the United States, a secret geography that is so States, a secret geography that is so States, a secret geography that is so important that guides how this country important that guides how this country important that guides how this country keeps itself safe and yet it is not keeps itself safe and yet it is not keeps itself safe and yet it is not revealed um to the public even though it revealed um to the public even though it revealed um to the public even though it may be next year back door.

may be next year back door. may be next year back door. >> They didn't put it in one place. If they >> They didn't put it in one place. If they >> They didn't put it in one place. If they had, it would have been the size of the had, it would have been the size of the had, it would have been the size of the District of Columbia. Uh what they did District of Columbia. Uh what they did District of Columbia. Uh what they did instead was scatter it around so it fits instead was scatter it around so it fits instead was scatter it around so it fits into the fabric of metropolitan into the fabric of metropolitan into the fabric of metropolitan Washington and on up into Baltimore and Washington and on up into Baltimore and Washington and on up into Baltimore and it looks like commercial office space. it looks like commercial office space. it looks like commercial office space. Uh huge new bureaucracy that you can't Uh huge new bureaucracy that you can't Uh huge new bureaucracy that you can't really see. There's more fierce fighting between US There's more fierce fighting between US forces and the Shiite militia forces and the Shiite militia forces and the Shiite militia >> in Iraq. By 2004, the public war was >> in Iraq. By 2004, the public war was >> in Iraq. By 2004, the public war was going badly. going badly. going badly. >> Was one of several places where there >> Was one of several places where there >> Was one of several places where there was violence in Iraq over the weekend. Number of American troops killed is now Number of American troops killed is now over a thousand. Reports of border over a thousand. Reports of border over a thousand. Reports of border attacks in Baghdad. Several others were attacks in Baghdad. Several others were attacks in Baghdad. Several others were wounded when a car bombed. wounded when a car bombed. wounded when a car bombed. >> Rumsfeld's light force wasn't able to >> Rumsfeld's light force wasn't able to >> Rumsfeld's light force wasn't able to stop the growing insurgency. side bomb. stop the growing insurgency. side bomb. stop the growing insurgency. side bomb. >> There aren't enough troops. And worse, >> There aren't enough troops. And worse, >> There aren't enough troops. And worse, they're in the middle of an insurgency they're in the middle of an insurgency they're in the middle of an insurgency that they don't know how to conquer >> and they hadn't found any sign of those >> and they hadn't found any sign of those weapons of mass destruction.

weapons of mass destruction. weapons of mass destruction. >> Early on in the war, it seemed quite >> Early on in the war, it seemed quite >> Early on in the war, it seemed quite clear that they were not going to find u clear that they were not going to find u clear that they were not going to find u major stockpiles of weapons that uh we major stockpiles of weapons that uh we major stockpiles of weapons that uh we were looking at kind of an empty shell. were looking at kind of an empty shell. were looking at kind of an empty shell. David Kay had been given the job of David Kay had been given the job of David Kay had been given the job of finding the weapons finding the weapons finding the weapons >> from very early on. I said, "Uh, things >> from very early on. I said, "Uh, things >> from very early on. I said, "Uh, things are not panning out the way you thought are not panning out the way you thought are not panning out the way you thought they existed here." And it was specific they existed here." And it was specific they existed here." And it was specific cases, whether we're talking about the cases, whether we're talking about the cases, whether we're talking about the aluminum tubes or or we're talking about aluminum tubes or or we're talking about aluminum tubes or or we're talking about the the nuclear program in general or the the nuclear program in general or the the nuclear program in general or the biological program. the biological program. the biological program. >> After eight months searching Iraq for >> After eight months searching Iraq for >> After eight months searching Iraq for weapons of mass destruction, David Kay weapons of mass destruction, David Kay weapons of mass destruction, David Kay reached a simple conclusion. There reached a simple conclusion. There reached a simple conclusion. There aren't any. that political stakes are aren't any. that political stakes are aren't any. that political stakes are rising in the overestimation of Iraq's rising in the overestimation of Iraq's rising in the overestimation of Iraq's weapons. weapons. weapons. >> It was an intelligence failure that >> It was an intelligence failure that >> It was an intelligence failure that reverberated throughout Washington. reverberated throughout Washington. reverberated throughout Washington. >> One of the most damaging intelligence >> One of the most damaging intelligence >> One of the most damaging intelligence failures in recent US history and says failures in recent US history and says failures in recent US history and says the harm to US credibility will take the harm to US credibility will take the harm to US credibility will take years to undo. I think the intelligence years to undo. I think the intelligence years to undo. I think the intelligence community understood community understood community understood that if the American people and the that if the American people and the that if the American people and the policy makers really understood the policy makers really understood the policy makers really understood the message I was delivering that there message I was delivering that there message I was delivering that there would have to be a major shakeup of the would have to be a major shakeup of the would have to be a major shakeup of the way American intelligence is done way American intelligence is done way American intelligence is done because this was just inexcusable.

because this was just inexcusable. because this was just inexcusable. >> George Tennant and the CIA took most of >> George Tennant and the CIA took most of >> George Tennant and the CIA took most of the blame. Outrage lawmakers are the blame. Outrage lawmakers are the blame. Outrage lawmakers are demanding to know whether the CIA was demanding to know whether the CIA was demanding to know whether the CIA was pressured to come up with answers the pressured to come up with answers the pressured to come up with answers the administration wanted to justify going administration wanted to justify going administration wanted to justify going to war. to war. to war. >> The bipartisan 9/11 commission proposed >> The bipartisan 9/11 commission proposed >> The bipartisan 9/11 commission proposed stripping the CIA of its oversight of stripping the CIA of its oversight of stripping the CIA of its oversight of national intelligence. The 911 national intelligence. The 911 national intelligence. The 911 commission actually suggested that the commission actually suggested that the commission actually suggested that the countries have a director of countries have a director of countries have a director of intelligence intelligence intelligence to make sure that all the different to make sure that all the different to make sure that all the different agencies would share their dots and who agencies would share their dots and who agencies would share their dots and who could be in charge of the agencies in could be in charge of the agencies in could be in charge of the agencies in order to make sure that they weren't order to make sure that they weren't order to make sure that they weren't overlapping, that they were playing well overlapping, that they were playing well overlapping, that they were playing well together, that they were getting together, that they were getting together, that they were getting efficiencies out of the system. efficiencies out of the system. efficiencies out of the system. Today I'm asking Congress to create the Today I'm asking Congress to create the Today I'm asking Congress to create the position of a national intelligence position of a national intelligence position of a national intelligence director. The national intelligence director. The national intelligence director. The national intelligence >> Congress starts working on the bill and >> Congress starts working on the bill and >> Congress starts working on the bill and they produce a bill in almost no time at they produce a bill in almost no time at they produce a bill in almost no time at all and there's very little debate and all and there's very little debate and all and there's very little debate and there's very little consideration. there's very little consideration. there's very little consideration. >> As the bill made its way through >> As the bill made its way through >> As the bill made its way through Congress, the existing intelligence Congress, the existing intelligence Congress, the existing intelligence agencies pushed back. The Secretary of agencies pushed back. The Secretary of agencies pushed back. The Secretary of Defense led the charge.

Defense led the charge. Defense led the charge. The Secretary of Defense was not anxious The Secretary of Defense was not anxious The Secretary of Defense was not anxious to lose power, direct authority over the to lose power, direct authority over the to lose power, direct authority over the intelligence assets in the Department of intelligence assets in the Department of intelligence assets in the Department of Defense. He felt very strongly and Defense. He felt very strongly and Defense. He felt very strongly and fought very hard um not to lose that fought very hard um not to lose that fought very hard um not to lose that authority. authority. authority. >> The authority of the DNI, which was >> The authority of the DNI, which was >> The authority of the DNI, which was written into the law as it was drafted, written into the law as it was drafted, written into the law as it was drafted, was gradually reduced day after day was gradually reduced day after day was gradually reduced day after day after day to the point where it became after day to the point where it became after day to the point where it became almost meaningless. almost meaningless. almost meaningless. John Negropanti was the first nominee John Negropanti was the first nominee John Negropanti was the first nominee for director of national intelligence. for director of national intelligence. for director of national intelligence. >> I got a call from Andrew Card, the chief >> I got a call from Andrew Card, the chief >> I got a call from Andrew Card, the chief of staff of the president, asking me, of staff of the president, asking me, of staff of the president, asking me, "How would you like to be the first "How would you like to be the first "How would you like to be the first director of national intelligence?" I director of national intelligence?" I director of national intelligence?" I didn't know anything about how Congress didn't know anything about how Congress didn't know anything about how Congress had envisaged the position or anything had envisaged the position or anything had envisaged the position or anything else. So, the first thing I did was to else. So, the first thing I did was to else. So, the first thing I did was to download the law, the whole 200 plus download the law, the whole 200 plus download the law, the whole 200 plus pages of it to get some kind of sense of pages of it to get some kind of sense of pages of it to get some kind of sense of uh what was envisaged. To run America's $80 billion To run America's $80 billion intelligence community, Negropanti was intelligence community, Negropanti was intelligence community, Negropanti was given a small staff and a few rooms in given a small staff and a few rooms in given a small staff and a few rooms in the old executive office building.

the old executive office building. the old executive office building. >> The actual director's office is >> The actual director's office is >> The actual director's office is non-existent. There wasn't even uh non-existent. There wasn't even uh non-existent. There wasn't even uh somebody to answer the phones when I somebody to answer the phones when I somebody to answer the phones when I first got there. I first got there. I first got there. I >> recall one time the secretary of defense >> recall one time the secretary of defense >> recall one time the secretary of defense coming into the office and the secretary coming into the office and the secretary coming into the office and the secretary of state walking by and peeking in and of state walking by and peeking in and of state walking by and peeking in and just chuckling. Uh and it was all funny just chuckling. Uh and it was all funny just chuckling. Uh and it was all funny to see them crowded around the small to see them crowded around the small to see them crowded around the small table uh kind of the national security table uh kind of the national security table uh kind of the national security team. team. team. >> We covered the walls with butcher paper >> We covered the walls with butcher paper >> We covered the walls with butcher paper and said, "Well, how about this and said, "Well, how about this and said, "Well, how about this organizational structure?" I mean, we organizational structure?" I mean, we organizational structure?" I mean, we really did and then try to try to lay it really did and then try to try to lay it really did and then try to try to lay it out. out. out. >> Negropanti quickly discovered he had >> Negropanti quickly discovered he had >> Negropanti quickly discovered he had little authority to bring order to the little authority to bring order to the little authority to bring order to the sprawling intelligence community. sprawling intelligence community. sprawling intelligence community. >> There were some things that were lacking >> There were some things that were lacking >> There were some things that were lacking authority to hire and fire. I believe authority to hire and fire. I believe authority to hire and fire. I believe that it would have been better to have that it would have been better to have that it would have been better to have more budgetary authorities than than in more budgetary authorities than than in more budgetary authorities than than in fact I actually ended up uh having. If fact I actually ended up uh having. If fact I actually ended up uh having. If you're going to maintain true you're going to maintain true you're going to maintain true authorities over a subordinate authorities over a subordinate authorities over a subordinate organization, organization, organization, you have to have some control over you have to have some control over you have to have some control over policy formulation of that organization policy formulation of that organization policy formulation of that organization and also the resources that are applied and also the resources that are applied and also the resources that are applied to it and much of that does not exist in to it and much of that does not exist in to it and much of that does not exist in that position.

that position. that position. So you you have a sort of an emperor So you you have a sort of an emperor So you you have a sort of an emperor without any clothes. >> Negropanti served as director of >> Negropanti served as director of national intelligence for just 2 years. national intelligence for just 2 years. national intelligence for just 2 years. In the six years it has existed, there In the six years it has existed, there In the six years it has existed, there have been five different DNIs. have been five different DNIs. have been five different DNIs. >> We gave the DNI a lot of >> We gave the DNI a lot of >> We gave the DNI a lot of responsibilities and high expectations. responsibilities and high expectations. responsibilities and high expectations. In my view, we did not give that uh In my view, we did not give that uh In my view, we did not give that uh person the authority over the person the authority over the person the authority over the intelligence community to realize the intelligence community to realize the intelligence community to realize the benefits that were supposed to be benefits that were supposed to be benefits that were supposed to be derived. derived. derived. >> Despite the inability to control other >> Despite the inability to control other >> Despite the inability to control other intelligence agencies, the DNI did what intelligence agencies, the DNI did what intelligence agencies, the DNI did what other bureaucracies inside top secret other bureaucracies inside top secret other bureaucracies inside top secret America do. It grew. America do. It grew. America do. It grew. >> It started out 11 people in the old >> It started out 11 people in the old >> It started out 11 people in the old executive office building, but that executive office building, but that executive office building, but that wasn't big enough. So they moved uh to wasn't big enough. So they moved uh to wasn't big enough. So they moved uh to some of the priciest real estate in the some of the priciest real estate in the some of the priciest real estate in the Washington area and now they are Washington area and now they are Washington area and now they are gigantic. 500,000 square feet, five gigantic. 500,000 square feet, five gigantic. 500,000 square feet, five Walmarts stacked on top of each other.

Walmarts stacked on top of each other. Walmarts stacked on top of each other. And if you ask most people in the And if you ask most people in the And if you ask most people in the intelligence world, they don't know intelligence world, they don't know intelligence world, they don't know exactly what they do. still. >> In 2009, the new president would inherit >> In 2009, the new president would inherit a war in Iraq, a war in Afghanistan, and a war in Iraq, a war in Afghanistan, and a war in Iraq, a war in Afghanistan, and terrorism threats abroad and at home. terrorism threats abroad and at home. terrorism threats abroad and at home. >> This will be the largest security >> This will be the largest security >> This will be the largest security challenge here since 9/11. challenge here since 9/11. challenge here since 9/11. >> The tightest security for an >> The tightest security for an >> The tightest security for an inauguration ever. inauguration ever. inauguration ever. >> There had even been a threat to the >> There had even been a threat to the >> There had even been a threat to the president-elect. president-elect. president-elect. a week before they had gotten a a week before they had gotten a a week before they had gotten a reasonable tip that there was a plot on reasonable tip that there was a plot on reasonable tip that there was a plot on the part of a Somalian the part of a Somalian the part of a Somalian immigrant um to disrupt the inauguration immigrant um to disrupt the inauguration immigrant um to disrupt the inauguration and they took that seriously. and they took that seriously. and they took that seriously. >> There was enough there that you >> There was enough there that you >> There was enough there that you understood even if it turned out later understood even if it turned out later understood even if it turned out later not to be real. They had an obligation not to be real. They had an obligation not to be real. They had an obligation to take it seriously. to take it seriously. to take it seriously. The Bush administration national The Bush administration national The Bush administration national security team briefed the incoming security team briefed the incoming security team briefed the incoming national security team about that threat national security team about that threat national security team about that threat and it was mentioned that perhaps they and it was mentioned that perhaps they and it was mentioned that perhaps they should consider cancelling the should consider cancelling the should consider cancelling the inauguration.

inauguration. inauguration. >> But all of top secret America was on >> But all of top secret America was on >> But all of top secret America was on hand to protect the president. hand to protect the president. hand to protect the president. >> What was happening behind the scenes was >> What was happening behind the scenes was >> What was happening behind the scenes was phenomenal. It was an unprecedented phenomenal. It was an unprecedented phenomenal. It was an unprecedented virtual security cocoon. virtual security cocoon. virtual security cocoon. We have the intelligence operations We have the intelligence operations We have the intelligence operations center, tactical operations center. center, tactical operations center. center, tactical operations center. >> And then we have our bomb technicians, >> And then we have our bomb technicians, >> And then we have our bomb technicians, our WMD experts, uh our evidence our WMD experts, uh our evidence our WMD experts, uh our evidence response team. response team. response team. >> They used eye in the sky satellites and >> They used eye in the sky satellites and >> They used eye in the sky satellites and hundreds of closed circuit cameras. hundreds of closed circuit cameras. hundreds of closed circuit cameras. >> A lot of camera footage, a lot of live >> A lot of camera footage, a lot of live >> A lot of camera footage, a lot of live footage being fed into the command post. footage being fed into the command post. footage being fed into the command post. So everybody's looking at the crowds in So everybody's looking at the crowds in So everybody's looking at the crowds in real time. Everyone's looking at real time. Everyone's looking at real time. Everyone's looking at hotspots in real time. hotspots in real time. hotspots in real time. They watched the entrances into the They watched the entrances into the They watched the entrances into the city. Police and their technology were city. Police and their technology were city. Police and their technology were everywhere. everywhere. everywhere. >> You had license plate scanners all up >> You had license plate scanners all up >> You had license plate scanners all up and down the eastern seabboard on alert. and down the eastern seabboard on alert. and down the eastern seabboard on alert. You had sharpshooters out. They used the You had sharpshooters out. They used the You had sharpshooters out. They used the most exquisite technology. most exquisite technology. most exquisite technology. >> Sensors scattered around the city >> Sensors scattered around the city >> Sensors scattered around the city picking up the wind, analyzing it every picking up the wind, analyzing it every picking up the wind, analyzing it every minute to see what's in it. And all of minute to see what's in it. And all of minute to see what's in it. And all of that information being fed in real time that information being fed in real time that information being fed in real time into the operation center.

into the operation center. into the operation center. >> Everybody was watching and working and >> Everybody was watching and working and >> Everybody was watching and working and it was like a crescendo. it was like a crescendo. it was like a crescendo. Everybody's anxiety level builds up. The Everybody's anxiety level builds up. The Everybody's anxiety level builds up. The phone calls are getting more and more phone calls are getting more and more phone calls are getting more and more phone calls. >> You can feel the tension in the air. >> You can feel the tension in the air. >> Protect and defend the Constitution of >> Protect and defend the Constitution of >> Protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. And then you can see the United States. And then you can see the United States. And then you can see the collective cyber release when the collective cyber release when the collective cyber release when president was sworn in. president was sworn in. president was sworn in. >> So help you God. >> So help you God. >> So help you God. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations, Mr. President. >> The reports of the Somali threat turned >> The reports of the Somali threat turned out not to be true. But as the new out not to be true. But as the new out not to be true. But as the new president took office, president took office, president took office, there was an open question about the there was an open question about the there was an open question about the future of top secret America. On the campaign trail, candidate Obama On the campaign trail, candidate Obama had said it should be dramatically had said it should be dramatically had said it should be dramatically reigned in. Barack Obama came in pledging a new era Barack Obama came in pledging a new era of transparency.

of transparency. of transparency. >> My administration will take a >> My administration will take a >> My administration will take a toptobottom review of the threats we toptobottom review of the threats we toptobottom review of the threats we face and our ability to confront them. face and our ability to confront them. face and our ability to confront them. Too often, this administration's Too often, this administration's Too often, this administration's approach to homeland security has been approach to homeland security has been approach to homeland security has been to scatter money around and avoid hard to scatter money around and avoid hard to scatter money around and avoid hard choices. choices. choices. >> Now, the president would be read into >> Now, the president would be read into >> Now, the president would be read into the classified programs, the classified programs, the classified programs, receiving daily briefings on threats to receiving daily briefings on threats to receiving daily briefings on threats to the homeland. the homeland. the homeland. >> He begins to get the intelligence brief. >> He begins to get the intelligence brief. >> He begins to get the intelligence brief. He begins to see the substance behind on He begins to see the substance behind on He begins to see the substance behind on the inner workings of government. the inner workings of government. the inner workings of government. >> You start getting reports about >> You start getting reports about >> You start getting reports about individuals. individuals. individuals. this known terrorist may be on the move this known terrorist may be on the move this known terrorist may be on the move from here to there. This known terrorist from here to there. This known terrorist from here to there. This known terrorist was intercepted talking about a planned was intercepted talking about a planned was intercepted talking about a planned attack. attack. attack. >> I think all of that, including what he >> I think all of that, including what he >> I think all of that, including what he had to go through in terms of a security had to go through in terms of a security had to go through in terms of a security briefing for the inauguration, briefing for the inauguration, briefing for the inauguration, um influences then how he sees the um influences then how he sees the um influences then how he sees the threat and his own responsibility. threat and his own responsibility. threat and his own responsibility. >> It didn't take long for the new >> It didn't take long for the new >> It didn't take long for the new president to make clear where he stood.

president to make clear where he stood. president to make clear where he stood. his people were were signaling to us, I his people were were signaling to us, I his people were were signaling to us, I think partly to try to assure us that think partly to try to assure us that think partly to try to assure us that they weren't going to come in and dism they weren't going to come in and dism they weren't going to come in and dism um uh that they were going to be just as um uh that they were going to be just as um uh that they were going to be just as tough, if not tougher than the Bush tough, if not tougher than the Bush tough, if not tougher than the Bush people. people. people. >> No one in the Obama administration would >> No one in the Obama administration would >> No one in the Obama administration would talk to frontline about top secret talk to frontline about top secret talk to frontline about top secret America, but the president had America, but the president had America, but the president had reauthorized almost all of the dark side reauthorized almost all of the dark side reauthorized almost all of the dark side operations. operations. operations. Greystone. The hunt for bin Laden and Greystone. The hunt for bin Laden and Greystone. The hunt for bin Laden and al-Qaeda continued. al-Qaeda continued. al-Qaeda continued. >> Authorities were continued that were >> Authorities were continued that were >> Authorities were continued that were originally granted by President Bush originally granted by President Bush originally granted by President Bush beginning shortly after 9/11. beginning shortly after 9/11. beginning shortly after 9/11. Those were all picked up, reviewed, and Those were all picked up, reviewed, and Those were all picked up, reviewed, and endorsed by the Obama administration. In Afghanistan and Pakistan, In Afghanistan and Pakistan, Obama expanded the covert war against Obama expanded the covert war against Obama expanded the covert war against al-Qaeda and the Taliban. al-Qaeda and the Taliban. al-Qaeda and the Taliban. Most of the things that got started Most of the things that got started Most of the things that got started under Kofer Black are still underway.

under Kofer Black are still underway. under Kofer Black are still underway. >> Dramatically ramping up J- Sock raids. >> Dramatically ramping up J- Sock raids. >> Dramatically ramping up J- Sock raids. Thousands have been captured and Thousands have been captured and Thousands have been captured and hundreds killed. >> They kept just about everything that has >> They kept just about everything that has been going on since 9/11. been going on since 9/11. been going on since 9/11. They have taken the previous They have taken the previous They have taken the previous administration's drone war and run with administration's drone war and run with administration's drone war and run with it. They've increased the number of it. They've increased the number of it. They've increased the number of lethal drone attacks in Afghanistan and lethal drone attacks in Afghanistan and lethal drone attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan manyfold. >> He was persuaded this was both legal and >> He was persuaded this was both legal and effective and he was going to increase effective and he was going to increase effective and he was going to increase the use of it and he did so frankly very the use of it and he did so frankly very the use of it and he did so frankly very effectively. effectively. effectively. >> At home the president decided to expand >> At home the president decided to expand >> At home the president decided to expand the growth of top secret America. the growth of top secret America. the growth of top secret America. >> They've done nothing to roll it back. >> They've done nothing to roll it back. >> They've done nothing to roll it back. They've done very little to look inside They've done very little to look inside They've done very little to look inside of it to say what is it that works, what of it to say what is it that works, what of it to say what is it that works, what doesn't work, what do we really need, doesn't work, what do we really need, doesn't work, what do we really need, and in this time of economic hardship, and in this time of economic hardship, and in this time of economic hardship, what don't we need?

what don't we need? what don't we need? >> The president understood the political >> The president understood the political >> The president understood the political realities? realities? realities? >> There's going to be a terrorist strike >> There's going to be a terrorist strike >> There's going to be a terrorist strike someday. And when there is, if you've someday. And when there is, if you've someday. And when there is, if you've reduced the terrorism budget, the other reduced the terrorism budget, the other reduced the terrorism budget, the other party, whoever the other party is at the party, whoever the other party is at the party, whoever the other party is at the time, is going to say that you were time, is going to say that you were time, is going to say that you were responsible for the terrorist strike responsible for the terrorist strike responsible for the terrorist strike because you cut back the budget. And so because you cut back the budget. And so because you cut back the budget. And so it's a very, very risky thing to do. it's a very, very risky thing to do. it's a very, very risky thing to do. In his first year in office, the massive In his first year in office, the massive In his first year in office, the massive Department of Homeland Security began Department of Homeland Security began Department of Homeland Security began construction of their new $3.4 billion construction of their new $3.4 billion construction of their new $3.4 billion headquarters. headquarters. headquarters. It will rival the Pentagon as the It will rival the Pentagon as the It will rival the Pentagon as the largest government complex ever built in largest government complex ever built in largest government complex ever built in Washington. And DHS has continued a nationwide And DHS has continued a nationwide spending spree, >> sending billions of dollars to state and >> sending billions of dollars to state and local police. local police. local police. What DHS wants to do is to turn all of What DHS wants to do is to turn all of What DHS wants to do is to turn all of the local and state law enforcement the local and state law enforcement the local and state law enforcement personnel into the personnel into the personnel into the tipsters for the FBI into the frontline tipsters for the FBI into the frontline tipsters for the FBI into the frontline foot soldiers looking for possible foot soldiers looking for possible foot soldiers looking for possible terrorists.

terrorists. terrorists. >> DHS funded high-tech terrorism centers >> DHS funded high-tech terrorism centers >> DHS funded high-tech terrorism centers around the country. around the country. around the country. >> Every state has at least one. There's 74 >> Every state has at least one. There's 74 >> Every state has at least one. There's 74 fusion centers in the United States. fusion centers in the United States. fusion centers in the United States. contractors went in, put in the large contractors went in, put in the large contractors went in, put in the large flat screen TVs, put in the mission flat screen TVs, put in the mission flat screen TVs, put in the mission control to the moon kind of uh control to the moon kind of uh control to the moon kind of uh facilities. facilities. facilities. >> Now, state and local police are using >> Now, state and local police are using >> Now, state and local police are using surveillance cameras, biometric surveillance cameras, biometric surveillance cameras, biometric scanners, high-tech license plate scanners, high-tech license plate scanners, high-tech license plate readers. the software with the system. readers. the software with the system. readers. the software with the system. When it sees what it thinks is a a When it sees what it thinks is a a When it sees what it thinks is a a license plate, it will read it using license plate, it will read it using license plate, it will read it using OCR, optical character recognition, and OCR, optical character recognition, and OCR, optical character recognition, and make a cross check against database. make a cross check against database. make a cross check against database. >> While it's been a high-tech bonanza for >> While it's been a high-tech bonanza for >> While it's been a high-tech bonanza for the states, there are questions about the states, there are questions about the states, there are questions about its effectiveness. >> You can look, if you're objective, at >> You can look, if you're objective, at all of this money and all of this effort all of this money and all of this effort all of this money and all of this effort and say, "What would have happened if we and say, "What would have happened if we and say, "What would have happened if we hadn't done that?" And in almost every hadn't done that?" And in almost every hadn't done that?" And in almost every case, nothing would have happened. It's case, nothing would have happened. It's case, nothing would have happened. It's true that there hasn't been another true that there hasn't been another true that there hasn't been another attack.

attack. attack. It's not true that all of this It's not true that all of this It's not true that all of this expenditure and all these people have expenditure and all these people have expenditure and all these people have stopped it. stopped it. stopped it. >> One troubling example, at Christmas time >> One troubling example, at Christmas time >> One troubling example, at Christmas time in 2009, a young Nigerian boarded a in 2009, a young Nigerian boarded a in 2009, a young Nigerian boarded a plane from Amsterdam to Detroit. Somehow plane from Amsterdam to Detroit. Somehow plane from Amsterdam to Detroit. Somehow evading the security net, he was evading the security net, he was evading the security net, he was carrying a bomb in his underwear. He carrying a bomb in his underwear. He carrying a bomb in his underwear. He tried to blow up more than 250 fellow tried to blow up more than 250 fellow tried to blow up more than 250 fellow passengers. passengers. passengers. >> Exactly. Went across. >> Exactly. Went across. >> Exactly. Went across. >> He actually got to the point of >> He actually got to the point of >> He actually got to the point of triggering the device which means at triggering the device which means at triggering the device which means at that point the only thing that's going that point the only thing that's going that point the only thing that's going to stop that is what happened is a to stop that is what happened is a to stop that is what happened is a technical failure or maybe a human technical failure or maybe a human technical failure or maybe a human failure. failure. failure. >> There had been early warnings about Umar >> There had been early warnings about Umar >> There had been early warnings about Umar Farukq Abdul Mutalib. Farukq Abdul Mutalib. Farukq Abdul Mutalib. >> The kid had gone to Yemen for training. father had gone to the American embassy father had gone to the American embassy to say, "My son is now with al-Qaeda. I to say, "My son is now with al-Qaeda. I to say, "My son is now with al-Qaeda. I think he's he may be a terrorist." think he's he may be a terrorist." think he's he may be a terrorist." >> There were no red flags raised.

>> There were no red flags raised. >> There were no red flags raised. >> But no one in top secret America had >> But no one in top secret America had >> But no one in top secret America had connected the dots. connected the dots. connected the dots. >> The information on that person was >> The information on that person was >> The information on that person was buried in the 5,000 other pieces of buried in the 5,000 other pieces of buried in the 5,000 other pieces of information that the counterterrorism information that the counterterrorism information that the counterterrorism center gets every day. center gets every day. center gets every day. Because the Nigerian guy's name was Because the Nigerian guy's name was Because the Nigerian guy's name was misspelled by one letter. He did not pop misspelled by one letter. He did not pop misspelled by one letter. He did not pop up. The little bits of data about him up. The little bits of data about him up. The little bits of data about him did not were not correlated. Those dots did not were not correlated. Those dots did not were not correlated. Those dots were not connected. were not connected. were not connected. >> Google does it. If you mis if you >> Google does it. If you mis if you >> Google does it. If you mis if you mistype something on Google, it says, mistype something on Google, it says, mistype something on Google, it says, "Did you mean this?" Despite spending "Did you mean this?" Despite spending "Did you mean this?" Despite spending all the billions of dollars on all the billions of dollars on all the billions of dollars on databases, that simple spellch check, databases, that simple spellch check, databases, that simple spellch check, "Did you mean this kind of software "Did you mean this kind of software "Did you mean this kind of software wasn't operating?" wasn't operating?" wasn't operating?" >> And then 5 months later, the Times >> And then 5 months later, the Times >> And then 5 months later, the Times Square bomber. People can be assured Square bomber. People can be assured Square bomber. People can be assured that the FBI and their partners in this that the FBI and their partners in this that the FBI and their partners in this process have all the tools and process have all the tools and process have all the tools and experience they need to learn. experience they need to learn. experience they need to learn. >> The Times Square bomber was a >> The Times Square bomber was a >> The Times Square bomber was a horrendously run operation. A bunch of horrendously run operation. A bunch of horrendously run operation. A bunch of vendors in Time Square said to the cops, vendors in Time Square said to the cops, vendors in Time Square said to the cops, "There's a problem with this car."

"There's a problem with this car." "There's a problem with this car." >> Both those cases. It was not the >> Both those cases. It was not the >> Both those cases. It was not the intelligence agencies. It was private intelligence agencies. It was private intelligence agencies. It was private citizens. On the plane, it was a private citizens. On the plane, it was a private citizens. On the plane, it was a private citizen who jumped the guy. Time Square, citizen who jumped the guy. Time Square, citizen who jumped the guy. Time Square, it was a vendor saying something's wrong it was a vendor saying something's wrong it was a vendor saying something's wrong there. letting law enforcement there. letting law enforcement there. letting law enforcement authorities know it. Uh so we were lucky authorities know it. Uh so we were lucky authorities know it. Uh so we were lucky and because we have an alert citizenry. Then in the spring of 2011, the Then in the spring of 2011, the president was called into the basement president was called into the basement president was called into the basement of the White House. He had ordered a daring joint CIA J-C He had ordered a daring joint CIA J-C crossber raid into Pakistan. Tonight, I can report to the American Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United people and to the world that the United people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that States has conducted an operation that States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaeda, >> almost 10 years after it was created, >> almost 10 years after it was created, top secret America could claim its most top secret America could claim its most top secret America could claim its most significant victory.

significant victory. significant victory. >> Thank you. May God bless you and may God >> Thank you. May God bless you and may God >> Thank you. May God bless you and may God bless the United States of America. bless the United States of America. bless the United States of America. >> We're all very glad that Bin Laden's >> We're all very glad that Bin Laden's >> We're all very glad that Bin Laden's finally been caught. But it was a finally been caught. But it was a finally been caught. But it was a handful of people. It wasn't this handful of people. It wasn't this handful of people. It wasn't this enormous, bloated, tens of thousands of enormous, bloated, tens of thousands of enormous, bloated, tens of thousands of people apparatus that we've set up. It people apparatus that we've set up. It people apparatus that we've set up. It was a small, highly skilled, highly was a small, highly skilled, highly was a small, highly skilled, highly dedicated group of intelligence dedicated group of intelligence dedicated group of intelligence analysts. That's who found him. Not all analysts. That's who found him. Not all analysts. That's who found him. Not all of these contractors, not these giant of these contractors, not these giant of these contractors, not these giant agencies and giant centers. >> 10 years after it began, an army of >> 10 years after it began, an army of recruits continued to fight a war that recruits continued to fight a war that recruits continued to fight a war that was started in the shadows. was started in the shadows. was started in the shadows. >> There are close to a million people who >> There are close to a million people who >> There are close to a million people who were living in this different world and were living in this different world and were living in this different world and there weren't a million before. there weren't a million before. there weren't a million before. >> Their numbers rival the active army, but >> Their numbers rival the active army, but >> Their numbers rival the active army, but we don't know what they're doing. We we don't know what they're doing. We we don't know what they're doing. We have a growing number of people who are have a growing number of people who are have a growing number of people who are doing things that you and I cannot know doing things that you and I cannot know doing things that you and I cannot know about. about. about. >> We can't know whether it works or not.

>> We can't know whether it works or not. >> We can't know whether it works or not. >> And we don't know how much it costs. Every year, three dozen entirely new Every year, three dozen entirely new federal organizations, federal organizations, federal organizations, 1,900 private companies, billions and 1,900 private companies, billions and 1,900 private companies, billions and billions of dollars of waste, 17,000 billions of dollars of waste, 17,000 billions of dollars of waste, 17,000 locations. locations. locations. These are gigantic edififices that are These are gigantic edififices that are These are gigantic edififices that are going to stay here. going to stay here. going to stay here. This world is growing up behind the This world is growing up behind the This world is growing up behind the black wall.