President Obama has made it clear that the United States is determined to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

I have a reputation for speaking my mind. I like to think my candor and bluntness will give you the answers.

Simply stated, the need for accurate intelligence and prescient analysis from CIA has never been greater than it is in 2013 - or than it will be in the coming years.

Unfortunately, in war, there are casualties, including among the civilian population.

You always, I think, debate with yourself about whether or not you made the right decision. And you have to then give the person that you’re working for - in my instance, the president - your best judgment based on your understanding of the facts, but also the calculus you use to make a determination about what’s the best way to go forward.

Al-Qa'ida is the antithesis of the peace, tolerance and humanity that is at the heart of Islam.

President Obama is determined that our foreign and national security policies not play into al-Qa'ida's strategy or its warped ideology. Al-Qa'ida seeks to terrorize us into retreating from the world stage. But President Obama has made it a priority to renew American leadership in the world, strengthening our alliances and deepening partnerships.