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.

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

I'm neither Republican nor Democrat. I've worked for the past five administrations.

We are a nation of laws, and we will always act within the bounds of the law.

Throughout my career, I had the great fortune to experience firsthand as well as to witness what it means to be a CIA officer.

Yes, war is hell. It is awful. It involves human beings killing other human beings, sometimes innocent civilians. That is why we despise war.

While the intelligence profession oftentimes demands secrecy, it is critically important that there be a full and open discourse on intelligence matters with the appropriate elected representatives of the American people.