Actually, I think that remains to be seen--if she was a covert operative, yes. If she was an analyst, no. Indeed, the very fact that the CIA would confirm she was an employee (whether they wanted Novak to use the name or not) is rather odd if she was a covert operative, or if her identity being revealed would cause a problem.
If no crime was committed, why has the CIA asked Justice to begin a criminal investigation?
Also, "analyst" is not a magic word that makes crime go away. Here's what the Washington Post says:
She is a case officer in the CIA's clandestine service and works as an analyst on weapons of mass destruction. Novak published her maiden name, Plame, which she had used overseas and has not been using publicly. Intelligence sources said top officials at the agency were very concerned about the disclosure because it could allow foreign intelligence services to track down some of her former contacts and lead to the exposure of agents.
The disclosure could have broken more than one law. In addition to the federal law prohibiting the identification of a covert officer, officials with high-level national security clearance sign nondisclosure agreements, with penalties for revealing classified information.
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Bush Aides Say They'll Cooperate With Probe Into Intelligence Leak , 9/29
Actually, I think that remains to be seen--if she was a covert operative, yes. If she was an analyst, no. Indeed, the very fact that the CIA would confirm she was an employee (whether they wanted Novak to use the name or not) is rather odd if she was a covert operative, or if her identity being revealed would cause a problem.
Posted by Steven | Link to this comment | 09-29-03 4:11 PM
Right: Most people who work for CIA are "open." If she's just an analyst or desk person overseas, operating as herself, then it's no crime.
Posted by James Joyner | Link to this comment | 09-29-03 6:05 PM
If no crime was committed, why has the CIA asked Justice to begin a criminal investigation?
Also, "analyst" is not a magic word that makes crime go away. Here's what the Washington Post says:
She is a case officer in the CIA's clandestine service and works as an analyst on weapons of mass destruction. Novak published her maiden name, Plame, which she had used overseas and has not been using publicly. Intelligence sources said top officials at the agency were very concerned about the disclosure because it could allow foreign intelligence services to track down some of her former contacts and lead to the exposure of agents.
The disclosure could have broken more than one law. In addition to the federal law prohibiting the identification of a covert officer, officials with high-level national security clearance sign nondisclosure agreements, with penalties for revealing classified information.
--
Bush Aides Say They'll Cooperate With Probe Into Intelligence Leak , 9/29
Posted by jhp | Link to this comment | 09-29-03 9:04 PM