Michael D'Andrea: Out (Again!) and (Not) Loving It

[lcjjdnh]

Discussed on the politics thread, but seems like it deserves its own space on the journalism board. New York Times identifies CIA officer heading operations in Iran. Times had revealed his name earlier, in connection with other work he had done.

What say you?

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/02/world/middleeast/cia-iran-dark-prince-michael-dandrea.html

The C.I.A. declined to comment on Mr. D’Andrea’s role, saying it does not discuss the identities or work of clandestine officials. The officials spoke only on the condition of anonymity because Mr. D’Andrea remains undercover, as do many senior officials based at the agency’s headquarters in Langley, Va. Mr. Eatinger did not use his name. The New York Times is naming Mr. D’Andrea because his identity was previously published in news reports, and he is leading an important new administration initiative against Iran.

 

[cisforkoke]

Obama failed.

 

[LanceyHoward]

I think the Times screwed up. I think you err on the side of caution and agent protection in this case.

 

[Doc Holliday]

I think the Times screwed up. I think you err on the side of caution and agent protection in this case.

Unfortunately, the Times didn't screw up. They did it on purpose. Somebody needs to burn that place down.

 

[TheSportsPredictor]

Unfortunately, the Times didn't screw up. They did it on purpose. Somebody needs to burn that place down.

Someone might die in the fire.

 

[lcjjdnh]

Mods, feel free to lock if deemed “politics,” but I’m curious what people think about the decision of the Times and Post not to identify by name source, but give more than enough details to figure it out.

F.B.I. Used Informant to Investigate Russia Ties to Campaign, Not to Spy, as Trump Claims

Law enforcement officials have refused, saying that handing over the documents would imperil both the source’s anonymity and safety. The New York Times has learned the source’s identity but typically does not name informants to preserve their safety.

Secret FBI source for Russia investigation met with three Trump advisers during campaign

The Washington Post — after speaking with people familiar with his role — has confirmed the identity of the FBI source who assisted the investigation, but is not reporting his name following warnings from U.S. intelligence officials that exposing him could endanger him or his contacts.

 

[YankeeFan]

Mods, feel free to lock if deemed “politics,” but I’m curious what people think about the decision of the Times and Post not to identify by name source, but give more than enough details to figure it out.

F.B.I. Used Informant to Investigate Russia Ties to Campaign, Not to Spy, as Trump Claims



Secret FBI source for Russia investigation met with three Trump advisers during campaign

It’s called completely weak, and they did it in cordination with DOJ/FBI leaks, designed to get ahead of the story, and put their own spin on it.

“They were investigating Russia, not spying on Trump.”

Sure, they had a spy in the Trump campaign, but it was to protect Trump!”

This, after telling the House committee that they couldn’t give it such sensitive information, due to a number of concerns, including the safety of their source, but it was ok to tell the Times and the Post.

 

[lcjjdnh]

Now the Post decided to name him...

Who is Stefan A. Halper, the FBI source who assisted the Russia investigation?

The Post had previously confirmed Halper’s identity but did not report his name following warnings from U.S. intelligence officials that exposing him could endanger him or his contacts. Now that he has been identified as the FBI’s informant by multiple news organizations, including the Wall Street Journal, New York magazine and Axios, The Post has decided to publish his name

Also buried this nugget at the end.

After the 1980 race, Halper was caught up in a scandal concerning alleged political spying. Aides to Reagan, including Halper, were accused of having spied on Carter’s campaign and obtaining private documents that Carter was using to prepare for a debate. Some Reagan White House officials later alleged that Halper had used former CIA agents to run an operation against Carter. Halper called the reports at the time “absolutely false” and has long denied the accusations.