Ep 237. Mike Morell

Mike Morell, former acting director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), is the guest on this episode of Charlie Rose. As the nation reels from a series of deadly terrorist attacks in various parts of the world, Morell discusses the ongoing threat of global terrorism and the challenges faced by intelligence agencies in preventing such attacks.

The conversation begins with Morell sharing his thoughts on the current state of the fight against terrorism. He notes that despite significant progress in disrupting terror networks and thwarting attacks, the threat remains high due to the ideology of groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda. Morell emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and intelligence gathering, particularly as these groups shift their tactics and target new areas.

The discussion then turns to the issue of cyber security, an area in which Morell has extensive expertise. He explains the growing threat of cyber attacks from nation-states, terrorist groups, and criminal organizations, and outlines the challenges faced by the US government in protecting critical infrastructure and sensitive data. Morell advocates for a multi-pronged approach to cyber security, including stronger partnerships between the government and private sector, increased investment in research and development, and greater public awareness.

Politics also features prominently in the conversation, with Morell offering insights into the US presidential election and the state of US foreign policy. He discusses the challenges of dealing with Russia and North Korea, the importance of maintaining alliances with countries like Japan and South Korea, and the potential implications of the incoming administration's stance on issues like climate change.

Finally, Morell shares his reflections on his career in the intelligence community, including his experiences during the September 11th attacks and his time as acting director of the CIA. He discusses the importance of ethical leadership and the need for intelligence agencies to maintain the trust of the American people, even in the face of controversial programs like the CIA's enhanced interrogation techniques.

Throughout the conversation, Morell provides thoughtful and thought-provoking insights into some of the most pressing issues facing the United States and the world today. His experience and expertise in national security and intelligence make this episode of Charlie Rose a must-watch for anyone interested in these topics.