George Tenet
George John Tenet (born January 5, 1953) is an American intelligence official who served as the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) for seven years from 1997 to 2004, making him one of the longest-serving CIA directors in U.S. history. Tenet served both a left-wing President Clinton and a Republican President, George W. Bush. He is best known for his role in shaping U.S. intelligence strategies during the late 1990s and early 2000s, overseeing intelligence operations during Operation Enduring Freedom and the initial phase of the Iraq War.
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Early Life and Education
Tenet was born in Queens, New York City, to Greek immigrant parents. He attended Cardozo High School in Bayside, Queens, before studying at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, where he graduated in 1976. He went on to earn a Master’s in International Affairs from Columbia University.
Career in Intelligence and Government
Tenet initially worked as a staffer for the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, later becoming a senior aide to Senator John Heinz. His career advanced through roles related to national security policy, including a position with the National Security Council (NSC). In 1995, President Bill Clinton appointed Tenet as Deputy Director of the CIA.
In 1997, Tenet became the DCI under Clinton, retaining his position under President George W. Bush. During his time in that role Tenet oversaw critical intelligence operations related to counterterrorism, including initiatives aimed at combating Al-Qaeda as part of the Global War on Terror.
Role in the War on Terror and Iraq War
Tenet’s leadership became most prominent following the September 11, 2001 attacks, as he spearheaded efforts to counter the threat of terrorism on a global scale. Tenet played a key role in the intelligence that led to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. However, his involvement in the Iraq War became a point of controversy. He was involved in providing intelligence assessments regarding Iraq's Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) programs, which were later challenged. His comment that the evidence on WMDs was a “slam dunk” was widely scrutinized, and it contributed to debate regarding the reliability of U.S. intelligence leading up to the Iraq invasion.
Later Life and Legacy
Tenet resigned from the CIA in 2004 and published his memoir, At the Center of the Storm, in 2007, detailing his experiences and perspectives on the War on Terror and the Iraq War. Since his departure, Tenet has worked in the private sector and served on various boards. His legacy remains complex, with both acclaim for his counterterrorism initiatives and criticism for the intelligence used to justify the Iraq War.
Publications
- Tenet, George. At the Center of the Storm: My Years at the CIA. HarperCollins, 2007.
