Gina Haspel to become the first female CIA Director
Gina Haspel is all set to become the new Director of the CIA. She will be the first woman to lead the agency in its 70-year history. The United States Senate yesterday voted 54-45 to confirm the 61-year-old veteran as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). "Congratulations to our new CIA Director, Gina Haspel!" President Trump tweeted soon thereafter. Here's more.
Haspel worked in classified locations, assisted Mother Teresa in 80s
Haspel worked for more than 30 years in the CIA, during which she worked in Africa, Europe and classified locations around the globe and was declared the Deputy Director of the CIA last year. She worked under former CIA director Mike Pompeo until President Trump moved him to be his Secretary of State. Haspel, in the 80s, assisted Mother Teresa in humanitarian assistance.
Haspel assures lawmakers of no interrogation or detention
Haspel has been facing allegations from opposition Democratic Senators and human rights bodies for her alleged role in CIA's interrogation programme post 9/11. During her confirmation hearing on May 9, Haspel assured lawmakers that no individual in US custody will be subjected to any interrogation technique or approach that is not authorized by and listed in the Army Field Manual.
She will hit the ground running: Senator Marco Rubio
"She (Haspel) will hit the ground running and continue to lead the world's finest intelligence agency," Senator Marco Rubio said. "Gina has clearly demonstrated that she is a person of high integrity with a valuable front line as a career intelligence officer," said Daniel Coats, Director of National Intelligence. Senator Mark Warner initially opposed to her nomination but finally said yes.
Opposition Democratic party critical of Gina
Several members of the opposition Democratic party, however, remained critical of her and voted against. "Ms. Haspel played a central role in the CIA's Rendition, Detention, and Interrogation program. This was one of the darkest chapters in our nation's history and it must not be repeated," Senator Diane Feinstein said. Haspel was accused of running a black site in Thailand post 9/11 attacks.
She is someone who can stand up to President: Warner
"I believe she (Gina) is someone who can and will stand up to the President if ordered to do something illegal or immoral - like a return to torture," said Senator Mark Warner, who had initially opposed her nomination but finally voted yes.
