THE CENTER FOR
INTELLIGENCE STUDIES
1016 K STREET NE, WASHINGTON DC 20002  202 / 397-1296 CFISCenter@aol.com
    The Center for Intelligence Studies was formally chartered on March 1, 1988 as a non-partisan public policy institution dedicated to
    the research and dissemination of substantive information regarding the threat posed by foreign intelligence services to the United
    States, and the proper role, scope, and function of America's national intelligence services in protecting the national security.

    The Center strongly supports the constitutional rights of American citizens, and for that reason is attentive to the inherent conflict
    that exists between secret intelligence and the democratic process. For that reason we are deeply concerned that the demands of
    national security in the post 9-11 world may overturn the delicate balance that necessarily exists between the rights of individuals
    citizens and the requirements of national defense.

    We are also deeply concerned by the continuing failure of the U. S. Intelligence Community to safeguard the nation and the national
    interest. We believe that the terrorist attacks of 9-11 and other subsequent intelligence failures - notably, the inaccurate and
    incomplete intelligence estimates of Iraqi military capabilities that preceded the 2003 invasion - resulted from  systemic failure. For
    that reason, we have supported and shall continue to support efforts to effect system-wide reform.

    Although we welcome the recent re-organization of the U. S. Intelligence Community as an important step, we do not believe that the
    reforms to date are sufficient. For that reason, we have urged the Congress to complete the process by undertaking two additional
    steps. The first is to replace the Federal Bureau of Investigation with a dedicated security service capable of meeting the challenge
    posed by both traditional and non-traditional threats. The second is to reconstitute a credible national counterintelligence capability.
    Unless and until these two steps are taken, we believe that the United States will remain vulnerable and exposed to catastrophic
    attack.

    To assist the general public in understanding the complex issues of intelligence, the Center currently conducts six major public
    interest programs. These consist of a Publications Program, which includes our quarterly Intelligence Briefs, Special Reports and
    Occasional Papers; a Public Education Program, which includes the preparation of both general and specialized educational
    materials for use at the high school and collegiate levels; a Congressional Liaison Program, which monitors relevant legislative
    initiatives; a Press Relations Program, as a means of assisting journalists in understanding the complexity of intelligence issues; a
    Speakers Program, to provide expert speakers for civic groups and organizations; and an Internship Program to provide qualified
    undergraduate and graduate students with an opportunity to enhance their studies through paid internships with the Center.

    The Center and its activities are governed by a Board of Directors, which presently includes Charles S. Viar, Chairman; B/Gen. Robert
    C. Richardson, USAF (Ret.); Joseph D. Douglass, Jr., PhD; and Lloyd F. Mercer, MD.

    The Center for Intelligence Studies and its diverse activities are dedicated to the memory of James J. Angleton, my friend, mentor,
    and guide.

    Charles S. Viar      
    Chairman


                                                   









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HISTORY & MISSION