THE CENTER FOR
INTELLIGENCE STUDIES
1016 K STREET NE, WASHINGTON DC 20002 202 / 397-1296 CFISCenter@aol.com
HISTORY AND MISSION
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. Following the resignation of
Dr. Joseph D. Douglass, Jr., for reasons of health, and the passing of B/Gen. Robert C.
Richardson, III, USAF (Ret.), the Board currently consists of Charles S. Viar, Chairman,
Lloyd F. Mercer, MD., and J. R. Wynne. A search committee is presently engaged in vetting
candidates for the remaining Board position.
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