American Intelligence and the Continuing Threat from al–Qaeda: Strategic and Ethical Implications

Tom Twetten

Monday, 09 Nov 2009 at 8:00 pm – Great Hall, Memorial Union

Tom Twetten served thirty-four years in clandestine services for the Central Intelligence Agency before retiring in 1995. He worked under diplomatic cover in such locations as Libya, Ghana, India, and Jordan, and was Chief of the CIA's Near East and South Asia Division during the Soviet war in Afghanistan. He served nearly six years as the CIA's Deputy Director for Operations, commanding the agency's worldwide clandestine network. During this time he directed intelligence resources in support of new democracies in Eastern Europe, supported a coalition of allied forces in the Gulf War following Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait, and placed new emphasis on fighting international narcotics trafficking, terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Twetten received his bachelor's degree from Iowa State, a master's degree in international affairs from Columbia University, and served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Part of the World Affairs Series

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Thomas Twetten served thirty-four years in its clandestine services, retiring from the Central Intelligence Agency in 1995. He rose through the Agency's ranks to become the Deputy Director for Operations, a position commanding the nation's overseas clandestine intelligence collection.
Mr. Twetten spent the majority of his career in Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. In 1983 he began five years of leadership in the CIA Near East Division. He worked closely with Washington Congressional and Executive branch leadership, and with a wide range of other governments to forge a united front in support of the Afghan people. After courageous sacrifices by the Afghans, this effort led to the Soviet decision to retreat from Afghanistan, ending nearly ten years of brutal occupation. In recognition of his leadership, DCI William Webster picked him to become the deputy of the clandestine service. For nearly six years he was the deput or the Chief of the CIA clandestine operations.
During this period Mr. Twetten boldly redirected intelligence resources in support of new democracies in Eastern Europe, supported a coalition of allied forces in the Gulf War following Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait, and placed new emphasis on fighting international narcotics trafficking, terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. For his development and leadership of new strategies, Mr. Twetten was twice awarded the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, the Agency's highest honor.
A native of Iowa, Mr. Twetten recieved his bachelors degree from Iowa State University, and a masters degree in international affairs from Columbia University. He served as a lieutenant in Germany with the U.S. Army. He has retired to Vermont with his wife Kay where he is a bookbinder and dealer in antiquarian books.

Cosponsored By:

• Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
• Political Science
• World Affairs
• Committee on Lectures (funded by Student Government)