Pentagon chief Robert Gates is considering whether to dismantle some controversial spying operations set up by his predecessor, Donald Rumsfeld, as a way of by-passing the CIA.
Former officials involved in an ongoing debate about Pentagon spying say he's considering whether to pull back the so-called "Strategic Support Branch" and other intelligence channels established by Rumsfeld and his former lieutenants, Stephen Cambone and Douglas Feith.
So far, no plan has been put to paper, sources say, and the situation could change rapidly. But the contours now taking shape indicate Gates will return the primary authority for running U.S. spies to the CIA, his old stomping grounds. My story in the current National Journal has details.
-- __Shane Harris __
