CIA Chief: We 'Tickle' Terrorists, with Missiles (Updated)

The CIA doesn't just attack terrorists, to take them out. Sometimes, the spy agency strikes, to "tickle" enemies into reacting, CIA chief Michael Hayden told the annual Air Force Association conference earlier today.

"Today, we routinely use kinetic force [bombs-and-bullets attacks] not just for its own effect, but to create a response that will allow us to collect more intelligence. We use military operations to excite the enemy, prompting him to respond," Hayden said. "We create and benefit from a highly virtuous cycle: Operations generate opportunities to learn more about the enemy, the intelligence gained creates opportunities for follow-on operations, and so on." According to the AP:

Hayden said the CIA is working closely with the military in places such as Iraq's Anbar province, where American troops have fought Sunni insurgents. That experience helped CIA
officers develop a strategy to engage Sunni tribal leaders, which
Hayden said has contributed to a recent drop in violence in Iraq.

The agency "picked up insights we would not have had" by working with American forces, Hayden said.

[Photo: CIA; direct hit: AT]