Former CIA station chief Haviland Smith speaking at the Baker Institute.
Are U.S. diplomatic objectives compromised by intelligence and state department officers who lack foreign language skills?
Retired CIA station chief Haviland Smith recently addressed the issue at the Baker Institute, speaking on the “Challenges for Clandestine Intelligence Collection in Support of U.S. Middle East Policy.”
Since the end of the Cold War, the focus of American foreign policy has shifted from Europe and the Soviet Union to the greater Middle East, he noted. However, an acute shortage of Arabic speakers from the U.S. intelligence community means the United States does “not have a lot of people who can walk the streets of Baghdad and not be immediately identified for who they are.” Out of 500 U.S. case officers recently stationed in Iraq, only two could speak fluent Arabic — a problem when trying to collect intelligence, Smith said.
The CIA tried to remedy the situation after the September 11 attacks with an intensive three-year language-training program. This became problematic because in addition to learning a new language, new recruits had to learn about a new country and surviving in a sometimes hostile environment. “By the time an effective case officer is created, it takes about eight to nine years,” Smith said.
Another challenge for the CIA is developing productive relationships with friendly intelligence and security services in the Middle East. Locals who blend in, have established sources and are willing to cooperate are key to CIA efforts to collect intelligence, Smith said.
The most important work of the CIA, Smith said, is being able to determine the “intentions and capabilities” of America’s enemies; consular, intelligence and other officers able speak Arabic and maintain relations with trusted local liaisons are crucial to the agency’s mission. The stakes are high as the U.S. assesses the region’s nuclear weapons capabilities and political and economic stability, as well as the threat of terrorism.
View a webcast of Haviland Smith’s Oct. 26 talk at the Baker Institute.