I have been reading the current issue of the New Yorker.  It contains a fascinating article called, "The Agent", by Lawrence Wright. Unfortunately it is not available on—line, at least for now.

The journalist points out how the CIA refused to cooperate with the FBI during the Cole investigation and how this incompetence or turf war may have prevented the uncovering of the 9/11 plot. Buried within the article is a report that the New York Times had disclosed that an FBI agent, John O'Neill, had a briefcase that might have contained sensitive documents stolen while attending a conference in Florida. The briefcase was quickly recovered, and it was determined that none of the material had been touched.

However, the disclosure of this non—event ruined O'Neill's career at the FBI. He was a solid investigator, very talented and very dedicated. A man who sacrificed a lot to erve his country. When forced from the Bureau by the Times disclosure, he became chief of security at the World Trade Center—where he died on 9/11.

For a Q and A with Wright, go here.

Ed Lasky   7 7 06