The darkest corner of the room

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The darkest corner of the room has been a recurring catchphrase in recent attempts by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency to defend the most controversial aspects of its operations. The phrase has been primarily used by CIA director General Michael V. Hayden, but has also been used in an agency press release.

Known examples of its use

"False statements about the program 'take an honest debate … to the darkest corner of the room,' Hayden said."[1]
  • Michael Hayden, June 21, 2007, on the release of the CIA's "family jewels":
"Unfortunately, there seems to be an instinct among some in the media today to take a few pieces of information, which may or may not be accurate, and run with them to the darkest corner of the room."[2]
"Time and again, Weiner takes things to the darkest corner of the room. He knows better."[3]
"Just as they report on the terrorists, it's the job of journalists to report on the how the war against terrorism is being fought. And when their spotlight is cast on intelligence activities, sound judgment and a thorough understanding of all the equities at play are critically important. Revelations of sources and methods--and an impulse to drag anything CIA does to the darkest corner of the room--can make it very difficult for us to do our vital work."[4]
"First let me make comment on your listing of ['enhanced' interrogation] techniques and just frankly add that it's a pretty good example of taking something to the darkest corner of the room and not reflective of what my agency does."[5]

Articles and resources

References

  1. ↑ Richard Willing, "Hayden: CIA taking more risks", USA Today, May 30, 2007.
  2. ↑ Karen DeYoung and Walter Pincus, "CIA to Air Decades of Its Dirty Laundry: Assassination Attempts Among Abuses Detailed", Washington Post, June 22, 2007.
  3. ↑ "CIA Statement on 'Legacy of Ashes'", Central Intelligence Agency, August 6, 2007.
  4. ↑ CIA Public Affairs, "Remarks As Prepared for Delivery By Gen. Michael V. Hayden, Director, Central Intelligence Agency at the Council on Foreign Relations, New York 7 September 2007", PR Newswire, September 7, 2007.
  5. ↑ "Hayden: CIA Needs More 'Space' from the Media and NGOs", Human Rights First blog, September 10, 2007.

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