Intelligence Matters

In this episode of Intelligence Matters, Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL), who serves on the House Intelligence Committee, speaks with host Michael Morell about the state of America's election security, and why, as midterms get underway, he believes there is much more to be done. Quigley and Morell discuss the vulnerabilities that Russia's 2016 election interference laid bare and how, in the aftermath of the Intelligence Committee's contentious investigation, it can work to restore trust with the agencies it oversees.

In this episode of Intelligence Matters, Ben Rhodes, deputy national security advisor to President Barack Obama, speaks with host Michael Morell about some of the administration's pivotal policy decisions - including potential missteps - in Syria, Iran, Cuba and Russia. Rhodes explains Obama's calculus in confronting Russia during its 2016 election interference, assesses the administration's response to the conflict in Syria and tells Morell what part of Obama's legacy is most likely to endure. He also shares new anecdotes from his recent memoir, "The World As It Is."

In this episode of Intelligence Matters, host Michael Morell has a wide-ranging conversation with former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. They discuss Clapper's five-decade career in the intelligence community, his views on the U.S. approach to nuclear adversaries like Iran and North Korea, and how to best address ongoing threats to American democratic institutions. Clapper shares details about his tough conversations with President Obama and President-elect Trump, and explains why he personally believes Russia, in its meddling efforts, was successful in tipping the balance in Trump's favor.

In this episode of Intelligence Matters, host Michael Morell speaks with Dr. Paul Heer, former National Intelligence Officer for East Asia in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, about the outcome of the historic U.S.-North Korea summit in Singapore - as well as its winners, losers and necessary next steps. They also discuss the strategic, military and economic challenges posed by China, and how the United States should position itself and seek to craft its policy in the region.

NOTE: This episode was recorded just hours after the conclusion of the summit.

In this episode of Intelligence Matters, host Michael Morell talks to former CIA analyst and Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Sue Mi Terry about the upcoming U.S.-North Korea summit in Singapore. Terry shares what advice she would give President Trump when preparing for talks with Kim Jong Un, and what the outcome of the meeting holds for U.S. and North Korean relations as well as for the region.

For a special Memorial Day episode of Intelligence Matters, host Michael Morell speaks with former deputy director of Central Intelligence John McLaughlin about the CIA Officers Memorial Foundation, which was founded in the aftermath of 9/11 to help the families of fallen officers. McLaughlin explains the foundation's unique mission and shares some of the inspiring stories of children it has helped. The two also discuss the intelligence challenges facing the CIA and its new director, Gina Haspel.

In this episode of Intelligence Matters, host Michael Morell interviews former CIA clandestine officer and current member of Congress Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX), who also serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Hurd tells Morell how he went from conducting operations in Kabul to running for office in San Antonio, and how he sees the strategic challenges presented by China, Iran, North Korea and Russia. He also reflects on his experience serving on the House Intelligence Committee, including some of the latest efforts of its chairman, Devin Nunes.

In this episode of Intelligence Matters, host Michael Morell interviews former Ambassador and Iran expert James Jeffrey, who also served as deputy National Security Adviser to President George W. Bush. Jeffrey explains what implications the United States' withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal may have - in the region, among European allies, and in the world. Morell and Jeffrey also discuss what President Trump's subsequent strategy for negotiating with Iran might be and how the Iranians may choose to counter it. They look ahead to nuclear talks with North Korea and assess the potential consequences had by the United States' decision to withdraw from a third multilateral agreement.

In this episode of Intelligence Matters, host Michael Morell interviews former Ambassador Joseph DeTrani, who served as Special Envoy for Six Party Talks with North Korea. Their conversation covers the escalating strikes and varied regional interests behind the upcoming U.S.-North Korea summit, what Kim Jong Un may be thinking - and willing to concede - and what President Trump must achieve in the leaders' historic and highly-anticipated meeting. Morell and DeTrani also discuss what the United States' withdrawal from the Iran nuclear agreement means for forthcoming negotiations with North Korea.

In the premiere episode of CBS News’ newly-relaunched Intelligence Matters podcast, former CIA Acting Director Michael Morell sits down with former NSA and CIA Director General Mike Hayden to discuss Hayden’s new book on post-truth, tribalism’s effect on American traditions and institutions and the challenges facing CIA nominee Gina Haspel. They offer new details about Haspel’s clandestine career and arguments for why she’s a timely choice to lead the agency.