Spy spending to drop, and more
The U.S. intelligence budget, which is believed to have doubled over the past decade to $48 billion a year, is likely to fall because of the soariing deficit and economic difficulties.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Spy spending to drop
U.S. intelligence agencies are bracing for lean times. The U.S. intelligence budget, which is classified, is believed to have doubled over the past decade, to $48 billion a year. But officials say spending on intelligence-gathering is likely to fall, amid soaring deficits and economic woes. “Everyone senses we’re reaching the end of growth for the intelligence budget,” said former CIA official Mark Lowenthal.
Guantánamo visits approved
Article continues belowThe Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A military judge ruled that defense lawyers may visit a secret facility in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, where top al Qaida suspects are held. Judge Ralph Kohlmann said lawyers could visit the facility to evaluate whether detainees are psychologically fit to stand trial. Among the prisoners are 9/11 mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and Ramzi Binalshibh, allegedly the liaison between the 9/11 attackers and Osama bin Laden.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com