George Tenet Quotes

A collection of quotes by George Tenet.

George Tenet is a renowned American intelligence professional who served as the Director of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 1997 to 2004. Born on January 5, 1953, in Flushing, New York, Tenet displayed a strong interest in international affairs from an early age. He attended Columbia University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs and a Master of Arts in International Economics and American Foreign Policy.

Tenet began his career in government service, working at the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the National Security Council before joining the Central Intelligence Agency in 1982. His expertise in the Middle East and Soviet Union affairs quickly led to significant roles within the agency. He held several high-level positions, including Deputy Director of Central Intelligence and Deputy Director of the CIA before assuming leadership as its Director.

During his tenure as CIA Director, Tenet faced numerous challenges, including the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the subsequent war on terrorism. His role in the lead up to the Iraq War drew significant controversy, as he supported the claim that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction. Tenet retired from his position in July 2004 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his exceptional service.

Beyond his CIA career, Tenet has been involved in academia and authored a highly regarded memoir titled "At the Center of the Storm: My Years at the CIA," which provides insights into his experiences and offers a personal perspective on the complex world of intelligence.

When I came to the CIA in the mid-'90s, our graduating class

When I came to the CIA in the mid-'90s, our graduating class of case officers was unbelievably low. Now, after years of rebuilding, our training programs and putting our best efforts to recruit the most talented men and women, we are graduating more clandestine officers than at any time in the history of the Central Intelligence Agency.

George Tenet

Intelligence

The only people that ever stand up and tell the truth are wh

The only people that ever stand up and tell the truth are who? Intelligence officers. Because our culture is, never break faith with the truth. We'll tell you, you don't have to drag it out of us.

George Tenet

Intelligence

To understand a difficult topic like Iraq takes patience and

To understand a difficult topic like Iraq takes patience and care. Unfortunately, you rarely hear a patient, careful or thoughtful discussion of intelligence these days.

George Tenet

Intelligence

Here's the teaching point, if you're teaching kids about int

Here's the teaching point, if you're teaching kids about intelligence and policy: Intelligence does not absolve policymakers of responsibility to ask tough questions, and it doesn't absolve them of having curiosity about the consequences of their actions.

George Tenet

Intelligence

As a nation we have, over the past seven years, been rebuild

As a nation we have, over the past seven years, been rebuilding our intelligence with powerful capabilities that many thought we would no longer need after the Cold War. We have been rebuilding our clandestine service, our satellite and other technical collection, our analytical depth and expertise.

George Tenet

Intelligence

You know, at the end of the day, the only thing you have is

You know, at the end of the day, the only thing you have is trust and honor in this world. That's all you have. All you have is your reputation built on trust and your personal honor. When you don't have that anymore, well, you know, there you go. Trust was broken.

George Tenet

Trust

By definition, intelligence deals with the unclear, the unkn

By definition, intelligence deals with the unclear, the unknown, the deliberately hidden. What the enemies of the United States hope to deny we work to reveal.

George Tenet

Intelligence