by David Brown

Created on: January 15, 2009

When it comes to the spy community in the United States, today is quite similar to the time of the Second World War. There was such a need for spies during that period, that it was most likely the success of the spy community (then known as the Office of Strategic Services a/k/a O.S.S.) in the winning of that war for the Allies and the United States. Today, the spy community a/k/a the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the National Security Administration (NSA), is in need of many more spies as times are again changing, not only due to September 11, 2001, but because of the changing behavior in the Middle East and Russia.

It is quite possible that the situation in Russia is beginning to show a change back to the old ways of when it was the Soviet Union. Whether or not Russia is headed in that direction is not really known, but with Vladimir Putin at the helm, it is quite possible. We can remember that Senator John McCain made the comment that when he looked Mr. Putin in the eyes all he could see was KGB. Mr. Putin and his colleagues are all former officers of the KGB. He was a colonel. Mr. Putin did make the comment that Russia made a mistake when it made the changes that it did. This might mean that Russia is headed back to the ways of Socialism, if not Communism.

Another country to be leary of is Cuba. It is possible that soon-to-be President Obama is going to open up relations with Cuba. Only time will tell. If this is the case, then it might be necessary to increase the spy network in that country as well. Remember when we supported Fidel Castro and helped place him in office, what happened? His speech to the United Nations was five hours of nothing but rhetoric blasting the United States and then turning to Nikita Kruschev (sorry for the spelling error), then Premier of the Soviet Union and giving him a hug. Ever since, Cuba has been Communist and has not turned back.

The Middle East is a hotbed of hatred toward the United States. No matter what country we look at, outside of Israel, the Middle East is an area of the world that you can bet hates America. Because of this, terrorism was born and most terrorists want to do nothing but see the fall of America. So, before and now for sure, there is a big need for a spy network to keep an eye on that area of the world.

What is needed is a spy community in this country that is working very closely with its allies and keeping an eye on the changing world. Many spies are needed throughout Europe, Russia, Asia and the Middle East. Shooting satellites into outer space is one way to keep an eye on things, but having a human who can get into places that not even the best techno eyes can is best. Spies do have to put their lives on the line each and every day. This is expected and they know what their job is.

What is important is to understand that the United States and its allies are in a worldwide war on terrorism. Terrorists want to do nothing but hurt this country as they do its allies. Public opinion is not much for the spy business because it is worried that they are being watched and their freedoms are being violated. Well, I feel much safer knowing that suspected terrorists or terrorist sympathizers are being watched not only through wiretapping, but through the watchful eyes of your neighborhood mole.

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