Consider This from NPR: Keeping America Safe – CIA Director Bill Burns Reflects

Release Date: January 14, 2025

In the latest episode of NPR's "Consider This," host Mary Louise Kelly engages in an in-depth conversation with Bill Burns, the outgoing Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). As Burns wraps up his four-year tenure, he provides valuable insights into the evolving threats facing the United States and shares his perspectives on leadership, global conflicts, and the future of intelligence operations.

A Night Filled with Concerns: The Human Element

Bill Burns opens the discussion by addressing the personal toll of his role. Reflecting on what keeps him awake at night, Burns emphasizes the paramount importance of people within the intelligence community.

“The honest answer is people.”
— Bill Burns ([00:12])

He highlights the sacrifices made by CIA officers, pointing to the memorial wall at headquarters adorned with 140 stars, each representing a fallen colleague. This poignant reminder underscores the human cost of safeguarding national security.

“Every morning I walk by our memorial wall... that's something that is bound to keep me up at night.”
— Bill Burns ([00:38])

Navigating Global Threats: Russia, Ukraine, and Beyond

Throughout his tenure, Burns has confronted a series of escalating global threats. He delves into the complexities of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, offering strategic assessments and recommendations for future administrations.

“Putin understands that time is not necessarily on his side, which is what I think he believes today.”
— Bill Burns ([04:37])

Burns asserts that the United States' support for Ukraine has been pivotal, detailing the provision of weapons and ammunition that have enabled significant advances against Russian forces. However, he acknowledges Ukraine's persistent manpower challenges, a vulnerability that Russia continues to exploit.

“The manpower disadvantage is something that Putin's taking advantage of.”
— Bill Burns ([05:08])

Middle East Instability and Ceasefire Efforts

Shifting focus to the Middle East, Burns discusses the volatile situation following the Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli response. He remains cautiously optimistic about the prospects for a ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the humanitarian imperative.

“This is not just about brackets in negotiating texts... it's about human beings.”
— Bill Burns ([06:15])

Burns underscores the critical need for political leaders to prioritize human lives over bureaucratic perfection, advocating for serious and swift negotiations to alleviate the suffering of civilians and hostages alike.

The Persistent Threat of ISIS: Domestic Terrorism Concerns

Addressing the recent terrorist attack in New Orleans, Burns elaborates on the enduring threat posed by ISIS, particularly its Khorasan affiliate based in South Asia. He explains the agency's proactive measures in disrupting external plots and combating the organization's ability to inspire lone-wolf attacks.

“The danger that ISIS can pose... is a significant threat.”
— Bill Burns ([09:13])

Despite successful operations, such as thwarting a plot at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna, Burns acknowledges the challenges in completely eradicating ISIS's influence and the unpredictable nature of radicalization.

China’s Cyber Prowess and the Escalation of Cyber Attacks

A significant portion of Burns' tenure has been dominated by the rising cyber threats emanating from China. He discusses the sophisticated nature of recent cyber attacks, notably the Salt Typhoon incident targeting U.S. telecom companies.

“This is pretty sophisticated. Yeah.”
— Bill Burns ([10:47])

Burns highlights the CIA's strategic pivot towards prioritizing China, including the establishment of a dedicated China Mission Center and a tripling of the budget allocated to Chinese intelligence efforts. He characterizes the current landscape as a "revolution in technology," necessitating a corresponding evolution in intelligence practices.

“We have to begin to revolutionize the practice of intelligence.”
— Bill Burns ([11:55])

Ensuring an Apolitical Transition: Handover to Successor John Ratcliffe

As Burns prepares to step down, he addresses the sensitive topic of transitioning leadership to John Ratcliffe, his designated successor. Drawing parallels to past administrations, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining the CIA's apolitical stance and fostering a seamless handover.

“This is an apolitical institution... made up of men and women who are patriotic.”
— Bill Burns ([13:21])

Burns expresses confidence in the incoming administration's ability to uphold the integrity of the intelligence community, contrasting the current transition with challenges faced during previous political upheavals.

Looking Ahead: Personal Reflections and Future Plans

On a personal note, Burns shares his plans post-CIA, reflecting a desire to balance his professional responsibilities with personal passions. He looks forward to participating in his long-standing tradition of attending the NCAA men's basketball tournament with his brothers, signaling a return to a semblance of normalcy after years of high-stakes leadership.

“Probably sleep... I'm determined to actually get there with the three of them.”
— Bill Burns ([15:19])

Conclusion

As CIA Director Bill Burns concludes his service, his reflections offer a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted challenges faced by the intelligence community. From geopolitical tensions and cyber warfare to the enduring fight against terrorism, Burns' insights provide a valuable roadmap for his successor and underscore the critical role of intelligence in national security.

This episode was produced by Noah Caldwell and Mark Rivers, edited by Ashley Brown and Courtney Dorning, with executive production by Sammy Yenigan.

Notable Quotes:

• “The honest answer is people.” — Bill Burns ([00:12])
• “Every morning I walk by our memorial wall... that's something that is bound to keep me up at night.” — Bill Burns ([00:38])
• “Putin understands that time is not necessarily on his side, which is what I think he believes today.” — Bill Burns ([04:37])
• “This is not just about brackets in negotiating texts... it's about human beings.” — Bill Burns ([06:15])
• “The danger that ISIS can pose... is a significant threat.” — Bill Burns ([09:13])
• “This is pretty sophisticated. Yeah.” — Bill Burns ([10:47])
• “We have to begin to revolutionize the practice of intelligence.” — Bill Burns ([11:55])
• “This is an apolitical institution... made up of men and women who are patriotic.” — Bill Burns ([13:21])
• “Probably sleep... I'm determined to actually get there with the three of them.” — Bill Burns ([15:19])

By providing a structured and comprehensive overview, this summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, offering valuable context and understanding for listeners and non-listeners alike.