"Hitler Hayden" "If not asked, don't tell."

Hayden's policy: "If not asked, don't tell." Gen. Michael Hayden told the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence during his recent confirmation hearing to be CIA Director that the Bush White House never asked him if there were ties between Saddam Hussein and Al Qaeda. According to NSA sources, Hayden, who as NSA Director, had intercepts proving that no ties existed between Saddam and Al Qaeda, allowed the White House to use the Saddam-Al Qaeda link to justify its war even though he had evidence proving otherwise. Look for Hayden to cherry pick more intelligence at the CIA.

In addition, Hayden refused to criticize the torture technique known as "water boarding," the near drowning of prisoners. For the CIA, it looks like it will be more of the same (and worse). Hayden did not earn the nickname "Hitler Hayden" at NSA for no reason.