In a move that could make it more difficult for analysts in the CIA to write scathing attacks on the agency, a new policy has been developed to make the vetting process more stringent. The Washington Post's Walter Pincus reports:

The CIA is revising its procedures for clearing the publication of books or articles by currently employed analysts and case officers in the wake of controversy generated by the best-selling book, "Imperial Hubris: How the West Is Losing the War on Terrorism."

Written by a then-active senior analyst who had headed the Osama bin Laden task force, "Imperial Hubris" criticized Bush administration terrorism policies and became an issue in the presidential campaign when it came out last summer. Although the author was listed as "Anonymous," he was subsequently identified as Michael Scheuer, who retired in November.

Before the book was published, Scheuer, as an employee, cleared it with his bosses at the Counterterrorism Center (CTC), where he was then working, and with the Directorate of Intelligence. The manuscript was not reviewed by the CIA Publications Review Board, a small staff that regularly must approve works of former employees.

The new procedures, which are expected to be completed soon, would require all manuscripts and other materials to be reviewed by the review board's staff, which would work with a current employee's superiors on determining what would be cleared for publication.

Although it is clearly important for the CIA to ensure that the nation's confidential secrets are not leaked in a best selling book, it is also important to allow whistleblowers to speak their peace to the American people. If this move silences the CIA's internal detractors, America might become a less safe nation.