A turf war is being waged in the closed world of US intelligence agencies that could disrupt how spy operations are carried out around the world, according to former and current CIA officials.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which for the past four years has overseen US intelligence agencies, is angling for more power over and insight into spy operations worldwide. At stake is the authority of the CIA's legendary station chiefs, who for 60 years have enjoyed a great deal of autonomy in overseas intelligence operations. In 2005, the director designated an intelligence officer to be his personal representative at embassies, military commands and posts. Overseas, that top dog was the station chief. 

Now, that may be changing. National Intelligence Director Michael McConnell is writing a new directive that leaves open the possibility that the title could be bestowed on someone other than a CIA station chief. In some cases — particularly in countries where there are large concentrations of US troops — the director may anoint the defense attache, one former intelligence official suggested. In others, where there are fewer human spies but more intelligence collection by electronic gadgets, it may be the senior National Security Agency officer.

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