ShaneHarris.com

Plugging the Leaks

admin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:48:30 +0000

“They already know who it is.” That’s how one former U.S. official responded the Justice Department’s years-long investigation of a suspected leaker of classified intelligence. So, why are prosecutors trying to force a well-known journalist to identify this suspect before a federal grand jury? And what does it mean for the future of a free press in the Obama administration? Read all about it in “Plugging the Leaks,” my latest feature for Washingtonian magazine. It’s on stands now and available online.

The Consultant was a Spy

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 21:47:30 +0000

The Russian spies arrested last month and traded back to Moscow have mostly been introduced to the American public as a hot girl and a bunch of bumbling Borises and Natashas. But people who crossed paths with one of the recently deported spies, a Bostonian calling himself Donald Heathfield, suggest that he, at least, may have passed important American business intelligence back to Russia. Read the full story in Washingtonian.

WikiLeaks vs. the Media (and Washington)

admin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:36:12 +0000

The relationship between a national security reporter and a confidential source is one of the most guarded and prized in Washington. Now, an audacious Web site is upending the way sensitive leaks find their way to daylight, and with it, the media’s influence over information. Is the Obama administration taking notice? Read my new piece in Washingtonian.

Why Nick Clegg is right–and a radical.

admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 16:11:16 +0000

Nick Clegg is taking on the U.K.’s police state. Here’s my analysis for The Daily Beast on what it means for U.S. politicians.

Time to Scrap the DNI

admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 16:07:40 +0000

Here’s my take on why President Obama fired Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair, and why the president should consider getting rid of the spy post altogether.

C-SPAN Book TV

admin — Mon, 17 May 2010 14:22:42 +0000

C-SPAN has been re-airing my book talk from the International Spy Museum in Washington. This was on February 18, publication day for The Watchers.

Do surveillance cameras stop terrorism?

admin — Tue, 11 May 2010 20:59:48 +0000

Or do they just help investigators find someone after he’s blown something up? In light of the failed attack on Times Square, I joined “Word of Mouth” on New Hampshire Public Radio to talk about the pros and cons of surveillance cameras. Do we need more? Or are they giving us a false sense of security?

Administration says Drone Strikes are Legal, Necessary

admin — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:10:14 +0000

Harold Koh made big news last night, laying out for the first time the administration’s position that drone strikes against terrorists and militants are legal. Here’s my first take for the Atlantic on the news and what it means for the administration.

New Adventure

admin — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:14:48 +0000

On April 12, I’ll join the staff of Washingtonian magazine as a senior writer. I’m very excited about this opportunity. I’ll be writing big, compelling stories about Washington, including those on my long-time national security beat. And I’ll be joining forces with some good friends and former colleagues, which makes this even more exciting.

You can read more about the move here.

Obama administration has a legal position on drones…finally.

admin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:53:58 +0000

Here’s a departure from all the talk of surveillance and book tours. I was at a breakfast yesterday morning with Harold Koh, the State Department’s legal adviser, and had a chance to ask him where he stands on the use of unmmanned drones to kill suspected terrorists. I wrote a lenghty piece about this issue in National Journal in January, but Koh declined my interview request. You can read his response to my question here.