The darkest corner of the room

The darkest corner of the room has been a recurring catchphrase in recent attempts by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency to defend the most controversial aspects of its operations. The phrase has been primarily used by CIA director General Michael V. Hayden, but has also been used in an agency press release.

Known examples of its use

 * Michael Hayden to USA Today on the extraordinary rendition program, May 2007:
 * "False statements about the program 'take an honest debate … to the darkest corner of the room,' Hayden said."


 * Michael Hayden, June 21, 2007, on the release of the CIA's "family jewels":
 * "Unfortunately, there seems to be an instinct among some in the media today to take a few pieces of information, which may or may not be accurate, and run with them to the darkest corner of the room."


 * CIA Statement on Tim Weiner's book 'Legacy of Ashes', August 6, 2007:
 * "Time and again, Weiner takes things to the darkest corner of the room. He knows better."


 * Michael Hayden, September 7, 2007, in a speech defending extraordinary rendition to the Council on Foreign Relations:
 * "Just as they report on the terrorists, it's the job of journalists to report on the how the war against terrorism is being fought. And when their spotlight is cast on intelligence activities, sound judgment and a thorough understanding of all the equities at play are critically important. Revelations of sources and methods--and an impulse to drag anything CIA does to the darkest corner of the room--can make it very difficult for us to do our vital work."


 * Michael Hayden to Mike Posner from Human Rights First in a Q&A following the CFR speech:
 * "First let me make comment on your listing of ['enhanced' interrogation] techniques and just frankly add that it's a pretty good example of taking something to the darkest corner of the room and not reflective of what my agency does."

Related SourceWatch articles

 * Central Intelligence Agency
 * Doublespeak
 * Michael V. Hayden