It's good to see that the US taxpayer is getting plenty of bangs for his/her bucks from the CIA - apart from Talibanning it up in Afghanistan and smuggling exploding cigars into Cuba. The proof can be found at its "Studies in Intelligence" webpage, which kicks off:

CIA University is pleased to make available this electronic archive of articles and indexes on the profession of intelligence. The articles are taken from CIA’s 50-year old professional journal, Studies in Intelligence, and from a new series of papers produced by the....

Blah blah blah. Check out the link in the bottom left-hand corner, though, enlarged here for your viewing pleasure:

Now, according to the agency's exciting recruiting blurb (PDF): "The challenging situations that CIA professionals face in the Clandestine Service demand superior intellect, ingenuity and courage."

What's more: "Exceptional interpersonal skills and solid writing ability are required." Yes, that's evident. Keep up the good work. ®

Bootnote

Ta very much to literate chap Ben McGinnes for the spook tip-off.