Out of proportion
From Paul Kellogg Sir: Mark Steyn likens the public naming of a CIA agent to the Watergate scandal of the early 1970s ('Bigger than Watergate', 11 October). Mr Steyn seems to have trouble with historical analogies. The Watergate scandal brought down a sitting president. Under the shadow of impeachment, President Richard Nixon decided to resign. The naming of the CIA agent, though unlawful, will probably result in no prosecution whatever.
Columnist Robert Novak publicly named the CIA agent after Bush administration officials mentioned it to him. Novak has admitted that he was asked not to use her name, but that didn't deter him. Two reporters for the American daily Newsday followed up Novak's story with an investigation of their own. The Justice Department is trying to find out who let slip the agent's name. It has begun an investigation that will reach throughout the White House and into the depar talents of state and defence. The probable outcome of this effort is nil.
Mr Steyn says the whole business only proves that the CIA and its intelligencegathering efforts are a joke. He may be right. But giving the name of a CIA agent to a reporter was stupid, if not criminal.
Paul Kellogg
New York
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