John Brennan becomes new CIA director following Senate approval

CIA seal

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US Deputy National Security Advisor for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism to President Barack Obama John O. Brennan becomes the new director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) following his approval for the post by the Senate on March 7. 

Brennan was nominated for the function by the President on January 7.

Brennan succeeds Michael Morell, who replaced David Petraeus in November 2012. Petraeus resigned from office following revelations over his extra-marital affair with biographer Paula Broadwell.

The 25-year CIA veteran had already been considered for the position in 2008. He, however, gave up the opportunity amid questions about his connection to controversial interrogation techniques, including waterboarding, while serving in the spy agency. Brennan denied any involvement in such practices and spoke against them.