'(It's) appropriate for the head of such department or agency [read: CIA] to direct the operations of the element providing that military support while working with the Secretary of Defense.' A 'significant advantage of doing so,' he continued, 'is that it permits the robust operational capability of the U.S. Armed Forces to be applied when needed.'
That’s contentious: it would put the military in the territory of performing operations that the government can legally deny all knowledge of ordering... (Source)
'Senator, I believe very strongly that the president has the constitutional power as commander in chief to take steps that he believes are necessary to protect this country and protect our national interests,' said Panetta. 'And obviously, I think it's important for presidents to consult, to have the advice of Congress. But in the end, I believe he has the constitutional power to do what he has to do to protect this country.' (Source)
Shadow wars assault life, liberty and privacy under a fog of state deception. Like the shape-shifting U.S. military, they do their dirty work in many ways...
Shadow wars smother human rights beneath the empire’s 'rights' to spy, torture and kill with impunity. The Orwellian specter of 'national security' is the untouchable excuse.