The Central Intelligence Agency is the United States’ civilian foreign intelligence service, based in Langley, Virginia, where it collects and analyzes information from abroad, advises the president and senior policymakers, and conducts covert operations in support of national security. Created through the post-Second World War reorganization of American intelligence, it was established by the National Security Act of 1947 and strengthened by a 1949 act. During the Cold War and after, it became a powerful, often controversial force in U.S. foreign policy, involved in major covert actions, technical intelligence programs, and counterterrorism, while also facing exposure and criticism for illegal programs and abuses.

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

McLean, Virginia · USA