US President Barack Obama named John Brennan to succeed David Petraeus as the new CIA director. Brennan, who had served as the president's top counterterrorism adviser during the past 4 years, is considered a seasoned professional in the Agency.

Brennan's 25-year-career at the Agency resulted in a distinguished expertise in Middle Eastern affairs and a knowledge of the Arabic language.

Back in 2009, Brennan failed to be named as the CIA director probably because he shore up the adoption of "harsher" interrogation methods during Bush's term. This stance may come again to the fore during the session aimed at approving Brennan's appointment.