Redd tipped to run Counterterror Center

WASHINGTON, June 3 (UPI) -- Vice Adm. John Scott Redd is leading candidate to run America's main agency to analyze terrorist threats and plan counter-terror operationss.

Redd, who served as executive director of the Silberman-Robb presidential commission on intelligence, has been most recently mentioned by officials in the intelligence community as the leading candidate to be the next director of the National Counterterrorism Center, or NCTC, the Washington Post reported Friday. If nominated, he would replace John O. Brennan, a long-time CIA official who has been serving as acting NCTC director. The post requires confirmation by the Senate.

President George W. Bush also still has to decide whether that person will report directly to the president or go through Director of National Intelligence John D. Negroponte, the Post said.

The legislation that established the NCTC requires the organization to begin operations by June 17. The center was established last fall under a presidential executive order.