Covert action, in the language of U.S. intelligence, is an “activity or activities of the United States Government to influence political, economic, or military conditions abroad, where it is intended that the role of the United States Government will not be apparent or acknowledged publicly” (50 U.S.C. §413b(e), 2006). Covert action is an activity to influence the behavior and support of a foreign government and may involve anything from persuasion, such as the spread of information or financial influence, to paramilitary action. Even though covert action is not the same as gathering intelligence, these operations most often take place within an intelligence organization due to the secrecy involved. The term covert action is also sometimes used to describe any intelligence activity or a military action ...