Top spy to become US deputy secretary of state

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
US National Intelligence Director John Negroponte will resign to become deputy secretary of state, a government official says. Negroponte took over in 2005 as the nation's first intelligence chief responsible for overseeing all 16 US spy agencies. He will return to his roots as a career diplomat to become the No. 2 to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the official said Wednesday night. Negroponte is stepping down as President George W. Bush develops a new strategy for the war in Iraq. The official said the timing of Negroponte's departure was uncertain, but it was expected soon. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because there has been no announcement of the move. A spokesman for the Office of the National Intelligence Director refused comment.