Obama gives outspoken ex-CIA chief White House job

By Deborah Charles

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President-elect Barack Obama on Friday chose an outspoken and controversial CIA veteran as his top counterterrorism adviser, a move that could raise eyebrows but assures frank dialogue in the White House.

John Brennan, who spent 25 years in the U.S. clandestine service, has the "experience, vision and integrity" to advance America's security, Obama said.

Since leaving government in 2005, Brennan's writings have attracted criticism, including his suggestions the next president establish direct dialogue with Iran and encourage greater assimilation of Iranian-backed Hezbollah into Lebanon's political system.

But national security experts say Brennan will be a good addition to Obama's inner circle, in part because of his candor as well as his global experience.

"I can't think of anyone who knows more about the challenges Obama will face in the ongoing threat of terrorism," said one former Clinton national security official.

"With somebody like John Brennan, obviously there'll be a debate and that's the role of a national security adviser," he said. "This will demonstrate that a President Obama will get a much broader range of views."

Six weeks ago, Brennan withdrew his name from consideration as a possible candidate to run the Central Intelligence Agency amid criticism he was too closely tied to CIA policies that allowed harsh interrogation of terrorism suspects.

As a White House adviser to Obama, Brennan -- who was chief of staff to former CIA chief George Tenet -- will not need Senate confirmation as he would if nominated to run the CIA.