It’s John Brennan’s Day, And Iran Has A Surprise For Him

A video posted by the Associated Press on Thursday morning shows black-and-white footage that Iran state TV claims was captured from an American spy drone in 2011.

The AP stressed that it cannot independently verify the footage.

Drones are likely to be a big topic of conversation today as former U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor John Brennan begins what will probably be the most stressful job interview of his life before the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee, which begins hearings for his confirmation as CIA director. Up for discussion are drones, torture and the newly leaked Justice Department “white paper” that provides a legal justification for killing Americans who are associated with al Qaeda.

Brennan was President Barack Obama’s right-hand man in the war against al Qaeda, and, if last week’s assaults on Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel during his confirmation hearings as defense secretary are any indication, the Senate isn’t likely to give Brennan an easy time.