I agree that there are other factors beyond and above CIA functionaries, although they have certainly supervised a lot of nefarious activity over the years. In particular, in recent years it seems that the NSC (the presidential National Security Council) has handled a lot of the "blacker than black" operations, while the role of the DIA and its SAPs remains much more obscure than the more visible CIA.

For the record, a bit of Googling reveals the following names of CIA station chiefs in Rome (presumably better Googling would produce more)

James Angleton (OSS chief WWII to early 50's??)

Mark Wyatt (1948 election payoffs)

William Colby (1953-1958)

Thomas Karamessines (early 60's)

William Harvey Feb.1963--??

Howard "Rocky" Stone 197?-75

Duane Clarridge 1980 Ustica!!!!

Jeffrey W. Castelli Rome Station Chief up to summer 2003

The are obvious gaps, especially between Dewey Clarridge and Jeff Castelli, as well as the incumbent. Note also that the (in)famous Ted Shackley was second in command in Rome in the early 70's. It's striking to note what a springboard to success the Rome station has been.

As always, I make no claim to infallibility, and the above list could well be "off" on dates, etc. Corrections and additions are welcome.

Hannah K. O'Luthon