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Introduction

From Bush administration officials to journalists to federal prosecutors, influential figures have played roles in the investigation into the disclosure of CIA operative Valerie Plame's identity. At the center is U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, who is trying to determine whether any crimes were committed when Plame's identity was exposed in a July 2003 piece by syndicated columnist and longtime CNN contributor Robert Novak. Knowingly identifying a covert agent is a felony under federal law. The Justice Department opened a criminal probe in September 2003 at the CIA's request. Plame and her husband are seen in Vanity Fair photo taken in November 2003.