As C.I.A. director, William J. Burns was deeply focused on China and Russia when the Middle East conflict plunged him back into his old life.

No one would ever refer to CIA Director William J. Burns as “Wild Bill,” the nickname of William J. Donovan, who led the OSS, the agency’s swashbuckling predecessor, during World War II. But the self-effacing Burns has bravely commanded a CIA force in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion nearly three years ago.

While the United States tries to spy on one of the hardest targets, Burns has also tried to reopen a dialogue with Beijing, including via his counterpart, Chen Yixin, the security minister. (The head of the China Mission Center, a career CIA officer fluent in Mandarin, accompanied Burns on one of his trips to Beijing.)

The spy agency is trying to give its teams better tools and make it easier for the private sector to develop technology for their secretive work.

Burns detailed the "hellish" conditions that the hostages are facing in Gaza on NPR's 'All Things Considered.'

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William J. Burns, Jr., 87, of Batavia. Bill passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, surrounded by his family at The Friendly ...