When it comes to the intelligence community, President Barack Obama appears to have a split-personality. He praises them while at the same time has his Attorney General investigate -- and perhaps prosecute -- them.

President Barack Obama praised members of the U.S. intelligence community on Tuesday, saying the terrorist attacks they've foiled have saved countless American lives, according to John Kruzel of the American Forces Press Service. 

Speaking at the National Counterterrorism Center in McLean, Virginia, Obama referred to several recent high-profile arrests of alleged terrorist plotters in Denver, New York, Illinois and Texas, saying the arrests have made the United States safer.

"The record of your service is written in the attacks that never occur because you thwarted them, and in the countless Americans who are alive today because you saved them," he said. "For that, America is in your debt."

Meanwhile, Obama's Attorney General joined forces with groups such as Amnesty International, Code Pick and others to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate cases brought to the Department of Justice against members of the Central Intelligence Agency involved in interrogating terrorists.

The premise of this questionable investigation is the allegations of misconduct by interrogators who questioned suspected terrorist leaders and their foot soldiers. 

During his speech, Obama credited counterterrorism operators' vigilance, attention to warning signs and cooperation across organizations with leading to the arrests of terror suspects in recent weeks, noting that such efforts often occur away from the spotlight.

"Few Americans know about the work that you do, and this is how it should be," Obama said. "Your assignments require it, and obviously, you didn't go into this line of work for the fame and glory or the glare of the spotlight. You're in it to serve and protect.

"So I say to every American, 'You see the headlines, but here are some of the people who help write them, who keep you safe,'" he added. "And I say to all of you, 'You are setting the standard. You're showing us what focused and integrated counterterrorism really looks like.'"

The U.S. intelligence community comprises 16 organizations, numerous federal, state, local and international partners. These collective efforts are coordinated at the National Counterterrorism Center, where Obama delivered his message of thanks to those who contribute to ensuring Americans' safety.

"To think about the profound impact that all of you are having on the day-to-day life of this nation I think is extraordinary," he said. "Your professionalism is essential to protecting this country."

Obama acknowledged that eight years after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, there is still no guarantee there won't be another attack inside the United States.

"We're facing determined adversaries who are resourceful, who are resilient, and who are still plotting," he said. "And no one can ever promise that there won't be another attack on American soil.

"But I can promise you this: I pledge to do everything in my power as president to keep America safe," he continued. "And I pledge to give all of you the tools and support you need to get the job done around the world and here at home. And I pledge to stay focused on that mission, just as you stay focused on your mission."

Underscoring the global nature of terrorist threats, Obama cited threats emanating not only from the Middle East, but also from East Africa, Southeast Asia and Europe. He said the international reach of the intelligence network is making strides in the country's primary objective.

"Because of you and all the organizations you represent, we're making real progress in our core mission: to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al-Qaida and other extremist networks around the world," he said.

"We must never lose sight of that goal. That's the principal threat to the American people. That is the threat that led to the creation of this center. And that must be the focus of our efforts to defend the homeland and our allies, and defeat extremists abroad," Obama added.

Obama's critics point out that the President gave a similar speech before members of the CIA in Langley, Virginia earlier this year and a few weeks later news reports revealed his AG's plans to investigate and prosecute some of the same people who sat in the room during the Obama speech.

Special thanks to John Kruzel for his input as well as to the Terrorism Committee of the National Association of Chiefs of Police.