IDGNS: Some governments can be willfully uncooperative. Have you had any successes in Iran or Pakistan?

Barrett: There's a little bit starting to go into Pakistan. I think there are more governments than not that are excited about this. No matter where you go in the world and talk to government leaders, whether it's a resource-poor country or an oil-rich country, they tell you the same thing -- ultimately, my economy is dependent on my people.

IDGNS: Where are you off to next?

Barrett: My next trip is a fun one, to New Zealand to go helicopter fly-fishing. I'm combining that with the Milford trek in the South Island, where they have these fiords and tropical rain forest. Then it's back to Europe and the Middle East for some work there.

IDGNS: Since you handed the CEO job to Paul Otellini, do you miss having a more hands-on role running Intel?