#2392 - John Kiriakou

John Kiriakou, a former CIA officer, had an extensive career involved in post-9/11 counterterrorism efforts, but his tenure is also notable for his objection to the agency’s controversial interrogation program.

Kiriakou's 13-year CIA Career Involved Post-9/11 Counterterrorism In Pakistan, Targeting Al Qaeda Leaders

Kiriakou’s work in counterterrorism primarily focused on Al Qaeda. This included the capture of Abu Zubaydah in Pakistan in February 2002, a six-week operation marked by near-misses and eluding captures indicated by signs such as half-eaten food and a still-burning cigarette. Once Abu Zubaydah was detained, Kiriakou was in charge of holding him until he could be transported, although not privy to the detainee’s eventual fate, similar to the plane crew.

Kiriakou's Role in Capturing Abu Zubaydah and Praised Interrogation Tactics

Kiriakou played a significant role in capturing Abu Zubaydah, who was believed to be the third-ranking member of Al Qaeda. After his capture, FBI took charge of the interrogation, and Abu Zubaydah eventually provided useful intelligence. Notably, treatment with respect by FBI agent Ali Soufan led Abu Zubaydah to disclose that 'Mukhtar' referred to Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.

Kiriakou Declined CIA "Enhanced Interrogation" Training, Citing Moral and Ethical Objections

Kiriakou was uncomfortable with the methods involved in the CIA's “enhanced interrogation” program, which he viewed as illegal, and he declined an offer to be trained in these techniques. His decision to not participate in what he believed was a torture program was influenced by his moral a ...

John Kiriakou faced grave legal and financial consequences for his act of whistleblowing on the CIA's use of torture. His ordeal included espionage charges, a harsh prison sentence, a financially crippling legal battle, and professional ostracism.

After Revealing the CIA's Torture Program In an Interview, Kiriakou Faced Espionage Charges and a 45-year Prison Sentence

Kiriakou was the only person to go to prison in relation to exposing the CIA's interrogation tactics, which he publicly revealed as official US government policy, approved by the president. After his disclosure, the CIA filed a crimes report against him, and while the FBI initially declined prosecution stating the information was already public, the Obama administration later pressed charges. Under the influence of John Brennan, who had been associated with the torture program, Attorney General Eric Holder moved forward with espionage charges against Kiriakou.

Kiriakou's Politically-Motivated Case Under Obama Administration Prosecution

Kiriakou faced 45 years in prison, but after a series of plea deal offers that reduced the potential sentence, finally settled at 30 months. His case demonstrated political motivations, which were further highlighted by Brennan's interference in preventing Kiriakou from obtaining legal representation by not approving additional security clearances. The conviction and affiliation with certain individuals post-incarceration also showed Kiriakou's struggle against what he saw as a political vendetta driven by John Brennan's influence and Obama's heightened sensitivity to national security leaks.

Kiriakou Took a Plea Deal, Served 23 Months, Emerged As an Intelligence Pariah, but Was Determined to Speak Out

Despite his initial refusal, Kiriakou was eventually persuaded by his attorneys to accept a plea deal due to the futility of fighting a politicized case. He served his entire 30-month sentence, and upon release, he was filled with a fighting spirit against the administration. The ordeal led to him becoming an outcast in the intelligence community but it did not silence his determination to stand up for what he believed was ...

John Kiriakou, a former CIA officer, shares his concerns and experiences that suggest a troubling pattern of government overreach, abuse of power, and the presence of a so-called "deep state" within the intelligence community.

Intelligence Officials' Power and Influence Outlast Elected Leadership

Kiriakou Claims an Unaccountable "Deep State" in Intelligence Pursues Its Own Agenda

John Kiriakou describes intelligence officials as permanent fixtures within the agency, indicating they often believe they can outlast any given president and can ignore or slow-roll orders they disagree with until a new administration takes office. He cites the example of an individual who had been in the agency for over 40 years, essentially suggesting an unelected and largely unaccountable bureaucracy persists within the intelligence community, operating irrespective of changing political leadership.

CIA's Torture Program Showed a Willingness to Engage In Unethical and Illegal Activities, Even When Ineffective

Kiriakou: Intelligence Community's Corruption and Power Abuse

Kiriakou reveals instances of unethical and illegal activities within the CIA, including the torture program which engages in practices such as waterboarding, the cold cell, and sleep deprivation. He argues that these methods, which could last up to 12 days and lead to the deterioration of the prisoners' minds and bodies, sometimes resulting in death, were not effective or sanctioned outcomes.

Kiriakou recounts the story of intelligence community figure John Brennan, whose relationship with George Tenet propelled him to influential positions, including becoming the CIA station chief in Riyadh. Brennan's career trajectory, such as his involvement in significant events like the Iraq War, even after being previously fired, suggests an entrenched system where relationships may supersede performance or traditional oversight mechanisms.

Kiriakou and Joe Rogan discuss the "deep state," suggesting that certain officials within the intelligence community can maintain power longer than transient elected officials and pursue their own agendas that may not align with the administration's.

Kiriakou stresses the need for public engagement and contrasts the FBI's successful, traditional interrogation techniques with the CIA's ineffective torture methods. He criticizes the CIA's promotion of the torture program's claimed suc ...

John Kiriakou provides insights into global strategic trends, particularly focusing on the rising geopolitical influence of China as well as persistent tensions and security concerns in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Kiriakou Warns China's Strategy May Outmaneuver U.S., Concerned About China's Global Influence

Kiriakou: U.S. Must Counter China's Digital Propaganda Proactively

Kiriakou discusses the strategic patience of China, noting their ability to out-wait the United States as it funnels resources into international endeavors and military bases, contrasting it with China's focus on developing infrastructure such as high-speed trains and hospitals. He expresses concern about China's approach to global influence, which includes financial means to influence other countries while the U.S. assumes the role of a global peacekeeper.

Kiriakou sees bots as part of China's digital strategy for global influence and criticizes the United States' shortcomings in identifying and controlling these bots. He suggests that China promotes societal disruptions within the U.S. by encouraging arguments and disagreements online, indicating a pressing need for the U.S. to proactively contest China's digital propaganda campaigns.

After expressing optimism about a potential Israel-Gaza deal, his experience with bot attacks underscored his point. He believes the United States should utilize the internet more effectively to combat foreign digital propaganda, acknowledging the advent of AI and the potential utilities of automation and universal basic income in these efforts.

Kiriakou Concerned by Israel's Expansion and Palestinian Mistreatment

Kiriakou's lunch with a Japanese diplomat touched on the Israeli elections and the Arab-Israeli peace process.

While discussing Israel, Kiriakou indicates concern about the Israeli government's vision of a "greater Israel," suggesting Israel's territorial aims could include the West Bank, Gaza Strip, parts of Lebanon, Syria, and even the Sinai Peninsula. Kiriakou's worry extends to potential Israeli actions against Iran and the possibility that Israelis may not respect any forthcoming Gaza or West Bank agreements.

He brings attention to the plight of Palestinians, citing a recent incident where a Christian village in the West Ban ...