#661 - John Kiriakou

Theo Von welcomes former CIA officer and whistleblower John Kiriakou to discuss his career and his upcoming meeting with Tulsi Gabbard. They critique the Democratic Party's history of undermining outsider candidates, from Tulsi Gabbard and Bernie Sanders to George McGovern. Kiriakou explains how the introduction of superdelegates after the 1972 election created an unfair system that favors establishment candidates.

John Kiriakou and Theo Von discuss the history of the Democratic Party's nomination process, focusing on how superdelegates and party insiders control candidates. Kiriakou shares his personal experience hosting George McGovern's 1984 presidential announcement and details how populist candidates like Jesse Jackson and Bernie Sanders were sidelined by the party establishment.

Former CIA officer John Kiriakou joins Theo Von to discuss the rigorous memory requirements of intelligence work and his recruitment into the agency. He also shares a historical analysis of the Yalta Conference, explaining how Soviet leader Joseph Stalin exploited President Franklin D. Roosevelt's physical exhaustion to gain geopolitical concessions.

John Kiriakou describes how he was recruited into the CIA by his George Washington University professor, Dr. Gerald Post, who was operating undercover. He reflects on the pride he felt entering the agency and shares a family anecdote about the 1976 primary election involving Senator Frank Church.

John Kiriakou recounts his decision to join the CIA, his early days as an Iraq analyst, and the sudden escalation that led to him briefing the President in the Oval Office after Iraq invaded Kuwait. He also discusses how the agency's guidelines changed through historical committees and executive orders.

Theo Von and John Kiriakou discuss the history of US intelligence guidelines, specifically Executive Order 12333 and the Church Commission's ban on assassinations. Kiriakou explains how the CIA's focus shifted dramatically to targeted killings after the 9/11 attacks under President George W. Bush. He also addresses and dismisses various conspiracy theories surrounding 9/11, emphasizing that they are ridiculous.

Theo Von and John Kiriakou discuss the psychological trauma and shift in public perception in the United States following the September 11 attacks. Kiriakou recounts a July 2001 briefing where Cofer Black, then director of counterterrorism, warned of an imminent, massive Al-Qaeda attack.

John Kiriakou recounts his experience on September 11, 2001, and details his work in counter-terrorism. He discusses Carlos the Jackal's notorious OPEC hostage crisis and the suspected connections between the Saudi government and the 9/11 hijackers. Kiriakou also describes his subsequent deployment to Pakistan to capture fleeing al-Qaeda members, including Abu Zubaydah.

John Kiriakou details the capture of an Al-Qaeda suspect in Pakistan, which led to a dispute between the CIA and FBI over his diary containing Saudi princes' contact info. He also shares his controversial theories on Israeli foreknowledge of 9/11 and Benjamin Netanyahu's influence on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

Theo Von and John Kiriakou discuss the controversial 'dancing Israelis' 9/11 conspiracy theory and the extent of Israeli intelligence operations in the US. They also examine the massive financial influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups like AIPAC in American elections, highlighting the primary defeat of Representative Thomas Massie.

John Kiriakou and Theo Von discuss the geopolitical tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict, including protests by Jewish-American groups. Kiriakou shares stories from his time at the CIA, detailing how the agency handled espionage threats from Israeli intelligence and the KGB. He also reflects on the intense atmosphere inside the agency immediately following the September 11 attacks.

John Kiriakou discusses the lack of interrogation training among CIA officers following the September 11 attacks. He describes translating a confiscated Al-Qaeda training manual and witnessing prisoners use its tactics during questioning.

John Kiriakou describes his experiences interrogating prisoners in Pakistan, including a cooperative Jordanian prisoner and two young Tunisian suspects. He explains how the filling of Pakistani jails led to the CIA's decision to transport detainees to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

John Kiriakou and Theo Von discuss the history of the Guantanamo Bay detention camp and the implementation of the CIA's torture program. Kiriakou details the extreme interrogation techniques used on detainees, such as sensory deprivation, cold cells, and rectal feeding. He also highlights that many of these detainees have never been formally charged with a crime, despite being held for decades.

John Kiriakou and Theo Von discuss the controversial plea deals with 9/11 conspirators, which were ultimately blocked by the Biden administration's Department of Defense due to public backlash and CIA torture complications. They also touch upon the Gaza aid flotillas, the tense relations between Ireland and Israel, and the tragic death of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.

John Kiriakou and Theo Von discuss the tragic death of American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and the subsequent disruption of her funeral by Israeli police. They also explore the integration of the US and Israeli militaries, share their thoughts on political figures like Ro Khanna, and discuss Kiriakou's debate on Piers Morgan's show regarding Hamas and the Gaza conflict.

Theo Von and John Kiriakou discuss the significant influence of AIPAC on American politicians, questioning why the lobbying group is not required to register as a foreign agent. They also critique the proposed 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, which outlines an unprecedented technology-sharing partnership between the US military and Israel.

John Kiriakou and Theo Von discuss the history of US-Israel relations, focusing on the espionage case of Jonathan Pollard and the influence of figures like Sheldon Adelson. They also examine a reported $300 billion truce proposal between the US and Iran, while reflecting on the feeling of political disillusionment and potential long-term psychological operations affecting American society.

John Kiriakou and Theo Von compare the stark differences between McDonald's ingredients in the United States and Europe, highlighting the stricter food regulations in the EU. They also discuss the high concentration of foreign intelligence officers in Washington, DC, and reminisce about creative espionage tactics from the past.

John Kiriakou shares a story about how he successfully recruited a foreign embassy worker for the CIA by using a borrowed dog to orchestrate a seemingly accidental meeting. The conversation then shifts to the CIA's bizarre Cold War-era 'Acoustic Kitty' project, which attempted to use surgically modified cats as mobile surveillance devices. Theo Von reads about the project's failure, including its first mission in Washington, DC, where the cat was immediately hit by a taxi.

John Kiriakou and Theo Von discuss the massive expansion of AI data centers across the United States, highlighting projects like Utah's Stratos project. Kiriakou explains how intelligence agencies like the CIA and NSA, aided by tech companies, illegally collect and store the data of American citizens.

John Kiriakou discusses the history of US government propaganda efforts, including TV Martí in Cuba and a failed PSYOP radio station in Yemen. He also addresses the skepticism he faces as a former CIA officer and his pride in exposing the agency's illegal programs despite serving prison time.

John Kiriakou shares his experiences navigating prison life, detailing the complex social structures and racial dynamics among various prison gangs. He explains how he was initially approached by the Aryan Brotherhood before being invited to join the highly respected Italian mafia families.

John Kiriakou shares a story from his time in prison involving a serial killer inmate nicknamed Truck who constantly sought his approval. To defuse a tense situation and retaliate against a rumor-spreading inmate, Kiriakou told a lie that provoked Truck into a violent confrontation. The incident resulted in the rumor-monger being airlifted to a hospital and Truck receiving additional prison time.

John Kiriakou describes his experiences in prison, including how the CIA intervened to increase his security level out of anger over his whistleblowing. He and Theo Von discuss his disclosures to the media regarding the torture of Abu Zubaydah and the history of state-sponsored torture programs globally.

John Kiriakou and Theo Von discuss the United States' role as the world's policeman, questioning past foreign interventions like the overthrow of Gaddafi in Libya. They also express mutual concern over the rapid rise of AI, noting that religious leaders like the Pope and the Greek Orthodox Archbishop have spoken out against it. Finally, John shares details about his new podcasts and his book on CIA tactics.

John Kiriakou recounts a tense experience in Pakistan where he realized he was being closely followed by a man on a motorcycle. Fearing for his safety and preparing to take lethal action, Kiriakou confronted General Muhammad of the Pakistani Intelligence Service, only to discover they had put an incompetent tail on him out of paranoia.

John Kiriakou and Theo Von reflect on Kiriakou's adventurous life, joking about how he preferred prison over a mundane career selling insurance in Ohio. They wrap up the episode by discussing Kiriakou's Greek heritage and his upcoming projects.