Tag Archives: CIA

Top Ten Spy Books According to Peter Earnest

Good morning, agents. Before you head into the field, it’s imperative that you review the following documents as assigned by our resident spy, Peter Earnest. This list represents a comprehensive guide to trade craft and past missions that will help … Continue reading

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WATCHLIST: BEST SPY MOVIES OF ALL TIME

Freaking out over federal surveillance? It’s time for cinematic distraction that even the NSA would approve. Consider this list your first assignment on the way to becoming a full-fledged espionage expert. 12. The Good Shepherd We chose this spy flick for its … Continue reading

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America and Russia’s Long History of Espionage

As Russia and America deal with an alleged spy scandal involving a US diplomat who is accused of trying to recruit a Russian agent to work for the CIA, a look back at some espionage cases between the two countries … Continue reading

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Cold War Pop Culture: Our Communist Frenemies

The United States and the Soviet Union spent years locked in ideological conflict as each side sought to subvert the other and spies from both sides tried to penetrate the others’ halls of power.  This war was not fought solely … Continue reading

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How Realistic is Argo?

When it comes to spy fiction, the question inevitably gets asked “how realistic is it?” A leading scholar of intelligence, Professor Wesley Wark, has said that one can discern two different types of realism. The first type of realism involves … Continue reading

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Two Notable Passings

The Washington Post of January 2 contained news of two notable passings that I thought I’d bring to your attention. First, Jeanne Vertefeuille, died on December 29, 2012 at age 80. Her passing was marked with just a simple death notice. … Continue reading

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Intelligence is a Team Sport

The Washington Post ran a remarkable article on December 10 about “Maya,” as we now know the CIA targeter who played the central role in finding Bin Laden.  Her big insight was to analyze Bin Laden’s courier networks, rather than, … Continue reading

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The Iranian Nuclear Scientist Who Defected Twice?

Mark Stout, SPY Historian A high-profile Iranian nuclear scientist may have defected to the United States last year.  And today he may have defected back.  What are the implications for American intelligence? The case is rife with mysteries.  Shahram Amiri … Continue reading

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Q & A with a Real Spy

SPY talks with former CIA agent, John Kiriakou, about his experience with the controversy over waterboarding, and the pressures from both inside and outside the agency. Q: When a former CIA officer goes “public” does the information need to be … Continue reading

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