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David W Runyan II's avatar

my question? can objective historians list a single success? . . . then again, I suppose it’s how one defines success . . . the CIA was certainly successful murdering President Kennedy but should there have ever been on objective to assassinate an elected president?

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Lily's avatar

I could list a few recent operations which were triumphant primarily due to the dedicated efforts of competent operatives, averting substantial risks to the general populace in Western nations. Yet, I remain skeptical about affirming any intricate, long-term grand strategies ever flawlessly executed by the CIA.

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David W Runyan II's avatar

can you list those? i'm curious. going all the way back to our coup to install the shah of iran and moving forward from there i've seen only actions to subvert foreign governments incapable of attacking us.

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Lily's avatar

Regrettably, I am unable to do so. However, I concur that historically, the Political Action Group (PAG) has often behaved in a haphazard manner, akin to monkeys flinging spaghetti at a wall to see what sticks.

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David W Runyan II's avatar

i feel, and others may disagree, that washington DC has abandoned its role as global leader and become a global bully.

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Trevor Price's avatar

Thank you for the light relief. I'm envisioning more Austin Powers or Johnny English than James Bond. Add Klaus, Ursula etc. into the screenplay and you have a surefire blockbuster.

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Tempus's avatar

I remember reading over a decade ago "Legacy of Ashes" by Tim Weiner, and it opened my eyes on the true nature and success (or lack thereof) of the CIA. Most of us are mostly exposed to the Hollywood narratives, and have no real idea of the reality.

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The Green Hornet's avatar

The CIA. Arrogance and incompetence with a Nazi foundation. Lethal.

Wonder how many exploding heads will need cleanup after Tucker interviews Putin?

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