#238 - The CIA's Global Assassin Network is Getting Out of Control | Sean Naylor
May 13, 2024
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National Security Correspondent Sean Naylor discusses CIA's training of assassins worldwide, unlawful killings in Kenya, CIA presence in Africa, US assassination laws. Highlights include Operation Anaconda, warzone journalism, CIA covert actions in Afghanistan, and the impact of podcasting on media dynamics.
Investigative journalism uncovers CIA training assassins globally.
Media autonomy amidst CIA influence raises ethical concerns.
Selection process for elite Special Forces demands rigorous assessments.
US involvement in Kenya includes covert CIA operations and proxy forces.
Deep dives
Highside Substack Project: Investigative Reporting on National Security
The Highside project on Substack focuses on investigative reporting on national security, specializing in special operations and intelligence-related content. This involves providing unique information to readers that is not easily accessible elsewhere, ensuring value for subscribers.
Relationship Between CIA and Media Outlets: Influence Vs. Independence
The discussion highlights the relationship between the CIA and mainstream media outlets, addressing concerns about the CIA's influence on news reporting. While efforts may be made to shape media narratives, mainstream outlets have the autonomy to decide what to publish, albeit under considerations of national security and other factors.
The Role of Special Operations Forces: Selection Process and Integrity
The selection process for Special Operations Forces, such as Delta Force, involves rigorous physical, psychological assessments, and ethical considerations. These forces are known for their high standards and careful selection of individuals with the right mindset, ethics, and qualities for specialized and sensitive operations.
US Involvement in Kenya: CIA Operations and Mercenaries
The discussion delves into US involvement in Kenya, focusing on CIA operations and the creation of proxy forces like the Kenyan Rapid Response Team. The covert nature of these operations raises ethical concerns about the use of mercenaries or foreign entities in targeted killings and counterterrorism efforts.
CIA Considered Assassination of Julian Assange
The CIA explored the idea of assassinating Julian Assange while he was staying at the Ecuadorian embassy in London. This plan arose due to concerns about Assange's activities. Zach Doffman and Shawn Naylor reported an in-depth story on this topic for Yahoo News, which was further developed by Mike Isikoff. The story involved extensive fact-checking and consultations with sources familiar with the matter. The story revealed the existence of these considerations within the CIA regarding Assange.
Accuracy of the Story
The story on the CIA's potential plan to assassinate Julian Assange has not been officially disputed or denied by any party involved. The sourcing in the story provided credibility and insight into the intelligence circles where such discussions took place. Despite some skepticism and jokes made about the story, none of the information presented has been refuted by officials.
Investigative Reporting Process
The investigative reporting behind the story involved extensive efforts by Zach Doffman, Shawn Naylor, and Mike Isikoff. Months were spent on gathering information, verifying facts, and refining the details of the story. The collaboration and thorough research conducted by the team resulted in a comprehensive and impactful report that shed light on a sensitive and consequential topic.
Media Impact and Reactions
The story about the CIA's considerations regarding Julian Assange had significant repercussions within the media landscape. It raised questions about press freedom, government actions, and the ethics of intelligence operations. While the information disclosed in the story sparked discussions and reactions, it also highlighted the crucial role of investigative journalism in uncovering potentially controversial or secretive activities.
Watch every episode ad-free & uncensored on Patreon: https://patreon.com/dannyjones Sean Naylor is the National Security Correspondent who covers intelligence and counterterrorism for Foreign Policy. As an embedded reporter, he has covered U.S. military operations in Somalia, Haiti, the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq, and is the author of two New York Times bestselling books. Sean now runs The High Side Substack with Jack Murphy: https://thehighside.substack.com SPONSORS https://www.rhone.com/danny - Upgrade your closet with Rhone and use DANNY to save 20% https://buy.ver.so/danny - Use code DANNY to save 15% on your first order. https://whiterabbitenergy.com/?ref=DJP - Use code DJP for 20% off EPISODE LINKS https://thehighside.substack.com https://twitter.com/SeanDNaylor Relentless Strike: https://bit.ly/44JtoR1 Not a Good Day to Die: https://bit.ly/3wEMQli FOLLOW DANNY JONES https://www.instagram.com/dannyjones https://twitter.com/jonesdanny OUTLINE 00:00 - Government control of media 13:35 - Sources 24:02 - Secret Service in Ukraine 32:49 - CIA unlawful killing in Kenya 42:09 - Current CIA presence in Africa 46:49 - US assassination law 01:08:24 - Sean's background 01:16:40 - Operation Anaconda 01:36:20 - Warzone journalism 01:40:10 - Michael Hastings mysterious death 01:47:11 - Covert action in Afghanistan 02:01:35 - Opinions vs real journalism 02:08:01 - CIA / Julian Assange story
