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The Strike on Saddam | CIA
Mar 12, 2024
Former head of the CIA's Iraq Operations Group, Luis Rueda, shares insights into the plan to strike Saddam Hussein's compound, potentially stopping the war. The episode explores the intense atmosphere leading up to Operation Iraqi Freedom and the decision-making process amidst looming deadlines. Rueda reflects on the complexities of the Iraq War and his key role in managing intelligence operations during this critical time.
42:10
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Quick takeaways
- The CIA's operation to strike Saddam Hussein at Dora Farms exemplifies the complexities of wartime decision-making under pressure.
- The inconclusive outcome of the mission underscores the unpredictable nature of warfare and the repercussions of intelligence failures.
Deep dives
The Attempted Strike on Saddam Hussein
On March 19, 2003, a high-stakes operation to strike Saddam Hussein took place. Intelligence indicated that Saddam would be at Dora Farms in Baghdad. The CIA had to act fast due to the impending U.S. ultimatum. Despite challenges like the tight timeline and potential civilian presence, the decision was made to strike, but Saddam had left before the attack and no significant outcome was achieved.
