Former CIA analyst Frank Snepp discusses the heartbreak of Saigon and the agony of Kabul. Author Barry Meier addresses the NSO-Pegasus surveillance scandal. Father-daughter TikTok series about his intelligence career becomes a viral hit. Comparison between the US evacuation of Saigon in 1975 and the current situation in Afghanistan. Concerns about conspiracy theories, trusted news sources, and disinformation. Motivations of creating videos for positive social change and reflections on the possibility of a third world war.
The chaotic evacuations in Saigon and Kabul highlighted the lack of prioritization of high-risk individuals and the danger of relying on negotiations as a delaying tactic by the enemy.
The NSO Pegasus surveillance scandal raises questions about the credibility of NSO's claims, the complicity of the Israeli government, and the limitations for the United States in taking action against Israel.
Deep dives
Comparisons between the US evacuation of Saigon in 1975 and Afghanistan now
Retired CIA officer Frank Snep discusses the similarities and differences between the chaotic US evacuation of Saigon in 1975 and the current situation in Afghanistan, where fears are growing that the Taliban will overrun Kabul. Snep highlights the lack of prioritization of high-risk individuals for evacuation in Vietnam and the failure to adequately plan for an evacuation due to resistance from the ambassador and the CIA station chief. He also emphasizes the danger of relying on negotiations as a delaying tactic by the enemy, which was seen in Vietnam and could be a similar strategy employed by the Taliban in Afghanistan.
The unfolding NSO Pegasus surveillance scandal
Barry Meyer, former New York Times reporter and author of 'Spook', discusses the unfolding NSO Pegasus surveillance scandal. Meyer highlights how NSO repeatedly claimed their surveillance software was meant for legitimate purposes by governments, but recent revelations have shown its use in spying on journalists, politicians, and social activists. He questions the credibility of NSO's claims and highlights the complicity of the Israeli government in allowing the sale of Pegasus to the Saudi government, even after the Khashoggi scandal. He discusses the lack of feasible consequences for Israel and possible limitations for the United States in taking action against Israel due to potential commercial arrangements involving NSO and American intelligence agencies.
The successful TikTok series on spying and disinformation
Maria Comstock and her father, Carrie, have gained immense popularity on TikTok with their series 'Asking retired spy the questions we really want to know'. The series covers a range of topics, from espionage to disinformation and conspiracy theories. While their videos are entertaining, they also aim to provide some educational and thought-provoking content. Maria mentions having a diverse global audience and observes an interesting trend in viewership from various countries, including Russia. The duo discusses the responsibility of countering disinformation and promoting positive social change. They also touch on the challenges of dealing with political pushback and addressing sensitive issues like vaccines and polarization.
Insights into Saigon's collapse and potential parallels in Afghanistan
Former CIA officer Frank Snep reflects on the collapse of Saigon and draws potential parallels with the situation in Afghanistan. He discusses the failure to prioritize high-risk individuals for evacuation in Vietnam and the belief of senior officials that negotiations would lead to a peaceful transition of power. Snep also highlights the danger of relying on limited intelligence and dismissing credible warnings from agents on the ground. He acknowledges the logistical challenges and risks involved in evacuations and post-war scenarios. However, he emphasizes the need for transparency, effective planning, and targeted strategies to prevent a calamitous end, particularly in Kabul.
A father & daughter have a monster TikTok hit talkIng about his intelligence career. Former CIA analyst Frank Snepp describes the heartbreak of Saigon and the agony of Kabul. And “Spooked” author Barry Meier addresses the NSO-Pegasus surveillance scandal.