The Story The Sunday Edition: ‘I gave my life to the CIA. They betrayed me.’
May 10, 2025
Josie Ensor, US Correspondent for The Times and The Sunday Times, discusses the gripping journey of Blerim Skoro, who transformed from a prison inmate to a CIA operative post-9/11. The podcast reveals his traumatic experiences infiltrating terrorist networks and the profound themes of loyalty and betrayal. Skoro's quest for redemption unfolds against a backdrop of personal sacrifice and danger, as he grapples with the complexities of espionage and the challenges of reconnecting with his family.
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Start of Blerim's CIA Journey
- On September 12, 2001, Blerim Skoro was unexpectedly approached in prison by CIA and FBI agents.
- This marked the beginning of his 20-year journey as a CIA spy infiltrating terrorist groups.
Post-9/11 US Intelligence Gaps
- American intelligence was underprepared and limited in understanding Islamist extremism right after 9/11.
- There were very few operatives who spoke local languages in the Middle East and Afghanistan at that time.
Blerim Becomes Prison Imam
- Blerim skillfully ingratiated himself in prison by growing a beard, memorizing large parts of the Quran, and becoming the chief imam.
- This earned him respect and closer ties with Muslim inmates, aiding his intelligence work.