Bernard Hudson: New Orleans Attack, Cybertruck Explosion, CIA Corruption, & Tulsi Gabbard
Jan 3, 2025
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Bernard Hudson, a former CIA counterterrorism officer with 28 years of experience, shares gripping insights into the agency's inner workings and the complexities of U.S. foreign policy. He discusses the disastrous implications of the Iraq invasion and accountability within intelligence agencies. The conversation highlights the unique challenges facing Tulsi Gabbard's nomination for Director of National Intelligence, including fears of establishment pushback. Hudson also addresses accusations of potential surveillance on Congress and the need for greater transparency and trust in government actions.
Bernard Hudson emphasizes the need for Tulsi Gabbard in national intelligence due to her understanding of current geopolitical complexities.
The podcast discusses the profound intelligence failures leading to the Iraq War, highlighting systemic accountability issues within the intelligence community.
Hudson notes that the evolution of the Director of National Intelligence role has not resolved all challenges in inter-agency cooperation.
Concerns regarding drone surveillance capabilities highlight the potential risks to civil liberties and the necessity for regulatory measures.
Deep dives
Career Overview in the CIA
A former case officer shares insights from a 28-year career with the CIA, emphasizing training in managing tradecraft and operating clandestinely overseas. This career often involved undercover assignments at embassies in various countries, including Iraq, Pakistan, and Jordan, primarily in the Middle East. The officer details experiences in politically and culturally complex environments, where understanding local dynamics was crucial for intelligence operations. The conversation highlights the challenges and realities of working in high-stakes intelligence gathering during significant global events, such as the Cold War and post-9/11 era.
Transformations Post-9/11
The podcast discusses the profound changes within the CIA that occurred after the September 11 attacks, marking the shift into a focus on counterterrorism. The officer recalls being at home during the attacks, emphasizing the urgency and chaos that led to a renewed mission to prevent further terrorist events. Following 9/11, the agency underwent a transformation that redefined its objectives, moving from a Cold War mentality to actively combat global terrorism. This new direction framed the CIA's operations, pushing the agency to forge international partnerships in counterterrorism efforts.
Intelligence Failures and Accountability
There is a discussion about the significant intelligence failures leading to the Iraq War in 2003, which severely impacted the credibility of the American intelligence community. The officer reflects on the lack of accountability for flawed intelligence that misled the U.S. into war, highlighting a systemic issue within bureaucratic organizations. Instead of holding individuals accountable, the response focused on reforming processes without addressing personal responsibility for the decisions made. This pattern of behavior raised concerns about the willingness to learn from mistakes and restore public trust in intelligence operations.
Post-Iraq War Foreign Policy Shift
The conversation covers the consequences of the Iraq War on U.S. foreign policy and alliances, indicating a shift in trust among international partners. Following the invasion, countries began to question America’s reliability and strategic intentions, complicating collaborations in counterterrorism. The officer conveys that perceptions changed, particularly in light of how intelligence assessments were handled leading into the war. These shifts have led to long-term ramifications for U.S. diplomacy, especially with emerging global powers like China and Russia.
The Role of the Director of National Intelligence
Discussion turns to the establishment and evolution of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) role following the 9/11 attacks, intended to centralize intelligence oversight. The DNI is responsible for ensuring coordinated intelligence gathering across various agencies, emphasizing the need for systematized oversight and accountability. However, scrutiny remains over whether this bureaucratic reform has truly improved the American intelligence apparatus. Notably, the evolution of the DNI reflects an effort to create a clearer structure, but challenges persist regarding effective implementation and inter-agency cooperation.
The Growing Threat of Drones
The podcast addresses the increasing sophistication and accessibility of drone technology in warfare, highlighting its implications for national security. With examples from the Ukraine conflict, it illustrates how small drones can significantly alter combat dynamics by delivering precision strikes at a fraction of the cost of traditional military assets. The officer notes that current defense systems are rarely equipped to counter small, unmanned aerial threats, rendering U.S. forces vulnerable. This emerging reality poses challenges not only in warfare but also in domestic security, warranting immediate attention and defense strategies.
Concerns Over Surveillance and Privacy
Concerns are raised regarding the implications of extensive drone surveillance capabilities on civil liberties and privacy. The podcast discusses how it's feasible for drones to monitor public spaces continuously, potentially compromising the freedoms of citizens. As technology advances, there exists a risk of creating a surveillance state where personal data could be collected without proper oversight or consent. The need for regulations governing drone use and protecting citizen privacy is recognized as increasingly crucial in the current digital age.
Reflections on Government Transparency
The conversation touches on the perceived lack of transparency in government operations and investigations, particularly following significant events. In discussing the shooting of a political figure, it is noted that the lack of information and clarity from government agencies raises suspicions and contributes to public distrust. The expectation is set that the government should provide credible accounts of such incidents, rather than leaving citizens in the dark. This situation underscores the need for accountability and effective communication from government entities during times of crisis.
Permanent Washington is trying to prevent Tulsi Gabbard from becoming Director of National Intelligence. Bernard Hudson ran counterterrorism at CIA, and says the country needs her.
(00:00) Life in the CIA
(07:00) The Invasion of Iraq Was a Complete Disaster
(20:00) Why the Establishment Fears Tulsi Gabbard
(35:44) The Unchecked Power of Our Intel Agencies
(44:20) Are the Most Powerful People in DC Being Blackmailed?
(58:16) Why Won’t the Intel Community Declassify the JFK and 9/11 Files?
