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True Spies: Espionage | Investigation | Crime | Murder | Detective | Politics

The War on Terror, Part One - From Cairo to Khost | CIA

May 7, 2024
Former CIA Operations Officer Aaron Brown discusses his role in the CIA's War on Terror, including intense moments during the hunt for Osama bin Laden. He shares his journey from military training to CIA recruitment, highlighting pivotal decisions and challenges faced in counterterrorism efforts.
37:57

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The 1998 embassy bombings in Africa marked a significant turning point for Aaron, prompting his study of Arabic and international relations.
  • The tragic events at Camp Chapman highlighted the high risks and complexities involved in CIA covert operations.

Deep dives

Aaron's Journey from Ranger School to CIA

After graduating high school, Aaron sought excitement by joining the U.S. Army Rangers, where he faced rigorous physical and mental challenges. Despite a peaceful period in the U.S., the 1998 embassy bombings in Africa signaled a shift. While Aaron's unit wasn't deployed, this event and the subsequent War on Terror deeply impacted him and his decision to study Arabic and international relations.

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