Julian Dorey Podcast
#278 - CIA Spy on MK Ultra, Sinister USAID Mission & Overthrowing Governments | John Kiriakou
Feb 25, 2025
John Kiriakou, a former CIA spy and counterterrorism chief, reveals intriguing insights into U.S. intelligence and foreign policy. He discusses the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan's opium crisis and the controversial activities of USAID, blurring the lines between humanitarian aid and covert operations. Kiriakou shares anecdotes about the CIA's reckless spending and examines media manipulation in political dynamics. Additionally, he delves into the shadowy connections between intelligence agencies and terrorism, all while offering a candid critique of government transparency and integrity.
02:27:12
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Quick takeaways
- John Kiriakou reveals USAID's questionable funding practices, hinting at a connection to covert CIA activities that complicate aid transparency.
- The podcast discusses how U.S. military actions in Afghanistan inadvertently led to a surge in heroin production, challenging policy effectiveness.
Deep dives
Red Flags in USAID Operations
While reflecting on his time in the CIA, the speaker discusses his lack of awareness about USAID’s operations, revealing that during his tenure, he noticed a pattern of money being funneled to organizations with questionable legitimacy. There were accusations that USAID funded the National Endowment for Democracy, which some regarded as a front for CIA activities, implying significant issues akin to money laundering. This lack of transparency in their operations hints at deeper systemic problems within USAID and its connections to covert actions. The speaker emphasizes that this confusion around operations often leads to a wider misunderstanding of how aid resources are utilized in contexts like Afghanistan.
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