John Kiriakou's Dead Drop S1E10 Blind Spot
Jan 12, 2026
An assassination attempt in Athens leads to shocking revelations and personal turmoil for John. He contrasts the operational landscape of Athens with his routine, revealing how complacency can create deadly blind spots. A pivotal moment comes when he learns his wife has been unfaithful, thanks to a comment from his young son. The aftermath of an assassination includes confronting intelligence failures and grappling with diplomatic fallout. This tumultuous blend of professional and personal chaos sets the stage for a riveting narrative.
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Inside A Presidential Meeting
- John Kiriakou recalls being the note taker at President Clinton's 1999 Athens meeting and watching Clinton's charisma firsthand.
- The experience taught him how political theater can overshadow substantive diplomacy in high-profile visits.
Routine Breeds Dangerous Blind Spots
- Routine creates blind spots that grow dangerous if ignored.
- Awareness that the unknown is the real threat is essential to operational safety.
Use Respect To Get Real Intelligence
- Treat recruits with respect and avoid coercion to elicit reliable intelligence.
- Building rapport yields more sensitive, life-saving information than bullying or torture.
