The Rest Is Classified Former Head of MI5: 7/7, Putin, and Al-Qaeda (Eliza Manningham-Buller)
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Jul 17, 2025 Delve into the intense world of MI5 as former head Eliza Manningham-Buller shares her firsthand experiences during the 7/7 attacks. Discover the shocking revelations about blind spots in intelligence and the emotional weight these events carry. Hear insights from a tense meeting with Vladimir Putin that shed light on national security. The discussion also uncovers the complex ties between Al-Qaeda, terrorism, and global geopolitical dynamics. Finally, explore how the legacy of 7/7 transformed MI5's operations in the fight against modern threats.
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Hostile Putin Meeting Post-7/7
- Eliza Manningham-Buller met Vladimir Putin in London shortly after the 7/7 attacks at Cobra meetings.
- Putin was hostile, blaming MI5 for failure to stop the terrorist attack.
Putin and Litvinenko Poisoning
- Within a year of meeting MI5, Putin was linked to the polonium poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko in London.
- Eliza suspected they tested polonium poisoning elsewhere before attempting it in London due to its risks.
21/7 Bombing’s Impact on MI5
- 21/7 bomb attempt was a shock revealing MI5’s limitations even after 7/7.
- The arrests were successful, but frequent attacks would stretch MI5’s capacity dangerously.
