Judging Freedom LtCol. Karen Kwiatkowski - The Lost Interview: The Whistleblower Who Tried To Stop A War
Nov 30, 2024
LtCol. Karen Kwiatkowski, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel who served in the Pentagon, shares her experiences leading up to the Iraq War. She discusses the political pressures within the Pentagon and critiques how media narratives shaped public perception. Kwiatkowski reveals the manipulation behind the war propaganda and the challenges faced by journalists striving for the truth. She also examines the implications of U.S. foreign policies on national sovereignty and argues for a more libertarian approach to global peace.
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First Day in the Office
- On her first day in the Near East South Asia office, a coworker warned Kwiatkowski about expressing pro-Palestinian views.
- This highlighted the politicized, pro-Israel environment, surprising Kwiatkowski given her assigned region.
A Stifling Atmosphere
- Kwiatkowski's colleagues confirmed the office's politicization, advising her to simply follow orders without question.
- Several colleagues eventually left the office due to this stifling environment.
Shaping the Narrative
- Kwiatkowski felt the Pentagon shaped media narratives to garner public support for the Iraq War.
- This contradicted the Powell Doctrine, which emphasized clear objectives and overwhelming force, both absent in the Iraq War planning.