Consider This from NPR
The Seriousness of America's Latest Homegrown Spy
Dec 6, 2023
Former US Ambassador Manuel Rocha is charged with secretly serving as a Cuban agent. Discussing the seriousness of intelligence threats, former CIA officer Robert Baer explores the implications for national security, the challenges of catching long-standing spies, and the potential damage caused by a former intelligence officer. The podcast also touches on efforts to fix Florida's Everglades and includes sponsor messages from Lisa and Oxfam.
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Quick takeaways
- Double agents and espionage from within the US government have posed significant threats to national security throughout history.
- The case of Manuel Rocha, a former US ambassador charged with conspiring with Cuba's government, highlights the challenges faced by intelligence agencies in vetting diplomats and the potential damage caused by infiltrators in key positions.
Deep dives
The Threat Within: Double Agents and Espionage
Throughout history, American intelligence agencies have faced the challenge of double agents and espionage from within the US government. The podcast explores notable cases, such as Aldrich Ames, a high-ranking CIA official who passed secrets to the Soviet Union for nine years, compromising covert operations and endangering agents. Another case discussed is Alger Hiss, a former State Department executive accused of espionage on behalf of the Soviets, with evidence found in microfilm hidden inside a pumpkin. The podcast highlights the dangers posed by double agents, who may remain undetected for years, betraying national security.
