Laura Thomas, a former CIA case officer and Chief of Base in Afghanistan, shares her insights from over 17 years in national security. She discusses the inner workings of a CIA base and the complexities of balancing human intelligence with technology. Thomas delves into the intelligence failures surrounding the fall of Kabul, critiquing both the decision-making processes and cultural challenges faced. She also highlights the importance of local knowledge in foreign intervention and the ongoing struggles to cultivate expertise within government agencies.