Zach Dorfman

Jenna McLaughlin, a national security and investigations reporter for Yahoo News, and Zach Dorfman of the Aspen Institute, delve into a chilling period when the CIA's communications were compromised from 2009 to 2013. They discuss the devastating impact on intelligence operations and the tragic loss of agents due to a breach involving an Iranian double agent. The conversation sheds light on the vulnerabilities of communication systems, the need for secure methods in intelligence, and the bureaucratic hurdles whistleblowers face in raising alarms.

Zach Dorfman, a national security journalist renowned for his insights into intelligence, dives into the life of a covert CIA operative known only by his alias. He uncovers the enigmatic death of Anthony Lagunas, raising questions about the emotional toll on spies post-9/11. The podcast explores the intense mental strain of infiltrating extremist groups and highlights the ethical dilemmas operatives face. Dorfman also discusses the evolving landscape of espionage and the necessary cultural understanding to combat terrorism effectively.

Zach Dorfman, a journalist specializing in intelligence and national security, dives into the CIA's covert operations post-9/11. He reveals a chilling plan to use a white American man as an undercover agent in Al-Qaeda, examining the agency’s transformative shift towards counterterrorism. The discussion touches on ethical dilemmas, the psychological toll on agents, and the broader implications of such espionage tactics. Dorfman highlights the complexities of navigating a false identity while wrestling with the intense demands of national security.