This Past Weekend: John Kiriakou on CIA Power, Torture, and Washington Influence

A former CIA officer and whistleblower breaks down how intelligence, politics, and power can reshape a country. In this condensed recap of This Past Weekend, Theo Von talks with John Kiriakou about his book, The Ultimate Guide to CIA Skills, Tactics, and Techniques, and the big themes behind his career: Democratic Party machinery, superdelegates, CIA recruitment, 9/11, torture, detention, and U.S. foreign policy. Kiriakou also weighs in on Israel, Gaza, misinformation, media literacy, and the influence of national security politics in Washington. You’ll hear his firsthand perspective on briefing the President, the post-9/11 shift from intelligence to coercion, and why he believes power without restraint eventually harms everyone. Listen now to get the key ideas in minutes.