AFIO Podcast

Seth Jones PhD, Director, Transnational Threats Project, CSIS details one of CIA’s most successful operations during the Cold War. Codenamed QRHELPFUL, the Solidarity campaign was vital in establishing a free Poland and undermining the KGB’s global disinformation campaign. Recorded 3 Nov 2020. Host: James Hughes, AFIO President and former CIA Operations Officer. 

Joseph Augustyn retired from the CIA in 2004 after spending 28 years as a member of the Clandestine Service. In this episode, Mr. Augustyn discusses his role immediately post-9/11 as CIA joined other agencies and congress in determining how the country would counter newly emerging, asymmetric terrorist threats - specifically the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security. Recorded 4 Sept 2020. Host: James Hughes, AFIO President and former CIA Operations Officer.

Bruce Riedel, director of the Brookings Intelligence Project at the Center for Middle East Policy. Mr. Riedel retired in 2006 after 30 years of service at the CIA. He was a senior advisor on South Asia and the Middle East to the last four US Presidents in the staff of the NSC at the White House. Mr. Riedel discusses his background and crucial work while on the NSC during the Iraq War. Recorded 17 Sept 2020. Host: James Hughes, AFIO President and former CIA Operations Officer.

Dr. Priess discusses his service immediately post-9/11 briefing Attorney General John Ashcroft and FBI Director Robert Mueller. He also provides insight into "guidelines" briefers received, the tense, important experience, and his motivation to capture some of it in his 2016 book "The President’s Book of Secrets." Recorded 18 Sept 2020. Interviewer: William Richardson, AFIO Board and former CIA Analyst. Host: James Hughes, AFIO President and former CIA Operations Officer.