John Kiriakou: Ex-CIA Officer CONFRONTED Over Zionist Accusations | PBD Podcast #783
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Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖John Kiriakou issued a public apology for mischaracterizing the host's political views, specifically regarding Zionism and support for Reza Pahlavi.
- ❖Kiriakou accurately predicted a US attack on Iran by observing naval movements, a key indicator of military intentions.
- ❖He distinguishes between authorized government leaks (to gauge public opinion) and unauthorized leaks (real military planning).
- ❖Kiriakou views the Democratic party as the "party of the status quo" and the "deep state," criticizing their role in Washington.
- ❖The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Section 702 is seen as prone to abuse against American citizens, exemplified by the Carter Page case.
- ❖Kiriakou believes the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is facing legitimate felony charges for alleged money laundering and funding extremist groups, citing their 990 tax forms.
- ❖The mysterious deaths of several scientists, particularly those in sensitive research, warrant investigation, with some cases showing individuals explicitly denying suicidal intentions.
- ❖The Invention Secrecy Act of 1951 allows the US government to classify and suppress patents, potentially hiding disruptive technologies.
- ❖Kiriakou, prosecuted under the Espionage Act, seeks a presidential pardon to regain his pension and Second Amendment rights.
- ❖Political affiliations were once strictly forbidden at the CIA, but now former intelligence officials openly engage in political campaigns and media commentary.
Insights
1Resolution of Accusations and the Nature of Public Discourse
John Kiriakou publicly apologized for labeling the host a "hardcore Zionist" and a "100% backer of Reza Pahlavi" after being presented with evidence. This moment highlighted the importance of direct confrontation and evidence in clarifying public statements, especially in politically charged topics. Kiriakou admitted he was wrong regarding the host's stance on Pahlavi and the percentage of Iranians supporting regime change, which was clarified using AI language models and internal Iranian government polls showing 80-92% opposition to the IRGC.
Kiriakou's apology: "you're right and I'm wrong and I apologize" []. Host's critical stance on Pahlavi: "I was critical of him because for 47 years he's been talking about he wants to have Iran be free and he didn't do it" []. AI poll results: "around 80 to 92% of Iranians appear to not support the IRGC" [].
2Predicting Geopolitical Events and Government Leak Dynamics
Kiriakou accurately predicted a US attack on Iran three days before it happened, based on information from military contacts and the observation of two aircraft carrier strike groups being deployed. He explains that government leaks often serve two purposes: authorized leaks to gauge public opinion and unauthorized leaks that reveal genuine military planning.
"I think you were the first one that said 3 days before the attack that it was going to happen" []. "If you're going to send an an entire aircraft carrier strike group, you mean business. if you're gonna send two of them, you're going to war. And we sent two." []. "usually those leaks are authorized leaks. Let's get an idea what public opinion is going to be." [].
3Critique of FISA and Section 702 Abuses
The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), particularly Section 702, is criticized for its potential abuse against American citizens. Kiriakou argues that while FISA 702 is intended for foreign nationals planning terrorist attacks, it has been improperly used to investigate American citizens like Carter Page, with warrants repeatedly renewed without evidence of crime. He attributes this abuse to political motivations, specifically John Brennan's alleged plan to deny Donald Trump the presidency.
"These are supposed to be warrants on foreign nationals in touch with Americans. Well, you know, when the FISA court turns down something like whatever it is, 19100s of 1% or whatever, where's the oversight?" []. "I believe I think many Americans believe that this was done at the behest of uh of John Brennan and it was all part of Brennan's plan to deny Donald Trump the presidency." [].
4Allegations of Fraud and Money Laundering Against the SPLC
Kiriakou highlights recent indictments against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) for alleged felonies, including money laundering and potentially funding extremist groups. He notes that the SPLC's 990 tax forms, which are publicly available, can reveal critical financial details that organizations often overlook, making them vulnerable to investigation. The SPLC's substantial endowment ($786.7 million in 2024) and its practice of labeling groups like "Moms for Liberty" as hate groups are also discussed.
"I said, 'Oh, [__] These are real crimes.' Real crimes. The kind of crimes where they're documentary. You either did it or you didn't do it." []. "what they're being accused of doing is giving money to the Ku Klux Clan, giving money to Nazi groups, you know, laundering money." []. "The 990s will tell you everything you need to know about an organization that you're targeting because to keep themselves out of trouble, they admit to everything thinking nobody's ever going to look at the 990." []. "total assets in 2024. Look at that. 786.7" [].
5The Invention Secrecy Act of 1951 and Disappearing Scientists
The discussion touches upon the mysterious deaths and disappearances of several scientists, particularly those in nuclear research, aerospace, and advanced propulsion technology. While acknowledging the speculative nature, the episode introduces the Invention Secrecy Act of 1951, which allows the US government to classify and suppress patents deemed a national security risk, paying off inventors and prohibiting public disclosure. This act provides a potential framework for understanding why sensitive research and its proponents might be subject to extreme measures.
"11 scientists are dead or missing." []. David Wilcox's tweet: "I plan on living not suicidal at all. Just concerned about what happens when you prove God is real." []. Amy Escaridge's friend: "if you see any report that I killed myself, I most definitely did not." []. "The invention secrecy act of 1951 was created by the US government... they gathered 6,000 patents that the government's had since which they would pay you off and you can never make money and never talk about it." [].
Bottom Line
The conflict with Iran has inadvertently strengthened the BRICS alliance (China, Russia, India, Iran), potentially accelerating the development of a unified BRICS currency and weakening the petrodollar's global dominance.
This geopolitical shift could have significant long-term deleterious effects on the American economy, impacting global financial stability and US influence.
Investors and policymakers should monitor BRICS currency developments and consider diversifying economic strategies away from sole reliance on the petrodollar.
The "Invention Secrecy Act of 1951" allows the US government to suppress patents for national security reasons, paying off inventors and preventing public disclosure of potentially world-changing technologies (e.g., cancer cures, water-powered cars).
This raises questions about technological suppression, market manipulation, and the true extent of government control over innovation that could benefit humanity or disrupt established industries.
Investigative journalists and independent researchers could focus on unearthing suppressed patents and their potential impact, challenging government secrecy and advocating for public access to such innovations.
Lessons
- Scrutinize the financial filings (Form 990s) of non-profit organizations to uncover potential financial irregularities or misaligned missions, as these documents often contain overlooked admissions.
- Be wary of political narratives from former intelligence officials, as their security clearances and media appearances can be leveraged for political purposes rather than objective analysis.
- Advocate for stronger, independent oversight of government intelligence programs like FISA Section 702 to protect civil liberties and prevent abuses against American citizens.
Notable Moments
John Kiriakou's personal encounter with President Reagan, who stopped his limousine to thank Kiriakou for applauding, despite Kiriakou's liberal views at the time.
Illustrates a bygone era of political civility and respect for the office, even across ideological divides, contrasting sharply with today's polarized environment.
John Kerry's admission that he, along with several others, was promised the Secretary of State position by Barack Obama, revealing a pattern of unfulfilled political promises.
Exposes a manipulative political tactic used by Obama to secure endorsements, highlighting a lack of integrity and the transactional nature of high-level politics.
The revelation that John Kerry famously threw *copies* of his Vietnam War medals over the White House fence in protest, not the originals, which he cherished.
Underscores the performative aspect of political activism and how public gestures can be carefully managed for maximum impact while preserving personal values.
Quotes
"I think that the definition of Zionism has has changed now. I think it's much more... it is political Judaism strictly for political purposes not for religious purposes."
"If you're going to send an an entire aircraft carrier strike group, you mean business. if you're gonna send two of them, you're going to war."
"The 990s will tell you everything you need to know about an organization that you're targeting because to keep themselves out of trouble, they admit to everything thinking nobody's ever going to look at the 990."
"If you see any report that I killed myself, I most definitely did not."
Q&A
Recent Questions
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