Podcast Summary: "Bin Laden vs the CIA: The Great Escape" (Ep 3) – The Rest Is Classified

Introduction

In Episode 53 of The Rest Is Classified, titled "Bin Laden vs the CIA: The Great Escape," hosts David McCloskey and Gordon Carrera delve deep into the tumultuous relationship between Osama bin Laden and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) during the late 1990s. This episode explores the critical period leading up to the September 11 attacks, highlighting missed opportunities, internal conflicts within the CIA, and the evolving strategies of bin Laden and Al Qaeda.

Osama bin Laden’s Return to Afghanistan (May 1996)

The episode begins with a historical overview of Osama bin Laden’s return to Afghanistan in May 1996 after being expelled from Sudan. Bin Laden, accompanied by his young son and top Al Qaeda military commanders, relocates to a country emerging from civil war under the rule of the Taliban. David McCloskey notes, “From being a kind of rich kid helping out fighting the Soviets in Afghanistan in the 80s into a kind of terrorist cult leader” (04:11).

Bin Laden’s Media Strategy and Public Image

Upon his return, bin Laden strategically establishes his base at Tarnak Farms, a compound comprising approximately 80 buildings designed to serve as a training and operational hub. Gordon Carrera observes, “He's going to turn Afghanistan into that. It's going to be a very permissive sanctuary for him and Al Qaeda for the next few years” (16:00).

Bin Laden actively seeks media attention to bolster his image and secure funding for Al Qaeda. In August 1996, he issues a declaration of war against the United States, publicly formalizing his intent to target American interests. McCloskey highlights, “He is inviting people... he's inviting newspaper editors” (10:14), showcasing bin Laden’s calculated use of media to amplify his message and attract supporters.

CIA’s Attempts to Capture Bin Laden

With bin Laden’s increasing prominence, the CIA intensifies its efforts to locate and apprehend him. David McCloskey mentions the formation of Alex Station, a dedicated CIA unit led by Mike Scheuer, aimed at monitoring bin Laden’s activities. By summer 1997, the CIA gains valuable intelligence through the interrogation of an Al Qaeda defector, leading to enhanced surveillance, including satellite phone interceptions (24:00).

However, the CIA’s plans face significant challenges. George Tenet, the newly appointed Director of Central Intelligence in 1997, spearheads a mission involving Afghan tribesmen known as the "Trod Pints." The plan, described as "literally that Osama bin Laden would be kidnapped by rolling him up into a rug" (30:45), is met with skepticism and ultimately rejected by Tenet due to its high risk and low probability of success (33:19).

Key Events Leading to the 1998 Bombings

The narrative escalates with the tragic bombings in East Africa on August 7, 1998, orchestrated by Al Qaeda. A truck bomb detonates outside the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, killing 212 people, including 12 Americans. Shortly after, another explosion targets the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, resulting in 11 deaths. McCloskey emphasizes the impact, stating, “It's a real wake-up call, isn't it, for the United States that someone is willing to carry out such carnage with no warning against the United States” (37:06).

Missed Opportunities and Internal CIA Conflicts

Despite accumulating intelligence, the CIA and the broader U.S. government repeatedly falter in acting decisively against bin Laden. Carrera points out the internal discord, noting, “Mike Shawyer... is very bitter... he will say there was one time they thought he was going to be in a particular place and they had some intelligence, but then it was opposite a mosque” (51:02).

Analysts like Mike Shawyer express frustration over rejected operations, highlighting a pattern of bureaucratic inertia and reluctance to undertake high-risk missions. McCloskey reflects, “There's a kind of deep abiding sense that what was happening was he was offering plans which are going up through Tenet to the White House. And somewhere along the line, someone was saying no” (55:32).

The Aftermath of the 1998 Bombings

The aftermath of the bombings further complicates the U.S. response to bin Laden. The attacks inadvertently serve as a propaganda victory for Al Qaeda, elevating bin Laden’s status and emboldening his followers. Carrera notes, “You can see that Bin Laden is turning himself into something different... he is this prince-like figure” (17:35).

Simultaneously, the Taliban’s refusal to extradite bin Laden from Afghanistan isolates them diplomatically, particularly with pressure from Saudi Arabia. McCloskey observes, “The Taliban see the missile strikes as a violation of their sovereignty” (43:21), leading to stricter control over bin Laden’s movements and protecting him from further U.S. incursions.

Conclusion

Episode 53 encapsulates a pivotal juncture in the battle between Osama bin Laden and the CIA. Despite significant intelligence and growing awareness of the threat he posed, systemic issues within the CIA and the broader U.S. government hinder effective action against bin Laden. The 1998 bombings symbolize both the escalation of Al Qaeda’s campaign and the missed opportunities that set the stage for the catastrophic events of September 11, 2001. As McCloskey aptly summarizes, “When you look back on it now, you look at this kind of growing tide of attacks and ever more ambitious attacks, and you can sense something building... that bin Laden is building towards trying to do something more ambitious” (58:06).

Notable Quotes

• David McCloskey [04:11]: “From being a kind of rich kid helping out fighting the Soviets in Afghanistan in the 80s into a kind of terrorist cult leader.”

• Gordon Carrera [16:00]: “He's going to turn Afghanistan into that. It's going to be a very permissive sanctuary for him and Al Qaeda for the next few years.”

• David McCloskey [37:06]: “It's a real wake-up call, isn't it, for the United States that someone is willing to carry out such carnage with no warning against the United States.”

• Gordon Carrera [17:35]: “You can see that Bin Laden is turning himself into something different... he is this prince-like figure.”

• David McCloskey [58:06]: “...you can sense something building, that bin Laden is building towards trying to do something more ambitious.”

This episode offers a compelling examination of the intricate dynamics between Osama bin Laden and the CIA, shedding light on the critical decisions and oversights that shaped the prelude to one of the most significant events in modern history.