Tim Weiner, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and former New York Times reporter, has just published his most recent book, The Mission. This new work is the perfect companion and exciting sequel to his brilliant 2007 bestseller, “Legacy of Ashes.” In this era, through his extensive research and interviews, Weiner throws us into the evolution of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) since September 11th. In addition, he provides valuable analysis into what American national security became during the Trump administration.
The book, “The Mission,” builds on Weiner’s previous examination of the CIA, presenting a detailed account of how the agency has adapted or failed to adapt to the changing landscape of global threats. Weiner conducted extensive interviews with numerous CIA officials, including current Deputy Director for Operations Tom Sylvester, to gather firsthand perspectives on the agency’s operations and challenges.
Weiner’s analysis of the CIA also serves as a cautionary tale of an organization that has been designed – by design! He makes the compelling case that the agency finds it hard to face modern threats head on, a conviction only fortified by this week’s political moves.
Weiner said that he had “serious, serious concerns” about Donald Trump’s conduct of national security. He cautioned that under Trump they have been led by “crackpots and fools” in important security roles. That begs a whole host of questions about how incompetence can still mask emerging, deadly threats.
“What keeps me up at night, is the fact that Trump has put the instruments of American national security in the hands of crackpots and fools, and that their incompetence and ideological blinkers will blind them to a coming attack.” – Tim Weiner
One of the most important critiques that Weiner lays down is direction to John Ratcliffe, the recently nominated CIA director. He lambasted Ratcliffe as a “spineless person who will do whatever Trump tells him to do,” expressing concern over his leadership abilities. Weiner further criticized Ratcliffe’s decision to abolish efforts aimed at diversifying the CIA’s officers and analysts, labeling it a “stupid self-inflicted wound.”
Related to our show on national security with Weiner, he had strong words about former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard’s Earl E. R. director now M. He argues that these types of decisions are indicative of the larger pattern within the administration that would threaten our national security.
In “The Mission,” Weiner outlines the initial shock that the CIA experienced. They were caught flatfooted by Russia’s influence operations as they played out in Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. He passionately rebuttals theories that allege Trump is a Russian asset. He thinks that these conversations, while important, take away from the urgency to address the real challenges we are experiencing now.
Weiner’s previous book, Legacy of Ashes, offered an unsparing history of the CIA, detailing its achievements and catastrophes. This book laid the foundation for his present-day study of the agency’s historic development and continued importance today.
“We’ve learned, to our sorrow, that Robert Mueller is not going to save us.” – Tim Weiner
Weiner’s analysis goes far deeper than specific appointments and personnel matters, exploring how the cumulative effect threatens the very foundations of American democracy. He contends that a third big attack with Trump at the helm would be catastrophic. An occurrence of such magnitude would wipe out even the scant semblance of democratic governance that remains in the United States today.
“Barack Obama is not going to save us. The supreme court is not going to save us. But the other day, several million Americans marched in the street to protest the Mad King. And just as only we can defeat ourselves, I think only we can save ourselves.” – Tim Weiner
He believes that the core mission of intelligence agencies — breaking everything adversaries are trying to hide — should be sacred. Even as he draws these hopeful conclusions, he stays negative on whether today’s leadership can really accomplish their overarching mission with their obvious ideologies in charge.
Weiner’s penetrating critique of Trump’s presidency builds to an alarming conclusion about what it could mean for the future of our national security. He fears that Trump’s distorted worldview—shaped by falsehoods and imaginary enemies—will hinder efforts to protect American interests.
“Since the president’s view of the world is largely based on falsehoods and imaginary enemies, I think this will be an extremely difficult task.” – Tim Weiner