Published Aug 16, 2011

The Triple Agent: The al-Qaeda Mole Who Infiltrated the CIA

Journalist Joby Warrick unpacks the devastating story of double agent Humam Khalil al-Balawi's infiltration of the CIA, shedding light on intelligence failures and the pivotal, often-overlooked roles of female officers in this tragic chapter of espionage history.

Episode Highlights

Topics covered

Episode Highlights

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Dexa/SpyCast

The Triple Agent: The al-Qaeda Mole Who Infiltrated the CIA

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Women in Intelligence

Inner Conflict of a Bomber

Unseen Sacrifices

Unlikely Intelligence Asset

Double Agent Dilemma

CIA Base Attack

Turning to Terror

Digital Jihadist Emergence

Unmasking a Doctor

Unraveling a Spy's Mind

Behind Enemy Lines

Secrets of the CIA

Palestinian Influence

Al Qaeda's Inner Circle

Episode Highlights

Intelligence Failures

al-Balawi's Deception

Women in Espionage

Related Episodes

The CIA and the End of the Cold War

The Terrorist Challenge

A Spy in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard

Author Debriefing: The Art of Intelligence: Lessons from a Life in the CIA’s Clandestine Service

Counterterrorism, Intelligence, and the Iraq War

A Young Woman on the Front Lines of the Cold War

From the Secret Files of the CIA

“Afghanistan, the Mujahedeen, Al Qaeda” – My Time at CIA & State with Diana Bolsinger

The Aftermath of Bin Laden’s Death: Inside al Qaeda’s Hard Drive

“The Counterintelligence Chief” – with FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler

“Spying and Start-Ups” – with former Assistant Director of the CIA John Mullen

Inside the National Security Agency

“An Imperial History of the CIA” – with Hugh Wilford

“The 75th Anniversary of the CIA” – with former Director Robert Gates

Our Man in the Middle East (Part 3)

The Triple Agent: The al-Qaeda Mole Who Infiltrated the CIA

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Intelligence FailuresJoby Warrick recounts the tragic story of Humam Khalil al-Balawi, a double agent who infiltrated the CIA, leading to one of its greatest losses. He explores the operational oversights and missed warnings that contributed to this catastrophic event.

Intelligence Failures

al-Balawi's Deception

Women in EspionageThe podcast highlights the significant contributions of female intelligence officers in the CIA, focusing on their backgrounds, roles, and the missions they led. These women played crucial roles in high-stakes operations, showcasing their expertise and dedication.

Women in Espionage

Related Episodes