Weekend Special: Spies & Espionage - Part 2

We continue where we left off last week with 15 more great reads about spies and espionage.

Breaking the Zimmermann Telegram

Lapsed Historian • 18 Jan 2018 • ~4800 words

This piece explores the secretive world of early 20th-century intelligence, focusing on the audacious efforts of British codebreakers to intercept the infamous Zimmermann Telegram. With a backdrop of war and subterfuge, the article reveals how a critical piece of communication nearly altered the course of history, all while navigating the delicate balance of diplomacy and espionage.

One of the regular problems with good intelligence was working out how to use it without ‘burning’ the source — because revealing it might inadvertently reveal to the enemy how you got it, cutting you off from all future intelligence by the same method . . . Hall’s problem here was even worse. Not only would revealing the existence of the telegram burn the source, as the Germans would know the US cable was compromised, but that source was, effectively, the US State Department itself.

East Berlin Stories

The Baffler • 10 Mar 2022 • ~2450 words

In a fascinating exploration of Cold War espionage, this piece delves into how the Stasi sought to infiltrate Berlin's gay subculture through informants like Joachim. As the secret police grappled with their perception of homosexuality as both a threat and an opportunity, the article uncovers the intricate dynamics between surveillance and identity in a divided Germany. Also, discover how the Stasi's growing concern about gay espionage shaped its perception and treatment of the gay community in East Germany.

They anticipated that Joachim could act as their beachhead into Berlin’s gay subculture—the network of bars, public toilets, baths, and house parties where gay men socialized and looked for sex. Secret police officials hoped that he would enable them to enlist their own network of gay spies.

The spy who couldn’t spell: how the biggest heist in the history of US espionage was foiled

the Guardian • 26 Oct 2016 • ~5350 words

In a tale of betrayal and ambition, this article by The Guardian explores the story of Brian Regan, a former intelligence officer who attempted to sell classified US secrets. As he navigated his double life, his poor spelling and reckless choices ultimately led to his downfall, making this account a fascinating look at the complexities of espionage and the human flaws behind it.

Being underestimated – by family, classmates and colleagues – had been the theme of his life, a curse he had borne silently since childhood. But for the mission he had now embarked upon, it was a blessing. None of his co-workers or managers in the intelligence community could have imagined that he of all people was capable of masterminding a complex espionage plot.

What Made This Man Betray His Country?

The Atlantic • 8 Aug 2015 • ~3250 words • Archive Link

Explore the life of Adolf Tolkachev, a Soviet military engineer who transformed his troubled past into a powerful motive for espionage. Driven by personal loss and a desire for revenge against the Soviet regime, Tolkachev became one of the CIA's most valuable spies, revealing secrets that could reshape the balance of power. It's a compelling look at what drives someone to turn against their own country and the incredible risks they take in the process.

His anger drove him to become the most successful and valued agent the CIA had run inside the Soviet Union in two decades . . . His espionage put the United States in position to dominate the skies in aerial combat and confirmed the vulnerability of Soviet air defenses—that American cruise missiles and bombers could fly under the radar.

The Pious Spy

Harper's Magazine • 20 Jan 2014 • ~5900 words • Archive Link

This piece from Harper's delves into the enigmatic life of Qari Ahmadullah, the last intelligence minister of the Taliban, whose rumored survival after a U.S. airstrike continues to spark speculation. As Mashal retraces his connections and the legacy of Ahmadullah's tenure, he paints a portrait of a man caught between past loyalties and the changing landscape of Afghanistan.

The success of Ahmadullah’s strategy was in making Afghans believe we were being watched at all times without knowing exactly by whom. In the uniformity of looks — everyone grew beards and most men wore turbans — it could be difficult to discern who was a member of the vice-and-virtue police and who wasn’t.

BUGGER

BBC • 8 Aug 2013 • ~7500 words

The article provides a critical examination of the history and inner workings of the British intelligence agency MI5. It delves into the agency's incompetence, infighting, and tendency to concoct conspiracy theories, as well as the challenges in holding it accountable due to the secrecy surrounding its operations. If you've ever been curious about the quirks of espionage, this article offers a captivating glimpse into the bizarre reality of spy culture.

. . . the assumption is that the secret agents know more than we do. But the strange fact is that often when you look into the history of spies what you discover is something very different . . . in many cases it is the story of weirdos who have created a completely mad version of the world that they then impose on the rest of us.

Ana Montes did much harm spying for Cuba. Chances are, you haven’t heard of her.

Washington Post • 18 Apr 2013 • ~6000 words • Archive Link

Ana Montes spent nearly two decades as a spy for Cuba, posing as a U.S. intelligence analyst while passing along sensitive information that compromised American operations. This article delves into her motivations and the impact of her actions, shining light on a figure who remains largely unknown despite being one of the most damaging spies in U.S. history. Discover the intriguing details of her life and the deep-seated issues that led her down this path.

Hidden in the lining of a notebook they found the handwritten cipher Montes used to encrypt and decrypt messages, scribbled shortwave radio frequencies and the address of a museum in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where she was meant to run in an emergency.

The CIA Burglar Who Went Rogue

Smithsonian Magazine • 1 Oct 2012 • ~4900 words

In a fascinating look at the darker side of espionage, this article unpacks the story of Douglas Groat, a CIA operative who went rogue after years of covert operations. Through interviews with former agency officers, we learn about the secretive unit Groat was part of and the lengths he went to to expose what he viewed as the agency’s failures. It's a gripping tale of loyalty, betrayal, and the tangled web of intelligence work.

Seeking new leverage with the agency, Groat made another risky move: In January 1997 he telephoned Zirkle and said that without a settlement, he would have to earn a living as a security consultant to foreign governments, advising them on how to protect their codes.

Black Ops and Blood Money

archive.org • 1 Jun 2011 • ~5900 words

This piece delves into the controversial case of Raymond Davis, a CIA operative whose actions in Pakistan sparked a diplomatic crisis. Through interviews and investigative reporting, the article uncovers the complexities of his mission, the aftermath of a deadly encounter, and the broader implications for U.S.-Pakistan relations. It reveals the murky underbelly of the CIA's covert operations. What led to this explosive confrontation, and how were the competing interests of the two governments ultimately reconciled?

The problem is that in a country like Pakistan — a fractured, duplicitous place that may be an ally or may be an enemy or both — the CIA can’t just set up shop in the embassy and let case officers work in the usual way. Places like Pakistan require a different sort of person altogether. A person like Raymond Davis.

Pandora’s Briefcase

The New Yorker • 10 May 2010 • ~5150 words • Archive Link

The New Yorker explores the audacious Operation Mincemeat, a World War II deception that successfully misled German intelligence. It dives into the elaborate planning and unexpected twists that made this espionage caper work, raising questions about the ethics and effectiveness of spying. You'll find it a fascinating look at how a well-crafted story can change the course of history.

When a hundred and sixty thousand Allied troops invaded Sicily on July 10, 1943, it became clear that the Germans had fallen victim to one of the most remarkable deceptions in modern military history.

How the CIA Used a Fake Sci-Fi Flick to Rescue Americans From Tehran

WIRED • 24 Apr 2007 • ~4850 words • Archive Link

You will remember this story from the movie Argo: In a gripping tale of espionage and Hollywood, this article uncovers how the CIA orchestrated a daring rescue of six Americans from revolutionary Iran in 1979. With a blend of fake identities and a fabricated film project, Tony Mendez crafted an audacious plan that blurred the lines between reality and fiction.

Sidell, who had been working in Hollywood for nearly 25 years, always said the whole town ran on BS, but even he was surprised by how easily the fictional universe of Studio Six took on the force of apparent reality. It was not long before this small CIA outpost found itself deep in the movie business.

Drug Spies

Fortune • 6 Sep 1999 • ~7050 words

In the world of pharmaceuticals, the line between protecting intellectual property and engaging in espionage can blur dangerously. This article delves into the story of two men caught in Bayer's aggressive tactics to combat drug piracy, revealing the lengths to which the industry will go and the personal fallout that ensued. It’s a fascinating look at the darker side of corporate espionage that raises questions about ethics and accountability.

Plausible deniability for senior executives is built into the culture just as surely as espionage is factored into their budgets.

The CIA And The Media — Carl Bernstein

Carl Bernstein • 20 Oct 1977 • ~29800 words

Carl Bernstein explores the complex and sometimes murky relationship between the CIA and the media. Delving into how the Agency has utilized journalists, he reveals a hidden history of collaboration that challenges our understanding of news reporting. This article offers a rare glimpse into the ethical dilemmas faced by those in the field and the implications for journalism.

Journalists provided a full range of clandestine services—from simple intelligence gathering to serving as go‑betweens with spies in Communist countries. Reporters shared their notebooks with the CIA. Editors shared their staffs. Some of the journalists were Pulitzer Prize winners, distinguished reporters who considered themselves ambassadors without‑portfolio for their country.

Heart of An Assassin: How Daniel Craig Changed James Bond Forever

GQ • 9 Mar 2020 • ~8700 words • Archive Link

Without a doubt, when we think about spies in popular culture, James Bond is the most obvious to come to mind. Daniel Craig is my favorite Bond by far, and his tenure as James Bond has been anything but conventional, transforming the iconic character into a more complex and emotionally resonant figure. This piece from GQ dives into Craig's journey, exploring how he redefined Bond's identity and faced the challenges that came with it. If you're curious about the man behind the tuxedo and the legacy he leaves behind, this article is a must-read.

He also changed the part in dramatic terms. In Craig’s hands, Bond aged, fell in love, and wept for the first time. He lost the smirk and gained a hinterland. During the same period, Britain—which Bond, in some way, always represents—has experienced extraordinary turmoil and self-doubt, #MeToo has happened, and it’s very unclear who the good guys are anymore.

What re-reading John le Carré taught me

penguin.co.uk • 18 Oct 2021 • ~3150 words

Who better to write about John le Carré, arguably the best author in the spy genre, than Mick Herron, who is the author of Slough House series, adapted to the TV show, Slow Horses. In this article he shares personal insights on the profound impact John le Carré's work has had on his life and writing. As they revisit le Carré's novels, particularly the gripping trilogy of the 1970s, they explore themes of espionage, trust, and betrayal, revealing how these stories resonate with both their past and present.

I stayed hooked to the TV version throughout the following weeks, soaking up the atmosphere, the muted palette, the grubby world of le Carré’s Circus, so distantly removed from the glitzy shenanigans of James Bond.