‘It was all hands on deck’: how the CIA responded to 9/11
Veterans recall chaos and confusion as the attacks unfolded – followed by a ‘war on terror’ that left agency with a tarnished reputation
TL;DR
- The 9/11 attacks marked the end of the CIA's Cold War focus and initiated a 'war on terror.'
- Initial response to 9/11 within the CIA was characterized by confusion, chaos, and a lack of direction from senior leadership.
- The attacks led to dramatic transformations in US intelligence, including the creation of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
- The agency's reputation was tarnished by falsified intelligence regarding Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, used to justify the 2003 invasion.
- Despite controversies, the CIA's intelligence capabilities significantly improved post-9/11, leading to the prevention of repeat attacks on US soil.
- Some CIA personnel recall a strong sense of purpose and pride in their work following the 9/11 attacks.