Could a small-town girl from Montana truly rise through the ranks to become a key player in the world of international counterterrorism? The remarkable career of Nada Bakos, a former CIA analyst and targeting officer, proves that ambition, intelligence, and a relentless pursuit of justice can indeed shape the course of global events.
From the quiet landscapes of her upbringing to the high-stakes world of intelligence, Bakos's journey is a testament to her dedication and sharp intellect. After a call inviting her to interview, she quickly realized her affinity for the world of intelligence and decided to apply online for a position with the CIA and was shocked to receive the call which invited her to interview for the job. She would soon find herself at the forefront of America's war against Islamic extremists. Before stepping into an operations role, Bakos honed her skills as an analyst in the counterterrorism center, including being part of the team tasked with unraveling the complex relationship between Iraq, al-Qaeda, and the events of 9/11. This crucial work set the stage for her later involvement in high-profile operations.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nada Glass Bakos |
| Birthplace | Information not available. |
| Education | Montana State University (Political Science) |
| Career Highlights |
|
| Key Areas of Expertise | Counterterrorism, Intelligence Analysis, Targeting, National Security, Foreign Policy |
| Notable Publications/Appearances |
|
| Current Affiliation | Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, Consultant |
| Reference | Foreign Policy Research Institute - Nada Bakos |
Her career, which began as an analyst, saw her tackling some of the most critical questions of the era, including the intricate connections, or lack thereof, between al-Qaeda and Saddam Hussein's Iraq in the wake of the September 11th attacks. Nada Bakos, with colleagues like Cindy Storer, were working for the CIA when the tragic events unfolded on that fateful day, marking a turning point in their careers and the nation's history.
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During the invasion of Iraq, Bakos worked tirelessly on a CIA team dedicated to evaluating whether al-Qaeda had conspired with Iraq to stage 9/11. Her insights into the agency's inner workings, shared in interviews and public appearances, have shed light on the challenges and triumphs of intelligence work.
Bakos's work didn't end with analysis. Quickly realizing her affinity for the work, she was determined to rise through the ranks of the agency, first as an analyst and then as a targeting officer. This trajectory led her to the frontline of America's war against Islamic extremists. This was the time that Bakos head the targeting team that killed Zarqawi. Her team's relentless focus on taking down Zarqawi and other al-Qaeda leaders was considered exceptional.
Her contributions extended beyond analysis, embracing the role of a targeting officer. Her leadership of the targeting team that ultimately eliminated Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the head of al-Qaeda in Iraq, is a testament to her strategic thinking and dedication. In a field often dominated by men, Bakos's team was made up of three-quarters women, highlighting the diverse talent within the agency and the impact of her leadership. Her senior policy team, including former head of trust and safety Yoel Roth, were alerted to her participation in "spies who lie" cover story.
Bakoss expertise and insights are now sought after in the public sphere. She frequently appears on broadcast media, offering commentary on national security and foreign policy. She also shares her knowledge with students and the public through speaking engagements, including a November 13th appearance at the University of Washington where she discussed the HBO documentary "Manhunt: The Search for Bin Laden," which offered a glimpse into the difficult hunt for Osama bin Laden.
Her academic credentials, earned in political science from Montana State University, provided a strong foundation for her intelligence career. The skills and knowledge gained there were pivotal to her professional success. The decade that Nada Bakos grew up in, the 1960s, was dominated by significant world events such as the Vietnam War, Civil Rights protests, the Cuban Missile Crisis, anti-war protests, and the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. These events likely shaped her understanding of the world and fueled her dedication to serving her country.
Her forthcoming book, "The Targeter: My Life in the CIA, on the Hunt for the Godfather of ISIS" (August 2017), offers a more in-depth look into her experiences and perspective on the war on terror. Beyond her intelligence work, Bakos is also a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, contributing to high-quality scholarship and nonpartisan policy analysis focused on crucial foreign policy issues. Her efforts demonstrate a commitment to promoting a deeper understanding of national security challenges.
In a field often shrouded in secrecy, Nada Bakos stands out for her willingness to share her experiences and insights, contributing to a more informed public discourse on national security. After leaving the CIA, Bakos has continued to be a source of invaluable information, insight, and discussion surrounding current events and global conflict.
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