Denial and Deception: An Insider's View of the CIA from Iran-Contra to 9/11

by Melissa Boyle Mahle

The recent resignation of CIA boss George Tenet has only highlighted what is for many the greatest political scandal of a the failure of the U.S. intelligence community to combat the threat poised by Islamic fundamentalists and prevent the 9/11 attacks. Melissa Boyle Mahle risked her life working as an undercover CIA field operative in the Middle East until her departure in 2002. She therefore has a unique vantage point from which to view the political and operational culture of the agency in the post–Cold War climate. From Reagan to Bush Jr., Mahle provides a vivid personal and historical narrative on how the CIA became an anorexic organization, lost in the post–Cold War world. Afraid to take risks that might offend Washington politicos and European allies, gutted of the clandestine operators who knew how to run secret wars, exhausted from reform whiplash, and demoralized by demonization and poor performance, the CIA simply became unable and unwilling “to get down and dirty to do the hard part to fight a real war on terrorism.” Denial and Deception describes the last generation of the CIA and is a unique contribution to our understanding of the secret world of intelligence.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Espionage

320 pages, Hardcover

First published December 20, 2004

About the author

I am an author of children's books and intelligence non-fiction. My writing draws upon my past career as a US intelligence officer and expert on the Middle East and terrorism. My professional experience involved me in US intelligence operations throughout the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa.

I invite you to visit my websites, www.spygirlspress.com and www.facebook.com/spygirlspress (for children's books) or www.melissaboylemahle.com (for adult non-fiction books).

I was one of a handful of female operations officers fluent in Arabic at the CIA. In a male-dominated culture of the CIA, I carved out a career as a successful operations officer, demonstrating by deed that women can make important contributions. I also sought to balance my professional life with a family life, a particularly difficult challenge for a working mother in the intelligence field.

After leaving the clandestine world in 2002, I embarked on a new career as an author, commentator and movie consultant. My first book, Denial and Deception: An Insider's View of the CIA from Iran-Contra to 9/11, was published in 2005. Part history, part memoir, Denial and Deception answers the question of just what was going on inside the intelligence community in the run up to the 9/11 tragedy. Well received by Washington insiders and lay readers alike, the paperback version was released in 2006. The best part of marketing this book was the opportunity to appear on the Daily Show. Yes, John Stewart is as funny in person.

My latest work with co-author Kathryn Dennis is a middle grade fiction story, entitled Uncovered in Istanbul, book two in the Anatolia Steppe Mystery series.

I also appear in the national electronic and print media as a commentator on intelligence and national security issues and contributes to scholarly journals. On the lighter side, I have a great time participating in youth programs at the International Spy Museum in Washington DC and providing technical advice to Hollywood film makers, with film credits for SALT (staring Angelina Jolie) and Hanna (staring Cate Blanchett and Saoirse Ronan).

My current creative efforts are focused on writing children stories geared for middle grade readers who like adventure and spy thriller novels. My writing partner is Kathryn Dennis, a lifelong friend and fellow adventurer.

Reviews

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Mahle’s brief introduction “Intelligence Failure” discusses probable causes why several agencies missed connecting dots for September 11, 2001. The historical development of the various agencies and the cultures that grew within them as well as the public perception of these agencies usefulness and that perception’s affect on funding for these institutions all have a bearing on the failure.
The rest of the book is organized chronologically in parts beginning with “The Webster Years” which really starts earlier with Bill Casey as Director of Central Intelligence (DCI). Within the chapters themselves are sections some long, some short that describe various regions and dates e.g. Nicaragua, 1984; Washington, D.C., 1985, that put various incidents in context. What is really disturbing about the causes of failure is several occur in government in general – poor tradecraft, weak management practices, stovepipes, and turf battles. Another reason that needs to be added is ego. Some peoples’ egos need to be fed and they must be in control. As a result information does not get passed in a timely fashion if at all. Turf battles take place and at times people refuse to see facts because they do not support their picture of the world. As a result the country is not protected as well as it could and should be.
Ms. Mahle does an excellent job defending the ‘worker bees’ and concentrates more on the agency than herself. This book is a very interesting read and I would suggest everyone read this as well as Tenet’s memoir “In The Eye of the Storm.” Bear in mind that while each has their own agenda Tenet is much more concerned about his reputation.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book contained great information but a lot of the material was repetitive. The author said "the Agency was hemorrhaging" at least six separate times (paraphrased). Though I understand her effort to explain so many interconnected events on a global scale was a complex undertaking, it read more like a bad documentary or research paper than a book about some of the most intriguing, covert actions taken by the U.S. in recent times.

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Given the title and the author's background, I did not realize this book was an academic treatment of the subject matter. As a historical reference to the 80s and 90s, I did like the way the author broke up the eras of the CIA by Director. That helped put the events of the day in context of the political leadership and world events.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

perhaps not surprisingly I don't tend to think much about the fbi

[Lisa Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book chronicles the various directors of the CIA beginning during the Reagan years. It describes each of the men who promised to do one thing and seemed to hampered either by their own narrow vision or lack of cooperation by the President. Mahle joined the organization in the early 90s and left in 2002 for obscure reasons she can't reveal because it is classified. It's obvious throughout much of the book the CIA is a boys club and there is still a glass ceiling for women who join. I was interested in reading more about the CIA because I've recently heard a slew of recruitment commercials which I can't recall ever hearing. The book has a glossary of terms, notes and other reference materials. There are brief parts that are redacted which seems to be the norm for anyone writing about the CIA. It doesn't impede reading. The book gives a history of how the US overlooked Bin Laden until it was too late.

[Elizabeth Burgess · Rating 1 out of 5]

Barely got through this one. I did not enjoy the bitter tone of the author -- would have preferred a more objective historical account. Something about the way this was written just did not hold my interest at all - organization, perhaps, but mainly the lack of interesting detail due to security restrictions (which seems understandable but became difficult to read around when parts of paragraphs were included, just blacked out. These instances plus certain snide remarks about CIA censorship didn't sit well with me.)

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book about the CIA's hunt for terrorists before 9/11/2001.

"The Agency notified the intelligence community and policymakers of its assessment that al-Qa'ida was planning a large-scale operation that was spectacular in nature and could cause mass casualties. The agency warned that al-Wa'ida desired to strike inside the United States. The CIA made the strategic warning, but then missed the tactical moment: September 11." (from page 319)

[Liz V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting overview of the intelligence community from the 1970s through 2004. Depressing, really, and the current administration's attempts at a more empathetic approach to Islamics has been no more successful thn past effort. One wonders what will be written about the intelligence efforts in the Arab Spring.

[Marian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting history of CIA since the early 90's, as told from an insider. I wish I could get more dirt on what the life of an operative is like, but she can only get so specific. Great political text on al-Quaeda and its build-up as well as the political web.

[Merrilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fascinating. I heard the author on a talk radion interview and was hooked. I enjoyed the insiders perspective and her theory on Osama bin Laden.

[Chani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting view of how women are treated in the US intelligence community. So-so in my view. If you lay down with dogs, don't complain about the fleas.