Aldrich Ames Dies in Prison at 84
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Aldrich Ames orchestrated one of the most damaging intelligence breaches in American history, selling secrets that led to the executions of Western agents behind the Iron Curtain. His betrayal destroyed a network of Russian assets built over 20 years and deprived the U.S. of valuable intelligence for nearly a decade. He admitted receiving $2.5 million from Moscow while compromising over 100 operations and causing a major Cold War setback. He leaves behind an ominous legacy on U.S. national security.
Establishment-critical narrative
The CIA repeatedly missed or ignored red flags throughout Ames' career — failed polygraphs, unexplained wealth, poor performance and alcohol abuse — yet promoted him to increasingly sensitive posts. The agency allowed the espionage to continue for nine years, and after his arrest, the CIA director refused to fire or demote anyone responsible. The Ames case study highlights gross bureaucratic dysfunction of the CIA at the height of the Cold War.
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