The Italian Letter: Michael Ledeen and the Lies That Led to the Iraq War

Michael Ledeen, a controversial national security journalist and scholar who died in 2018, played a significant role in manipulating intelligence for political gain, particularly in the lead-up to the 2003 US invasion of Iraq. This article exposes his involvement in fabricating false intelligence, such as the forged "Italian Letter" claiming Saddam Hussein purchased uranium from Niger, to justify the invasion. This led to a costly and disastrous war, resulting in immense military and diplomatic failures. The article also touches upon his previous involvement in disinformation campaigns, including efforts to discredit Jimmy Carter's brother and spreading false narratives about Bulgarian involvement in the Pope's assassination attempt. Ledeen's case serves as a stark example of manipulating secret and dishonest intelligence for political aims.