{
  "id": 18342368,
  "title": "How CIA terrorist hunters actually work, according to a former operative",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/how-cia-terrorist-hunters-actually-work-according-to-a-former",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-05T16:45:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/how-cia-terrorist-hunters-actually-work-according-to-an-operative-2026-10"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Michele Rigby Assad, a former CIA counterterrorism and counterintelligence operative, spent a decade in the field, primarily stationed in Iraq and other locations across the Middle East. In her recent interview with Business Insider, she provided insight into the inner workings of her agency.\n\nAssad explained that collecting intelligence and debriefing sources are integral parts of the CIA's mission. Through these processes, agents turn human behavior into actionable operational knowledge. She also shared the dangers she encountered during her time in Iraq, as the country grappled with the war on terror.\n\nOne significant mission that Assad participated in was a rescue operation that saved nearly 150 Iraqi Christians who were under threat from ISIS. This experience highlighted the CIA's willingness to act decisively in the face of imminent danger.\n\nDespite her proficiency in Arabic and her understanding of Middle Eastern culture, Assad encountered sexism within the CIA. She detailed how she had to fight for operational roles in the field, despite having the necessary qualifications and training.\n\nFollowing her tenure with the CIA, Assad authored two books, \"Breaking Cover\" and \"Get Off the X.\" Today, she leverages her CIA training to speak at keynotes and offer corporate and international security consulting services.",
  "summary": "Michele Rigby Assad spent 10 years as a CIA officer specializing in counterterrorism and counterintelligence.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}