Douglas Valentine, an esteemed American journalist and author renowned for his historical nonfiction works, presents his latest book titled “The CIA as Organized Crime.” With a notable presence in publications like Counterpunch and Consortium News, Valentine's meticulous research has garnered recognition, with portions of his findings archived at esteemed institutions such as the National Security Archive, Texas Tech University, and John Jay College.

Valentine’s journey into CIA operations began with unprecedented access granted by CIA Director William Colby, who later came to regret it. Despite obstacles imposed by the CIA, Valentine delved into the intricate web of the Phoenix program in South Vietnam, revealing the agency's extensive system of surveillance, control, and brutality.

During his research, Valentine uncovered the CIA's involvement in the drug trade, allowing opium and heroin to flow from Laos to South Vietnam. This led to his subsequent works, “The Strength of the Wolf” and “The Strength of the Pack,” exposing the CIA's infiltration of federal drug law enforcement agencies, ensuring the unhindered flow of drugs to traffickers and officials on its payroll.

Valentine's comprehensive research, now compiled in his latest book, includes excerpts from his previous works, along with articles and interviews addressing contemporary issues. Through his writings, he sheds light on the systemic nature of the CIA's illicit activities, demonstrating their impact on global socio-political movements and the American populace. Despite scrutiny from investigations like the Church Committee, the CIA's modus operandi persists, penetrating even practices targeting the American people, underscoring the enduring influence of its clandestine operations.