Former CIA Analyst David McCloskey: The Syrian Civil War, 'Moscow X,' and More - Danger Close

Today’s guest is former CIA analyst David McCloskey.
David served as a CIA analyst for six years under the Bush and Obama administrations. He worked in the Middle East and at the CIA’s Counterterrorism Center concentrating on Syria and Iraq. He also wrote for the President’s Daily Brief, gave classified testimony to congressional oversight committees, and briefed ambassadors, senior White House officials, military officers, and foreign dignitaries.
David’s first novel, Damascus Station, was published in 2021. It was included in the Financial Times list of best summer books in 2022 and was a finalist for the ITW Thriller Award for Best First Novel.
His new novel, Moscow X, is available now.
You can learn more about David by following him on Instagram @mccloskeybooks and visiting his website, davidmccloskeybooks.com
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Danger Close is an IRONCLAD Original

[@NothinToSeeHereFolks]

Oh, Hell Yes, we're going in, Breach, Breach, Breach! David's first book was awesome, I went right through it, couldn't put it down. I can't wait for him to join the best podcast in the business. Thanks, Jack 🤘

[@JrJVintage1956]

"I don't loan my books to friends, I don't want to lose my books or lose my friends." Edward Weston had this note posted on his beautiful bookcase in his CA home... Ansel Adams took a great photo of it.

[@craigbesscares]

Really enjoyed the first book and just picked up the second! Great convo!

[@LisaMarianHughes]

I really appreciate your tips for reaching out to the community for references, you are also both very good speakers 😃

[@jael-xz2oo]

That's funny. I once refused to let my mother in law borrow a book. That went well. Stood my ground though.

[@NothinToSeeHereFolks]

Yep, I don't do that either 🤣 When non-book people are visiting the home base and see a book on my shelves and ask to borrow it, I know that they have no idea that the book on the shelf is a signed first printing that could be worth hundreds of dollars, so it's always a little awkward to decline. That's a great idea though, I'll just buy them an Amazon copy.

[@CaptainRex549]

I’m so excited for the Ben Edwards show.

[@LisaMarianHughes]

Very insightful about the one-page 'Executive Summary' too. I enjoy writing, and loved my college composition courses. Jack, I LOVE your books and have read them all. My mind has floated back to 'Savage Son' on many occasions... ; David, can't wait to read your books!! Thank you both for sharing, very interesting!!

[@TMFShooting]

Another Great Podcast 💯💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

[@Backroadsnews]

Oh wow. That actually makes me feel better. I refuse to loan out my books, but I didn't know that was a thing lol.

[@LisaMarianHughes]

LOL, .."in the paint." For sure, that weird vibe.. 😃

[@LisaMarianHughes]

Jack!! I've got to ask: What happened to your third 'hatchet' on your wall by your video screen? Is it now part of you EDC?? 😃

[@g_1673]

Humans will lose interest in 800 words of clarity without readability.

[@bannon315]

i wonder what this community thinks of Steven Kinser? Great interview, enjoyed it very much! awesome

[@DanSygitowicz-ys5pb]

I really like the stories, but there are too many ads.

[@NothinToSeeHereFolks]

That's the price of free KZbin. It makes the pay version more attractive, no ads ever, my frugality just hasn't let me pull that trigger yet 🤣

[@stewartorr1939]

is that an atlatl dart on the wall???

[@LisaMarianHughes]

Thinking about the reluctance to 'de-classify' the Kennedy case, do you think it's because the 'actors' may still be alive, and active??

[@Craig-pk5cc]

I was actually thinking this there waiting for someone to pass away like here in the uk with the files for Dunblaine which cost uk shooters there pistols they won’t be released until the last living relative has passed.

[@nicovilla5140]

​@Craig-pk5cc I know this probably don't mean much from an American but I really hope the brits and a lot more can tell their govs to pound sand. Fucking ridiculous how they allow their own people to be second class citizens. Cheers