“Navigating a Career in Counterterrorism as a Muslim – with Angie Gad”

Summary

Angie Gad (LinkedIn, Website) joined Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss her career in intelligence analysis. Angie is a first-generation Egyptian-American. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The role of state fusion centers to national intelligence
• How counterterrorism analysis evolved after 9/11
• The connections between ISIS and Far Right Extremists
• The mental health implications of counterterrorism 

Reflections

• The importance of diversity of thought and experience
• Personal identity in professional life

And much, much more …

Episode Notes

This week on SpyCast, Andrew was joined by Angie Gad, an intelligence analyst with over 10 years of experience in the counterterrorism and mis-and-disinformation field. Angie began her career as a Counterterrorism Analyst for the State of New Jersey, specializing in Islamic State and Far Right Extremist threats. She then transitioned to the private sector and academia, teaching the next generation of analysts and serving as a role model for other young Arab women interested in this field.

In this episode, Andrew and Angie discuss the challenges she faced working as one of the few young female Muslim analysts in the post-9/11 world, and how Angie has been able to fight mis-and-disinformation both in the larger intelligence realm and within her own life. Tune in to learn more!

And… 

The state of New Jersey has always been a critical battleground for the United States. During the Revolutionary War, General Washington and the Continental Army spent more time in New Jersey than any other state. New Jersey also had the greatest number of recorded battles, including critical turning points like the Battles of Trenton and Princeton and the Battle of Monmouth. 

Quotes of the Week

“I think that's what drives me as an analyst. I love to understand why extremists do what they do, what leads them, what are the motivators and the driving force behind their actions and their thoughts and their radicalization.” – Angie Gad.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• Telling Americans About China (and Intelligence) with Sara Castro (2024)
• The Eye of Horus: Egyptian Intelligence with Dina Rezk (2023)
• Leader, Lecturer, Analyzer, Nerd with Jorhena Thomas (2023)
• The Counterterrorism and Counter WMD Strategist with Dexter Ingram (2022)

*Beginner Resources*

• What Is Counterterrorism? National Museum of American Diplomacy, YouTube (2023) [5 min. video]
• What is Intelligence Analysis and Why is It So Important? National American University (2020) [Short article]
• Role of Fusion Centers, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (n.d.) [Short brief] 

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• Compassionate Counterterrorism: The Power of Inclusion In Fighting Fundamentalism, L. Al Olaimy (Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2019) 
• Black Flags: Rise of ISIS, J. Warrick (Doubleday, 2015)
• Reducing Uncertainty: Intelligence Analysis & National Security, T. Fingar (SUP, 2011)

Articles

• Shining a Light on New Jersey’s Secret State Intelligence System, Rutgers University Law School Center for Security, Race, and Rights (2023)
• Ten Years Later: Reflections on Egypt’s 2011 Uprising, K. Al-Anani, Arab Center Washington DC (2021)
• The U.S., Muslims, and a Turbulent Post-9/11 World, F. Pandith, Council on Foreign Relations (2021) 
• The Surprising Convergence Between Neo-Nazis and Jihadis, M. Kutner, Just Security (2020) 
• Nazis vs. ISIS on Twitter: A Comparative Study of White Nationalist and ISIS Online Social Media Networks, J.M. Berger, George Washington University Program on Extremism (2016) 
• A Case Study: Tahrir Square Twitter Visualizations, UCLA Library International Digital Ephemera Project (n.d.)

Audio

• Intelligence Analysis: Feedback, Bias, and Other Challenges with Dean Baratta, Covert Contact Podcast (2017)

Primary Sources 

• United States of America v. Ammon BUNDY, Jon RITZHEIMER, Joseph O'SHAUGHNESSY, Ryan PAYNE, Ryan BUNDY, Brian CAVALIER, Shawna COX, Peter SANTILLI (2016)
• National Criminal Intelligence Sharing Plan (2013) 
• Progress Made and Work Remaining in Implementing Homeland Security Missions 10 Years after 9/11 (2011)
• Empowering Local Partners to Prevent Violent Extremism in the United States (2011) 
• 9/11 Commission Report (2004) 
• Targets of Suspicion: The Impact of Post-9/11 Policies on Muslims, Arabs and South Asians in the United States (2004)
• American Psyche Reeling From Terror Attacks (2001)

*Wildcard Resource*

• The Rosetta Stone was originally found in the Nile Delta of Egypt in 1799. The priceless piece of human linguistic history has been on display at the British Museum since 1802. 
• The question of the potential repatriation of the Rosetta Stone back to Egypt is one of the most highly discussed topics in the museum field today. Read more about the Egyptian campaign to reclaim their ancient artifacts here.