Why Did the CIA Release This?
The Relentless Israeli Propaganda Machine: What I Learned from a Declassified Document
Why Did the CIA Release This?
Read the De-Classified Article here.
It started as a simple research project. I wanted to uncover the roots of Zionist propaganda and understand how it has shaped decades of discourse.
Then, I stumbled upon a declassified CIA document from 2004.
Inside was a 1970s article originally published in Penthouse magazine—an unlikely place for groundbreaking political critique.
The article’s author? James Abourezk, the first Arab-American U.S. senator.
His fearless commentary on Israel’s influence on U.S. foreign policys seemed like a blueprint from the strategies of today.
But as I read it, one question kept echoing in my mind.
Why Penthouse?
And what does it mean that the CIA deemed this article important enough to archive?
Penthouse: A Surprising Platform for Dissent
I had to research Penthouse to grasp its broader cultural role in the 1970s. (above, an issue from the 2000s).
Known today mostly for its provocative imagery, the magazine was, in its heyday, a countercultural force.
Founded by Bob Guccione in 1965, Penthouse offered not just risqué content but also bold, boundary-pushing journalism.
It catered to readers who craved perspectives beyond the sanitized narratives of mainstream outlets.
For someone like James Abourezk, publishing in Penthouse was a strategic choice.
Traditional media outlets may have dismissed or outright censored his critique, given its controversial subject matter.
Penthouse, however, provided a direct line to an audience hungry for alternative viewpoints—people who might never pick up a copy of The Atlantic or The New York Times but were eager for raw, unfiltered commentary.
This choice wasn’t just pragmatic; it was revolutionary.
By sidestepping elite gatekeepers, Abourezk ensured his message reached everyday Americans.
The Article That Challenged Power
Abourezk’s article was a tour de force, tackling three issues that remain deeply relevant:
The Erasure of Palestinian History
Abourezk detailed how the Nakba—the mass displacement of Palestinians in 1948—was systematically erased from Western narratives.
He highlighted the deliberate efforts to silence Palestinian voices and rewrite history in favor of Zionist agendas.
The Influence of the Israeli Lobby
He described how powerful lobbying groups shaped U.S. foreign policy, ensuring unwavering support for Israel, often at the expense of American interests and principles.
The Weaponization of Antisemitism
Abourezk called out how accusations of antisemitism were deployed as a tool to stifle legitimate criticism of Israeli policies. This tactic, he argued, served to silence dissent and protect Israel from accountability. For many readers, this article was likely a wake-up call—a direct challenge to the carefully curated narratives that dominated U.S. media and politics.
Why Did the CIA Archive This?
The presence of Abourezk’s article in CIA archives is intriguing.
Why would an intelligence agency preserve a piece from Penthouse, of all places?
Here’s what seems likely:
Routine Monitoring: The CIA likely collected the article as part of its efforts to monitor public discourse around the Middle East, especially during the Cold War.
Cultural Significance: A sitting U.S. senator openly criticizing Israel and U.S. complicity in its policies was a notable event, particularly in a widely read publication.
Tracking Dissent: The agency may have been concerned about how such critiques could fuel anti-Israel sentiment or be leveraged by adversaries like the Soviet Union to influence Arab nations.
The CIA’s decision to archive his article adds a layer of irony. While they may have preserved it as a relic of dissent, for us, it’s a blueprint for resistance—a reminder of the power of speaking truth, no matter the platform.
James Abourezk’s Life and Legacy
Born to Lebanese immigrants on South Dakota’s Rosebud Indian Reservation, James Abourezk’s life was marked by a commitment to justice. As a senator, he fought tirelessly for Native American rights, family farmers, and Middle Eastern peace.
When he passed away on February 24, 2023, the world had once again turned its attention to the violence faced by Palestinians—a grim reminder that the struggles he highlighted remain unresolved.
The issues he addressed are as urgent today as they were then.
Abourezk’s article is a lesson in the power of dissent and the importance of bypassing gatekeepers to reach the masses.
In the digital age, the platforms have changed, but the playbook remains the same.
Governments and media conglomerates still manipulate narratives, suppress dissent, and protect entrenched interests.
The fight for truth and justice requires the same boldness
Conclusion
By taking his message directly to the people, Abourezk bypassed the gatekeepers of elite media and forced uncomfortable truths into mainstream consciousness. Today, as we revisit his words and the struggles they highlight, we must remember the lessons he left behind: the courage to challenge power, the importance of amplifying silenced voices, and the relentless pursuit of justice—even when it means coloring outside the lines.