A recent IBD article titled “Has Terrorism Been Oversold As U.S. Threat?” legitimizes itself by citing the expertise of one Marc Sageman.

“Sageman has a resume that would suit a postmodern John le Carre. He was a case officer running spies in Pakistan, and then became a forensic psychiatrist.”

My immediate reaction is “who says?”  How are Sageman’s credentials verified?  They aren’t.

If one were to query the CIA about Sageman – or any other current or former employee – the Agency would not – DOES not – verify jobs such as “case officer running spies in Pakistan.”  Forensic psychiatrist, sure, because that’s a work role, but not – NOT – a sensitive operational position.

So, how does the article’s author, David Ignatius, know what Sageman did for the CIA?  Sageman told him.  No verification because that’s not how the CIA or any of the Intel Community members work.

Ignatius’ entire article is based on what this guy, with all of this experience and expertise, have offered as truth.  Sorry… it doesn’t wash.

This isn’t a unique occurrence.  A quick search shows other such unverifiable claims here and here and we’ve all seen these guys on news shows showing up as “experts.”

Is Sageman, then, a liar?  Are these other self-proclaimed “operatives?” I don’t know.  But isn’t that the point?