The Cipher Brief talks with Norm Roule, former National Intelligence Manager for Iran at ODNI about practical prospects for the region
EXPERT INTERVIEWA man pushes a bicycle
as he walks in the rubble in the devastated area around Gaza’s Al-Shifa hospital on April 3, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)
EXPERT INTERVIEW – President Donald Trump shocked the system last week, when he said during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that the United States could potentially “take over” the Gaza Strip, telling reporters that he envisions the relocation of Palestinians and that the U.S. could take a “long-term ownership position” with the area being rebuilt as a “Riviera of the Middle East.” As The Cipher Brief tapped a number of experts on the question of whether any aspect of the president’s plan were feasible, we also spoke with former National Intelligence Manager for Iran at ODNI, Norm Roule about the very real complications associated with change in the region. Our conversation has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Norman Roule is a geopolitical and energy consultant who served for 34 years in the Central Intelligence Agency, managing numerous programs relating to Iran and the Middle East. As NIM-I at ODNI, he was responsible for all aspects of national intelligence policy related to Iran, including IC engagement with senior policymakers in the National Security Council and the Department of State.
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