S1·E6 The Devil You Know

Episode recap

In the sixth episode of the limited series High Value Target: The Hunt for Saddam, titled The Devil You Know, the narrative centers on the evolving perspective of CIA analyst John Nixon. Following his time in Najaf, Nixon acts upon a warning previously issued by Saddam Hussein. This experience leads Nixon to a critical realization regarding the regional power dynamics in the Middle East. He concludes that the primary threat to American interests is not the deposed regime, but rather the influence and intentions of Iran.

The remainder of the episode focuses on the professional challenges Nixon faces as he attempts to communicate this assessment to his superiors. He must navigate the complexities of the intelligence community and the political environment of the White House to convince officials of his findings. The episode highlights the tension between Nixon’s field observations and the established geopolitical strategy of the United States government during the post-invasion period. As Nixon pushes his theory forward, the episode underscores the broader themes of the series, which examine the humanitarian consequences and the long-term geopolitical turbulence that followed the removal of Saddam Hussein from power. This installment continues the series' exploration of the 2003 mission, drawing from the memoir Debriefing the President by John Nixon, who was the first American to positively identify and interrogate the former leader. The episode serves as a pivotal moment in the series, shifting the focus from the immediate hunt for the high-value target to the complex and often unforeseen consequences of the Iraq War.