Robert Baer is a former CIA operative and a prominent intelligence and security analyst. Currently, he serves as a national security contributor for CNN and writes extensively on topics related to espionage, international relations, and U.S. foreign policy. In addition to his work as a commentator, Baer has authored numerous books and served as a columnist for TIME.com.
Born in 1952, Robert Booker Baer—commonly known as Bob Baer—spent much of his youth in Europe and later in Aspen, Colorado. Originally aspiring to be a professional skier, Baer eventually pivoted to an academic path, graduating from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. Among his classmates was future CIA Director George Tenet. After graduation, Baer joined the CIA and underwent a year-long training program, including instruction in foreign languages and paramilitary operations.
Baer's 21-year career with the CIA took him to key global regions including Morocco, Lebanon, India, Tajikistan, and other hotspots in the Middle East and Central Asia. As a clandestine officer, he gained deep insights into regional geopolitics and counterterrorism operations. His tenure coincided with a pivotal period in American intelligence history, featuring increased global terror threats and complex covert missions.
Baer has openly discussed past CIA practices, including allegations that terrorism suspects were sent to countries like Jordan for interrogation and to Egypt in cases of extraordinary rendition. He resigned from the CIA in 1997 and shifted to a career in writing and media consulting. Since then, he has become a significant voice in national security discussions, frequently appearing on CNN as an expert analyst.
In recognition of his service, Baer received the Career Intelligence Medal from the CIA in 1998. He is multilingual, with proficiency in French, Farsi, German, Arabic, Russian, Baluchi, and Tajik. A strong advocate for enhancing Human Intelligence (HUMINT) capabilities, Baer frequently emphasizes the importance of on-the-ground intelligence gathering in modern espionage.
| Birth Date: | 1 Jul, 1952 |
| Age: | 67 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Los Angeles |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American CIA case officer and author |
| Net Worth 2021: | 2 million |
