Jeremy Scahill

Jeremy Scahill is an American investigative journalist, author, and filmmaker known for reporting on private military contractors, counterterrorism operations, and U.S. national security policy. He co-founded The Intercept and has contributed to publications and broadcasts addressing topics such as private security firms, intelligence agencies, and covert operations. Scahill's work spans print, radio, and documentary film, often focusing on Blackwater Worldwide, CIA, Department of Defense, and related institutions.

Early life and education

Scahill was born in Chicago, raised in Chicago suburbs, and attended regional schools before studying at institutions where he engaged with reporting on international affairs, connections to Iraq War, Afghanistan War, and debates following September 11 attacks. Early influences included journalism figures associated with publications like The Nation, Harper's Magazine, The New York Times, and activist organizations such as Code Pink.

Career

Scahill began his career reporting for outlets including The New Yorker, The Washington Post, The Guardian, The Intercept, and radio programs like Democracy Now! and NPR. He has investigated entities such as Blackwater Worldwide, DynCorp International, Triple Canopy, and contractors linked to operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Pakistan. His reporting has examined collaboration among agencies including the Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, U.S. Special Operations Command, and alliances involving NATO, United Kingdom, Australia, and regional partners. Scahill has spoken at forums hosted by institutions such as Columbia University, Harvard University, New York University, University of Chicago, and has participated in panels with journalists from The Washington Post, The New York Times, ProPublica, and Reuters.

Major works and investigations

Scahill authored investigative books and produced multimedia projects exposing activities of private military firms and covert strike programs. His book on Blackwater Worldwide detailed ties to contracts awarded during the Iraq War and operations involving figures linked to Halliburton, KBR (company), and officials associated with the Bush administration and Trump administration era policies. Scahill's reporting on covert operations encompassed drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia, and scrutinized programs run by the Central Intelligence Agency, Joint Special Operations Command, and elements of the Pentagon. He produced the documentary film "Dirty Wars," which examined targeted killing programs and featured interviews with individuals connected to incidents in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Somalia, and discussions about legal frameworks like interpretations of the Authorization for Use of Military Force and opinions from scholars at Harvard Law School and Yale Law School. Investigations also implicated actors such as Eric Prince, Eeben Barlow, and private firms operating in conflict zones like Iraq War occupation, Blackwater Baghdad shootin g (Nisour Square), and incidents that drew responses from international bodies including the United Nations and European Parliament.

Awards and recognition

Scahill's reporting and film work have earned awards from journalism and human rights organizations including the George Polk Award, the Izzy Award (from the Park Center for Independent Media), honors at the Sundance Film Festival and nominations at film institutions such as the Academy Awards circuit for documentary recognition, and commendations from watchdog groups including Project Censored and Human Rights Watch. He has been recognized by journalism schools at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, Medill School of Journalism, and fellowships with centers like the Hesburgh Center for Peace Studies and invited as a speaker to events hosted by Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders.

Personal life and views

Scahill has publicly critiqued U.S. foreign policy decisions involving administrations tied to George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, addressing issues related to surveillance involving the National Security Agency revelations popularized by sources connected to Edward Snowden and debates about transparency championed by organizations like WikiLeaks and ACLU. He has aligned with progressive media colleagues from outlets such as Democracy Now!, The Nation, and Mother Jones and engaged in discourse with policymakers from Senate Armed Services Committee, commentators including those at Fox News and MSNBC, and academics from Princeton University and Georgetown University. Scahill resides in the United States and continues investigations into private security, covert operations, and accountability involving institutions like the Department of Defense and State Department.

Category:American journalists Category:Investigative journalists Category:American documentary filmmakers