Operation Minaret’s Secret War on American Citizens

Operation Minaret, a clandestine surveillance program run by the National Security Agency (NSA) from the late 1960s to the early 1970s, remains a dark chapter in American history. This program, initially aimed at safeguarding national security during a period of heightened Cold War tensions, evolved into a tool for monitoring the communications of prominent American citizens.

The Birth of Operation Minaret
Originating in 1962, Operation Minaret was part of an NSA strategy to monitor Americans traveling to Cuba. The program drastically expanded under the Johnson and Nixon administrations to include a broader spectrum of individuals, particularly those involved in the anti-Vietnam War movement and civil rights activism. The watch list, devoid of judicial oversight, included notable figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Muhammad Ali, and Senator Frank Church, among others.

The Watch List and its Targets
The NSA, along with other intelligence agencies, was pressed by the White House to uncover any international connections of anti-war leaders. This directive led to a broad and often indiscriminate targeting of Americans, including civil rights leaders, influential politicians, journalists, and even comedians like Art Buchwald, who were seen as opposed to the Vietnam War or critical of the government's…