How NATO, the CIA, and the Vatican Conspired in Operation Gladio

Unmasking the Secret War

Thanks to my readers' generosity, all my articles are free to access. Independent journalism, however, requires time and investment. If you found value in this article or any others, please consider sharing or even becoming a paid subscriber, who benefits by joining the conversation in the comments. I want you to know that your support is always gratefully received and will never be forgotten. Please buy me a coffee or as many as you wish.

---

GPT Book Summary

Operation Gladio by Paul L. Williams.

Introduction

Operation Gladio is a vast criminal enterprise initially disguised as a NATO Cold War defense initiative. Its purpose was not to defend Europe from a Soviet invasion but to undermine democracy, manipulate political systems, and perpetuate right-wing dominance in Western Europe by any means necessary. Williams uncovers how this unholy alliance between the CIA, NATO, the Mafia, and the Vatican orchestrated a campaign of terror and corruption, spanning decades and continents, with catastrophic effects on political integrity and public safety.

Summary

🗡️ Operation Gladio: A Network of Sabotage and Subversion

From its inception, Gladio was designed as a secret network, employing right-wing extremists, ex-Nazis, and criminal figures. The CIA and NATO’s recruitment of people like Reinhard Gehlen ensured that the stay-behind units could carry out covert operations to undermine Communist and Socialist parties across Europe. Rather than protecting against Soviet invasion, Gladio was used to control the political trajectory of Europe, particularly Italy, which had strong Communist influence.

💣 The “Strategy of Tension”: A Campaign of State Terrorism

At the core of Operation Gladio’s tactics was the “strategy of tension”—a deliberate campaign of violence aimed at terrorizing the public and discrediting left-wing movements. Williams provides chilling examples, such as the Piazza Fontana bombing in 1969 and the Bologna train station bombing in 1980, both of which were blamed on leftist terrorists but later revealed to have been executed by Gladio operatives working with right-wing extremists. These attacks were orchestrated to justify authoritarian crackdowns on Communists and Socialists, ensuring right-wing control of the Italian government.

The use of false-flag operations to manipulate public opinion was not incidental but a key strategy. By creating fear and instability, Gladio operatives—backed by NATO and the CIA—were able to influence elections and political decisions in Italy and across Europe, ensuring that Communist influence was kept at bay.

⛪️ The Vatican’s Role in Financing Terror and Corruption

The Vatican, far from being a passive actor, was deeply involved in Gladio’s financial operations. The Vatican Bank, under Archbishop Paul Marcinkus, laundered vast sums of money for the Mafia and CIA, facilitating the funding of Gladio’s covert activities. Williams reveals that the Vatican’s anti-Communist stance made it a key player in the clandestine financial networks that sustained Gladio.

The collapse of Banco Ambrosiano and the suspicious death of its president, Roberto Calvi, exposed the Vatican’s entanglement in these corrupt dealings. Calvi’s death, officially ruled a suicide, is widely believed to have been an assassination related to his knowledge of Gladio’s illicit financial transactions. The Vatican’s involvement was not limited to financial crimes but extended to moral complicity in acts of terrorism, all in the name of protecting Western political interests.

🔗 Mafia Involvement: Drug Trafficking as a Financial Lifeline

The Mafia’s role in Operation Gladio was essential, particularly in providing financial support through global narcotics trafficking. Figures like Charles “Lucky” Luciano and Vito Genovese partnered with the CIA to establish drug routes that generated untraceable revenue for Gladio’s covert operations. The Sicilian Mafia’s extensive control of heroin distribution in Europe and the United States provided a crucial source of funding for terrorism and political manipulation.

The Mafia was an active partner in Western intelligence operations. The relationship between the CIA and the Mafia was one of mutual benefit—the Mafia’s illicit income supported Gladio, while U.S. intelligence shielded key Mafia figures from prosecution, allowing them to expand their influence both in Europe and the Americas.

🛡️ The Assassination of Aldo Moro: A Political Murder

The kidnapping and assassination of Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro in 1978 was a pivotal moment in Gladio’s efforts to control Italy’s political future. Moro’s attempts to include the Italian Communist Party in a coalition government directly threatened NATO’s interests. Despite warnings from high-ranking figures, including Henry Kissinger, Moro pursued this political strategy, sealing his fate.

Williams makes it clear that Moro’s death, officially attributed to the Red Brigades, was in reality facilitated by Gladio operatives who infiltrated the terrorist group. Moro’s murder was a calculated act designed to prevent Italy from aligning with Communist forces, ensuring that Italy remained firmly in the Western bloc.

🤫 P2 (Propaganda Due): The Secret Lodge that Ran Italy

At the heart of Gladio’s operations in Italy was Propaganda Due (P2), a clandestine Masonic lodge led by Licio Gelli. P2 was not just a shadowy fraternity; it was a secret government that controlled Italy from behind the scenes. Williams exposes how P2 members, many of whom were top military officials, businessmen, politicians, and journalists, were central to Gladio’s network. Gelli’s lodge acted as the organizational framework through which Gladio’s operations were coordinated.

P2 was responsible for some of Italy’s darkest moments, including orchestrating terrorist attacks, destabilizing governments, and controlling key institutions. The lodge’s infiltration of the Italian state allowed it to manipulate elections and suppress political opposition. The link between P2 and Gladio ensured that the stay-behind units had the political and logistical support needed to carry out their covert agenda.

Williams reveals how P2’s control over Italy’s political and financial systems allowed Gladio to operate with impunity, even after the exposure of its activities. The P2 scandal that erupted in the 1980s was merely the tip of the iceberg, as many of its members continued to hold power behind the scenes.

📉 The Exposure of Gladio and Its Consequences

In 1990, the exposure of Gladio’s existence sent shockwaves through Italy and Europe. Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti admitted to the existence of the stay-behind networks, sparking outrage and leading to investigations. However, despite the scandal, many of Gladio’s key operatives escaped justice, and the true extent of its activities has never been fully revealed.

The exposure of Gladio confirmed the worst suspicions about NATO’s role in subverting democracy in Europe. Williams highlights how the revelations shattered the illusion that Western governments were committed to protecting democratic values. Instead, Gladio demonstrated that these governments were willing to employ the same tactics as their enemies, including terrorism and political assassination, to maintain control.

📚 A Global Legacy of Covert Operations

Gladio’s influence did not end with its exposure. The networks, methods, and alliances it created became a model for U.S. covert operations in other parts of the world, particularly in Latin America and the Middle East. The strategy of using organized crime, financial manipulation, and false-flag terrorism to destabilize governments and suppress political opposition continued to shape U.S. foreign policy long after Gladio’s operations in Europe had been revealed.

Williams makes it clear that the legacy of Gladio is one of systemic corruption and moral decay, where the ends justified any means, no matter how violent or unethical. The alliance between intelligence agencies, the Mafia, the Vatican, and secret societies like P2 ensured that these covert operations could operate outside the bounds of law and accountability, leaving a trail of destruction that continues to impact global politics today.

FAQ

Q: What is Operation Gladio?
Operation Gladio is a clandestine NATO-led operation that established “stay-behind” units across Western Europe to counter a potential Soviet invasion during the Cold War. These units, which included former Nazis and fascists, were tasked with guerrilla warfare and sabotage. The operation expanded into illegal activities, including drug trafficking and political manipulation.

Q: What role did the Vatican play in Operation Gladio?
The Vatican, through key figures like Monsignor Giovanni Montini (later Pope Paul VI), collaborated with the CIA and the Mafia. The Vatican Bank provided financial services, acting as a laundering institution for money funneled through these covert operations. This alliance was instrumental in maintaining anti-Communist operations throughout Europe.

Q: How was the Mafia involved in Operation Gladio?
The Mafia, particularly Charles “Lucky” Luciano, played a crucial role in Operation Gladio. Luciano helped the CIA establish heroin distribution networks in the United States, especially in Harlem, to fund covert operations. In exchange, Mafia figures gained political influence and control over narcotics trafficking, working closely with U.S. intelligence.

Q: Who was Charles “Lucky” Luciano and what was his significance in Operation Gladio?
Charles “Lucky” Luciano was an American Mafia boss who became a key asset to U.S. intelligence during World War II and the Cold War. He helped secure U.S. naval interests during the war and later worked with the CIA to establish narcotics distribution networks in exchange for political protection. His network supported Gladio’s funding.

Q: What is the “strategy of tension”?
The “strategy of tension” refers to a series of covert operations designed to create fear, instability, and violence in order to manipulate public opinion and political outcomes. These false-flag terrorist attacks were orchestrated by Gladio units to prevent Communist parties from gaining political power in countries like Italy.

Q: What were the “stay-behind” units and their purpose?
The “stay-behind” units were clandestine paramilitary groups composed of fascists, former Nazis, and intelligence operatives, formed by NATO in countries like Italy, Germany, and France. Their primary mission was to act as a counterforce to any potential Soviet invasion, using sabotage and guerrilla warfare tactics.

Q: How did Operation Gladio affect post-war Europe?
Operation Gladio had a profound impact on European politics, particularly in Italy, where it contributed to the destabilization of leftist movements. The network’s false-flag operations and alliances with the Mafia and far-right factions helped suppress Communist influence and maintain U.S.-aligned governments.

Q: What was the relationship between the CIA and the Vatican Bank?
The CIA used the Vatican Bank to launder money used for funding covert operations, including Gladio. The bank’s secretive nature made it an ideal institution for transferring illicit funds, which were critical for sustaining anti-Communist activities in Europe and beyond.

Q: What role did drug trafficking play in funding Gladio?
Drug trafficking, particularly heroin distribution in the United States, became a primary source of funding for Operation Gladio. The CIA, in partnership with the Mafia, oversaw the distribution of narcotics in urban areas, allowing them to generate untraceable funds to support their covert operations without relying on government budgets.

Q: How did Operation Gladio influence global anti-Communist efforts?
Operation Gladio not only secured Western Europe from Communist threats but also extended its influence globally, particularly in Latin America. The operation’s network of allies, including the Mafia and far-right organizations, provided logistical and financial support to anti-Communist regimes and movements worldwide.

People

Allen Dulles - Director of the CIA and instrumental in creating Operation Gladio. Dulles used former Nazi officers to establish a clandestine network aimed at resisting Soviet influence in postwar Europe.

William “Wild Bill” Donovan - Head of the OSS during World War II, Donovan’s work laid the foundation for Operation Gladio by collaborating with the Mafia to ensure U.S. interests in Italy.

Reinhard Gehlen - A former Nazi intelligence officer recruited by the CIA after World War II. Gehlen helped form the stay-behind networks that became Operation Gladio’s operational core.

Charles “Lucky” Luciano - A Mafia boss who collaborated with the CIA during World War II and later played a key role in drug trafficking that funded Operation Gladio.

Monsignor Giovanni Montini (Pope Paul VI) - Montini’s contacts with the OSS and Mafia during World War II were key to aligning the Vatican with CIA operations in Italy.

Vito Genovese - An American Mafia boss involved in drug trafficking, Genovese’s network supported Gladio’s covert operations through financial contributions from narcotics trade.

Michele Sindona - Mafia financier with ties to the Vatican Bank. Sindona was instrumental in laundering funds for Gladio’s operations through complex financial networks.

Licio Gelli - Head of the P2 Masonic Lodge and a central figure in Gladio’s operations in Italy. Gelli’s political connections and covert activities destabilized left-wing movements in Italy.

James Jesus Angleton - CIA counterintelligence chief, deeply involved in the Vatican’s and Mafia’s coordination with Gladio, providing intelligence support for covert operations in Europe.

Roberto Calvi - Banker and head of Banco Ambrosiano, whose financial dealings with the Vatican and the Mafia were central to Gladio operations. His death remains one of the great mysteries of this dark period.

Henry Kissinger - Former U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor. Kissinger played a role in Cold War strategies, and his warning to Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro about the dangers of including Communists in the government was significant.

Aldo Moro - Italian Prime Minister who was assassinated in 1978. His attempt to bring Communists into the government made him a target of Gladio-affiliated operatives.

Don Calogero Vizzini - Sicilian Mafia boss who helped facilitate Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily, and later supported Gladio’s financial operations through Mafia networks.

Giuseppe Santovito - Head of the Italian intelligence agency SISMI and a member of the P2 Lodge, Santovito played a key role in coordinating Gladio’s covert activities with the Italian military and far-right elements.

Salvatore “Toto” Riina - Head of the Corleonesi crime family in Sicily, Riina was involved in the violent internal conflicts of the Mafia and its broader connections to Gladio-related networks.

Pope John Paul II - His close ties to figures like Paul Marcinkus of the Vatican Bank implicated him in financial dealings connected to Gladio, particularly during the Banco Ambrosiano scandal.

Archbishop Paul Marcinkus - Head of the Vatican Bank and a central figure in Gladio’s financial network. Marcinkus’s involvement in the Banco Ambrosiano scandal tied the Vatican to Mafia and Gladio activities.

Steve Pieczenik - A U.S. State Department crisis negotiator sent to Italy during the Moro kidnapping. Pieczenik played a key role in shaping the Italian government’s response and was closely linked to Gladio operatives.

Meyer Lansky - An American organized crime figure who collaborated with Luciano and Genovese. Lansky’s financial and narcotics operations were integral to the funding of Gladio activities.

David and Nelson Rockefeller - The Rockefeller brothers were tied to Gladio’s financial dealings through their control over major banking institutions like Chase Manhattan, which facilitated funding for covert operations.

Organizations

Operation Gladio - A covert NATO operation, established during the Cold War, to set up stay-behind units across Europe. These clandestine armies were designed to resist a potential Soviet invasion. However, they became tools for political manipulation, orchestrating false-flag terrorist attacks and undermining leftist movements in Europe. Operation Gladio served as a critical mechanism in NATO’s anti-Communist strategy and worked closely with intelligence agencies, organized crime, and financial networks to maintain Western control in strategic regions.

CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) - The CIA was instrumental in coordinating and financing Gladio. As a key architect of the operation, the CIA provided funding, intelligence, and logistics. It played a pivotal role in recruiting former Nazis, right-wing extremists, and organized crime figures to support Gladio’s anti-Communist goals. The CIA maintained close connections with the Mafia and the Vatican, facilitating illegal drug trafficking and financial schemes to sustain Gladio’s covert activities without congressional oversight.

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) - While NATO publicly promoted collective defense against the Soviet Union, it secretly authorized the creation of Gladio’s stay-behind units. These NATO-backed armies, hidden across member states, were trained in sabotage, guerrilla warfare, and subversion. NATO’s involvement extended beyond traditional military functions, as its covert network worked to destabilize left-wing political parties and ensure the dominance of conservative, pro-Western governments.

Mafia (American and Sicilian) - The Mafia played an essential role in financing and facilitating Operation Gladio through its global drug trafficking networks. Charles “Lucky” Luciano, a central Mafia figure, collaborated with U.S. intelligence during World War II and continued this relationship during the Cold War. The Mafia’s narcotics trade in the United States and Europe provided untraceable funds for Gladio operations. Mafia figures maintained political influence, protecting Gladio’s activities and shielding operatives from prosecution.

Vatican Bank (Istituto per le Opere di Religione) - The Vatican Bank, led by Archbishop Paul Marcinkus, was deeply involved in laundering money for Gladio operations. As a key financial institution with diplomatic immunity, the Vatican Bank allowed for the transfer of illicit funds without oversight. The bank’s close ties to organized crime and intelligence agencies facilitated covert financial activities crucial to Gladio’s mission. The Vatican’s support for anti-Communist efforts extended beyond financial dealings, with senior clergy playing active roles in political manipulation.

P2 (Propaganda Due) - The Masonic Lodge P2, under the leadership of Licio Gelli, was a secretive organization embedded within Italian political, military, and business circles. P2 functioned as a shadow government, exerting control over key institutions in Italy and working in conjunction with NATO and the CIA. P2 operatives orchestrated terrorist attacks and political destabilization to suppress left-wing movements. The lodge’s members, including military officers, politicians, and business leaders, ensured the survival of Gladio’s operations even as scandals unfolded.

Freemasonry (Beyond P2) - Freemasonry, with its secretive networks and hierarchical structure, provided an additional layer of support for Gladio’s activities beyond the infamous P2 Lodge. Various Masonic lodges across Europe harbored members who were involved in intelligence and financial operations linked to Gladio. Freemasonry’s influence in politics, law enforcement, and banking allowed covert operatives to operate discreetly, shielded by the fraternity’s code of secrecy.

Banco Ambrosiano - This Italian bank, under the leadership of Roberto Calvi, was heavily involved in laundering money for Gladio. Banco Ambrosiano’s collapse in 1982 exposed a web of financial corruption connecting the Vatican, the Mafia, and Gladio’s covert networks. The bank funneled millions through secret accounts to fund Gladio’s anti-Communist campaigns across Europe and Latin America. Calvi’s mysterious death in London remains linked to the dark financial dealings surrounding Gladio.

OSS (Office of Strategic Services) - The OSS, the forerunner to the CIA, laid the groundwork for Gladio during World War II. The OSS established connections with the Sicilian Mafia and other criminal organizations to support U.S. military objectives in Italy. These relationships were later formalized in Operation Gladio, as the OSS’s covert methods and alliances became a template for postwar intelligence operations. The OSS’s wartime tactics in counterinsurgency and subversion directly influenced Gladio’s structure and strategy.

SISMI (Servizio per le Informazioni e la Sicurezza Militare) - Italy’s military intelligence service, SISMI, played a direct role in managing Gladio’s stay-behind units and ensuring their readiness for guerrilla warfare. SISMI, often infiltrated by P2 members, coordinated with NATO and the CIA to protect Italy from perceived Communist threats. The agency was implicated in numerous false-flag attacks and covert operations that aimed to discredit leftist movements. SISMI also maintained secret arms caches for Gladio operatives.

Christian Democratic Party (Italy) - The Christian Democratic Party in Italy was a key political beneficiary of Gladio’s operations. Supported by the CIA and Gladio, the party maintained power throughout the Cold War by suppressing leftist opposition, particularly the Italian Communist Party. The party’s ties to the Vatican and its alignment with U.S. interests allowed it to act as a political safeguard against Communist influence in Italy. Gladio’s terrorist campaigns, including the strategy of tension, directly supported the party’s dominance.

FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) - While primarily focused on domestic operations, the FBI cooperated with the CIA and organized crime to suppress Communist influence within the United States. The FBI’s role in targeting leftist organizations and political activists mirrored Gladio’s objectives abroad. Under directors like J. Edgar Hoover, the FBI used similar tactics of infiltration, surveillance, and disinformation against domestic political threats, reinforcing the global anti-Communist agenda.

Locations

Italy - Italy was the central battleground for Operation Gladio’s activities. The stay-behind units were most active here, where they were tasked with preventing Communist influence in Italian politics, particularly in the 1970s. Gladio operatives, working with the Mafia and the Vatican, orchestrated terrorist attacks and manipulated elections to ensure right-wing dominance. The country’s unique political landscape, with strong Communist and Socialist parties, made it a primary target for Gladio’s covert operations.

Rome - Rome, as Italy’s capital and the seat of the Vatican, was a key hub for Gladio’s political and financial operations. The Vatican Bank, located in Rome, served as a crucial institution for laundering funds used in Gladio’s activities. The Italian government, military intelligence (SISMI), and key figures in the Christian Democratic Party operated from Rome, making it the nerve center for political manipulations, including the orchestrated kidnapping and assassination of Aldo Moro.

Sicily - Sicily was a vital location for Operation Gladio due to the Mafia’s deep-rooted presence on the island. The Mafia’s collaboration with the CIA and Italian intelligence facilitated the flow of narcotics, which funded Gladio’s covert operations. The island also played a pivotal role in Operation Husky, the Allied invasion during World War II, where the Mafia’s influence secured U.S. military objectives, forming long-standing alliances that carried into Gladio’s Cold War activities.

The Vatican - The Vatican, particularly through its financial arm, the Vatican Bank, was instrumental in supporting Gladio’s activities. Under Archbishop Paul Marcinkus, the Vatican laundered money for the CIA, Mafia, and other Gladio-related operatives. The Church’s opposition to communism made it an active participant in the covert operations aimed at destabilizing leftist movements, especially in Italy and Latin America.

Milan - Milan, as a financial hub, played a significant role in Gladio’s operations, especially through the collapse of Banco Ambrosiano and the death of its president, Roberto Calvi. The city was home to numerous financial institutions linked to the covert funding of Gladio activities, and its industrial strength made it a key area for maintaining political and economic control.

Europe (Western Europe) - Gladio’s operations were not confined to Italy; they extended across Western Europe. Countries like France, Germany, and Belgium also housed stay-behind units designed to prevent Communist takeovers. Gladio operatives in these countries carried out false-flag terrorist attacks to manipulate public opinion and ensure the dominance of pro-Western governments. Western Europe served as NATO’s frontline in the Cold War, and Gladio’s presence was crucial for maintaining the alliance’s control over these regions.

Trieste - Located at the northeastern tip of Italy, Trieste was strategically important during the Cold War due to its proximity to Yugoslavia. It became a focal point for intelligence and Gladio operations, especially with concerns over Communist expansion in the Balkans. The city’s location made it an essential point for monitoring and countering potential Soviet or Yugoslav influence in Italy and Southern Europe.

Germany - West Germany, as a central player in NATO, hosted numerous stay-behind units as part of Gladio’s network. The country’s intelligence services worked closely with the CIA and NATO to ensure that Communist movements in Western Europe were kept in check. Germany’s role in Gladio also involved housing secret arms caches and coordinating intelligence with other European countries involved in the operation.

France - Gladio units were active in France, carrying out similar operations to those in Italy. France’s political landscape, with strong leftist elements, made it a target for NATO’s anti-Communist strategy. Gladio’s presence in France included intelligence collaboration and subversive activities designed to weaken Communist and Socialist parties.

Belgium - Belgium was another key location in Gladio’s European network. The country experienced a series of terrorist attacks during the Cold War, some of which have been linked to Gladio operatives. Belgium’s strategic location, as home to NATO headquarters, made it an important center for coordination between European intelligence agencies and NATO officials overseeing Gladio operations.

Timeline

1943 – Allied Invasion of Sicily
During Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily, the U.S. military collaborated with Charles “Lucky” Luciano and other Mafia figures to secure local support. This marked the beginning of the Mafia’s relationship with U.S. intelligence, which would later extend into Gladio operations.

1947 – Creation of Operation Gladio
Following World War II, NATO and the CIA officially established Operation Gladio as a network of stay-behind units across Western Europe. These units were tasked with resisting Soviet influence and Communist insurgencies in the region.

1948 – Italian Elections
With the backing of the CIA and Gladio, the Christian Democratic Party won the Italian elections, preventing the Communist Party from gaining power. Gladio operatives and the Mafia played a crucial role in influencing the outcome through covert funding and electoral manipulation.

1956 – Uprising in Hungary
The Soviet suppression of the Hungarian Uprising emphasized the need for Gladio’s presence in Europe. The stay-behind units were reinforced to prepare for a potential Soviet invasion in the West.

1969 – Piazza Fontana Bombing (Italy)
A bombing at the National Agricultural Bank in Milan, resulting in 17 deaths, is attributed to far-right terrorists connected to Gladio. This marked the beginning of the “strategy of tension,” a series of violent attacks aimed at discrediting leftist movements in Italy.

1974 – Henry Kissinger’s Warning to Aldo Moro
During a visit to the United States, Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro was warned by Henry Kissinger to abandon his plans to include Communists in Italy’s government. Kissinger’s warning was a precursor to Moro’s later kidnapping and assassination.

1978 – Kidnapping and Assassination of Aldo Moro
Aldo Moro was kidnapped by the Red Brigades, a left-wing terrorist group, and held for 55 days. His death has been linked to Gladio, as his political stance threatened the existing power structure supported by the CIA, Mafia, and Vatican.

1980 – Bologna Train Station Bombing (Italy)
An explosion at the Bologna Central Station killed 85 people and wounded over 200. This attack, one of the deadliest in Italy’s history, is linked to far-right extremists associated with Gladio. The bombing was part of the broader strategy of tension aimed at destabilizing left-wing political forces.

1982 – Death of Roberto Calvi
Roberto Calvi, head of Banco Ambrosiano and known as “God’s Banker,” was found dead hanging from Blackfriars Bridge in London. His death was linked to financial scandals involving the Vatican Bank, the Mafia, and Gladio’s covert financing network.

1982 – Collapse of Banco Ambrosiano
The bankruptcy of Banco Ambrosiano revealed deep connections between the Vatican Bank, the Mafia, and Gladio. The bank’s illicit financial dealings had provided substantial funding for Gladio’s covert operations throughout Europe and Latin America.

1990 – Public Revelation of Operation Gladio
The existence of Operation Gladio was publicly acknowledged by Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti in 1990, causing a massive political scandal. Investigations revealed the extent of NATO and CIA involvement in covert operations and terrorist attacks across Europe.

1992 – Assassination of Judge Giovanni Falcone
Italian anti-Mafia judge Giovanni Falcone was killed in a bombing orchestrated by the Sicilian Mafia, which had deep ties to Gladio operatives. His death underscored the ongoing power of organized crime in Italy, which had been strengthened by decades of collaboration with intelligence agencies.

Bibliography

1. Martin A. Lee, The Beast Reawakens: Fascism’s Resurgence from Hitler’s Spymasters to Today’s Neo Nazi Groups and Right Wing Extremists (New York: Routledge, 2011), p. 18–19.

2. David Guyatt, “Holy Smoke and Mirrors,” Nexus Magazine, August–September 2000.

3. Mary Ellen Reese, General Reinhard Gehlen: The CIA Connection (Fairfax, VA: George Mason University Press, 1990), p. 59–92.

4. Philip Willan, Puppetmasters: The Political Use of Terror in Italy (London: Constable, 1991), p. 54.

5. Alfred W. McCoy, The Politics of Heroin: CIA Complicity in the Global Drug Trade (Chicago: Lawrence Hill Books, 2003), p. 27.

6. Douglas Valentine, The Strength of the Wolf: The Secret History of America’s War on Drugs (New York: Verso, 2006), p. 140.

7. Peter Dale Scott, American War Machine: Deep Politics, the CIA Global Drug Connection, and the Road to Afghanistan (Washington, DC: Rowman and Littlefield, 2010), p. 64.

8. Claire Sterling, Octopus: How the Long Reach of the Sicilian Mafia Controls the Global Narcotics Trade (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1990), p. 191.

9. Martin A. Gosch and Richard Hammer, The Last Testament of Lucky Luciano (Boston: Little Brown, 1974), p. 146.

10. Tim Weiner, Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA (New York: Doubleday, 2007), p. 116.

11. Penny Lernoux, In Banks We Trust (New York: Penguin Books, 1986), p. 82–84.

12. Ronald Kessler, “James Angleton’s Dangerous CIA Legacy,” NewsMax, March 28, 2012.

13. Eustace Mullins, The World Order (New York: Modern History Project, 1983), p. 214.

14. David Yallop, In God’s Name: An Investigation into the Murder of Pope John Paul I (New York: Bantam Books, 1984), p. 108.

15. John Loftus and Mark Aarons, The Secret War against the Jews (New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1994), p. 361.

16. Pino Arlacchi, Mafia Business: The Mafia Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism (New York: Oxford University Press, 1988), p. 40.

17. Alfred W. McCoy, The Politics of Heroin in Southeast Asia (New York: Harper and Row, 1972).

18. Jonathan Kwitny, The Crimes of Patriots: A True Tale of Dope, Dirty Money, and the CIA (New York: W.W. Norton and Company, 1987), p. 162–163.

19. Alexander Stille, Excellent Cadavers: The Mafia and the Death of the First Italian Republic (New York: Vintage, 1995).

20. Ralph Blumenthal, Last Days of the Sicilians: At War with the Mafia (New York: Crown, 2012).

Glossary

Operation Gladio - A secret NATO-backed operation during the Cold War aimed at preventing Communist takeovers in Western Europe by forming “stay-behind” armies. These units, often composed of right-wing extremists, were involved in covert actions, including terrorism and assassinations, to destabilize leftist movements.

Vatican Bank (IOR) - The Istituto per le Opere di Religione (Institute for the Works of Religion), commonly referred to as the Vatican Bank, played a key role in laundering money for the Mafia, the CIA, and other covert Gladio operations. It was a financial institution at the heart of numerous scandals involving organized crime and covert operationssion** - A method employed during Operation Gladio to maintain control over political environments by creating chaos through false-flag terrorist attacks. These attacks, attributed to leftist groups, were used to justify authoritarian measures and prevent Communist influence .

P2 (Propaganda Masonic lodge in Italy, led by Licio Gelli, that played a pivotal role in coordinating Gladio’s activities. P2 members were involved in government, military, and intelligence circles, and the organization was linked to numerous political and financial scandals .

Mafia - The Sicilian worked with U.S. and Italian intelligence agencies during Operation Gladio. The Mafia’s network was crucial in narcotics trafficking and other illicit activities, which provided funding for covert operations aimed at combating Communist influence .

Stay-Behind Armies - These were clandestine groups set up by NATO in various European countries during the Cold War. Their purpose was to act as resistance forces in the event of a Soviet invasion, but they were also involved in domestic destabilization efforts against Communist movements .

Grey Wolves - A Turkish paramilitary group associateright nationalist movements and involved in Gladio operations in Turkey. The Grey Wolves were known for their involvement in violent activities, including the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II .

Banco Ambrosiano - An Italian bank that collapsed in the earlyealing a complex web of corruption involving the Vatican Bank, the Mafia, and Gladio-related operations. Its president, Roberto Calvi, was found dead in London, in what many consider to be a politically motivated murder .

Aldo Moro - Italian Prime Minister who was kidnapped and killed in 1978 Brigades, a left-wing terrorist group. His death has been linked to Gladio, as Moro had sought to include Communists in Italy’s government, a move opposed by NATO and Gladio operatives .

False-Flag Operations - Covert operations designed to deceive by making it appear ack or action has been carried out by someone else, typically a political enemy. Gladio frequently used false-flag terrorist attacks to discredit leftist groups and justify authoritarian responses .