Devil Eyes was the code name for a secret psychological warfare program in 2005–2006 by the United States Central Intelligence Agency to develop an action figure of Osama bin Laden and distribute it in South Asia, especially Afghanistan and Pakistan.[1][2]
History of the project
editThe CIA worked in conjunction with toymaker Donald Levine, a former Hasbro executive who has been credited as the "father" of G.I. Joe toys.[3] Levine designed a 12-inch lifelike figure of bin Laden whose face was painted with a material that, when heated, would peel off to reveal a demon-like visage with red skin, green eyes, and black markings. The goal of the program was to scare children and their parents to turn public opinion against the real Osama bin Laden, or Al-Qaeda.[4][5][6] Levine sought to manufacture the toys in China, and he had business contacts there who could assist.[7]
Aftermath
editIn 2014, the CIA acknowledged the existence of the program but said it had been discontinued after Levine had produced only three prototype figurines. According to The Washington Post, however, an anonymous source in China with "direct knowledge of the project" said that hundreds of the toys were created and shipped to Karachi, Pakistan in 2006.[4][7]
A prototype of the design was sold at an auction in 2014 for $11,879, and another sold for $6,250 in 2015. The remaining one of the three known prototypes is believed to be in the ownership of the CIA.[5][6][8]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Brown, Elizabeth Nolan (2014-06-20). "Check Out the CIA's Demonic, Face-Melting Osama bin Laden Toy for South Asian Kids". Reason. Retrieved 2021-04-13.
- ^ Lanks, Belinda (2014-06-20). "The CIA Almost Made This Scary Osama bin Laden Action Figure". Bloomberg News. Retrieved 2021-04-13.
- ^ "Levine, Hasbro exec who help create GI Joe, dies". Associated Press. May 24, 2014.
- ^ a b Goldman, Adam (June 19, 2014). "CIA hatched plan to make demon toy to counter Osama bin Laden's influence". The Washington Post.
- ^ a b Connolly, Amy R. (2014-11-22). "CIA's Osama bin Laden doll 'Devil Eyes' sells for nearly $12,000". United Press International. Retrieved 2021-04-13.
- ^ a b Leopold, Jason (2015-06-25). "Now You Can Own the CIA's Bizarre Osama bin Laden Doll and Board Game". Vice News. Retrieved 2021-04-13.
- ^ a b "CIA considered producing Osama bin Laden action figure that transformed into demon". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Agence France-Presse. 2014-06-20. Retrieved 2021-04-13.
- ^ "CIA Toyed With Osama Bin Laden Action Figure". NPR. 2014-06-20. Retrieved 2021-04-13.
External links
edit
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