The Good Spy: The Life and Death of Robert Ames

Throughout history, there have been spies who have helped shape the world as we know it today. One such spy was Robert Ames, a career CIA agent and colleague of famed operative Aldrich Ames. Ames’ legacy is one of both honor and tragedy, a life that spanned four decades in the world of espionage and ended with his assassination at the hands of terrorist group Hezbollah.

Robert Ames was born in 1936 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to a family of Irish descent. After graduating from West Philadelphia High School, Ames attended Temple University, where he studied history, international relations and foreign languages. After completing his studies, he briefly served in Asia before joining the Central Intelligence Agency.

Ames joined the CIA in 1962 and quickly proved himself a talented and dedicated agent. He cut his teeth in Beirut, Lebanon, where his charm, intelligence and natural affinity for Middle Eastern culture made him a trusted figure in the region. He became a respected contact for both regional officials and anti-West dissidents, many of whom became lifelong contacts and friends.

Through his meaningful connections, Ames developed important intelligence sources in the Middle East. He gained insight into the internal workings of countries such as Syria and Saudi Arabia, as well as terrorist groups such as the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Ames was an invaluable asset to the CIA, establishing valuable connections and serving as a strategic point of contact.

That all changed in 1983, when fellow CIA agent Aldrich Ames was arrested and prosecuted for espionage. Ames was found to have been providing top-secret intelligence to the Soviet Union, including the identities of US spies in the region.

As a colleague of Ames, Robert Ames faced both financial and emotional consequences following the arrest. His integrity and reputation were in question. Nonetheless, he remained a model employee and soldier for the CIA, earning a reputation for being a skilled and trustworthy operative in hostile regions of the world.

Ames was killed in Beirut in April 1983 in a terrorist attack. He had gone to the city to meet with contacts, a necessary but dangerous venture considering the political and military situation in the region. He was preparing to return to the US when Hassan El-Kadi, a member of Hezbollah, hatched a plot to assassinate him.

The man responsible for the attack was slain by another CIA agent in the aftermath, while Robert Ames and five others were killed in the attack. His funeral was attended by hundreds of colleagues, friends and family members, a testament to the respect and admiration he commanded as a diplomat, spy and friend.

Robert Ames lived and died selflessly, serving the CIA in a manner of honour. His memory is preserved through historical records, personal accounts, and professional analyses lauding his ability to connect with diverse sources and provide crucial insight into the Middle East. Ames’ legacy lives on and continues to inspire generations of spies and diplomats.