Date of Birth: July 16, 1953
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Biography
Douglas J. Feith is a prominent American public servant, lawyer, and author, best known for his role in shaping U.S. defense policy during the George W. Bush administration. Feith was born into a family with a strong academic and public service background. He attended Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, and later graduated from Georgetown University Law Center with a Juris Doctor degree. Feith began his career in public service as a Middle East specialist for the National Security Council under President Ronald Reagan. He then served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Negotiations Policy, where he was involved in a variety of arms control and security policy initiatives. His most notable role came when he was appointed Under Secretary of Defense for Policy from July 2001 to August 2005 under Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. In this capacity, he was a key architect of the U.S. strategy in the War on Terror, including the planning and execution of the Iraq War. Feith’s tenure was marked by both significant policy achievements and considerable controversy, particularly regarding the intelligence used to justify the Iraq invasion. After leaving the Pentagon, Feith returned to the private sector and academia. He joined the faculty of Georgetown University and became a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, where he continued to write and speak on national security issues. Feith is also the author of the book “War and Decision: Inside the Pentagon at the Dawn of the War on Terrorism,” which provides an insider’s perspective on the decision-making processes during his time in government.
5 Interesting Facts about Douglas Feith
1. Douglas Feith’s father, Dalck Feith, was a Holocaust survivor and a prominent philanthropist.
2. Feith was a founding member of the law firm Feith & Zell, P.C., which specialized in international law and defense contracting.
3. He played a significant role in the development of the controversial Office of Special Plans, which was involved in intelligence analysis for the Iraq War.
4. Feith has been a vocal critic of the Iran nuclear deal and has written extensively on the subject.
5. He received the Department of Defense Distinguished Public Service Award, the highest civilian award given by the Pentagon.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Douglas Feith
1. “Intelligence is not the same as evidence, and policy decisions are not the same as legal judgments.”
2. “The greatest threat to peace and freedom in the 21st century is the spread of weapons of mass destruction to rogue states and terrorist groups.”
3. “Critics of the Iraq War often overlook the complexities and challenges of post-war reconstruction.”
4. “The war on terror is not just a military conflict; it is a battle of ideas and ideologies.”
5. “History will judge the decisions made in the aftermath of 9/11, but it is crucial to understand the context and pressures of those times.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Douglas Feith is estimated to be around $5 million, largely attributed to his career in public service, law, and academia.
Children
Douglas Feith is married to Anita Feith, and they have four children together. The family has maintained a relatively private life, with limited public information about their children.
Relevant Links
1. [Douglas Feith – Hudson Institute](https://www.hudson.org/experts/402-douglas-j-feith
5. [Douglas Feith – C-SPAN Appearances](https://www.c-span.org/person/?douglasfeith