Douglas Jay Feith, born on July 16, 1953, is a prominent figure in American national security and defense policy. Known for his role as the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy during the George W. Bush administration, Feith has significantly influenced U.S. defense strategies, particularly during the Iraq War. This article provides an in-depth look at his early life, career highlights, personal life, major achievements, and financial insights.
Quick Info Table
| Full Name | Douglas Jay Feith |
|---|---|
| Popular As | Douglas Feith |
| Occupations | Lawyer, Government Official, Author |
| Age (as of 2024) | 71 years |
| Date of Birth | July 16, 1953 |
| Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| net worth (2025) | Estimated at $10 million |
| Children | Daniel Feith, David Feith |
Early Life
Childhood and Education
Douglas Feith was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised in a family that valued education and civic involvement. He attended Cheltenham High School, where he excelled academically. Feith pursued higher education at Harvard University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1975, and continued his studies at Georgetown University Law Center, where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree in 1978.
Early Influences
Feith was inspired by prominent political figures and scholars, particularly Richard Pipes, a historian specializing in Russian and Soviet history. These influences shaped his perspectives on national security and international relations.
Career Highlights
Early Career and Government Positions
Feith began his government career in the early 1980s as a Middle East specialist at the National Security Council under President Ronald Reagan. He later served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Negotiations Policy, participating in various arms control negotiations and defense policy initiatives.
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
In July 2001, Feith was appointed Under Secretary of Defense for Policy under President George W. Bush. In this role, he oversaw the development and implementation of defense policies, including those related to the Iraq War and the Global War on Terror.
The Iraq War
Feith played a pivotal role in the lead-up to the Iraq War, advocating for the invasion based on claims of weapons of mass destruction and alleged links between Saddam Hussein and al-Qaeda. His establishment of the Office of Special Plans, tasked with analyzing intelligence on Iraq, sparked significant controversy and criticism for allegedly manipulating intelligence to support the case for war.
De-Ba'athification Policy
On May 16, 2003, Feith promulgated the De-Ba'athification policy, aimed at removing members of Saddam Hussein's Ba'ath Party from positions of power in post-invasion Iraq. While intended to dismantle the remnants of the regime, the policy faced criticism for contributing to instability and sectarian violence.
Post-Government Career
After leaving government service in August 2005, Feith became a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, a conservative think tank. He has authored several books and articles on defense and foreign policy, sharing his insights and experiences.
Personal Life
Family
Douglas Feith is married and has two sons, Daniel Feith and David Feith. Both have pursued careers in public service and policy. Daniel Feith served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State from July 2020 to January 2021, continuing the family's legacy of government service.
Interests and Hobbies
Outside his professional endeavors, Feith has a keen interest in history and international affairs. He has written extensively on these subjects and remains engaged with academic institutions and policy forums.
Major Achievements
Architect of the Iraq War
Feith's role as one of the architects of the Iraq War is perhaps his most well-known achievement. His advocacy for the invasion and involvement in shaping U.S. policy towards Iraq had a lasting impact on American foreign relations and military strategy.
Office of Special Plans
Under Feith's leadership, the Office of Special Plans was a significant development in intelligence analysis. Despite criticism for its methods, the office played a crucial role in shaping U.S. perceptions and strategies regarding Iraq.
Publications and Thought Leadership
Feith's contributions extend beyond government service through his writings. His memoir, War and Decision (2008), provides an insider's perspective on the decision-making processes during the Iraq War. His work continues to influence debates on national security and defense policy.
Financial Insights
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2024, Douglas Feith's estimated net worth is approximately $10 million. This wealth is derived from his various roles in government, consulting, and authorship. While specific details about his salary are not publicly available, it is clear that Feith's career has been financially rewarding.
Financial Success and Investments
Feith's financial success can be attributed to his strategic investments and consulting work. His association with prominent think tanks like the Hudson Institute and his advisory roles in various organizations have contributed to his financial stability. Additionally, his publications and speaking engagements provide additional sources of income.
Conclusion
Douglas Feith's career in national security and defense policy has left an indelible mark on American history. From his early days as a Middle East specialist to his controversial role in the Iraq War, Feith's contributions have shaped U.S. defense strategies and foreign relations. His financial success and ongoing influence in policy circles underscore the lasting impact of his work.
FAQ Section
What is Douglas Feith's role in the Iraq War?
Douglas Feith was a key architect of the Iraq War, advocating for the invasion based on claims of weapons of mass destruction and alleged links between Saddam Hussein and al-Qaeda. He played a crucial role in shaping U.S. policy towards Iraq during his tenure as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.
What is the Office of Special Plans?
The Office of Special Plans was established under Douglas Feith's leadership to analyze intelligence related to Iraq. The office faced criticism for allegedly manipulating intelligence to support the case for war, but it played a significant role in shaping U.S. perceptions and strategies regarding Iraq.
What is Douglas Feith's net worth?
As of 2024, Douglas Feith's estimated net worth is approximately $10 million. His financial success is derived from his various roles in government, consulting, authorship, and investments.
What books has Douglas Feith written?
Douglas Feith is the author of War and Decision, a memoir published in 2008 that provides an insider's perspective on the decision-making processes during the Iraq War. He has also written numerous articles and essays on defense and foreign policy.
What is Douglas Feith's connection to the Hudson Institute?
After leaving government service, Douglas Feith became a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, a conservative think tank. In this role, he continues to influence national security policy through research, writing, and thought leadership.
