Surprise, surprise! The CIA's intelligence on Hamas was way off the mark when it came to President Trump's historic peace deal in the Middle East. According to U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who appeared on 60 Minutes this past Sunday, the intelligence reports from the CIA painted a bleak picture, telling the Trump administration that Hamas would flat-out reject the deal. But, in a plot twist that would make anyone question the credibility of these reports, Hamas ended up agreeing to a ceasefire, freeing hostages, and moving forward with Trump's peace plan. Who would’ve thought?

Now, let’s break this down. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey were all onboard, confidently telling the U.S. that Hamas was on the verge of agreeing to key concessions. But, of course, the CIA was sending daily intel suggesting that Hamas wasn’t having any of it. Three briefings a day, filled with pessimistic forecasts. Yet, Witkoff and Jared Kushner, against all odds, decided to trust their own instincts—and guess what? They got it done. Hamas did indeed accept the plan. Maybe they should have listened to the people who actually had the relationships and on-the-ground knowledge, huh?

But don’t go thinking the CIA had nothing to offer in this process. Despite the conflicting intel, Witkoff and Kushner pushed forward, and even when Hamas initially hesitated over some parts of Trump’s 20-point plan, they were eventually brought to the table. It wasn’t perfect, but it was progress—something that’s been impossible for decades under previous administrations.

A White House official summed it up perfectly, stating, “Bringing peace to the Middle East has eluded American presidents for decades until President Trump and his extraordinary team got it done.” And while the CIA might have missed the mark, Director Ratcliffe’s support helped keep the process moving forward. After all, in diplomacy, it’s the ability to sift through conflicting reports and still come out victorious that makes the real difference.

In the end, despite the CIA's "helpful" intel, Trump’s team succeeded where others failed, proving once again that sometimes you just have to trust the people who know the game best. And while this may be another feather in Trump’s cap, it’s also a reminder that when it comes to making peace in the Middle East, sometimes the old ways just don’t cut it. Let's raise a glass to that victory.