In 1961, John F. Kennedy authorized a CIA-led operation to overthrow the government of Fidel Castro in Cuba. The invasion, known as the Bay of Pigs, was a resounding failure that highlighted the dangers of poor intelligence and flawed decision-making.

Kennedy's role in the Bay of Pigs was controversial. Some argued that he was too cautious and did not provide sufficient support for the invasion, while others believed that he was ultimately responsible for the failure of the operation.

Regardless of his specific role, the Bay of Pigs serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of effective leadership, intelligence gathering, and decision-making. It also highlights the dangers of overconfidence and the need for humility and critical thinking in the face of complex challenges.

Works Cited:
Andrew, Christopher, and Vasili Mitrokhin. The Sword and the Shield: The Mitrokhin Archive and the Secret History of the KGB. Basic Books, 1999.
Blight, James G., et al. The Cuban Missile Crisis Revisited. Routledge, 2012.
Wyden, Peter. Bay of Pigs: The Untold Story. Simon Schuster, 2001.