Very good points -- the lack of any real training or preparation does raise an eyebrow. However, the lack of any real known involvement with the CIA provides i

Very good points -- the lack of any real training or preparation does raise an eyebrow. However, the lack of any real known involvement with the CIA provides it with cover. The context of the time could make it plausible: the Cold War was intense at the time. Find a young zealot who truly hated communism, and is willing to play spy. The CIA really had nothing to lose or fear, for if he's caught they can claim ignorance, and the PR angle will be that the evil Soviets captured an innocent tourist; if not, he might bring back useful info.