Jocko Podcast The Unravelling 2: Saddam at War
Jul 20, 2020
Delve into the grisly legacy of Saddam Hussein's regime, focusing on the horrific treatment of the Kurdish people. Uncover the origins of his power, shaped by trauma and moral ambiguity. Explore the psychological dilemmas faced by soldiers in brutal conflicts, including the haunting My Lai Massacre. Analyze the geopolitical complexities of the Iran-Iraq War and the miscalculations of military leadership during the Gulf War. This engaging discussion sheds light on human adaptability amid tyranny and the intricate web of influence in warfare.
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Kurdish Atrocities
- In 1987-88, Saddam Hussein's regime launched chemical attacks on Kurdish villages, killing many women and children.
- One survivor witnessed dogs eating her son's corpse after guards took his body.
Widespread Terror
- Atrocities like those committed in Saddam's Iraq require the participation of many individuals.
- Leaders like Saddam create the conditions, but widespread terror relies on others' actions.
Sadists in Normal Groups
- Jocko Willink discusses the My Lai Massacre, noting its perpetrators were ordinary Americans.
- He asserts that even seemingly normal groups contain individuals capable of sadistic acts.