The Long-Lasting Consequences of the War on Terror
Sep 1, 2021
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The podcast discusses the long-lasting consequences of the war on terror, including two massive wars, mass surveillance, rounding up of immigrants and people of color, a strengthened security state, drone assassinations, and human rights abuses. It explores the ongoing issue of civilian casualties and criticizes the United States military's track record. The podcast also examines the significance of the Oklahoma City bombing in shaping the post-9/11 era and discusses Obama's approach to the war on terror. It speculates on the future direction of the 9/11 era and explores how it caused instability in America, leading to the emergence of Donald Trump.
The war on terror led to mass domestic surveillance, human rights abuses, and thousands of civilian deaths caused by drone strikes.
The culture shift during the war on terror resulted in the acceptance of violent language and practices in the name of patriotism and revenge, perpetuated through propaganda and shows like '24'.
Deep dives
The ongoing impact of the war on terror and the drone strike in Afghanistan
The podcast episode explores the ongoing impact of the war on terror and highlights the recent drone strike in Afghanistan. It discusses how the US government launched a drone strike against an ISIS-K vehicle heading for the airport in response to suicide bombings outside the Kabul airport. While the strike was deemed successful, it resulted in the deaths of 10 civilians from one family, including children. The episode raises questions about the war on terror and its human rights abuses, including the thousands of civilian deaths caused by drone strikes in the past two decades.
The culture shift and propaganda during the war on terror
The podcast delves into the culture shift and propaganda that took place during the war on terror. It highlights how the security state successfully marketed the idea of an all-encompassing war on terror, leading to an acceptance of violent language and practices in the name of patriotism and revenge. This cultural shift was manifested in various ways, such as the placement of American flags on New York City subway trains and the production of shows like '24' that glorified torture. The episode also examines the bipartisan complicity in constructing and maintaining the war on terror.
The construction of the surveillance apparatus and targeted killings
The podcast episode discusses the construction of the surveillance apparatus and the practice of targeted killings during the war on terror. It highlights the passage of laws like the Patriot Act, which expanded surveillance capabilities and permitted targeting of communications. The episode also delves into the secret surveillance conducted by the NSA and the expansion of surveillance methods through social media giants. It sheds light on the controversial practice of targeted killings, including the targeted killing of American citizens overseas, and the legal justifications behind them.
The legacy and future of the war on terror
The podcast explores the legacy and future of the war on terror. It argues that the war on terror is not a distinct era but a continuation of pre-existing policies of institutionalized torture and surveillance. It discusses the need for a reckoning with the war on terror, restitution for its victims, and the abolition of its tools and practices. The episode emphasizes that without these actions, the war on terror will persist, potentially mutating into new forms. It also examines potential paths forward, including the possibility of a continued focus on China or a forever war against far-right extremists.
The United States flew its last military flight out of Afghanistan, ending the 20-year war in the country — the longest in U.S. history. This week on Intercepted: Journalist Spencer Ackerman discusses his new book, "Reign of Terror: How the 9/11 Era Destabilized America and Produced Trump." In 2001, the George W. Bush administration used the 9/11 attacks to launch the war on terror — an era that led to two massive wars, countless lives lost, mass domestic surveillance, the rounding up of immigrants and people of color, a strengthened security state, drone assassinations, and human rights abuses. And it's far from over, says Ackerman.