Republicans Blame Kamala Harris for Afghanistan Collapse
Sep 11, 2024
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Colin Kahl, former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, shares insights on the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the ongoing fight against ISIS in Iraq. He emphasizes lessons learned from Ukraine's conflict. Vera Bergengruen, a Senior Correspondent for TIME, discusses Latin America's right-wing populism, focusing on leaders like Nayib Bukele and Javier Milei, and dives into Russian influence operations aimed at U.S. conservatives. Their conversation reveals connections between global conflicts and domestic political narratives.
Tommy discusses the ongoing military efforts against ISIS in Iraq, emphasizing the challenges faced by local security forces in a changing landscape.
Colin Kahl highlights the hard lessons learned from the war in Ukraine and the complexities surrounding potential negotiations for peace.
The podcast addresses the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, shedding light on the Biden administration's difficulties arising from the previous administration's actions.
Vera Bergengruen analyzes the increasing challenges posed by extremist groups in Northern Africa and the impact of political instability on counter-terrorism efforts.
Deep dives
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Global Security Challenges
The podcast features a discussion about pressing global security challenges, including issues in Iraq and Ukraine. Notably, the threat posed by ISIS in Iraq continues to linger, prompting the United States and Iraqi forces to conduct military operations against the group. Despite a planned withdrawal of American troops by 2026, local security forces still face significant challenges in managing the remnants of ISIS. Historical context highlights how previous troop withdrawals in 2010 led to a resurgence of ISIS, raising concerns about future stability in the region.
The Stalemate in Ukraine
The ongoing war in Ukraine has reached a steady state, with both Ukrainian and Russian forces struggling to make significant territorial gains. While recent drone attacks and military strategies showcase persistent conflict, the fundamental dynamics of the war have remained unchanged. Ukrainian forces control certain segments of Russian territory but find it difficult to regain lost territory while under ongoing bombardment from Russia. Discussions indicate there may be a shift towards potential negotiations in the future, highlighting the complexities of a resolution.
Challenges of US Involvement in Combat
The podcast also dives into the complexities surrounding American military involvement in Ukraine, particularly regarding the provision of weapon systems. There is considerable debate about the extent to which Ukraine should be permitted to use US weapons to strike targets inside Russia, especially in light of potential escalation risks. The administration is cautious, balancing support for Ukraine's defense while managing the possibility of a broader conflict. Historical lessons from previous conflicts emphasize a careful approach to military aid and engagement in foreign wars.
Critique of Biden's Afghanistan Withdrawal
The withdrawal from Afghanistan remains a point of contention, with critics pointing to mismanagement leading to chaotic evacuations. Reports indicate that the Biden administration faced numerous challenges from the previous administration that compromised their ability to prepare effectively. The lightning-fast collapse of Afghan forces underscores the complexities and unforeseen consequences of military withdrawals. Ongoing debates around the decision to leave will likely influence future U.S. foreign policy and military strategies.
Rising Extremism in Northern Africa
The increasing presence of Islamic extremist groups in Northern Africa presents a troubling security outlook for the region. Political instability and military coups have hindered effective counter-terrorism efforts, allowing groups like Boko Haram and ISIS to thrive. The emergence of mercenary forces like the Wagner Group has complicated the landscape further, undermining previous efforts by international coalitions. Concerns remain that without systematic approaches addressing the root causes of conflict, violence and instability could continue to escalate.
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Dynamics
Current tensions in Israel and the occupied territories reflect escalating violence and complex political dynamics. The assassination of protestors and continued military operations against Hamas highlight the fragile situation in the West Bank and Gaza. Amid recent conflict, discussions around potential ceasefires and resolutions underscore the difficult balance Israeli leadership must navigate to maintain political stability while addressing humanitarian concerns. Israel's strategic objectives complicate peace efforts, raising questions about long-term solutions in a conflict that has persisted for decades.
Tommy is joined by Colin Kahl, Biden’s former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, to discuss multiple conflicts and hot spots around the world including the ongoing efforts against ISIS in Iraq, the hard lessons being learned in the war in Ukraine, Republican attempts to blame Kamala Harris for the Afghanistan withdrawal, extremist attacks in western Africa, and the futility of trying to defeat Hamas militarily in Gaza. Then, Tommy is joined by Vera Bergengruen, Senior correspondent for TIME Magazine, to discuss her cover stories on President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador and President Javier Milei of Argentina, why they’re popular at home and with Republicans in the US, the DOJ indictment that disclosed the Russian government paid huge sums to American right-wing influencers, and why Russian influence operations work best in smaller countries.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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