The Rest Is Classified 3. CIA vs the Taliban: Behind Enemy Lines (Ep 1)
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Dec 4, 2024 America acted fast after 9/11, launching covert CIA operations in Afghanistan. Teams infiltrated behind enemy lines with cash and few resources, forging alliances with local warlords like Abdul Rashid Dostum. The podcast dives into the early days of these missions, revealing the urgency, challenges, and moral dilemmas the CIA faced. It also explores the intricate web of alliances, the tumultuous landscape of Afghanistan, and the complex legacy of a notorious warlord, showcasing a pivotal moment in modern history.
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Dostum's Cavalry Charge
- The CIA officer J.R. Seeger described a cavalry charge led by Afghan warlord Dostum.
- Dostum rode straight into the fight, urging the Americans to follow.
CIA's Knowledge of Afghanistan
- The US had limited interest in Afghanistan before 9/11, viewing it as a backwater.
- However, the CIA possessed deep knowledge of Afghanistan due to its involvement during the Soviet invasion.
Bin Laden's Presence in Afghanistan
- Osama bin Laden was based in Afghanistan, sheltered by the Taliban, and planned the 9/11 attacks.
- Although seemingly in hiding, he maintained close ties with Taliban leadership and operated a network of training camps.