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S4 Episode 4 - "They're Yours Now"
Nov 29, 2023
The podcast explores Operation Cyclone and the Reagan administration's strategy in supporting the Afghan insurgency against the Soviets. It discusses the impact of the Soviet peace initiative, the leadership change in the USSR, and the involvement of Western diplomats in the Afghan war. The influence of neoconservatives and the increased activity in Operations Cyclone are also explored. Additionally, the development of the Stinger missile, FBI surveillance, and the negotiations and withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan are discussed.
01:10:08
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Quick takeaways
- Operation Cyclone empowered the Afghan mujahideen and fueled anti-communist sentiment globally.
- The drug trade became a weapon of war, causing addiction among Soviet troops and generating profits for various parties.
Deep dives
The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan
The weak left-wing government in Afghanistan was unable to fight a growing insurgency funded by foreign powers. The Reagan administration escalated the CIA's operation to back the Afghan mujahideen. Soviet diplomats attempted peace talks with Pakistan to end the war. The anti-Soviet jihad revived the power of the CIA and fueled anti-communist fervor worldwide.
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