Lions Led By Donkeys Podcast Episode 58 - Soviet Afghan War 4: Operation Cyclone
Jul 8, 2019
As the Soviet Union struggles in Afghanistan, U.S. involvement escalates dramatically, thanks in part to a controversial Texas congressman. The podcast dives into how the CIA's covert operations and funding strategies shifted the balance of power, including the pivotal role of Stinger missiles. Listeners learn about the complex web of U.S., Saudi, and Pakistani coordination that fueled the Afghan resistance. The discussion also touches on the unintended consequences of this support, warning of the long-term rise of militant forces and regional instability.
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Provoking A Superpower Through Proxy Aid
- The CIA intentionally considered inflating aid to lure the Soviets into a costly quagmire.
- Officials saw value in raising Soviet costs to force deeper intervention and exhaustion.
US–Saudi Funding Multiplied Aid
- The US matched its own spending with Saudi commitments to amplify funding for the Mujahideen.
- That pairing converted US dollars into a much larger, multinational funding pipeline run via Pakistan's ISI.
ISI's Central Role And Corruption
- Pakistan's ISI became the central conduit, but also siphoned weapons and funds into black markets.
- Large portions of aid were pilfered and resold, lining ISI and officials' pockets.
