Conflicted: A History Podcast The 1971 Bangladesh War – Part 5: Thank God, They’ve Attacked Us
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Dec 20, 2024 The tumultuous 1971 war between India and Pakistan is explored, highlighting India's race to capture Dacca. Delve into the psychological toll on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman during his long imprisonment. Witness India's strategic naval operations and Nixon's diplomatic maneuvering at the UN. The liberation of Bangladesh unfolds amidst moral dilemmas and intense military action. The episode concludes with Mujib's triumphant return and the profound human cost of the conflict, setting the stage for new political dynamics in South Asia.
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Genghis Khan Backfired Politically
- Pakistan's preemptive air strikes failed to cripple India and gave Delhi the moral high ground.
- Indira Gandhi immediately declared India was justified and used the attack to legitimize full-scale intervention.
Karachi Burned In Night Raids
- Four Indian missile boats struck Karachi's harbor in Operation Trident, sinking ships and destroying fuel depots.
- The raids crippled Pakistan's naval capacity and supply lines, severely damaging its war effort.
Encirclement Made Dhaka The Decisive Objective
- India achieved operational isolation of East Pakistan within 72 hours, trapping 90,000 Pakistani troops.
- Control of land, sea, and air corridors made Dhaka the decisive target for a swift campaign.
