Chinese espionage expert Matthew Brazil and Jeff Stein discuss controversies around General Mark Milley's backchannel contact with his Chinese counterpart. Jeane Meserve and Tom Sanderson explore the emergence of Taliban-controlled Afghanistan as a terrorist state.
General Mark Milley's backchannel contact with his Chinese counterpart aimed to prevent misunderstandings and miscommunication that could potentially lead to bad decision-making or a surprise attack involving nuclear weapons.
The Hakkani Network, a South Asian terror criminal syndicate with close ties to the Taliban and Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence, poses significant security risks and concerns regarding potential collaboration with Al Qaeda.
Deep dives
General Mark Millie's communication with his Chinese counterpart
The podcast episode discusses the controversial report that General Mark Millie, the Joint Chiefs Chairman, reached out to his Chinese counterpart to assure him that everything was under control in Washington. This action sparked varying opinions. The episode features Matthew Brazil, an expert on Chinese intelligence, who suggests that Millie's intention was to prevent misunderstandings and miscommunication that could potentially lead to bad decision-making or a surprise attack involving nuclear weapons.
The Hakkani Network and its relationship with the Taliban
The episode provides insights into the Hakkani Network, a South Asian terror criminal syndicate. The network, known for its cunning and deadly operations, has a long history dating back to the civil wars in Afghanistan. The Hakkani Network pledged allegiance to the Taliban and carried out various acts of violence, including bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings. Their close ties with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) provide them with funding and sanctuary. The episode highlights the influence and control the Hakkani Network wields within the Taliban and the concerns regarding their potential collaboration with Al Qaeda.
The risks and opportunities in dealing with the Hakkani Network
The episode explores the risks and opportunities associated with engaging the Hakkani Network, particularly with the recent US exit from Afghanistan. While the Hakkani Network holds significant power within the country, there is ongoing uncertainty in terms of the country's leadership, control, and potential splintering within the Taliban. The episode emphasizes the importance of managing the relationship with caution and maintaining leverage through financial support and potential recognition. Additionally, the Hakkani Network poses potential security risks, considering their involvement in illicit activities such as human trafficking, narcotics trafficking, and gun trafficking.
Chinese intelligence's understanding of Washington decision-making
The episode delves into the extent of Chinese intelligence's understanding of Washington decision-making, particularly during the Trump administration. While Chinese intelligence has excelled in cyber operations and gathering extensive information on American citizens, their reporting and analysis may be limited due to the strict adherence to Marxist-Leninist ideology. The hosts and guest, Matthew Brazil, discuss how this ideological lens might impact Chinese intelligence's comprehension of events and decision-making in Washington. They also touch on instances where China has attempted to engage with foreigners, including journalists and experts, to gain insights on US-China relations without necessarily recruiting them as spies.
Chinese espionage expert Matthew Brazil and Jeff Stein break down the controversy about Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley’s backchannel contact with his Chinese counterpart, and Jeanne Meserve and transnational crime expert Tom Sanderson discuss the emergence of Talibani Afghanistan as a terrorist state.
