Blowback S4 Episode 2 - "Bleeders and Dealers"
112 snips
Nov 15, 2023 Explore the origins of the conflict in Afghanistan and the rise of the Mujahideen. Learn about Afghanistan's historical significance, its relationships with the Soviet Union and the United States, and the rise of political Islam. Discover the formation of the Safari Club and its outsourcing of CIA operations. Dive into the aftermath of Watergate and the CIA's covert programs. Examine the accusations against the USSR and the revolt in Harat. Get insights into Soviet decision making in regards to sending troops to Afghanistan.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Afghanistan: The Enduring Buffer State
- Afghanistan's geopolitical importance as a buffer state persists.
- The British invasion of Kabul, met with the Khan of Kalat's insightful question about their exit strategy, illustrates this.
Afghanistan: Crossroads of Empires
- Afghanistan's central location has made it a historical crossroads of empires and a strategic choke point.
- Its diverse ethnic groups and mountainous terrain add to its complexity.
The Rise of British Power and Opium
- The 19th century brought new challenges to Afghanistan, including the rise of British power fueled by the opium trade.
- This trade significantly impacted the region, foreshadowing similar issues with drug production in later decades.