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S4 Episode 2 - "Bleeders and Dealers"
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.
01:10:20
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Quick takeaways
- Decades of foreign interference, including Soviet assistance and American, Pakistani, and Saudi sabotage, contributed to the communist revolution and rise of the Mujahideen in Afghanistan.
- The British invasions of Afghanistan in the 19th century showcased the challenges faced by the British, resistance from Afghan tribes, and Afghanistan's role as a pawn in the conflict between the British and Russian empires.
Deep dives
The Prelude to the War in Afghanistan
This episode explores the history of Afghanistan, from ancient empires to British colonialism, leading up to the Soviet invasion in 1979. It discusses how decades of foreign interference, including Soviet assistance and American, Pakistani, and Saudi sabotage, contributed to a communist revolution and the rise of the Mujahideen. It also highlights the strategic importance of Afghanistan as a buffer between powerful nations, setting the stage for a 40-year-long war.
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