#81 Sarah Adams - CIA Targeter Exposes How Hamza bin Laden is Alive | Part 1
Oct 30, 2023
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In this engaging discussion, Sarah Adams, a former CIA targeter with deep expertise in counterterrorism, sheds light on the intricate world of intelligence operations. She reveals the stark realities behind the Benghazi attacks and the complexities of managing terrorist threats globally. Adams shares insights into the dangers post-U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, including the potential resurgence of groups like Al-Qaeda. Their conversation dives into the ongoing challenges faced by the CIA and the impacts of political decisions on national security.
China is heavily invested in Afghanistan's lithium deposits and has been building hotels near them for long-term resource acquisition.
The State Department's takeover of the Kabul airport hindered the CIA's evacuation efforts and prioritized leaving Afghanistan over saving American citizens and allies.
The poorly planned and executed US government withdrawal from Afghanistan highlighted major failings and a lack of accountability.
Deep dives
China's involvement in Afghanistan's lithium deposits
China has been involved in Afghanistan's lithium deposits for a long time. Mullah Beradar, who negotiated the peace deal with the Taliban, served as the liaison between the Taliban and the Chinese government. China has been interested in acquiring lithium from Afghanistan for the production of green energy batteries. China has already started building massive hotels near the lithium deposits, indicating their long-term investment in Afghanistan's resources.
State Department's role in the Afghan withdrawal
The State Department played a significant role in the Afghan withdrawal. They took over the CIA's gate at the Kabul airport, hindering the CIA's efforts to bring in their own people. The State Department relied on a coalition called Afghan Evac to manage the evacuation process, which helped silence criticism and allowed them to control the narrative. The State Department prioritized leaving Afghanistan over saving American citizens and allies, causing many to be left behind.
The failings of the Afghan withdrawal
The US government's withdrawal from Afghanistan was poorly planned and executed. The main focus was on leaving the country rather than ensuring the safety and evacuation of American citizens and allies. The lack of accountability and willingness to address the issues raised by volunteer groups and activists who stepped in to help highlighted major failings in the government's approach. Despite the sacrifices made by US veterans and intel officers, the government seemed determined to get out without fully addressing the consequences of their actions.
China's growing presence in Afghanistan
China's presence in Afghanistan has been expanding, particularly in relation to the Taliban. China has established a strong relationship with the Taliban, acting as a liaison and providing support. They are the first country to officially designate an ambassador to the Taliban government. China's interest in Afghanistan's lithium deposits aligns with their Belt Road Initiative and their goal of securing resources for green energy production. Their investment in infrastructure, such as hotels near lithium deposits, demonstrates their long-term commitment to Afghanistan's resources.
Capture of Yunis al-Mauritani and Restarting Operations with ISI
The summary of this podcast episode highlights the capture of Yunis al-Mauritani, the al-Qaeda external operations commander, and the efforts to restart operational collaboration with ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) in Pakistan. The host narrates how an individual named Sarah Adams, who had knowledge and experience with ISI, took the initiative to contact ISI and propose the capture of al-Mauritani. Despite initial skepticism and lack of support from the US liaison, Adams and her team successfully arranged a meeting with ISI, resulting in the capture of al-Mauritani. The summary also includes an anecdote about a visit to ISI headquarters and a subsequent confirmation of al-Mauritani's presence in their custody.
Benghazi Attacks and Misinformation
The episode also touches upon the Benghazi attacks and the misinformation surrounding them. The host emphasizes that the attacks were not an isolated incident but rather connected to larger elements of international terrorism. They express frustration with attempts to downplay the significance of Benghazi and compartmentalize it as a separate issue. The host criticizes the Obama administration's handling of the attacks, particularly President Obama's decision to fly to Las Vegas during the ongoing crisis. The episode questions the narrative surrounding an anti-Islam video as the cause of the attacks and highlights the need to address the interconnected nature of international terrorism rather than ignoring or compartmentalizing specific incidents.
This episode is a follow up to our investigation into the Benghazi attacks with Mark Geist. Sarah Adams is a former CIA Targeter with a wealth of experience leading intelligence initiatives during the Global War on Terror.
In part one of this two part series, Adams gives us an overview of what it's like to run targeting and intelligence operations for the U.S. She also outlines the power structures of different terrorist groups around the world and how they continue to operate today. Adams also covers the growing threats in Afghanistan after the United States withdrawal and what Americans should be concerned about in a post-war world.
