
S4 Episode 1 - "Snake Eater"
Blowback
Alliances Shape Islamic Politics
Governments closely allied with Washington often exhibit Islamic political tendencies, as seen in various historical contexts like Egypt under Nasser and Ba'athist Syria. Conversely, those that strive for independence from the US typically pursue secular or less Islamic governance. While exceptions exist, particularly regarding the Sunni-Shia divide and relationships with Iran, a pattern emerges where US support frequently aligns with Sunni conservative and extremist groups. This dynamic suggests that political Islam significantly influences the structure of global capitalism, evidenced by the US endorsement of Pakistan's role in fostering the Taliban to ensure stability for strategic economic interests in Afghanistan.