Blowback S6 Episode 4 - "Zulu & Foxbat"
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Jan 5, 2026 Dive into the tumultuous history of Angola's decolonization, where colonial wars sparked a fierce battle for independence. Discover how Portugal's Carnation Revolution set the stage for chaos among rival factions, and learn about the CIA's covert operations and the U.S. concerns over Soviet influence. Explore the unexpected alliances, including South Africa's intervention and Cuba's military support for the MPLA. Witness the dramatic events leading to Angola's independence day and the lasting implications of foreign interventions on the nation’s future.
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Ethnic Fault Lines Shaped The Conflict
- Angola's independence struggle split along ethnic and regional lines among MPLA, FNLA, and UNITA.
- These internal divisions created openings for external powers to back rival factions and escalate the conflict.
Covert US Strategy Escalated Rapidly
- U.S. policy under Kissinger aimed to back anti-MPLA forces covertly to prevent perceived Soviet gains.
- That led to Operation IA Feature and a rapid escalation of CIA spending and covert support for Roberto and Savimbi.
Stockwell's Firsthand Field Impressions
- John Stockwell described briefing clips where Colby summarized Angola as three factions: MPLA bad, FNLA good, UNITA unknown.
- Stockwell's on-the-ground visits exposed FNLA's weakness and inflated claims firsthand.
