Blowback S4 Episode 5 - "We Can Live With That"
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Dec 6, 2023 Explore the rise of the Taliban, from the aftermath of the Soviet Union's withdrawal to the power struggle in Kabul. Uncover the investigation into Mayor Kihana's murder and the connections to al-Qaeda. Learn about the Taliban's formation, their involvement in drugs and pipeline politics, and their strategic PR efforts in Washington. Delve into the United States' efforts to access Central Asia's gas and oil resources and the negotiations surrounding Osama bin Laden's time in Sudan.
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Shifting US Focus
- The Bush administration's focus shifted towards the impending Gulf War with Iraq.
- This led to a disorganized US policy in Afghanistan, with varying opinions on supporting the warlords.
Warlord Power Struggle
- The alliance of warlords quickly fractured, leading to a power struggle primarily between Hekmatyar and Masoud.
- Hekmatyar, backed by Pakistan, prepared for a final assault on Kabul.
US Withdrawal and Stinger Retrieval
- The US largely withdrew from Afghanistan after the Soviet departure, focusing mainly on retrieving Stinger missiles.
- These missiles, crucial in the Soviet defeat, had spread globally, even reaching drug cartels.