6 chapters across the catalog
A leaked transcript of a phone call between President Biden and former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani reveals Biden urging Ghani to project a "different picture" of the conflict, regardless of the truth. The leak is attributed to intelligence agencies (NSA/CIA) as a means of undermining the administration. The incident sparks a discussion on the selective nature of government transparency.
Afghanistan Election, Parallel Governments and Defense Cuts
Ashraf Ghani was declared the winner of the Afghan presidential election, but his opponent, Abdullah Abdullah, has vowed to form a parallel government. This political chaos occurs as the U.S. negotiates a peace plan with the Taliban. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has proposed significant budget cuts for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, shifting focus toward "Space Force" technologies.
Afghanistan Power-Sharing Deal, John Kerry Mediation, Sign-off
The show concludes with news of a power-sharing agreement in Afghanistan between presidential rivals Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, brokered by John Kerry. The hosts mock the "National Unity" government as a half-measure. Adam Curry and John Dvorak sign off from their respective locations in San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
A report on Secretary of State John Kerry's intervention in the Afghan election process, leading to a full audit of the votes. The segment characterizes candidate Ashraf Ghani as a preferred figure for the Pentagon and State Department, suggesting the eventual power-sharing agreement is a managed outcome.
Afghanistan Election Audit, Cholera in South Sudan
John Kerry's trip to Kabul to mediate an election audit between Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah is analyzed as a move to protect U.S. interests. The hosts also report on a cholera outbreak in South Sudan, noting the presence of UN "Blue Helmets" and drawing parallels to the UN-linked cholera outbreak in Haiti.
Afghanistan Election Fraud and Ashraf Ghani TED Talk
The disputed presidential election in Afghanistan between Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani is examined. State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki addresses allegations of widespread fraud and ballot stuffing. The segment mocks Ashraf Ghani's 2005 TED Talk on rebuilding broken states, contrasting his academic persona with the realities of Afghan power politics.
