7 chapters across the catalog
Attorney General Pam Bondi's focus on DOJ "weaponization" is analyzed alongside claims from legal experts about targeting political enemies. A brief biographical note mentions a former acting attorney general's connection to the Sassoon family and their historical involvement in the 19th-century opium trade.
The history of British tea colonization is discussed, specifically how long-term deals from the 1800s secured high-quality tea for brands like PG Tips and Sainsbury's. The conversation touches on the upcoming anniversary of the Boston Tea Party and the historical context of the British tea and opium trade with China.
Afghanistan Opium Trade, UNODC Report, Eradication Failure
Opium production in Afghanistan has reportedly risen by 43% in the last year despite billions spent by the U.S. on eradication efforts. The hosts suggest that the military is effectively protecting poppy fields rather than destroying them, as the trade now accounts for 90% of the world's supply.
Afghanistan Opium Production and Mexican Competition
Reports indicate that opium poppy acreage in Afghanistan is down 19%, potentially cutting output by half. The hosts attribute this shift to the rise of poppy cultivation in Mexico, suggesting the US no longer needs the Afghan supply. They speculate this decline in production may finally allow for a full US military withdrawal from Afghanistan.
UNODC Report, Afghanistan Opium Production and Record Harvests
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports that opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan reached a record high in 2013. Cultivation increased by 36% over the previous year, with the farm-gate value reaching nearly $1 billion. The hosts note that the largest increases occurred in provinces where international military bases are located.
History of AIG and Kenneth Starr Connection
AIG's origins are traced back to 1919 in Shanghai, where it was allegedly financed by the opium trade before moving to New York in 1949. The segment also notes a familial connection between the company's founder and Kenneth Starr, the prosecutor who investigated Bill Clinton.
Afghanistan Drug Trade, Hamid Karzai Allegations
An anecdote from an Afghan shopkeeper suggests that President Hamid Karzai is deeply involved in the global drug trade. The discussion posits that the war in Afghanistan is inextricably linked to the opium economy and that the "War on Drugs" serves as a profitable enterprise for various international actors.
