9 chapters across the catalog
NPR reports on the plight of Afghan pilots who trained on U.S. Black Hawk helicopters and are now in hiding. Experts explain that while the Taliban captured several aircraft, they lack the sophisticated maintenance infrastructure required to keep the helicopters operational for long.
Tajikistan Secret Chinese Base, Hamza Bin Laden Location Theory
A theory is presented that Hamza bin Laden may be hiding in Anyi, Tajikistan, near a secret Chinese military outpost. The Washington Post recently reported on the presence of Chinese troops in the region near the borders of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The discussion suggests Tajikistan could be a future target for "rebelization" or military intervention.
A formal knighting ceremony is held for several high-level donors, including Sir Eric from South Africa and Sir Oleg, who is named the Baron of Tajikistan. Other donors from Dubai, Amsterdam, and Toronto are recognized for their contributions. The segment highlights the global reach of the "No Agenda" audience and the diverse locations of its executive producers.
Tajikistan Terrorist Attack, American Cyclists Killed
An American couple, Jay Austin and Lauren Gagin, were killed by ISIS-linked terrorists while cycling through Tajikistan. The attackers rammed the group with a car before stabbing the survivors, killing four tourists in total. The couple had been chronicling their world travels on a blog, seeking to prove the kindness of strangers, but were targeted in a region where ISIS has been actively recruiting.
NBC News reported on Afghan police shooting down a bird allegedly carrying a bomb. Analysis of the footage reveals the bird was actually a research animal equipped with a tracking device from a conservation organization in Uzbekistan, complete with a visible contact phone number.
Samantha Power, UN Irrelevance, Central Asia Waivers
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power is criticized for her stance that the UN is "irrelevant" regarding Syrian intervention. The hosts contrast her position with international law and the views of UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi. Additionally, they highlight recent State Department waivers for assistance to Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan as a strategic "F-you" to Vladimir Putin.
Hillary Clinton in Tajikistan, Natural Gas Diplomacy, Earthquakes
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's visit to Tajikistan is linked to regional natural gas interests and the goal of exporting energy to India. The country has recently experienced a series of earthquakes, which some speculate may be related to intensive resource extraction or fracking. The mainstream press is criticized for failing to ask substantive questions about the economic motives behind the diplomatic visit.
Tajikistan Military Aid, Operation Flashpoint, Hydrocarbon Complex
President Obama requested increased military financing for Tajikistan as U.S. Transportation Command officials visited the country. This military interest coincides with Iranian plans to build an industrial city in Tajikistan. The video game "Operation Flashpoint: Red River" is cited as a tool for familiarizing the American public with military intervention in Tajikistan under the guise of fighting terrorism.
New York Times Analysis, Thomas Friedman on Israel
John C. Dvorak deconstructs the Sunday New York Times, noting the heavy focus on Derek Jeter's 3,000th hit over international crises in Libya and Tajikistan. The segment includes clips of Thomas Friedman discussing the lack of leadership in Israel and the potential for "shock therapy" regarding Palestinian statehood at the UN.
