9 chapters across the catalog
Russia issued a warning that the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan is causing regional chaos, as the Taliban captures dozens of districts. The hosts speculate that this rhetoric is tied to John Kerry's recent visit to Russia and potential deals regarding poppy production or military base operations. They suggest Russia is being "drawn in" to the conflict.
Saifullo Saipov Radicalization and Uzbekistan Background
Investigators are tracing the background of Saifullo Saipov, the 29-year-old Uzbekistan native responsible for the Manhattan bike path attack. Reports indicate Saipov had contact with radicalized individuals and was inspired by ISIS propaganda videos found on his phone. Despite living in the U.S. since 2010, acquaintances noted he spoke little English and appeared increasingly disillusioned and angry.
Brooklyn Terror Plot, Coney Island and Uzbek Website Claims
Three men from Brooklyn and Florida, originally from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, were arrested for allegedly plotting to join ISIS or carry out attacks within the United States. The criminal complaint alleges the suspects discussed bombing Coney Island and killing FBI agents or the President. The hosts express skepticism regarding the validity of the "Uzbek website" mentioned in the federal charges and the actual capability of the suspects.
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.
Drone Strikes, Uzbekistan and Yemen Operations
U.S. drone strikes have reportedly killed a militant leader in Uzbekistan and five individuals in Yemen. The hosts track these events via a "kill list" website, noting the continued use of drones during the Olympic season. They question the lack of transparency regarding the locations and identities of those killed in these operations.
The hosts identify a new geopolitical meme: "The New Silk Road." They play clips of Susan Rice and Hillary Clinton discussing a regional trade network centered in Afghanistan involving highways, rail, and energy pipelines. They suggest the project is a massive "money grab" designed to benefit industrialists and secure CIA interests in the region.
US Army Corps of Engineers Building Railroads in Afghanistan
The US Army Corps of Engineers is reportedly involved in building a for-profit railroad in Afghanistan. Projects include a 50-mile link from Uzbekistan to Mazar-e Sharif and technical studies for a 200-kilometer line connecting Afghanistan to Pakistan. The hosts speculate the infrastructure is intended to transport gemstones, gold, or opium out of the country.
Musician Sting is criticized for accepting a $2 million fee to perform a private concert for Islam Karimov, the dictator of Uzbekistan. The hosts label the payment "blood money" and mock Sting's public persona as a human rights and environmental activist.
