How The CIA Funded a Terrorist Organization

Summary

The script outlines the events surrounding the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, the rise of the Mujahideen, and the role of U.S. covert operations through Operation Cyclone. It details how Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence influenced the distribution of U.S. aid, favoring extremist forces. Despite early warnings, the U.S. overlooked the spread of radicalism, which eventually contributed to the rise of the Taliban. The script highlights the long-term geopolitical consequences of the conflict, culminating in the assassination of moderate leader Ahmad Shah Massoud just before 9/11.

Takeaways

• 🌍 In 1979, Afghanistan saw the rise of a communist government under Nur Muhammad Taraki, followed by brutal oppression and mass executions, which sparked the Afghan Mujahideen insurgency.
• 🔄 Taraki was replaced by Hafizullah Amin in April, but Amin's harsh security measures and disappearances worsened the rebellion, making him unpopular, and leading the Soviet Union to suspect CIA involvement.
• 🪖 On December 25th, 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan to remove Amin and establish a stable communist government, but this conflict would stretch into a decade-long war.
• 🇺🇸 The U.S., caught off-guard by the Soviet invasion, initially provided minimal aid to the Mujahideen, but after the invasion, Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson began pushing for greater military support.
• 🤝 Operation Cyclone was initiated to covertly support the Mujahideen through Pakistan, allowing Pakistan’s ISI to control the distribution of American aid, favoring more fundamentalist forces.
• ⚠️ U.S. oversight over the aid was minimal, leading to the rise of radical Islamic fundamentalism in refugee camps, with figures like Osama Bin Laden gaining influence.
• 🪖 American aid was supplemented by support from the British, Saudis, and even China, but moderate forces like Ahmad Shah Massoud were increasingly marginalized by extremists.
• 💣 The introduction of American Stinger missiles in 1985 severely weakened the Soviet air force, marking a turning point in the conflict and aiding the Mujahideen's success.
• 🔜 After the Soviets withdrew in 1989, the U.S. showed little interest in shaping post-war Afghanistan, allowing extremist forces to take over, eventually leading to the rise of the Taliban.
• 📅 On September 9th, 2001, Ahmad Shah Massoud, the moderate leader, was assassinated by the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, just days before the 9/11 attacks.

Q & A

What led to the rise of the Afghan Mujahideen against the Taraki government?

The Taraki government, which had seized power in 1978, turned brutally oppressive with mass executions and extrajudicial arrests, sparking a widespread insurgency known as the Afghan Mujahideen.

Why did the Soviet Union invade Afghanistan in 1979?

The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan to remove the unpopular Hafizullah Amin from power and to establish a legitimate communist government, fearing that Amin might be a CIA plant trying to collapse the Afghan communist regime.

What was the initial reaction of the United States to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

The United States was initially caught off guard by the Soviet invasion due to its intelligence focus on Central and South America. Before the invasion, the U.S. had only provided limited medical and non-lethal aid to the Mujahideen.

How did Congressman Charlie Wilson contribute to U.S. involvement in Afghanistan?

Charlie Wilson was shocked by the Soviet bombing of Afghan civilians and decided to push for U.S. military support for the Mujahideen. He helped form a Washington coalition that led to Operation Cyclone, which provided military aid to the rebels.

What role did Pakistan play in U.S. aid to the Afghan Mujahideen?

Due to its strategic location, Pakistan was granted control over the dissemination of U.S. aid to the Mujahideen. Pakistan's ISI became responsible for managing the influx of weapons and funding, which strengthened its position in the country.

What were the long-term consequences of Pakistan’s involvement in the distribution of U.S. aid?

Pakistan favored more fundamentalist forces within the Mujahideen, which led to the rise of extremist groups. This, along with the indoctrination of Afghan refugees by hardline clerics, contributed to the growth of radical Islam in the region.

How did the United States inadvertently contribute to the rise of Osama Bin Laden?

The U.S. ignored warnings about Bin Laden’s growing influence in Afghan refugee camps, where he and other clerics preached radical Islam. The U.S. also facilitated global recruitment of fighters, indirectly bolstering Bin Laden’s future terrorist activities.

How did the introduction of Stinger missiles impact the Soviet-Afghan war?

The U.S. supplied Stinger missiles to the Mujahideen, which significantly increased Soviet aircraft losses, particularly helicopters. This weakened the Soviet air force’s effectiveness and allowed the Mujahideen to gain the upper hand in the conflict.

What was the Reagan Doctrine, and how did it affect U.S. involvement in Afghanistan?

The Reagan Doctrine, announced in 1985, declared U.S. support for anti-Soviet resistance movements worldwide. This allowed for an increase in funding, weapons, and direct military aid to the Afghan Mujahideen, intensifying the conflict.

What were the long-term consequences of U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan after the Soviet retreat?

After the Soviets withdrew in 1989, the U.S. showed little interest in shaping Afghanistan's future, allowing Pakistan-backed extremist forces like the Taliban to take over most of the country, which eventually led to the rise of Al-Qaeda.