FBI releases Classified Memo showing Saudi Involvement in 9/11 Attack?, What Lessons Have We Learned from the 20 Year War in Afghanistan, Handling Afghan Visa Requests at US Embassy in Pakistan, Counter-terrorism and Drone Strikes
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Retired US Diplomat to 5 different nations David Hunter shares his knowledge, passion, interest, and experience.
Today's Agenda:
1) FBI releases Classified Memo showing Saudi Involvement in 9/11 Attack?: Late evening of Sept 11, 2021---the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 attack---under Pres. Biden's Executive Order, the FBI released a redacted April 2016 memo that shows some of those who supported the 9/11 hijackers in US were 'highly respected' in the Saudi Consulate in San Diego, called the Saudi Embassy often, and may have been Saudi intelligence officials. Why did the FBI release this memo now?
2) What Lessons Have We Learned from the 20 Year War in Afghanistan? The US pulled it's final US troops out of Afghanistan on Aug 30th, after a shambolic scramble to depart starting after the Taliban took over Kabul on Aug 15th. The Biden Administration is claiming 'success' in it's ability to get 130,000 evacuees out in such a short time. But is that the right way to judge the results of our 20 year war? What about the collapse of the democratic government? What about handing control to a ruthless Terrorist Taliban?
3) Handling Afghan Visa Requests at US Embassy in Pakistan: The Taliban are hunting down those who helped the US. According to Politico website, diplomatic cables reveal that the US Embassy in Pakistan is being flooded w/ requests on how to help deal w/ SIV applicants who have fled into Pakistan. Pakistan itself is refusing to allow any Afghan 'refugees' to enter Pakistan, so these applicants may not be in safe conditions. What do you think is going on?
4) Counter-terrorism and Drone Strikes: Pakistan PM Imran Khan said in June 2021 that Pakistan “will not allow the CIA or US special forces to base themselves inside his country ever again”. Why? And even if US drones are not operating from Pakistan bases, don't they need to fly through its airspace to reach Afghanistan to attack Al Qaeda and ISIS targets?
