Episode 10: A Disheartening Reality from New Jersey to Afghanistan

In the Context of Empire

This episode begins with Jon and Matt lamenting the fact that their district is returning to in person learning and proceeds to an equally disheartening discussion about Matt's latest post about the never ending war in Afghanistan. Beers are consumed, indictments of American policy are made, and very few solutions are offered!

Specifically discussed:

-The fact that John and Matt are returning to in person teaching on Monday

- The disappointing status of worker solidarity in the USA

- The absurdity that is the 2 decade old war in Afghanistan

- The BS notion that Trump is antiwar.. He escalated the war in his early years significantly. He has had 4 years to end the war, yet hasn't had the will/political courage to do so (just as Obama didn't)

- The mythologies that originally justified and continue the war:

1) The Taliban and Al Qaeda are one in the same

2) The Taliban refused to give up Bin Laden

3) The Taliban never surrendered

- Why almost any excuse to stay in Afghanistan does not hold up to scrutiny from the feigned concern about protecting women to the safe haven myth

Mentioned on the podcast:

Father son "feel good" story in Stars and Stripes

Trump is NOT antiwar

Glenn Greenwald on journalists' misuse of "confirmed" reports

Gareth Porter's breakdown of the actual intelligence of the Russian bounties

Washington post story showing that the US did have ongoing negotiations with the Taliban and could have worked out a deal if there was sufficient will for diplomacy

The Taliban tried to warn US about 9/11

Veteran Danny Sjursen's dissection of the concern for women that allegedly is a reason to stay in Afghanistan

Our Work:

Matt's Corresponding Post: Mythologies of The American War in Afghanistan

Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts related to this content!

Social Media: Twitter- @Mattylongruns.