H-Hour #225 James Glancy CGC – filmmaker, veteran, conservationist

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The conversation covers James’ experience filming in Afghanistan during the withdrawal of US troops and the Taliban takeover. James and Hugh discuss the failure of democracy, the misconceptions about Afghanistan, the corruption within the Afghan government and military, and the role of Pakistan in supporting the Taliban. They also touch on the controversy surrounding the evacuation efforts, including the Pen Farthing situation. The conversation highlights the lack of trust in leadership and the dire situation for women and girls under Taliban rule. The conversation covers various topics, including the rise of ISIS, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, long-term strategic thinking, the potential for national service, the changing nature of warfare, the future of Afghanistan, the challenges in the film and TV industry, and the issue of censorship.

Takeaways

• The withdrawal of US troops and the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan have had devastating consequences for the country and its people.
• The corruption within the Afghan government and military, as well as the lack of trust in leadership, contributed to the rapid collapse of the Afghan security forces.
• The role of Pakistan in supporting the Taliban and its geopolitical interests in the region are significant factors in the ongoing conflict.
• The controversy surrounding the evacuation efforts, including the Pen Farthing situation, highlights the challenges and complexities of evacuating vulnerable individuals from Afghanistan.
• The situation for women and girls under Taliban rule is dire, with restrictions on education, employment, and freedom of movement. ISIS and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict pose significant threats, and the West must not underestimate the strategic thinking and patience of its enemies.
• Long-term strategic planning is lacking in Western countries, while China and terrorist organizations like ISIS think in cycles of decades.
• The film and TV industry is facing challenges due to the decline in advertising revenue and the shift towards online platforms.
• Censorship and control of information on social media platforms raise concerns about accountability and the manipulation of public opinion.
• The future of Afghanistan is uncertain, but it is likely to continue being a safe haven for extremists and a source of terrorist attacks.
• The nature of warfare has changed, with the proliferation of drones and the ease with which they can be used for terrorist attacks.
• The conversation highlights the need for critical thinking, awareness of global human rights abuses, and a deeper understanding of complex geopolitical issues.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
07:34 The Doha Deal and US Withdrawal
15:01 Impact of the Withdrawal on Afghanistan
29:15 Evacuation Efforts and the Pen Farthing Situation
35:47 Corruption and Lack of Trust in Afghan Government and Military
42:55 Taliban’s History and Geopolitical Factors
49:49 The Potential for National Service
58:44 The Uncertain Future of Afghanistan
01:12:28 Challenges in the Film and TV Industry
01:23:28 The Issue of Censorship and Control of Information