Porkins Policy Review

We begin this episode by discussing the recent “rebellion” in Tajikistan.  Christoph and I break down who Deputy Defense Minister Abduhalim Nazardoza was and why he carried out a series of deadly attacks in the capital.  Christoph explains how this is being exploited by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in his unending battle to destroy Central Asia’s only Islamist party, the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan (IRPT).  We discuss the role that the IRPT played during Tajikistan’s brutal civil war during the 1990’s and ultimately what this means politically.

In our second story we return yet again to the ongoing violence and instability in Afghanistan.  We begin with a quick update on the infighting between Mullah Mansoor and rival Taliban factions.  Having gained the support of Mullah Omar’s family Mullah Mansoor continues to assert his power and dominance in the region.  Christoph and I go in to detail about the recent capture of the northern city of Kunduz by the Taliban.  Christoph explains the strategic value of this city and how this represents a massive blow to President Ghani’s regime.  We also break down the deliberate bombing of a hospital run by Doctors Without Borders by US bombers.

For our third story we take a look at Russia and their campaign to battle terrorism both home and abroad.  First we touch on Kadyrov’s efforts to dissuade young men from joining ISIS by humiliating them  on national TV, and his offer to bring the fight directly to Syria.  We also discuss Russia’s intervention in Syria.  Christoph and I analyze what is going on in Syria, the reasons for Russia getting involved, and what could be in store for them in the future.  We finish up the conversation by taking a look at the recent defection of US trained Syrian rebels, Division 30, to Al Nusra.

Download PGG episode 10

Show Notes:

Tajikistan:

Tajikistan clashes leave 17 dead in violence blamed on top official

Death Of A Fugitive: Abduhalim Nazarzoda, Tajik General Blamed For Recent Violence

The New Great Game Round-Up #108 – Tajikistan Exploits General’s Rebellion to Crush IRPT Once and For All

The New Great Game Round-Up #109 – Tajikistan’s Attempt to Prove IRPT-Nazarzoda Plot Backfires

Authorities accuse IRP activists’ defense lawyer of a large-scale fraud

Shuttered Tajik Islamic Party Branded As Terrorist Group

Tajik-Afghan border:

Putin and Rakhmon concerned over situation in Afghanistan

Russian attack helicopters to be moved to military base in Tajikistan

Afghanistan:

The New Great Game Round-Up #108 – Dostum Urged to Fight ISIS After Short-Lived Success in Faryab

Kunduz:

The New Great Game Round-Up #109 – Taliban Seize Kunduz as U.S. Mulls Drawdown Options

The New Great Game Round-Up #110 – U.S. Bombs Hospital to Help Afghans Retake Kunduz

Russia Is Using Old, Dumb Bombs, Making Syria Air War Even More Brutal

Kunduz Hospital Bombing Exposes U.S. Airstrike Hypocrisy

The Radically Changing Story of the U.S. Airstrike on Afghan Hospital: From Mistake to Justification

US commander says Afghans requested US airstrike in Kunduz

U.S. Airstrikes, Afghan Casualties

Disputing U.S. General, Afghans Say Taliban Control Kunduz

Kadyrov wants to go to Syria:

The New Great Game Round-Up #108 – Kadyrov Takes Unique Approach in Dealing with ISIS Recruitment

Kadyrov says 74,000 Chechens ‘ready to go to Ukraine’

Ramzan Kadyrov offers Putin his own *personal* volunteer Chechen special force

The New Great Game Round-Up #110 – If ISIS Won’t Come to Kadyrov, Kadyrov Will Come to ISIS

Kremlin Says Russian ‘Volunteer’ Forces Will Fight in Syria

Kadyrov and Dostum inspect Chechen forces: “We’re waiting for orders to go to Syria”

Afghanistan’s Dostum Turns To Old Ally Russia For Help

IS gunmen killed in Chechnya prepared large-scale terrorist attacks — Chechen leader

Russian intervention in Syria:

2015 Idlib offensive

U.S.-Turkey deal aims to create de facto ‘safe zone’ in northwest Syria

Al Qaeda in Syria withdraws from planned “ISIS-free” zone on Turkey border

Conquering Aleppo?

How Iranian general plotted out Syrian assault in Moscow

Moscow scuppers US coalition plans for no-fly zone in Syria

U.S. Admits: We Can’t Protect Syrian Allies From Russia’s Bombs

Russian warplanes in Syria destroy U.S.-trained rebels’ weapons depots: commander

Russia Fires Cruise Missiles in Syria as Assad Begins a Ground Attack

Pentagon’s ‘Division 30’:

Did a U.S.-Trained Syrian Rebel Commander Defect to al Qaeda?

Pentagon denies allegations US-trained New Syrian Forces defected

Centcom Concedes to The Daily Beast on Syria Rebel

Pentagon Suspends Syrian Rebel Training Program Amid Criticism

Music:
Huun Huur Tu – “Mezhegey”

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan – “Allah Hoo”