393. Road To 9/11: Interviewing Bin Laden In The Caves of Tora Bora (Part 5)
Summary
Peter Bergen recounts the 1997 interview where Osama bin Laden first declared war on the US, detailing his arrival in Afghanistan and alliance with the Taliban. The episode explores the strategic media tactics of al-Qaeda, including the 1998 fatwa and the synchronized embassy bombings that shifted US intelligence focus. Bergen also profiles key American officials like John O'Neill and Michael Sheaffer, highlighting the inter-agency rivalry and intelligence failures that preceded the 9/11 attacks.
Listen ad-free on Castria