History of the War on Terror
Summary
Journalist Peter Bergen discusses his new book, *All the President's Wars*, tracing 25 years of America’s war on terror from the 1997 Bin Laden interview to the current conflict in Iran. The conversation covers the Bush administration’s decision to invade Iraq, the expansion of presidential war powers under Obama, and the strategic use of drones. Bergen also addresses the complex legacy of post-9/11 foreign policy, including the failure to learn from past mistakes and the ongoing debate over U.S. involvement in the Middle East.
Topics discussed
Sponsorships: Lavender Locksmith and ARKtober
Intro: 25th Anniversary of 9/11 and health impacts
Context: Post-9/11 foreign policy and wars
Guest Introduction: Peter Bergen and his new book
Bergen's background and the 1997 Bin Laden interview
Bin Laden's grievances and US troops in Saudi Arabia
Bush administration's failure to anticipate 9/11
Clinton administration's response to Al-Qaeda attacks
Bin Laden's relationship with the Taliban and 9/11 planning
Listener call-in segment and show logistics
Propaganda campaign linking Saddam Hussein to 9/11
Debunking the WMD and Al-Qaeda-Iraq connection
Expansion of presidential war powers since 9/11
The rise of drone warfare under Obama
Commercial break
Listener question on Western dominance in the Middle East
US interests in the region and lessons from Iraq/Iran
Debate on whether the US 'deserved' 9/11
Closing remarks and WNYC sponsorship appeal
Listen ad-free on Castria