Episode 334 - Forget Taliban 2.0! How about Afghan jihad 2.0 Artwork

Canadian Intelligence Eh

Everywhere you look these days terrorism and violent extremism dominate the headlines. Whether you follow what is happening in Afghanistan or Iraq, or in the West writ large, we are inundated with news of attacks by groups and individuals fighting for a 'cause'.In a world of multiple voices and opinions it can be very hard to know where to turn. One choice is to look to those who actually worked in counterterrorism in the national security world. In these half-hour podcasts 30-year Canadian intelligence veteran Phil Gurski is joined by a fascinating array of individuals with something meaningful to say about these issues as they provide insight into what they mean and what we need to do about them.

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Canadian Intelligence Eh

Episode 334 - Forget Taliban 2.0! How about Afghan jihad 2.0

June 15, 2026 • Phil Gurski

0:00 | 25:07

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After the horror of 9/11 it was logical - and completely justifiable - to go after those behind the attacks. As it turned out, the group responsible - Al Qaeda (AQ) - was based in Afghanistan and was protected and enabled by the Taliban. The US and many of its allies sent military troops and intelligence operatives to that country to locate AQ leader Usama bin Laden and his minions and either bring them to justice or eliminate them. Despite huge successes (UBL was found and killed a decade later, albeit in Pakistan), the US left the country in 2021 and the Taliban regained power. Where is Afghanistan now and what level of threat does it pose regionally and internationally? I speak with a former CIA targeting officer on these issues.