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The Taliban's Internet Blackout
The Friday Brief with Phoenix Ricks
Chapters
0:00
Welcome
0:18
Youth-led protests force a government dissolution in Madagascar
0:50
Who shut down mobile services in Afghanistan?
4:12
China's oil dispute with the Taliban
5:52
Geopolitics 101: who benefits?
6:32
Congo sentenced Joseph Kabila to death
7:51
Israel intercepts flotilla to Gaza
8:32
Trump Shutdown: Day One
10:20
Trump's trade wars hurt American farmers
12:09
Until next time!
The Friday Brief with Phoenix Ricks
The Taliban's Internet Blackout
Oct 02, 2025
Season 2
Episode 24
Girl Friday
Internet and mobile services are being restored today across Afghanistan. Did the Taliban shut off access as part of an "immorality" ban? Or is something else happening? We delve into China's oil feud with the Taliban and examine potential reasons for this disruption. In Congo, former president Joseph Kabila has been sentenced to death for war crimes. But, where in the world is he? Plus: Israel intercepted an aid flotilla; Madagascar's president dissolved the government; the U.S. Congress shut down the government; and American farmers are paying the price for Trump's trade wars. All in under 15 minutes!
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