Growing Threat - Christian Persecution in Syria, Homeland Attacks and How to Prepare (Video)

In this 20 March 2025 video, host Shawn Ryan welcomes back Sarah Adams, Scott Mann and Legend to the show.

This episode explores the growing influence of terrorist networks in Afghanistan and Syria, with guests detailing how al-Qaeda and the Taliban have facilitated the training and mobilization of fighters. They highlight U.S. policy missteps, including funding through NGOs and intelligence-sharing with questionable actors, which have inadvertently strengthened extremist groups. The discussion warns the U.S. withdrawal from Syria could lead to the resurgence of ISIS and the ethnic cleansing of religious minorities.

The panel critiques U.S. foreign policy, particularly the decision to engage with the Taliban while sidelining the Afghan resistance. They warn of al-Qaeda’s ongoing plans for attacks on U.S. soil and the infiltration of Taliban operatives through flawed vetting processes. The conversation underscores the lack of a long-term counterterrorism strategy, raising concerns current missteps may lead to another major terrorist attack.

https://youtu.be/qxGOzQC0nWU

00:00 Introduction and Today’s Agenda
02:07 Background on Syrian Conflict
02:25 The Syrian Blitzkrieg Plan
04:28 Current Situation in Syria
06:46 Understanding the Caliphate
09:11 Impact of U.S. Withdrawal from Syria
14:07 Long-Term Strategy and Terrorism
17:46 European Immigration and Security Concerns
19:04 Gifts and Gratitude
21:13 Taliban Influence in Syria
39:17 U.S. Intelligence and Abandonment
46:04 Intelligence from the Taliban
46:35 Political Calculus and Resistance
50:01 Taliban Sympathizers in the Government
53:38 Al Qaeda and Homeland Security Threats
01:07:40 Funding the Taliban
01:19:38 NGOs and Corruption
01:27:55 Counterterrorism Dollars Misused
01:30:45 Community Concerns and Defense Strategies
01:31:13 Analyzing the Threat Landscape
01:32:07 The Gathering Storm Project
01:32:52 Case Studies and Lessons Learned
01:35:16 Community Preparedness and Response
01:36:57 Engaging Local Law Enforcement
01:38:09 Strategic Questions for Community Safety
02:05:57 Red Cell and Penetration Testing
02:11:58 Global War on Terror Veterans’ Role
02:13:28 International Perspectives and Final Thoughts