Podcast Summary: Louder with Crowder – Episode: CIA Analyst: Are China & Russia Behind an Imminent Terrorist Attack on America?

Release Date: February 7, 2025
Host: Louder with Crowder
Guest: Sarah Adams, Former C Intelligence Analyst and Senior Advisor

Introduction

In this intense and revealing episode of "Louder with Crowder," host Steven Crowder engages in a deep discussion with Sarah Adams, a former CIA intelligence analyst. Adams brings to light alarming insights into the current national security threats facing the United States, emphasizing the intricate alliances between major world powers and terrorist organizations. This summary captures the essence of their conversation, highlighting key points, significant quotes, and critical analyses presented during the episode.

Current Security Landscape

Lack of Security Post-2021: Sarah Adams opens the discussion by highlighting that "Americans aren't secure," attributing this to the "open border policy" and the influx of "nefarious actors" (02:51). She asserts that the nation is at its "least secure point since 9/11."

Administrative Shifts and Their Impact: When questioned about the security improvements under the Trump administration, Adams acknowledges that while the new administration is "more honest about the threats," the prolonged neglect over four years has exacerbated existing problems (03:33).

Key Challenges: Adams identifies immediate threats, particularly the potential for a "major terrorist attack" in 2025, and long-term issues like border security, compounded by "near peer problems" with Russia and China (03:58).

Failures in the Afghanistan Withdrawal

Doha Agreement Mishandling: Adams criticizes the Doha deal, emphasizing that the U.S. "shouldn't have done the Doha deal" by negotiating solely with the Taliban and ignoring the broader Afghan government (05:42).

Consequences of the Withdrawal: She explains that the rushed withdrawal after the 9/11 anniversary left the Taliban empowered, leading to shifts in regional power dynamics. This weakness emboldened Russia to escalate its involvement in Ukraine and emboldened terrorist groups like Al Qaeda and ISIS (07:09).

Taliban’s Role and Alliances

Disintegration of Promises: Adams reveals that initial assurances of Taliban normalization were deceptive. Post-takeover, the Taliban rapidly facilitated terrorist activities, issuing passports to terrorists and collaborating with Al Qaeda in planning significant attacks (07:48).

Funding Paradox: Despite their alliances with terrorist groups, U.S. taxpayer money continues to fund the Taliban indirectly. Adams points out that humanitarian and counterterrorism funds are misallocated, often ending up in the hands of groups like ISIS (09:23).

Operational Synergy: Sarah Adams discusses how the Taliban, Al Qaeda, and Hamas share resources and training facilities. She notes, "All share the same camp. It's gigantic" (10:53), highlighting the false narrative that the Taliban is combating ISIS.

Al Qaeda’s Resurgence

Media and Government Obfuscation: Adams contends that the media and government have downplayed Al Qaeda's continued operations. She states, "Our own government and our own media covered up Al Qaeda's involvement," leading to a public misconception that Al Qaeda is defunct (12:19).

Intelligence Failures: There is a significant failure in intelligence collection post-Afghanistan withdrawal, preventing the U.S. from effectively tracking and thwarting Al Qaeda’s plans (14:16).

China and Russia’s Strategic Maneuvers

China’s Infiltration: Adams outlines China’s deep-rooted relationship with the Taliban, noting that China has been a long-term supporter, providing essential infrastructure and resources. This alliance allows China to exert significant influence in Afghanistan, facilitating its broader geopolitical goals (38:02).

Russia’s Tactical Alliances: Russia’s involvement with the Taliban and its manipulation of terrorist groups to serve its strategic interests are critically examined. Adams explains that Russia’s support has enabled the consolidation of various terrorist factions, undermining U.S. security (32:13).

Economic and Cyber Threats: Adams warns of China's pervasive influence operations, including cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure and economic subterfuge. She emphasizes that "China wants to slowly take us over, over time" (44:38).

Imminent Threats and Preparations

Imminent Terrorist Attack Prediction: Adams is adamant that a significant attack on the U.S. is imminent, citing ongoing preparations by terrorist groups. She mentions that "the intent is for the attack to occur in 2025" and underscores the readiness and training of these groups (26:26).

Community-Level Preparedness: She advocates for increased community resilience and individual preparedness, suggesting that Americans should develop emergency plans and be ready to act independently if government response falters (55:37).

Influence Operations and Information Warfare

China’s Information Dominance: Adams discusses the sophisticated influence operations conducted by China, particularly targeting younger generations through platforms like TikTok. She highlights the dangers of "information manipulation" and its implications for national security (46:16).

Pre-War Preparations: She warns that the U.S. is in a "pre-war stage" with China, lacking robust defenses against China's strategic advancements and cyber capabilities (43:05).

Controversial Topics and Personal Views

Edward Snowden’s Trajectory: Adams firmly labels Edward Snowden as a "traitor," arguing that his actions have significantly harmed U.S. national security by leaking sensitive information to adversaries (53:56).

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Call to Action: Adams concludes by urging Americans to enhance their personal and community-level preparedness. She emphasizes the importance of resilience in the face of potential attacks and the necessity to remain informed and proactive (55:37).

Host and Guest Farewell: The episode wraps up with mutual appreciation between Crowder and Adams, highlighting the importance of such discussions in raising awareness about national security threats (57:10).

Notable Quotes

• Sarah Adams (02:51): "Americans aren't secure. The main reason is obviously because of the open border policy."
• Sarah Adams (03:33): "I think we're going to be in a better position because I think they're being a little more honest about the threats."
• Sarah Adams (09:23): "We throw money at a problem. We even throw money at our enemy."
• Sarah Adams (10:53): "All share the same camp. It's gigantic."
• Sarah Adams (26:26): "The intent is for the attack to occur in 2025, and they are ready to do it and they're well trained."
• Sarah Adams (43:05): "We are at least in a position where everybody is doing like the left of, left of launch for war."
• Sarah Adams (53:56): "He really tried to damage the United States and our national security. And he is a traitor."

Key Insights and Conclusions

1. Interconnected Threats: The collaboration between China, Russia, and various terrorist organizations poses a multifaceted threat to U.S. national security, intertwining geopolitical strategies with militant operations.

2. Intelligence Shortfalls: The U.S. faces significant intelligence gaps, particularly after the Afghanistan withdrawal, allowing terrorist groups to regroup and plan large-scale attacks.

3. Influence Operations: China’s extensive influence operations, especially targeting the younger population, represent a covert form of warfare that undermines national cohesion and security.

4. Preparation and Resilience: Adams underscores the critical need for individuals and communities to prepare for potential attacks, advocating for self-reliance in emergency situations.

5. Government Accountability: The episode highlights systemic failures within the U.S. government and intelligence community, calling for greater transparency and strategic reform to effectively counter emerging threats.

Final Note: This episode serves as a compelling wake-up call regarding the evolving landscape of global threats. Sarah Adams provides a chilling forecast of an imminent attack on American soil, urging listeners to stay informed and take proactive measures to safeguard their communities.