This episode is part 1 of CJ's discussions with a longtime DHP listener & US Army veteran of the Iraq and Afghan Wars, a guy who goes by "BT" on the internet. Not only does BT himself have a lot of personal experiences in these conflicts, he's also done a lot of research about these wars and related issues. These conversations will cover BT's experiences in those wars, and the effects of those experiences, which he's still dealing with today. Along the way, we'll also cover the history of these conflicts, and a variety of related issues. Join CJ & BT as they discuss: The 9/11 attacks, the propaganda that followed it, and the effects on people regarding enlisting in the militaryThe origins of the 2003 Iraq War, including some of the problems with the Bush administration's justifications for warThe invasion of Iraq, and the mounting problems as the invasion turned into an occupation, with a special focus on the city of MosulThe beginning of BT's time in the Army, starting in 2005, and the training he went through (and the many shortcomings of that training) prior to deploying to IraqSupport the Dangerous History Podcast via Patreon External Links BT's blog, The Warrior PhilosopherA Russ Baker article about George W. Bush talking about war against Iraq all the way back during the 2000 campaignMichael Huemer's 2012 Ted Talk, "The Irrationality of Politics" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices