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This is the first of two episodes looking back on the situation in Somalia. In this episode we will hear from both President Bill Clinton and Senate Republican Leader Bob Dole , and we will directly from the pilot, Michael Durant, himself as he relives his experience in Mogadishu in several interviews. This is the story of Black Hawk Down and the Battle of Mogadishu.

Here is the Wikipedia write up on the military operation:

The Battle of Mogadishu (Somali: Maalintii Rangers, lit.'Day of the Rangers'), also known as the Black Hawk Down Incident, was part of Operation Gothic Serpent. It was fought on 3–4 October 1993, in Mogadishu, Somalia, between forces of the United States—supported by UNOSOM II—against Somali National Alliance (SNA) fighters and other insurgents in south Mogadishu.

On 3 October 1993, U.S. forces planned to seize two of Aidid's top lieutenants during a meeting deep in the city. The raid was only intended to last an hour but morphed into an overnight standoff and rescue operation extending into the daylight hours of the next day. As the operation was ongoing, Somali insurgents shot down three American Black Hawk helicopters using RPG-7s, with two crashing deep in hostile territory, resulting in the capture of an American pilot.[17] A desperate defense of the two downed helicopters began and fighting lasted through the night to defend the survivors of the crashes.

No battle since the Vietnam War had killed so many U.S. troops.[19] Casualties included 18 dead American soldiers and 73 wounded,[20] with Malaysian forces suffering one death and seven wounded, and Pakistani forces two injuries.[21] Somali casualties, a mixture of insurgents and civilians, were far higher; most estimates are between 133 and 700 dead.[18][10]

After the battle, dead US troops were dragged through the streets by enraged Somalis, an act that was broadcast on American television to public outcry.

The operation was ended the next year.

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I went on line and looked up the Oslo Accords signed by President Bill Clinton, PLO Leader Yasir Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzak Rabin. It was an important moment that has faded now in its importance as the Israeli conflict with Hamas has taken centerstage.

I thought it interesting to read what Artificial Intelligence wrote about the accords, that this episode will also allow you to relive as they happened.

"The Oslo Accords were a pair of agreements signed in 1993 and 1995 between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) that aimed to establish a framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The first accord, signed in 1993, involved mutual recognition and established the Palestinian Authority (PA) to govern parts of the West Bank and Gaza. The second, signed in 1995, further defined the interim period and outlined areas of Palestinian self-rule. Ultimately, the accords aimed for a final peace agreement, including the establishment of a Palestinian state, but this goal has not yet been achieved.

Key aspects of the Oslo Accords:

Mutual Recognition:

The Oslo I Accord marked the first time Israel and the PLO formally recognized each other.

Palestinian Authority (PA):

The agreements led to the establishment of the PA, which was intended to be an interim self-governing body for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.

Interim Period and Final Status Talks:

The accords outlined an interim period, during which the PA would assume some governing responsibilities, with the expectation that final status negotiations would address issues such as borders, refugees, Jerusalem, and settlements.

Israeli Withdrawal:

The accords included provisions for Israeli troop redeployment from parts of the West Bank and Gaza.

Two-State Solution:

While not explicitly stated in the initial agreement, the accords were intended to pave the way for a two-state solution, with an independent Palestinian state existing alongside Israel. "

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We travel up to New Hampshire in this special edition episode to hear Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole , in his first foray into the state this cycle, as he helps fundraise for Congressman Bill Zepher.

At the time Dole had not yet fully committed to running in 1996 himself but he was clearly the Republican Leader in America.

This is Bob Dole at his best in front of a small audience answering there questions in a thoughtful, detailed way , often with plenty of that Kansas wit and humor on full display. If you ever wondered how he would end up the nominee of his party since he often seemed fairly stiff and colorless on television, this is where you will hear how it happened.

Never has there been a bigger contrast between the charisma of a candidate in person as opposed to how they appeared on television than was the case with Bob Dole.

Here he is at his best in New Hampshire at the Christmas Inn on September 6, 1993.

Questions or comments at , Randalrgw1@aol.com , https://twitter.com/randal_wallace , and http://www.randalwallace.com/
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