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       Today, we examine the Afghan Air Force — its history, its success, its tenuous future. We talk with two of my L.A. Times colleagues who went on a helicopter ride-along ... that came under attack.

       Since 2010, the U.S. military and other allies have spent $8.5 billion to support the Afghan Air Force. In a long war characterized by inefficiencies and failures, this has proved to be one of the few success stories. Now, its days might be numbered.

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       Host: Gustavo Arellano

       Guests: L.A. Times Middle East bureau chief Nabih Bulos and L.A. Times foreign correspondent and photographer Marcus Yam

       More reading:

       Afghanistan’s air force is a rare U.S.-backed success story. It may soon fail

       Biden tells Afghan leaders that despite U.S. withdrawal, ‘we’re going to stick with you’

       Troops bid goodbye to Bagram, once the heart of U.S. power in Afghanistan

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