Over the last forty years, there is a distressing history of foreign insurgent groups being able to manipulate U.S. policymakers and opinion leaders into supporting their cause. Frequently, that support goes far beyond rhetorical endorsements to include financial and even military assistance to highly questionable individuals, organizations, and movements. Sometimes those efforts have even entangled the U.S. military in bloody, unnecessary, and morally dubious wars, as in Kosovo, Iraq, Libya, and Syria.What is a freedom fighter? Why did we consider so many different groups to be freedom fighters? Is foreign policy messy? Should we be allies with reprehensible people to fight the evils of communism? Who was Jonas Savimbi and what was his role with the U.S. in Angola?Further Reading:Gullible Superpower: U.S. Support for Bogus Foreign Democratic Movements, written by Ted Galen CarpenterIs America a Gullible Superpower?, written by Hunter DeRensisSmart Power: Toward a Prudent Foreign Policy for America, written by Ted Galen CarpenterRelated Content:Three Arguments Against War?, written by Jason KuznickiWhat Are the Risks of Terrorism?, Free Thoughts PodcastUnderstanding U.S. Foreign Policy, Free Thoughts PodcastAmerica’s Authoritarian Alliances, Free Thoughts Podcast See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.