Foreign Policy Focus: Recent Episodes
Kyle
Foreign Policy Focus is a podcast hosted by me, Kyle! It covers current events overseas and how those events affect you at home. While US military operations in the Middle East seem like they are on the other side of the world, they have real impacts on the everyday lives of Americans. Wars are the most costly of all US government actions and politicians use them to strip away rights of Americans. Knowing what your government is doing around the globe will give you insight into what they are doing at home.
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Posted as Conflicts of Interest #2
- YouTube – Conflicts of Interest
- Facebook – Conflicts of Interest
- Twitter – Conflicts of Interest
- Apple Podcast – Conflicts of Interest
Hosts Kyle Anzalone and Will Porter introduce the debut episode of Conflicts of Interest, a new video show covering news and world affairs that will stream live on YouTube three days a week. Kyle and Will break down Senator Rand Paul’s speech at the Republican National Convention, where he tried to sell Donald Trump as the anti-war candidate and a criminal justice reformer. An upcoming troop drawdown in Iraq could help to make Rand’s case. Rising tension over the South China Sea came to a head this week after the Pentagon flew a pair of spy planes near Chinese territory, prompting a missile test from Beijing and an exchange of harsh words. Will and Kyle give the latest on the story, and provide an update on ongoing strife over the presidential election in Belarus, where Washington and European allies have pressured incumbent Alexander Lukashenko to come to terms with his opposition.
Will Porter returns for the final episode of Foreign Policy Focus to discuss the shootings and civil unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin. First, a Kenosha police officer shot Jacob Blake in the back seven times while attempting an arrest, leaving him paralyzed. The shooting ignited protests at the Kenosha courthouse that led to riots in other areas of the city. On the third night of unrest, 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse shot three people during a confrontation, killing two. He has since been arrested, while both shootings continue to fuel intense debate and division.
Links
- YouTube – Conflicts of Interest
- Facebook – Conflicts of Interest
- Twitter – Conflicts of Interest
- Will Porter – Kenosha violence
On FPF #537, I discuss both parties claiming they will end the endless wars, but neither is serious about actually doing it. Americans keep voting for the president who promises to be less interventionist. However, after taking office, Bush, Obama, and now Trump have expanded wars rather than ending them. Our wars are the most destructive and wasteful part of the US empire. It makes us all poorer and leaves a wake of destruction overseas.
Links
- YouTube – Conflicts of Interest
- Facebook – Conflicts of Interest
- Twitter – Conflicts of Interest
- Will Porter - Kenosha violence
On FPF #536, Will Porter returns to the show to discuss Trump's Iraq police. Trump ran for president on ending endless wars. However, he has failed to get the US out of a single conflict. He is again saying he would like to bring US troops home from Iraq. His own staff could get in his way, as Secretary of State Pompeo is also demanding Iraq disarm the Shia militias. The election is approaching, and a desperate Trump could see ending the war in Iraq as a path to election victory.
Link
- YouTube – Conflicts of Interest
- Facebook – Conflicts of Interest
- Twitter – Conflicts of Interest
Will Porter returns to FPF to discuss how Lockheed could cash in on the recent deal between Israel and the UAE. Trump administration officials have suggested that after the two countries normalize relations, the US could allow the UAE to buy F-35 fighter jets. While Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has objected, the weapon makers have a powerful lobby in DC and Trump believes arms deals benefit the economy. Trump has also said he would like to extend the Israel/UAE agreement to Saudi Arabia.
Links
- YouTube – Conflicts of Interest
- Facebook – Conflicts of Interest
- Twitter – Conflicts of Interest
- Will Porter on Gaza bombing
- Will Porter on snapback sanctions
On FPF #534, I cover several important stories in the news. Documents from BlueLeaks expose the government spending thousands on training police in junk sciences. Andy McCarthy writes in the National Review how Kevin Clinesmith's guilty plead also is an indictment of Rep. Adam Schiff. The US Ambassador to Israel said the new deal with the UAE could open up new arms sales to the UAE. However, Israel expressed concern over sales of the F-35 to the UAE. Israel is hoping to have new deals with Bahrain and Oman.
Links
- YouTube – Conflicts of Interest
- Facebook – Conflicts of Interest
- Twitter – Conflicts of Interest
- The Intercept - TikTok
- The Intercept - Junk Science
Will Porter returns to FPF to discuss Trump's maximum pressure policy against Iran and Venezuela. Will explains how the US seized four oil tankers that were carrying oil to Venezuela. Iran responded with a lack of concern saying the oil was no longer being carried by Iranian ships.
At the UN, the US pressed for a resolution that would have extended the arms embargo against Iran. The resolution failed with only two votes, the US and the Dominican Republic. Even US allies - France, UK, and Germany - refused to vote for the US resolution. Kyle and Will talk about how Iran is responding to Trump's aggression.
Kyle and Will announce the successor show to FPF, Conflicts of Interest. Will is becoming a full-time co-host, and the new show will include a video. Conflicts of Interest is set to launch on August 31st.
Links
- YouTube - Conflicts of Interest
- Facebook - Conflicts of Interest
- Twitter - Conflicts of Interest
On FPF #532, I discuss Trump's announcement that the US mediated an agreement that will lead to Israel and the UAE normalizing relations. Details on the agreement remain unknown, but both sides are claiming this somehow allows for or prevents the annexation of the West Bank. While it may seem like a breakthrough, both Israel and the UAE have been apart of the US efforts to overthrow Assad in Syria and undermine the government in Iran. I explain that the relationship between the UAE and Israel becoming public will have some pushback and importance. However, I believe the main goal is to help Trump's presidency.
Links
- Tulsi on the Marshall Islands
- Woody Johnson IG Report
- US Special Operations in Africa
On FPF #531, Will Porter returns to the show to discuss the ongoing unrest in Lebanon. Protests escalated after government negligence led to a massive explosion at the Bierut Port. The country's prime minister and his cabinet resigned, although they will remain in place as caretakers until a new government is formed. Will and Kyle also talk about Biden's VP pick, the US trying to take Syrian oil, and Turkish drone strikes in Iraq.
On FPF #530, Will Porter returns to the show to discuss the new Russiagate Whistleblower Steven P. Schrage. Schrage is a former student of Stefan Halper and set up the event was Halper first met Carter Page. The Page/Halper meeting is suspected of helping generate the bogus Steele Dossier information that led to a FISA warrant on Carter Page and surveillance of the Trump campaign. Schrage has recorded audio of Halper showing he knew Mike Flynn would be fired as NSA just days before it happened.
Links
- The Spies Whi Hijacked the world
- Dangerous Game by Will and Kyle
On FPF #529, Will Porter returns to the show to discuss the massive explosion in Beirut. So far, over 150 people have been killed; however many more remain missing. The damage to the port will also significantly harm Lebanon's economy, doing billions in damage. Will explains that a cache of improperly stored ammonium nitrate caught fire and eventually exploded. While many details – such as how the ammonium nitrate ended up at the port and how the initial fire was stated – remain unknown, hawks are rushing to turn the tragedy into anti-Russia/Iran/Hezbollah propaganda.
Links
- Around the Empire - Elijah Magnier
- Rania Khalik
On FPF #528, I discuss reports that an American company had signed an agreement with the Syrian Kurds to produce oil in Syria. The story was pushed by Secretary of State Pompeo and Senator Graham. However, the Syrian Kurds now say no agreement has been made. The Kurds added that American and Russian companies are competing for the contract. The Syrian government has argued that the Kurds do not have a right to award the contract.
Links
- ISIS made money on Facebook
On FPF #527, Will Porter returns to the show to explain why it doesn't matter to Boeing CEO who wins in November. Will and Kyle how the US will continue to wage wars throughout the world and spend hundreds of billions of tax dollars on unnecessary weapons and wars. The bipartisan consensus continues to give the president a nearly blank check for waging war.
On FPF #525, I discuss Trump's decision to withdraw 12,000 troops from Germany. Washington hawks dusted off the worn-out Russiagate narrative to try to drum up fear that Trump was sacrificing the country's security to his master Putin. Trump's move is minor as the US will continue to deploy 24,000 troops to Germany and 10,000s of others in countries surrounding Russia. Only about 6,400 troops will be coming home; the rest will redeploy to Europe. While Trump likely decided to withdraw troops over his issues with Germany's leader Angela Merkle. Trump bringing any number of American troops home is an improvement and may open a diplomatic window with Russia.
On FPF #524, I discuss Trump's announcement to make retired Col. Douglas Macgregor the US Ambassador to Germany. Macgregor has been a long time advocate for foreign policy restraint. His name has been floated for prominent positions in the administration for years. While it is great that Trump finally added Macgregor to his administration; however, it is not an important enough position, and Trump is nearly out of time with his first term.
Links
- Mark Perry - USS Bonhomme Richard
On FPF #523, Will Porter returns to the show to discuss the deteriorating relationship with China. Last week, the US forced China out of a consulate in Houston. China responded by evicting the US from a consulate in China. The breakdown in the relationship between the US and China - and the US maximum pressure campaign against Iran - is forcing Iran to rely more on China. The two countries are expected to sign a $400 billion agreement soon.
On FPF #522, I discuss the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. The House has passed its version of the bill. The NDAA gives the Pentagon $740 billion and a black check for more war. One small victory is Tulsi’s requirement to study sanctions. The Senate also passed its version of the NDAA; however, after the recording of this podcast. Both the House and Senate rejected amendments that would have cut the war budget by 10%.
On FPF #521, I update the ongoing conflict in Libya. In 2011, Obama aligned with NATO to help al-Qaeda linked militants overthrow the government of Gaddafi. After the long time dictator was murdered, the country predictably fell into chaos. Now, a multi-faction civil war rages as ISIS and other Islamist groups try to carve out room for themselves. As the civil war has escalated, outside countries have provided increasing military support to the warring factions. It appears Turkey and Egypt could quickly come to blows inside Libya.
Will Porter returns to FPF to discuss Trump's deployment of well-armed federal agents to Portland. The feds are carrying out mass abuses of protesters, including arresting people for an unnamed reason and throwing the detainees into unmarked minivans. Several journalists have been targeted. Police have disabled at least one man by shooting him in the head with a rubber bullet. City and state officials want the feds gone; however, Trump says they are deployed as part of his order to protest statues.
Will Porter returns to Foreign Policy Focus to discuss the new report that Trump gave the CIA approval to wage cyberwar. The approval was granted in 2018, after being denied by both Bush and Obama. The order allows for the targeting of countries including Russia, China, and Iran. Will details a recent series of disasters in Iran and how Trump's cyberwar may have played a role.
Links
- Intercept - Banks make $18 billion
- Yahoo - Cyberwar
- Nation - Army recruits with Twitch
On FPF #518, Dave DeCamp returns to the show. Dave talks about his recent articles on Iran and China. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has spun lies about both countries to justify a more aggressive foreign policy. He accuses Iran of attacking the US interests in Iraq and Yemen. Dave debunks Pompeo's lies and explains how America's aggressive policy is problematic for Iranians, Chinese, and Americans.
Links
- Pompeo's flimsy lies about Iran
- Dave's news articles
On FPF #517, I discuss top news, including Trump's commuting of Roger Stone's jail sentence. Democrats are attempting to roll this story into the Russiagate conspiracy theory, which now includes Bountygate. While the opposition to Trump is enraged by their own fake news, Trump is ramping up cold wars with Russia, and Congress is taking advantage of the distracted public to give away more of our tax dollars to their donors.
Links
- Gareth Porter on Red Lines
- Intercept - Bail Reform
- Intercept - Hawkish Super PAC enters Maine GOP race
On FPF #516, I discuss how Russiagate conditioned people to buy the fake Bountygate story. Russiagate has pushed a false narrative about Russia for four years. Now many Americans, believing Putin is the ultimate enemy, are willing to believe any lie spun about Russia. Recent polling shows a majority of Americans believe the Bountygate claims, even as an ever-increasing number of journalists poke major holes in the allegations. The political pressure created by the mainstream media has a majority of Americas seeking new sanctions on Russia.
On FPF #515, I discuss the latest push by South Korean President Moon Jae-in to have another meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un. The top US negotiator traveled to South Korea in an attempt to restart talks. Trump has now signaled he be open to talks. However, North Korea is taking a public stand against meeting with Trump before November's election. I explain why North Korea is refusing to meet with the US and the damage done by John Bolton.
Links
- John Dangelo - EARN IT
On FPF #514, Will Porter returns to the show to talk about the status of Israeli annexation. The recent power-sharing agreement that created the Israeli government agreed that annexation could have started as early as July 1st. However, the day has come and gone with no annexation. Will looks at the possible annexation plans and when the plans could be enforced. Kyle and Will discuss the impact on Palestinians and American politics.
Links
- Scott Ritter
- Scott Horton
- Will Porter and Kyle Anzalone
On FPF #513, I discuss the efforts in Congress to prevent Trump from bringing US troops home. After 19 years, there is a chance the US could end our longest war and bring troops home. However, members of Congress are working to pass provisions to the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act to prevent Trump from withdrawing troops from Afghanistan. House Dems have teamed up with the most hawkish Republicans, like Liz Chaney, to accomplish this goal. This unholy alliance will surely get more American soldiers killed in Afghanistan.
On FPF #512, John Dangelo returns to the show to talk about the murder of Elijah McClain. McClain was walking down the street when someone called the police because he was wearing a ski mask. A police officer confronted him and put him in a chokehold. An EMT gave his a does of Ketamine before he went into cardiac arrest and died. John is an ER nurse with expertise working with people who are in a state of excited delirium and formerly worked as an EMT. John breaks down what could have caused McClain's death and better ways to help people in dangerous states of mind.
Links
- Antiwarwarvet.com
- Anti-War War Vet on Facebook
On FPF #511, Will Porter returns to the show to discuss Trump's failing Russia policy. During the campaign, Trump made it clear that he would able to get along and make deals with Putin. However, once Trump took office, his policy towards Russia became more and more aggressive. Trump started with expelling diplomats and is now ripping up key arms control agreements over minor disputes. Kyle and Will explain how the president's actions are pushing the US to a new arms race and cold war with Russia.
On FPF #510, John Dangelo returns to the show to discuss being a anti-war war vet. John explains he was a Marine reservist when he was deployed to Afghanistan. His experiences there and reading libertarian/antiwar material led to him to becoming antiwar. We talk about his experiences in the military and as an ER nurse battling Covid.
Links
- Antiwarwarvet.com
- Anti-War War Vet on Facebook
Will Porter returns to Foreign Policy Focus to discuss the release of Bolton's new book and the Trump administration's effort to delay its publication. Will and Kyle break down some of the stories told in the book and how Bolton's lies as Trump's National Security Adviser continue to harm peace efforts across the globe. They explain Bolton's long history of lying to start wars and why no one should believe the narratives spun in the memoir.
Links
- Gareth Porter on the IAEA
On FPF #508, I discuss some of the important news happening around the world. In California, police officers murdered an 18-year-old kid working as a security guard. The State Department approved a $600 million weapon sale to Ukraine. In the UK, a terrorist stabbed three people to death. The UN believes healthcare workers are being targeted in Afghanistan.
Links
- Useful Idiots
Dave DeCamp joins Foreign Policy Focus to discuss his recent coverage of Steve Bannon and Frank Gaffney's latest efforts to increase tensions with China. Bannon and Gaffney have stated the group Committee for Present Danger: China to further this goal. The Trump administration continues to adopt the group's language showing its influence. Dave debunks their hawkish and absurd claims.
Dave DeCamp is assistant editor at Antiwar.com and a freelance journalist based in Brooklyn NY, focusing on US foreign policy and wars. He is on Twitter at @decampdave.
Links
- Dave's China video
- The killing of David McAtee
- Bannon's plot to take down the CCP
On FPF #506, I discuss Trump's obsession with helping the arms industry. The Pentagon announced that it plans to spend $135 million bailing out small arms makers, the Senate is trying to allocate $10 million for nuclear weapons testing, and the US will acquire the six F-35s that were first sold to Turkey. The massive spending on weapons comes as millions of Americans are out of work. Trump is also trying to make it easier to sell drones to Saudi Arabia and the UAE by reinterpreting an international missile control agreement.
On FPF #505, Will returns to the show to discuss efforts to reign in the police. The recent weeks of protests have produced 100s of videos of police murdering and assaulting people. The police have committed these crimes with a very small chance of facing any repercussions. The lawless law-keepers must be restrained if we want to live in a free society. Will and Kyle discuss the new proposed laws and how they can help hold killer cops accountable.
Links
- Glenn Greenwald on Covid
- Mike Maharrey on qualified immunity
On FPF #504, I discuss Israel's plan to move forward with annexing portions of the West Bank. Israel's plan is to annex up to 30% - of the most valuable land - this summer. The annexation will cause Palestinian towns within the West Bank to be disconnected from each other. The annexation plan loosely follows Trump's Deal of the Century. However, the deal calls for Israel to halt settlement expansion during annexation, and Netanyahu has made it clear he intends to continue with expansion. The Palestinians are considering several options, including declaring a state.
Links
- Max Blumenthal - US police train in Israel
- Jordan Smith - Less than lethal weapons
We discuss Danny’s experience on the ground at the protests in Kansas City and the broader protest movement, whether this is an insurrection, the idea of calling in the military to act as a police force or worse, and the parallels between current policing practices and counterinsurgency missions.
Major Danny Sjursen is a retired US Army strategist, West Point grad and former history instructor at West Point. He served tours with reconnaissance units in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is the author of a memoir and critical analysis of the Iraq War titled: Ghostriders of Baghdad. His articles are published by numerous media outlets: antiwar.com, The American Conservative, Truthdig, TomDispatch and others.
Joanne Leon is the host of the Around the Empire podcast.
Links
- Dispatches From Kansas City: The ‘Insurrection’ That Wasn’t (May 30-31, 2020), Danny Sjursen
- Do Police Face Less Discipline Than U.S. Soldiers?, Danny Sjursen
- Military Officers And Vets Uncomfortable With Trump’s Domestic ‘Battlespace’, Mark Perry
- Book: Ghostriders of Baghdad: Soldiers, Civilians, and the Myth of the Surge, Danny Sjursen
- Book: Patriotic Dissent: America in the Age of Endless War, Danny Sjursen
On FPF #502, Will Porter returns to the show to discuss ongoing George Floyd protests. Will and Kyle break down some of the worst examples of police brutality. Will explains that the protests are now in 100s of American cities and have even spread to Europe. The protest movement is generally about Black Likes Matter, and a popular call is to defund the police.
In Minneapolis, the protests demanded the mayor disband the police department. The mayor refused, but now a veto-proof majority of the city council has a plan to eliminate the police department. Will and Kyle talk about why the people are demanding the plan and how it can be beneficial.
Links
- Trevor Timm - Police abuse journalists
- Over 400 example of police brutality
On FPF #501, I invited great friends of the show Joanne Leon and Will Porter to come on and chat about some of the most important topics covered in the first 500 episodes of the show. We talk about some of the most important narratives the establishment media has gotten wrong, but we got right in our shows and writings.
Joanne Leon is the host of the Around the Empire podcast.
Will Porter is a staff writer at RT. He has articles published at Antiwar.com, Libertarian Institute, and Consortium News.
Scott Horton returns to Foreign Policy Focus for the 500th episode. Scott talks about the lessons and themes of Star Wars. He explains how the failures of the Jedi led to the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Empire. The saga is a warning to Americans about the dangers of empire and endless war. Scott also weighs in on the protests/riots and the destruction of police property.
Scott Horton is the host of the Scott Horton Show and the author of Fool’s Errand: Time to End the War in Afghanistan. He is the Editorial Director of Antiwar.com and the Managing Director of The Libertarian Institute.
Links
- Scott Horton - Star Wars and the American Empire
On FPF #499, Will Porter returns to the show to cover the ongoing protests, riots, and police brutality. The protests started after a police officer slowly murdered George Floyd, while three other helped and watched. The protesters demanded charges for the officers. Police responded to the protests by cracking down on the protests. Some of the protesters started looting and setting buildings on fire. Police have become even more violent, often directing their rage towards small, female peaceful protesters. Will and Kyle discuss the actions of everyone and the need for real criminal justice reform.
On FPF #498. I discuss Trump's foreign policy strategy of using sanctions to deal with any international issue. Trump has sanctioned several countries, including Russia, China, Iraq, Lebanon, Zimbabwe, and Myanmar. For others - North Korea, Venezuela, and Iran - he has not limited the sanctions to individuals or industries, but rather imposes an economic war on the entire population of the country. Trump's sanctions have actually harmed the president's foreign policy, as the sanctions interfere with his ability to engage the countries diplomatically.
Links
- Kevin R. Brock on the FBI and Flynn
- Shippers and insurers say Trump's sanction are too difficult to abide by
On FPF #497, I discuss the developing story of a Ukrainian judge ruling Joe Biden is to be named in a criminal probe from his time as Vice President. The criminal probe is looking into the firing of former-Ukrainian Prosecutor General Victor Shokin. Biden has publically bragged about leveraging a $1 billion IMF Loan to get Ukraine to fire Shokin. At the time of Shokin's firing, he was investigating a Ukrainian gas company that had his son, Hunter Biden, on their board.
Links
- Joe Lauria - Biden to be named in a criminal probe
Will Porter returns to the show to discuss the US announcing that it plans to spend China and Russia into oblivion in a new arms race. In recent years the US has been working towards a new Cold War. Will explains how the announcement ties with Trump's foreign policy of shifting focus to great power competition. Will and Kyle talk about how the new arms race will hurt Americans.
Links
- Doug Bandow - Memorial Day
- Danny Sjursen - Memorial Day
- Kelley Vlahos - Weapons
On FPF #495, I discuss the US leaving the Open Skies Treaty. The treaty allows for member states to conduct surveillance flights over each other. The treaty is key to keeping countries informed about each other's military capabilities. Without the treaty in place, war hawks will likely exploit the lack of intelligence and claim Russia is building up its military capabilities. Those hawks will then argue for more weapons to be built bu companies that pay them and their think tanks.
Links
- Pensacola terror attack
- Pompeo's case for cold war
On FPF #494, I discuss Trump's decision to fire the State Department Inspector General. At the time the IG was fired, the office was looking into State Department head Mike Pompeo. Pompeo a target because the State Dept continued to push to sell weapons to Saudi Arabia, even against the will of Congress and the laws of the US. Saudi has used several US-made bombs to commit war crimes in Yemen. American bombs have been found in the bombing of weddings, funerals, and one was used to kill 44 Yemeni children on a school bus.
Links
Gareth Porter on the Iran-Al Qaeda alliance
Will Porter returns to Foreign Policy Focus to explain a rare move the judge made in Mike Flynn's case. The Justice Department has recommended that charges be dropped against Flynn. However, the judge has now appointed a 'third party' to come argue the case against Fylnn. The 'third party' is not unbiased and has already written an oped arguing Flynn should continue to face criminal charges. Will breaks down what this means and how it fits into the Russiagate conspiracy theory.
Dan Wright and Joanne Leon return to Foreign Policy Focus to discuss the origins of Russiagate. For three years, we have been fighting to debunk the fake news created about the imagined Russian conspiracy to help Trump beat Hillary. Now, the fake news and false allegation have run dry, and some of the faces behind the fake news are being exposed. We discuss who is being unmasked and why it is so important.
Links
FPF debunking Russiagate series #211 #212 #213
On FPF #491, I discuss Trump's decision to veto the Iran War Powers resolution passed by Congress. The resolution was passed after the killing of Iranian General Soleimani. Trump's veto is now one of several vetoes he has used to keep Congress from attempting to put minor constraints on the presidential war powers. Congress must continue to try to pass legislation that will reign in the president's ability to start aggressive wars with countries that do not threaten America.
Will Porter returns to FPF to discuss the wild events during a recent coup attempt in Venezuela. Two Americans, along with 50-60 Venezuelans, landed on the shores of the country in an attempt to attest and overthrow Maduro. However, the Venezuelan government knew of the coup - as the plot was reported by AP - and the plotters were quickly captured. Will looks at the possibility the US government had a role in the coup and other important questions.
On FPF #489, I discuss how newly leaked documents from the OPCW show the organization was lying. The new docs leaked to the Grayzone, prove Ian Henderson was a vital member of the Douma fact-finding mission. As a member of the team, Henderson conducting an assessment that concluded the alleged chemical weapons attack in Douma was staged. However, the OPCW left Henderson's assessment out of the Douma report and concluded Assad had used chemical weapons.
Henderson's assessment was eventually leaked, shedding important light on the truth of what happened in Douma. In an attempt to undermine the creditability of the report, OPCW leadership attacked Henderson. The new docs show the attempts to discredit Henderson were baseless smears.
On FPF #488, I discuss the US-Taliban "peace agreement." While the agreement has brought a reduction in violence between the US and Taliban, overall the violence between the Taliban and US-supported Afghan government rages. In the first three months of the year, Taliban attacks are up and the Afghan government is killing children at twice the rate of the Taliban. However, there are some positive signs. The two men claiming the title of Afghanistan's president are close to making a deal to unify the two governments.
Will Porter returns to Foreign Policy Focus to discuss the seeming reappearance of Kim Jong-un. Will breaks down the evidence that shows Kim's recent public visit to a new factory, after being absent from public view for three weeks. During his absence, the world outside of North Korea speculated about the North Korean chain of succession if the Supreme Leader would die. However, it looks like Kim is alive and well.
On FPF #486, I discuss how Israel apparently used fake documents to push Trump towards war with Iran in April 2018. Gareth Porter has a great article out that explains how it is clear the documents were forgeries. Netanyahu released the documents in April of 2018 before Trump withdrew from the Iran Nuclear Deal and imposed a 'maximum pressure' sanctions campaign against Iran. The economic war - and other provocative actions by Trump - has moved the US uncomfortable close to a shooting war with Iran.
On FPF#485, I discuss the lastest letter for current and former OPCW employees disputing the organization's latest report claiming Assad used chemical weapons. The letter points out several critical flaws with the report. The insiders point out the problem that the evidence was collected by the Syrian opposition to Assad, and not by OPCW officials. The authors of the letter concluded that there is a strong reason to suspect Assad did not carry out the chemical weapons attacks he was accused of in 2017.
Links
- OPCW Insiders' letter
Will Porter returns to the show to discuss the rumors of Kim Jong-un's death. Will explains the media reports suggesting Kim is dead, or will soon die, are based on flimsy sources. However, Kim has been absent from public life for a few weeks and missed a significant North Korean holiday. The rumors of Kim's death reveals the US needs to improve its relationship with the isolated country.
On FPF #483, I discuss Trump's lastest foolish threat to Iran. Trump tweeted that he is instructing the Navy to 'shoot down' Iranian ships that harass American Navy ships. If Trump's orders are followed it could provoke a shooting war between the US and Iran. Thankfully, senior Pentagon officials signaled they plan to keep the same rules of engagement in the Persian Gulf.
Links
- The Intercept - 3 states spy on prison calls
On FPF #482, I discuss how the US government is seizing more of our rights and money in the name of fighting pandemic. In Wisconsin, a police officer forced a young girl to delete her social media posts under threat of arrest. Now, the Pentagon is prepping to get bailouts for its preferred weapons makers in the next stimulus. Government, at all levels, is growing in the name of fighting a "war" against Covid.
Will Porter returns to Foreign Policy Focus to talk about several top news stories. Will discuss Yemen's depleted healthcare system as we have the first recorded case of COVID in Yemen. In the midst of the pandemic, Trump froze US funding to the WHO. Will explains Trump's reasoning for cutting the funding and breaks down how much criticism the WHO deserves. Kyle and Will talk about US Iran tensions and how a recent encounter shows America needs a new policy for the Persian Gulf.
Links
- WHO Funding
- COVID outbreak on a hospital ship
- 'Dangerous' US-Iran encounter
- US-backed Syrian rebels ambush each other
Mike Maharrey returns to FPF to discuss our government's authoritarianism. The federal and state government have made several dictates that violate our Constitutional rights. In Kentucky, the governor made the rule that people are not allowed to attend church, a clear violation of the First Amendment. Mike explains the challenges of pushing back against the authoritarianism when you are choosing to take precautions because you believe it is the right course of action.
Mike Maharrey is the author of Our Last Hope. He is the host of the Thoughts from Maharrey Head podcast and the Friday Gold Wrap. Mike is the managing editor at Schiff Gold and the communications director at The Tenth Amendment Center.
Links
- FPF - Ending War's with Defend the Guard
- Joint Law Enforcement Task Forces Are Creating a Police State
On FPF #479, I discuss the first death of a US sailor from the USS Theodore Roosevelt from Covid-19. The story of the outbreak on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier became a national story after a letter sent by the captain of the ship warned that his sailors would die for no reason of Covid-19. Captain Cozier's warning coming true reveals that the country's leadership doesn't care about the troops. The empire further exposed by not seeing the situation on the Roosevelt as a possibility for other ships. The US continues to deploy ships, off Venezuela's coast or through the Taiwan Strait, on pointless missions that have nothing to do with national security.
On FPF #478, Will Porter returns to the show to discuss Julian Assange. A year ago, Assange was ripped from the Ecodurian embassy and thrown in UK top maximum-security prison. Over the year, Assange's health has declined. Adding to his health risk is a coronavirus outbreak at the prison he is caged in. Assange's legal team recently appealed to the judge in his extradition case to allow him to leave the prison under house arrest for the remainder of the coronavirus outbreak, something the UK is allowing 1,000s of other prisoners to do. However, Assange was denied this and the judge took it a step further by announcing she would reveal the identity of Assange's partner and children.
On FPF #477, I discuss what impact Bernie Sanders dropping out of the race could have on US foreign policy. Bernie held a more non-interventionist view than Trump or Biden. However, Bernie was never willing to put the foreign policy first or challenge his opponents on their history of supporting. Bernie's exit sets up a Biden v Trump showdown in November. Both men talk a good game about avoid and ending wars, but that is not backed up by their records.
On FPF #476, I discuss the US government is buying more weapons and giving financial support to the weapons markers. The finical assistance was approved through the $2 trillion bailout. The Navy announced it was buying an additional $2 billion in torpedos and missiles to prop up companies who make parts for weapons. The defense industry has been deemed essential, and employees are allowed to violate social distancing to make weapons. While the coronavirus should be revealing to the American people and the US government, we spend too much money on warfare. However, the pandemic is being exploited by the government to expand the war machine.
Will Porter returns to FPF to discuss the aggressive actions Trump has taken towards Venezuela in recent weeks. The US indicted Maduro then offered a $15 million reward for his arrest. Similar actions were taken in 1989 before the US military invaded Panama and captured the country's leader. The US has offered a "new" proposal to drop sanctions once Venezuela's president Maduro resigns. However, Maduro will not step down and turn the country over to his opposition as the US demands. Now, in the name of fighting the drug war, Trump deployed several warships and anti-drug ships off of Venezuela's coast.
On FPF #474, I discuss the US moving towards war with Iran under the cover of Coronavirus. Trump took to Twitter to threaten Iran if an attack is carried out against American forces in Iraq. Trump's Tweet creates a situation that means any attack in Iraq - with Iran's support or not - is likely to result in the US attacking the Shia militias in Iran, if not attacking within Iran. The attack could enter the US into a tit-for-tat cycle with Iran that escalates into a larger war.
Links
- The Guardian - US drone strikes in Somalia.
On FPF #473, I discuss the US attempts to exploit coronavirus outbreaks to overthrow governments. In Venezuela, the US already has a 'maximum pressure' campaign going. The over a year-long campaign has failed to force the countries president, Maduro, from power, but has killed 10,000s of civilians. Rather than seeing COVID as an opportunity for diplomacy and saving the lives of Venezuelans, the Trump admin is viewing it as a chance to force Maduro from power. The scheme will likely fail, as all sanctions campaigns do. Maduro will likely be more empowered, and the politicians supported by the US will be marginalized as the people of Venezuela understand that their suffering is exacerbated by the US.
Will Porter returns to Foreign Policy Focus to discuss how the US military is being impacted by the coronavirus. Will explains that several DoD personnel have now tested positive and many soldiers are in quarantine. The Pentagon has scaled back some games, although others have been able to continue. The close quarters' soldiers live in - especially on ships - makes it likely the coronavirus will spread quickly. However, this has not prevented hawks in the Trump administration from pushing war with Iran.
On the first bonus episode of Foreign Policy Focus, Steven Clyde of the Libertarian Party Mises Caucus joins the show to talk about the $2 trillion bailouts passed by Congress. The establishment claims the "stimulus" is meant to benefit all Americans in a difficult situation created by the coronavirus. However, it is a bailout to the rich, the political class, and large corporations for an economic rot that existed long before the coronavirus existed. The rest of us will get just enough to keep most Americans from realizing that the government is again stealing from us to enrich their friends, families, and donors.
Steven Clyde is the Content Director for the Libertarian Party Mises Caucus.
Joanne Leon returns to FPF to discuss the five year anniversary of the US/Saudi war on Yemen. The anniversary has received almost no media coverage in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak. Ironically, the five years of war in Yemen has created the world's worst humanitarian crisis - making Yemen one of the most likely to be devastated by a coronavirus. The US/Saudi/UAE/UK bombing campaign has intentionally targeted the civilian in fracture of Yemen. Now - before coronavirus even reaches Yemen - 24 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance and millions of children are at risk of starvation. Yemen must be remembered and the war must end.
Joanne Leon is the host of the Around the Empire podcast.
Links
FPF #209 - Killing Yemen
ATE #128 - Isa Blumi
ATE #132 - Shireen Al-Adeimi
John Dangelo joins Foreign Policy Focus to discuss the dangerous EARN IT Act. While the bill claims to protect children, in reality, it will allow for mass regulation of communication on the internet. It will roll back the key Section 230 rule that allows for websites to have comment sections on their sites. More importantly, the bill takes aim at encryption and could forces companies to build governments a back door. John also talks about coronavirus. John is a former combat vet and currently an ER nurse. He uses those experiences to explain how coronavirus could impact war zones.
John A. Dangelo III, a former marine turned anti-war advocate. Today He is a nurse in an emergency department. He is a new dad and a student. His work has been published at Antiwar.com and Libertarian Institute. He runs AntiwarWarVet.com.
Links
- Turning the Handle on the Door They Can't Breach
- Corona Crow Is a Feast Fit for Kings
Will Porter returns to the show to discuss the Trump admin's move towards war with Iran. The recent events happened under the cover of the coronavirus and got little attention in the MSM. Trump's civilian advisers pushed him to carry out strikes within Iran, and it was the military leaders - Secretary of Defense and Head of the Joint Chiefs - that disagreed with striking Iran. Fortunately, Trump decided not to strike Iran because of the corona outbreak. Will and Kyle explain how the instability in Iraq - and Trump's hawkish advisers - could eventually push Trump to strike Iran.
Links
- Lockheed Promo
- Pakistan/India Nuclear War Fallout
- Pompeo and Netanyahu Pave Path to War
- The Insanity of the Iran Obsession
On FPF #467, I discuss the deaths caused by coronavirus and US sanctions in Iran. The country has been one of the hardest hit by the outbreak so far and continues to struggle to import medical supplies due to the US sanctions. North Korean and Venezuela are in a similar position but so far have not had a serious outbreak of corona. Countries like Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Syria, Somalia, and Yemen are also at heightened risk as years of American warfare has wrecked the countries' medical and humanitarian networks.
Links
Will Arkin on the militaries martial law plans
Peter Quinones returns to Foreign Policy Focus to discuss the state's right to murder and the lack of accountability. Pete first explains how the flawed US justice systems has put innocent people to death. He discusses how police are able to kill people and avoid all accountability. Pete and Kyle look at the issue of war and how the government gets to slaughter people in mass.
Peter R. Quinones is managing editor of the Libertarian Institute and hosts the Free Man Beyond the Wall podcast. He released his first book, Freedom Through Memedom – The 31-day Guide to Waking Up to Liberty in November 2017. It reached #4 in the Libertarian Section on Amazon. He is currently co-producing a documentary entitled, “The Monopoly on Violence,” which is scheduled for a 2020 release.
Links
- Danny Sjursen on the failure of empires