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Daniel Lazare addresses the November 13th Online Communist Forum on the results of the 2022 US midterm elections and gives his assessment. For more coverage of US politics, see comrade Lazrae's articles in the Weekly Worker: https://weeklyworker.co.uk/worker/authors/daniel-lazare/ Organised by CPGB (www.communistparty.co.uk) and Labour Party Marxists (www.labourpartymarxists.org.uk)
The West's massive sanctions war against Russia is having a profound impact on the global economy. Instead of just punishing Russian citizens, consumers in the West and the developing world will also experience economic pain. Globalization itself is being interrupted. The Great Separation is upon us. CrossTalking with Daniel Lazare, Michael Hudson, and Brad Blankenship.
***The views in this video do not necessarily represent the views of either organisation*** Opening to a debate between Daniel Lazare and Mike Macnair at the February 13th Online Communist Forum. Don't forget to tune in to our upcoming OCFs live, you can find out more on our websites events page: https://communistparty.co.uk/category... For more from the CPGB or to get involved, visit our website: https://communistparty.co.uk/ You can also read our weekly publication, the Weekly Worker, online at: https://weeklyworker.co.uk/
On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Austin Pelli talk about RT's German channel getting banned in Germany, what the SWIFT is and how the U.S. can strong arm the international system to sanction foreign countries, and CNN top dog Jeff Zucker resigning over a workplace relationship.Guests:Peter Oliver - Correspondent for RT | RT Germany Banned by German RegulatorsMark Frost - Economist | Should U.S. Strongarm SWIFT to Sanction Russia?Daniel Lazare - Independent Journalist | Zucker Resigns from CNN… Workplace Privacy Issue?In the first hour Peter Oliver joined the show to talk about RT's German-language channel getting banned by regulators in Germany, gives his take on Austrian police obtaining power to ask for vaccination cards and issue fines to citizens lacking one, and discuss why Biden is deploying thousands of troops in Europe even after he pledged to not get into a shooting war with Russia.In the second hour Fault Lines was joined by Mark Frost for an explanation on what the SWIFT financial system is and how the U.S. can strong arm the interbanking company to impose sanctions on foreign countries. We also talked about how embargoes are considered an act of war and why Biden would take this stance on Russia.In the third hour Daniel Lazare joined the conversation to talk about questions surrounding Jeff Zucker's resignation from CNN and how Daniel sees it as an issue of workplace privacy. We also talked about Andrew Cuomo getting charges of sexual harrassment dropped due to lack of evidence and the U.S. reaching the milestone of $30 trillion in national debt.
On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Austin Pelli talk about the U.S. delivering a written response to Russia's security demands, Biden's politically confusing promise to get a Black woman in the Supreme Court, and risk factors for developing long-haul Covid.Guests:Mark Sleboda - International Security Analyst | How Does Russia Move Forward After U.S. Rejected Security Guarantees?Daniel Lazare - Independent Journalist | Tokenism or Progress? Biden Promises to Put Black Woman in SCOTUSDr. Gene Olinger - Virologist | Delta Variant Accident in Taiwan, Did the Same Happen in Wuhan?In the first hour Mark Sleboda joined the show to talk about the U.S. delivering a formal written response to Russia's security demands, Ukraine's fear that U.S. saber rattling could cause unjust panic, and what Russia's options are militarily if diplomacy fails.In the second hour Fault Lines was joined by Daniel Lazare for a discussion on Biden's politically ineffective promise to push a Black woman into the Supreme Court, debated if affirmative action is actually an effective tool to fight racism, and talked about Republicans' foiled plan to overturn the 2020 election.In the third hour Dr. Gene Olinger joined the conversation to talk about a lab leak of the Delta variant in Taiwan that infected over 100 people and how these outbreaks happen. We also talked about four distinct risk factors for developing long-haul Covid and why the FDA ceased the use of monoclonal antibody treatments for Omicron.
Dr. David Oualaalou, author and international security analyst, joins us to discuss Iran and Russia. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has said that his visit to Moscow will be a turning point in political, economic, and trade relations between Iran and Russia.Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author, joins us to discuss the European security crisis. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting Ukraine as the White House is pushing the trope that Russia is on the verge of attacking Ukraine. Also, the Nordstream project seems to be moving forward again as Europe acknowledges the relationship between affordable energy and economic development.Scott Ritter, former UN weapon inspector in Iraq, joins us to discuss Kazakhstan. The National Endowment for Democracy, a US intelligence cut-out, provided over a million dollars to groups working to illegally overthrow the government of the Western Asian nation. Also, many argue that the CSTO's ability to quell the attempted coup signals that the days of US-sponsored color revolutions are over.Gerald Horne, professor of history at the University of Houston, author, historian, and researcher, joins us to discuss Africa. Seven people were killed as anti-coup protests continue in Sudan. Also, Western sanctions against Mali could cost the lives of thousands of citizens and plunge the nation into a humanitarian crisis.Chris Hedges, investigative journalist, joins us to discuss America's class war. Chris Hedges argues that voting will not change the economic plight of the working class in America. He maintains that organized labor is the only way to significantly affect the dynamics of neoliberal capitalism.KJ Noh, activist, writer, and teacher, joins us to discuss China. China, Russia, and Iran will be holding another series of joint maritime exercises in a move that is said to help ensure the safety of maritime shipping. Also, China argues that Nicaragua's rejection of Taiwan as an independent nation is a turning point, and that Taiwan is running out of supporters.Robert Fantina, journalist and Palestine activist, joins us to discuss Israel. A Washington Post op-ed piece argues that Israel's leadership is trying to put a pretty face on their apartheid policy by making friends with politicians abroad. Meanwhile, the situation for the Palestinians has not improved.Marjorie Cohn, Professor Emeritus at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California, joins us to discuss President Biden's voting rights bill. Professor Cohn argues that Senators Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) are holding up the legislation.
Caleb Maupin, journalist and political analyst, joins us to discuss this week's important news stories. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a press conference today discussing the results of last week's negotiations. Also, we discuss the Iranian foreign minister's visit to China and President Ortega's inauguration.Gerald Horne, professor of history at the University of Houston, TX, author, historian, and researcher, joins us to discuss this week's important news stories. A memo showing that President Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair plotted a public relations plan to sell the Iraq invasion has been unearthed. Also, the EU says that it will fall in line with sanctions against Mali and we discuss the outcome of this week's negotiations between the US and NATO.Dr. Linwood Tauheed, Associate professor of Economics, University of Missouri-Kansas City joins us to discuss this week's domestic news stories. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is arguing that working-class support for the Democrats has collapsed. Also, President Biden's poll numbers are cratering and the Federal Reserve contemplates methods to address inflation.Ajamu Baraka, former VP Candidate, Green Party, and Netfa Freeman, host of Voices With Vision on WPFW 89.3 FM, Pan-Africanist and internationalist organizer, join us to discuss Africa and the Global South. President Biden's former special envoy to Haiti has blasted the US policy towards the island nation. Also, President Ortega is moving Nicaragua into China's economic orbit and President Biden is supporting French colonialism in Africa.Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst and co-founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity and Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author, join us to discuss the recent negotiations between the US and Russia. Many are anticipating possible announcements when the Russian and Chinese leaders meet on February 4th. Also, we discuss the outcome of the US Russia negotiations and the coup attempt in Kazakhstan.
On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Austin Pelli talk about the U.S. making a mockery of so-called ‘rules based orders,' a memoriam of Biden's presidency as just a third of Americans like the job he's doing, and emails that show Fauci dismissing lab leak theories based on politics.Guests:K.J. Noh - International Journalist | Myanmar's Military Rulers Throwing Anything That Sticks to Ousted Democracy IconDaniel Lazare - Independent Journalist | Is There Any Justification for Biden Failing This Big?Dr. Gene Olinger - Virologist | Emails Show That Politics Outweighed Science in Dismissing ‘Lab Leak' TheoryIn the first hour K.J. Noh joined the show to talk about ousted Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi being held on a variety of bogus charges that continue to reign in from Myanmar's military rule. We also talked about Noh's recent article describing the U.S. making a mockery of so-called ‘rules based orders' that they violate without regard.In the second hour Fault Lines was joined by Daniel Lazare for a discussion on Biden's abysmal approval rating as he admits that it's unlikely he'll get anything of significance passed this year, if Biden truly had good intentions going into this administration, and talk about rumors of a Biden-Cheney 2024 ticket.In the third hour Dr. Gene Olinger joined the conversation to talk about emails that reveal, in Dr. Olinger's estimation, that politics outweighed science in Fauci dismissing the ‘lab leak' theory, even as credible scientists believed that it was overall the more likely source of the virus.
Alright, we're finally drawing some conclusions about the whole 'MILITANCY' thing. Universal conscription sounds scary...but what if it wasn't? Reading: Repression Breeds Resistance: The Black Liberation Army and the Radical Legacy of the Black Panther Party by Akinyele Umoja from "Setting Sights" (Scott Crow) Rittenhouse and white backlash by Daniel Lazare https://weeklyworker.co.uk/worker/1373/rittenhouse-and-white-backlash/ Our gun rights too by Paul Demarty https://weeklyworker.co.uk/worker/1374/our-gun-rights-too/
On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Shane Stranahan talk about another blow for CNN as anchor Don Lemon is under fire for tipping off Jussie Smollett, the failure the current two party political paradigm produces, and the explosive Biden-Putin virtual summit.Guests:Daniel Lazare - Independent Journalist | Jussie Testifies He Was Tipped Off by Don Lemon Jim Kavanagh - Socialist Analyst | Reconcile This: Lessons From the Latest Legislative DebacleWilliam Dunkerly - Author, Analyst | Biden's and Putin's High Stakes Face Off Over UkraineIn the first hour Daniel Lazare joined the show to talk about CNN's credibility as a news agency after it was revealed TV anchor Don Lemon tipped off Jussie Smollett to police being suspicious of the former ‘Empire' actor.In the second hour Fault Lines was joined by Jim Kavanagh for a discussion on faults of the current two party paradigm that have been magnified after repeated struggles by Democrats to reach common ground on various social spending bills.In the third hour William Dunkerley joined the conversation to talk about the meeting between Biden and Putin and why the U.S. and allies have been perpetuating the lie about Russian troops amassing on the Ukrainian border.
Welcome back to the Peaceful Political Revolution in America Podcast.Thomas Paine believed that Americans must control their constitutions of government, that they should revise and update it every generation. But the Framers, subverting Paine's vision of a democratically controlled government, intentionally left out of their Constitution any process through which the people could do just that. As Jerry Fresia points out in episode 3, that was because their Constitution was designed to prioritize the individual accumulation of wealth and property over the well-being of society as a whole. The Framers did not want that system to be changed. In fact, as we are about to find out, they really did not want the system to even work, and peaceful political revolution was to be repressed at all costs.In the previous episode, we discussed the kinds of changes we could make to our constitution which would make it more effective and democratic. We also noted that Americans, unlike in any other country, have an unusual reverence for their Constitution. As a consequence, our Constitution has remained frozen for over 230 years. Before we can even begin to think about making changes to our Constitution, like the ones we discussed in episode 4, we need to understand more about this rather bizarre reverence Americans have for their Constitution. For that, I've asked Daniel Lazar to talk with us about his book, The Frozen Republic.There are more than a few big changes to our National Charter that are widely considered to be more effective and democratic than the ones we use today. We have talked about many of them already, yet those democratic improvements are essentially being ignored, even rejected by Americans, because Americans are captured by the very political system they are supposed to control. Americans don't think about changing their constitution, or making a better one, because they blindly believe it is perfect and therefore impossible to improve.Americans are largely unable to think rationally about the dysfunction of our political system or to express peacefully how it might be changed. We no longer understand how political systems even work, and we are afraid of each other. We no longer even want to control our constitutions of government. We'd rather suffer the intolerable consequences of a system driving us all over the edge than to dare to imagine we could create a better political system than the one we have inherited. It appears our constitution now controls us. We must obey it rather than critique it, and apparently, Americans prefer this kind of bondage to exercising their right to control their systems of government and to protect their liberty from the tyranny of the past.Daniel Lazare is a journalist and the author of The Frozen Republic (1996), The Velvet Coup (2001), and America's Undeclared War (2001). He is currently working on a book about the politics of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam and he has been a long outspoken critic of the almost religious reverence of our Constitution, and he is here today to explain why.Daniel, welcome to the Peaceful Political Revolution in American Podcast, it's great to have you here!
On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Shane Stranahan talk about Press Sec. Jen Psaki getting confronted over what she said about inflation, the U.S. military cover up in the Middle East, Catholic bishops narrowly avoiding conflict with Biden, and Russiagate.Guests:Mark Frost - Economist | Press Sec. Psaki is Lying About InflationScott Ritter - Former UN Weapons Inspector | U.S. Military Covered Up Its War Crime in SyriaAustin Pelli - Producer for Political Misfits | Catholic Bishops Reject Vote to Condemn President BidenDaniel Lazare - Independent Journalist | How Did the Media Get Russiagate So Wrong?In the first hour Mark Frost joined the show to discuss what he calls a complete misunderstanding, or rather, a lie about the nature of inflation by White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki.In the second hour Fault Lines was joined by Scott Ritter for a discussion on strikes in Syria and Iraq by U.S. bombers that killed mostly women and children after steps were skipped to save time and get more bombs down. We were also joined by Austin Pelli to talk about a decision Catholic bishops made on which Catholics can receive communion.In the third hour Daniel Lazare joined the conversation to talk about how mainstream media failed to snuff out the lies in the Steele dossier and also talked about the Kyle Rittenhouse case.
On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Shane Stranahan talk about how Democrats managed to lose in Virginia, what secrets JFK documents hide after 50 years, and the state of emergency in Ethiopia as rebels advance on the capital.Guests:Tyler Nixon - Attorney for Roger Stone | JFK Documents Still Withheld, But Why?Bob Schlehuber - Co-Host of Political Misfits | Ethiopia Declares State of Emergency as Rebels AdvanceDaniel Lazare - Independent Journalist | Is Youngkin Victory Referendum on Joe Biden?In the first hour we listened in to an interview with Roger Stone. The controversial political operative talked about voter fraud fears heading into midterm elections. In the second hour Fault Lines was joined by Tyler Nixon to discuss COVID news and what the CIA stands to gain from withholding JFK documents. Also, Bob Schlehuber joined us from Ethiopia as the African country tells citizens to prepare to defend the capital while fighters advance.In the third hour Daniel Lazare joined the conversation to talk about the mistakes Democrats made as Youngkin takes victory in Virginia, the first win for a Republican since 2009.
In this episode, we discuss a couple of recent stories as well as segments from Russian state controlled Sputnik Radio. We begin by discussing the death of former Secretary of State Colin Powell and an interview with Scott Ritter on Sputnik about Powell. Jeremy then reads a very interesting book excerpt detailing a largely unknown aspect of Ritter's background as a United Nations Weapons Inspector in Iraq in the 1990s. We also discuss a segment with a Sputnik guest named Daniel Lazare which attempts to dismiss the Russia investigation in general, and Christopher Steele's work in particular, as fictional and not at all rooted in reality. We talk about the lack of truth coming from Russian centric media and activism circles regarding events such as September 11th and the realities of the post 9/11 'Global War on Terror.' https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3ByZWFrZXIuY29tL3Nob3cvMjI2ODM3NS9lcGlzb2Rlcy9mZWVk/episode/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcGkuc3ByZWFrZXIuY29tL2VwaXNvZGUvNDcwNDY4NjY?hl=en&ved=2ahUKEwjShN204erzAhURmmoFHS20DmIQieUEegQIFhAU&ep=6 Contains interviews with Ritter and Daniel Lazare (Ritter interview starts at about 1:14:45, Lazare interview at about 1:40:00) https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3ByZWFrZXIuY29tL3Nob3cvMjI2ODM3NS9lcGlzb2Rlcy9mZWVk/episode/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcGkuc3ByZWFrZXIuY29tL2VwaXNvZGUvNDcwNjM3OTc?hl=en&ved=2ahUKEwjShN204erzAhURmmoFHS20DmIQieUEegQIFhAR&ep=6 Contains Lee Stranahan interview discussing Oleg Deripaska, interview begins at about 1:18:00 https://newrepublic.com/article/148342/cia-spy-became-russian-propagandist "Kiriakou says that when he joined Sputnik, Gavasheli only asked for one favor: to steer clear of 9/11 “truthers.” An editor at sister-network Russia Today was recently fired for featuring too many of this particular brand of conspiracy theorists. Gavasheli apparently wanted to avoid the same fate." Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theantedote --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-antedote/support
On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Shane Stranahan talk about the energy crisis in Europe and Russia's involvement with this, the legacy of Colin Powell after his death October 18, Christopher Steele going on ABC defending his work in his dossier, and the horrid mishandling of the imprisonment of Daniel Hale for whistleblowing.Guests:Peter Oliver - EU correspondent for RT International | Is Russia Weaponizing Energy?Scott Ritter - Former U.N. weapons inspector and a Weapons of Mass Destruction Whistleblower | The Life and Career of Colin PowellDaniel Lazare - Independent journalist and author | Christopher Steele Defends His DossierJohn Kiriakou - Former CIA Officer, and host of The Backstory | CIA Pivot to China & Whistleblower Daniel Hale Treated Like a TerroristIn the first hour Peter Oliver joined the show to talk about the energy crisis across Europe and what factors caused the bloc to get there. Is Russia hoarding their gas supply as a means of controlling their neighbors? In the second hour Fault Lines was joined by Scott Ritter for a discussion on the life and career of Colin Powell. Scott also addressed the claims against Powell that he was a war criminal for his actions in an illegal war in Iraq. Daniel Lazare also came onto the show to talk about the Christopher Steele dossier and the work he stands behind.In the third hour John Kiriakou joined the conversation to talk about the treatment and trials of Daniel Hale. He has been convicted on multiple counts of espionage for his courageous work whistleblowing information on US drones.
On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Shane Stranahan talk about Kyrie Irving's refusal to get a vaccine and what this could mean for his career and the NBA, the sudden fighting in Beirut that could erupt into a civil war, subpoenas coming from the January 6th committee, and the record low approval of Biden from Black Americans.Guests:Austin Pelli - Producer of Fault Lines | Kyrie Irving's Refusal to Get VaccinatedCordell Woodland - Producer of Fault Lines | Kyrie Irving's Refusal to Get VaccinatedDaniel Lazar - Independent journalist and author | Fighting in Beirut and More January 6th Repercussions Margaret Kimberly - Senior columnist and editor for Black Agenda Report | Biden Polling Among Blacks PlummetsIn the first hour Austin Pelli and Cordell Woodland joined the show to talk about Stephen A. Smith slamming Kyrie Irving for opposing the vaccine mandate for seemingly no reason. We also had a conversation on Dave Chappelle's new special The Closer and why the trans community is so outraged at it.In the second hour Fault Lines was joined by Daniel Lazare for a discussion on the borderline civil war that is erupting in Lebanon right now. How has the fragmented past and recent events caused this conflict to erupt in the country? Daniel also discussed the committee looking into January 6th making large leaps to convict high ranking Trump administration members.In the third hour Margaret Kimberly joined the conversation to talk about the approval rating of Joe Biden plummeting. Margaret also talked about the Trump vs Biden publicity in the modern sphere and how this might affect the next election.
On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Shane Stranahan talk about the indictment of an attorney in the John Durham investigation for lying to the FBI, the horrendous treatment of Steven Donziger for trying to protect people and the environment, and the possibility of having transgender athletes in modern sports.Guests:Daniel Lazare - Independent journalist and author | John Durham Investigation & Justice for January 6thSteven Donziger - American attorney who took on Chevron for illegal practices | The Corrupt Case Against DonzigerMallory McLaren - Former military and unapologetic transhumanist | Transexual Athletes & TranshumanismIn the first hour Daniel Lazare joined the show to talk about the John Durham investigation and the recent indictment of Michael Sussman for allegedly lying to the FBI about the connection between the Trump Organization and Russia.In the second hour Fault Lines was joined by Steven Donziger for a discussion on the terrible mishandling of his case and how one disgruntled company made Donziger's life a living hell.In the third hour Mallory McLaren joined the conversation to talk about transgender people and how they can enter athletic events without being segregated against. Mallory also goes into a definition of “Transhumanism” and what it means to her.
Steve Poikonen, national organizer for Action4Assange, joins us to talk about the latest news about his case. Recordings of the FBI's principal witness against Julian Assange have been released proving that his allegations were false. Sigurdur Ingi (Siggi) Thordarson admitted over nine hours of recorded audio that he fabricated charges against the WikiLeaks founder.Medea Benjamin, co-founder of Code Pink, joins us to discuss Iran. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is finally admitting what many international security analysts have argued for nearly a year: the United States is likely to bow to the whims of the Israeli government and most likely will not return to the nuclear agreement with Iran. Marvin Weinbaum, director for the Middle East Institute's Center for Pakistan and Afghanistan Studies, joins us to discuss Afghanistan. As the Kabul airport reopens for commercial traffic, the Taliban has given clearance for 200 dual nationals, including Americans, to leave the country. Also, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says that US recognition of the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan depends on the actions of the group.George Koo, journalist, social activist, international business consultant, and chemical engineer, joins us to discuss China. Aggressive naval maneuvers by a US warship tests China's new maritime restrictions. Also, the Washington Post attacks the Chinese president and claims that he is cracking down on "everything."Martin Sieff, senior fellow at the American University in Moscow, joins us to discuss the Russia-China strategic partnership. The US has created the geopolitical monster that Henry Kissenger feared the most. US aggression against the Eurasian economic and military giants has driven them to create an anti-imperialist bloc that is growing day by day. Netfa Freeman, host of Voices With Vision on WPFW 89.3 FM, pan-Africanist and internationalist organizer, joins us to discuss the coup in Guinea. Netfa Freeman's latest article in Black Agenda Report explores the connections between the USAfricom and the recent coup in Guinea.Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "The Velvet Coup," joins us to discuss Ashraf Ghani. The corrupt US puppet former president of Afghanistan absconded from Kabul with a looted bounty of 169 million dollars. The Grayzone explores his time as a World Bank executive and how the US prepares neoliberal puppets to fit into their corporate regime change paradigm.Gerald Horne, professor of history at the University of Houston, author, historian, and researcher, joins us to discuss Cuba. We discuss recent moves by the US empire to institute colonial regime change in the island nation. The tiny nation has held out against a decades-long onslaught of economic and terrorist attacks by the US and its proxies. We discuss the methods used and how the revolutionary government has defended itself from imperialism.
Julie Varughese, solidarity network coordinator for Black Alliance for Peace, joins us to discuss Afghanistan. International security analysts are concerned that the Taliban seems to be recycling government officials from the organization's former theocratic hard-line base of power. Also, the war-torn country is facing a humanitarian crisis that is being exacerbated by punitive economic moves by the US empire.Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, joins us to discuss Israel. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett seems to have a policy of no war, but continuous bombing and no peace with the Palestinians. Also, Israel is arresting and harassing the families of several prisoners who recently escaped from an Israeli prison. Randi Nord, writer and activist, joins us to discuss Yemen. Yemen has launched several successful drone and missile strikes deep into the homeland of Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the US and UK are blasting the attacks as they provide material support for Saudi Arabia in the conflict. Teresa Lundy, principal of TML Communications, a leading minority public relations, communications and advocacy firm in Pennsylvania, joins us to discuss the Texas abortion ban. The argument between pro and anti-abortion rights activists is getting thicker as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) jumps into the rhetorical scrum. Meanwhile, the governor of Texas vowed to "eliminate all rapists" when asked about the lack of an exception for rape and incest in the bill. Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "The Velvet Coup," joins us to discuss Ukraine. President Biden has vowed to turn the foreign policy page on Afghanistan, but some international security analysts fear that his pivot to Russia and China will create a much more dangerous situation for the world. Dan Kovalik, writer, author, and lawyer, joins us to discuss regime change colonialism. An interesting article in the Orinoco Tribune argues that modern-day regime change rhetoric is nothing more than a sanitization of colonialism and genocide. John Kiriakou, journalist, author and host of The Back Story, joins us to discuss whistleblowers. Thomas Drake is a whistleblower who exposed illegalities and corruption in the NSA. Drake was investigated, indicted, convicted and sentenced concerning the US domestic mass surveillance regime. We discuss his recent article in Responsible Statecraft.Dr. Colin Campbell, a Washington, DC, news correspondent, and Gary Flowers, host of “The Gary Flowers Show” on radio station Rejoice WREJ-AM 990, join us to discuss the takedown of the Robert E. Lee statue in Richmond, Virginia. One of the largest Confederate monument statues in the nation was removed as the Robert E. Lee statue in Richmond fell to the cheers of several hundred onlookers who had come to support the move.
Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "The Velvet Coup," joins us to discuss Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelensky met with Joe Biden in DC and was promised additional military assistance. Biden also made hollow promises regarding NordStream 2, but held back from ensuring the Eastern European nation a NATO membership and crossing Russia's red line.Julie Varughese, solidarity network coordinator for Black Alliance for Peace, joins us to discuss Afghanistan. White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain said that he was unsure if the US will ever recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan. Also, a top general said that the US may coordinate with the Taliban to battle Daesh-K (ISIS-K).Steve Poikonen, national organizer for Action4Assange, joins us to discuss the US media. Our guest joins us to discuss the Western media's love affair with Joe Biden that washed ashore when he decided to withdraw troops from Afghanistan. Also, we discuss Gareth Porter's Consortium News article about the corporate media's fealty to the permanent war state.Teresa Lundy, principal of TML Communications, a leading minority public relations, communications and advocacy firm in Pennsylvania, joins us to discuss the Texas abortion law. The US Supreme Court has refused to block Texas's restrictive abortion law. Also, President Biden stated that he believes the law blatantly violates the Constitution. Is Roe v. Wade on the chopping block?Professor Peter Kuznick, author and historian, joins us to discuss US military spending. A recent evaluation of military spending post-9/11 puts the cost of the so-called "War on Terror" at over 8 trillion dollars. Also, Alan Macleod's Mintpress News article reviews new documents and testimonies about the profligate spending in Afghanistan.Robert Fantina, journalist and Palestine activist, joins us to discuss Israel. Palestinian children have recently faced horrific abuses, including stoning and car-ramming from Jewish settlers in Masafer Yatta. Also, Presidents Biden and Bennett reportedly renewed an agreement on Israel's covert nuclear program.John Burris, civil rights attorney, joins us to discuss the January 6th investigation. There are new controversies over the congressional investigation of the January 6th protests, as a House committee asks telecom companies to retain phone records related to the event. Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R- CA) has threatened action against companies that comply with the request.Dr. Jemima Pierre, associate professor of Black studies and anthropology at the University of California, Los Angeles, joins us to discuss Haiti. The American Red Cross is working to raise money for the Haiti earthquake, but their performance after the tragedy of 2010 has critics urging people to avoid the organization.
Kathy Kelly, American peace activist, joins us to discuss Afghanistan. President Biden has declared that the occupation of Afghanistan is over and is defending the occupation efforts. Also, the UN is saying that Afghanistan is in desperate economic straits as the US seems poised to institute economic sanctions and make the situation worse.Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations security analyst, joins us to discuss Ukraine. The Ukrainian President is set to meet with President Biden shortly, and is rumored to be asking for tens of billions of dollars. Also, President Biden has stated that he is planning to send 60 million dollars in military aid to Ukraine.Gerald Horne, professor of history at the University of Houston, author, historian, and researcher, joins us to discuss Ethiopia. Many of the neocons who supported the invasion and occupation of Afghanistan are now looking to Ethiopia for their next military adventure. The Ethiopian conflict is largely unknown to the American people, and observers are expecting an onslaught of pro-war humanitarian intervention propaganda in the coming weeks and months.Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, joins us to discuss Iran. Iran is addressing the fuel shortage in Lebanon by coordinating fuel shipments with its allies in the struggling nation. Also, we discuss the outcome of the US exit from Afghanistan through the lens of Iranian geostrategic concerns.Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "The Velvet Coup," joins us to discuss the "War on Terror." The US War on Terror has resulted in the death and displacement of millions of civilians worldwide, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. Despite the calamitous results of the Afghanistan occupation, observers are expecting the violent money laundering operation to continue.Dr. Colin Campbell, a Washington, DC, news correspondent, joins us to discuss domestic politics. Many powerful corporate groups are working to kill parts of the Democrats' 3.5 trillion dollar budget package. The coalition includes the usual suspects of drug manufacturers, big banks, tech titans, major retailers and oil-and-gas giants.Dr. Jean Eddy Saint Paul, professor of sociology and former founding director of the CUNY Haitian Studies Institute at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, joins us to discuss Haiti. Our guest joins us to discuss the history of the brutal colonial interference in Haiti's domestic affairs by the US empire. The US continues to treat the beleaguered island nation as second-class human beings, and refuses to allow them the opportunity for political independence.Ted Rall, political cartoonist and syndicated columnist, joins us to discuss drone warfare. President Biden has given top military commanders authority to carry out more drone strikes in Afghanistan despite the killing of multiple civilians in a recent missile attack. Also, multiple groups are coming together to ask President Biden to stop the drone attacks.
Jonathan Kuttab, human rights lawyer, joins us to discuss Afghanistan. The Biden administration has moved to freeze assets of the Afghanistan government, and seems poised to enact harsh sanctions in an economic war on the Eurasian nation. Also, the US media is blaming corrupt Afghans rather than the elite ruling class of the US empire.Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "The Velvet Coup," joins us to discuss Ukraine. Ukraine is holding a summit called the "Crimea Platform" pledging to reclaim Crimea from the Russian Federation. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov slams the summit as an empty endeavor with no prospects.Jim Kavanagh, writer at thepolemicist.net and CounterPunch, and the author of "The American Farce Unravels: Shreds of January 6th," joins us to discuss a judge's ruling regarding prosecutions in the January 6th protest. A federal judge has questioned the Department of Justice regarding adherence to an internal policy on prosecuting journalists.Caleb Maupin, journalist and political analyst, joins us to discuss the US media's reaction to military adventurism. The media is parading an endless number of ultra-war hawks in front of viewers in an unambiguous move to push a pro-war narrative. Also, the media is pushing the CIA's previously revealed plot to use women's rights to drum up support for the furtherance of military aggression in Afghanistan.K. J. Noh, peace activist, writer, and teacher, joins us to discuss Kamala Harris. Vice President Kamala Harris is on a mission to Asia to drum up support for aggression against China. Her attempts to woo Vietnam in this misadventure seem to be falling on deaf ears.Dan Kovalik, writer, author, and lawyer, joins us to discuss the Global South. The US media is once again involved in a misinformation campaign in support of imperialist intervention and regime change in Nicaragua. Also, a 471-page report by the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts for Bolivia (GIEI-Bolivia) confirms systematic torture and summary executions during the US-backed coup in 2019.Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, joins us to discuss Israel. Despite recent calls for retribution after scantily substantiated accusations that Iran attacked an Israeli-linked merchant ship, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is making the case for an extended covert war against the Islamic Republic. Also, Israel is planning more aggressive actions against the citizens of Gaza.Dr. Jack Rasmus, professor in economics and politics at St. Mary's College in California, joins us to discuss the economy. The House of Representatives has passed the 3.5 trillion dollar budget, and is planning on voting on the lesser infrastructure bill in September.
Ted Rall, political cartoonist and syndicated columnist, joins us to discuss the week's important news stories. Does the image of desperate Afghans falling to their deaths at the Kabul airport mark the end of the US as the global hegemon? Also, we discuss Iran's political and economic shift eastward, new US sanctions on Cuba, and how out of control consumerism is hurting the environment.Professor Peter Kuznick, author and historian, joins us to discuss the history of Afghanistan and how it relates to current events. Dr. Kuznick is an internationally noted historian. He reviews the US interventions and meddling in Afghan politics and explains the connection to this week's tumultuous events.Linwood Tauheed, associate professor of economics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, joins us to discuss the US economy. Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell recently stated that the US economy has been forever altered by the pandemic. Can we predict our economic future using the same skewed metrics that we used in previous economic cycles? Also, we discuss the infrastructure bill, the potential for an eviction tsunami, and whether the current economic recovery is here to stay.Ajamu Baraka, former VP candidate for the Green Party, and Margaret Kimberley, editor and senior columnist at Black Agenda Report and author of "Prejudential: Black America and the Presidents," team up to discuss this week's important stories. In a show of daring corruption, former Afghan president Ashraf Ghani reportedly fled the country with 169 million dollars in cash. Also, Latin America is uniting with the axis of resistance against Western imperialism, the US is bombing Somalia, and President Biden is meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister regarding the Iranian nuclear deal.Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst and co-founder of Veteran Intelligence, and Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author of The Velvet Coup, join us to discuss the week's important foreign policy news stories. The debacle at the Kabul airport is a humiliation to the US neocon experiment and fingers are pointing in all directions on Capitol Hill. Also, we discuss Iran, the worldwide blowback from the Taliban victory over the US empire, and China.
Much of history is about patterns. There are ebbs and flows of political passions. Most of the time these passions are negotiated through compromise. Other times there is upheaval and violence, and even separation. The idea of secession today is not far-fetched. We are witnessing a cultural secession and separation. Could it go even further? CrossTalking with Daniel Lazare and Arthur Cleroux.
On this edition of The Critical Hour, Dr. Wilmer Leon discusses Biden's town hall, his false hope of bipartisanship and the messaging that makes a mockery of confronting vaccine disinformation. Jim Kavanagh, writer at thepolemicist.com and Counter Punch, joins us to talk about President Joe Biden's participation in yesterday's town hall meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio. Biden claimed vaccines prevent people from getting Covid as positive test results are popping up amongst vaccinated Democratic staff.Marvin Weinbaum, director for the Middle East Institute's Center for Pakistan and Afghanistan Studies, joins us to discuss Afghanistan. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley says the Taliban controls about half of the district centers in Afghanistan and that the insurgents appear to have "strategic momentum" in the United States.Martin Sieff, senior fellow at the American University in Moscow, joins us to discuss his article in China Daily. Sieff says the decision for Beijing and Moscow to renew the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation is an event of the greatest importance for the maintenance of peace and security across the continent of Asia.Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author of The Velvet Coup, joins us to discuss Ukraine. According to Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine seeks stronger security guarantees on Nord Stream 2. Ukraine is strongly against the $11 billion project and showed its disapproval by formally initiating consultations with the European Union and Germany.James Carey, editor/Co-Owner at Geopoliticsalert.com, and Robert Fantina, journalist, writer and Palestinian activist,joins us to talk about Ben & Jerry's decision to stop selling ice cream in the occupied Palestinian territories. As Rights groups urge Ben & Jerry's to end all sales in "apartheid Israel," the Israeli President calls the boycotts "a new kind of terrorism."Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, joins us to discuss Iran. In a Responsible Statecraft story that ran today, it was reported that a newly declassified memo shows the Trump administration acknowledged that assassinating Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in January 2020 could have escalated into war with Tehran.Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations security analyst, joins us to talk about the increased tensions with the US and Russia as The US and NATO step up military activity in the Black Sea. An antiwar.com article says the US "acts" surprised when Russia, in return, reacts to their presence in the Black Sea.Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst and co-founder of Veteran Intelligence, joins us to talk about the interview on RayMcGovern.com entitled, "Put Russia-gate Out of its Misery." TownHall, Afghanistan, China, Russia, Ukraine, Iran, BlackSea, IsraeliSpyCompanies
On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Shane Stranahan talk about the kidnapping plot against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the culpability of Donald Trump for the January 6th riot, the slap in the face to Amazon workers by Jeff Bezos, and the inner workings of the Nord Stream 2 deal between Germany and Russia.Guests:Daniel Lazare - Independent journalist and author | Watching the Watchmen Ted Rall - Political Cartoonist & Syndicated Columnist | More on January 6thChris Smalls - Activist and founder of The Congress of Essential Workers | Bezos' SpeechPeter Oliver - EU correspondent for RT International | Nord Stream 2 Deal & Mob PoliticsIn the first hour Daniel Lazare joined the show to discuss the failed plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last year and if the FBI truly engaged in entrapment or not. In the second hour Fault Lines was joined by Ted Rall for a conversation on the riot of January 6th on the Capitol building. If Donald Trump was to illegally take a second term, would the right back him? We were then joined by Chris Smalls to talk about the treatment of Amazon workers and why Jeff Bezos' post flight speech inherently affronts them.In the third hour we were joined by Peter Oliver who gave an analysis of the Nord Stream 2 deal. We looked at the intricate relationship between Ukraine and Russia in the fuel transportation space, and why America is injecting themselves into the conversation.
COVID cases surge across the US and Africa; Joe Biden's Cuba propaganda; America's public housing crumbles. Michael Kane, executive director of the National Alliance of HUD Tenants, and Ruth Ann Norton, president and CEO of the Green and Healthy Homes Initiative, join the show to talk about efforts to ensure the health and safety of public housing residents across the United States. The pair discuss current unsafe conditions, what to expect from HUD under the Biden administration, and the need to build more public housing across the country.Dr. Iyabo Obasanjo, professor of Public Health at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA, joins to talk about the rapid spread of the COVID 19 Delta variant, LA County reissuing a mask mandate, and the future of COVID vaccines at home and abroad.Dr Shayla Nunnaly, professor of political science and chair of the Africana Studies Program at the University of Tennessee and former president National Conference of Black Political Scientists shares her thoughts on Dr. Cornel West's resignation from Harvard, Nikole Hannah-Jones and Ta-Nehisi Coates joining Howard University, and the challenges facing activist professors in today's academic environment.Journalist and writer Daniel Lazare joins the show in the second hour to talk about what to expect from the US with regard to Cuba and Haiti. The group also talks about the White House's guidelines on COVID misinformation and what a better public health approach could look like.Bob Schlehuber and Michelle Witte close out the week with the weekly "Working for the Weekend" segment where they trash the worst of the week. Chrissy Teigen, Bill O'Reilly, and the world's most expensive french fries are sent away for good.
Notable guests join us to cover the important weekly news stories as President Biden is doubling down on backing Saudi Arabia and arming terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda on the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in Yemen.Caleb Maupin, journalist and political analyst, joins us to discuss this week's important stories. Recent battles between alternative voices on YouTube have revealed the reality that some on the left in America have been co-opted by neo-liberal and neo-con elements in the US government and beyond. Also, a European event hosted by the political arm of an odd terrorist cult called the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq has caused a significant uproar, as several European and American politicians attended and made outrageous remarks. Also, the US State Department's fingerprints are all over the current political problems in both Haiti and Cuba. Chris Hedges, investigative journalist, joins us to discuss his latest article. In his article "Bless the Traitors," Chris Hedges discusses the treatment of besieged whistleblowers such as Julian Assange and Daniel Hale. Richard Wolff, professor of economics and host of "Democracy At Work" on YouTube, joins us to discuss the current economic situation in the US empire and its connected vassal states. The neo-liberal economic model has wrought economic disaster both in the US and abroad, and the COVID-19 pandemic has created a dynamic in which only massive government intervention can keep the entire system from collapsing. How long will the federal reserve be able to print its way out of disaster?Ajamu Baraka, former VP Candidate for the Green Party, joins Dan Kovalik, writer, author and lawyer, to discuss this week's important foreign policy stories with a focus on the Global South. Investigative reporters have uncovered a mysterious social media operation that is directly related to the unrest in Cuba. Right-wing operators in South America are said to have used bots, algorithms, and accounts recently created to amplify messages issued by the directors of the illicit campaign. Also, 184 nations voted against continuing the brutal US blockade on Cuba, as only the US and Israel supported the continuance of the measures. Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author of The Velvet Coup, joins Martin Sieff, senior fellow at the American University in Moscow, for the weekly foreign policy review. In the latest sign of massive blowback from president Biden's attacks on Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units, US bases and logistics supply units in Syria and Iraq are facing ongoing attacks that have the earmarks of sophisticated coordination and appear to be part of a long term plan to end the US occupation. NATO continues with major provocations in the Black Sea, as 31 nations are included in the marine operations. Also, 95 Greek & 10 Icelandic MPs called on President Biden to free Julian Assange.
Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst and co-founder for Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Peace, joins us to discuss the Biden-Putin summit. President Putin hailed the summit as a success and advised that the two nations will be sending their respective ambassadors back to service. Also, in his latest antiwar.com article, Ray Mcgovern argues that the summit accomplished baby steps but was overall blah and uneventful.Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author of The Velvet Coup, joins us to discuss the Senate's possible upcoming vote on the Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF). Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has expressed his support for repealing the 2002 AUMF, and says that he expects to be in a position to call for a vote soon. The call to re-examine the AUMF began in February when President Biden opened his foreign policy agenda by illegally bombing Syria.Gerald Horne, professor of history at the University of Houston, author, historian, and researcher, joins us to discuss President Biden's comments about election interference. In his post-summit press conference, President Biden stated, "How would it be if the United States were viewed by the rest of the world as interfering with the elections directly of other countries, and everybody knew it?" Our guest discusses the plausibility of that statement and reviews the history of US interventions in elections and regime change.Dr. Linwood Tauheed, associate professor of economics at the University of Missouri- Kansas City, joins us to discuss the strategic partnership between Russia and China. Dmitry Rogozin, the CEO of Russia's Roscosmos corporation, advised that Russia has worked with China on their space program. Rogozin stated that "China is implementing its space program with Russia's support." Also, China and Russia have announced that they are working together on a lunar station and they are welcoming international partners.Ted Rall, political cartoonist and syndicated columnist, joins us to discuss the reaction of former presidents to the Geneva summit. Hillary Clinton has returned to the media claiming that President Biden is cleaning up President Trump's mess regarding Russia. Meanwhile, President Trump is taking a page from the Democrat's book by criticizing President Biden for not being tough enough on Russia. Scott Ritter, former UN weapon Inspector in Iraq, joins us to discuss China. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has directed the military to "bolster deterrence" against China. Also, a recent poll shows that white Americans are more likely to support war with China than people of color.Jim Kavanaugh, joins us to discuss Julian Assange. Trevor Timm, the executive director of the Freedom of the Press Foundation, has penned an article on Consortium News in which he discusses the attempt by the Biden administration to criminalize news gathering in the case against Julian Assange. Also, Boris Johnson has been railing about the free media while he supports the persecution of Assange. Dan Kovalik, writer, author,and lawyer, joins us to discuss South American politics. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), the chair of the powerful House Rules Committee, has sent a letter to President Biden requesting that he end the deadly sanctions on Venezuela. Also, observers argue that the landmark victory of Pedro Castillo in Peru will usher in a new era ending years of neoliberal rule by con-artists and robber barons.
In this episode of By Any Means Necessary, hosts Sean Blackmon and Jacquie Luqman are joined by journalist and author Daniel Lazare to discuss the meeting of NATO nations taking place in Brussels, US President Joe Biden's insistence that the US has a “sacred obligation” to go to war on behalf of Europe, Turkey and Canada, and the new NATO statement labeling China a "systemic challenge” to the military alliance.In the second segment, Sean and Jacquie are joined by Asa Winstanley, investigative journalist and Associate editor with The Electronic Intifada, to discuss the swearing-in of new Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Bennett's history of bragging about killing Arab people, and why the inclusion of an Arab party in the new coalition seems to have been driven mainly by political expediency.In the third segment, Sean and Jacquie are joined by Gloria La Riva of the ANSWER Coalition to discuss her recent solidarity mission to Cuba, how the socialist island nation manufactured their own vaccines despite the US government's ongoing deadly economic blockade, and the international campaign to help Cubans import the 20 million syringes needed to administer the doses.Later in the show, Sean and Jacquie are joined by Kalonji Jama Changa, an author, filmmaker, community organizer, co-host of the Renegade Culture podcast, co-founder of Black Power Media and founder of the FTP movement, to discuss how corporate media is using the national uptick in violent crime to drive a public push to “refund” the police, why Kamala Harris' aides and allies reportedly see her troubling comments regarding the southern border as part of a pattern, and the upcoming Verzuz battle between pioneering female rappers Eve and Trina.
Austin González, member of the National Political Committee of the Democratic Socialists of America and head of the DSA electoral observer delegation in Perú, talks to us about the results of the presidential election in Perú where the left-leaning candidate Pedro Castillo has taken a slight 0.6 percent lead over conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori. We also talk about the impact that a Castillo victory will have in the region, and what lessons could be learned from this for progressive politics in the U.S.Maru Mora Villalpando, founder of La Resistencia, community organizer and immigrant activist, joins us to talk about the numerous roadblocks that immigrants face on their way, and in the U.S., including remarks by Vice President Kamala Harris intended to deter would-be immigrants and how representative of a policy has spanned across administrations. We also talk about the huge backlog of cases in immigration courts that leave immigrants in a legal limbo, and how the Supreme Court recently dealt a blow to the rights of TPS holders. Tina Landis, environmental and social activist and the author of the book “Climate Solutions Beyond Capitalism,” joins us to talk about a public electric power resolution recently introduced by Representatives Cori Bush (D-MO) and Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) and what a socialized system could mean for citizens of this country. We also talk about how Congress has continued to privatize resources that are basic human rights and what it would take to change this.Daniel Lazare, journalist and author, talks to us about the latest Senate report on the January 6th Capital attack, and how our collective memory is already confused on what took place that day. We will also talk about the continuity between the Department of Justice under Trump and Biden, and how it will not seek compulsory legal process in leak investigations to obtain source information from the press.Dr. Sharon Anderson, attorney and business consultant, former law school professor and lecturer at Howard Law, and CEO and founder of KCG Consulting Services, talks to us about her new book “Emotional Civility: The New Standard for Global Success.”
Wyatt Reed, Sputnik news analyst and producer for By Any Means Necessary, joins us to discuss elections in Mexico. Wyatt has traveled to Mexico to cover the elections. He joins us to discuss the street interviews that he has conducted, the violence that has occurred during the campaign season, and the outcome.Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations security analyst, joins us to discuss Russian President Putin's speech. President Putin recently spoke at the St. Petersburg summit, at which time he proposed that the United States is on a downward trajectory similar to that of the Soviet Union. Putin said that an empire creates many problems for itself, "but problems keep piling up. And, at some point, they are no longer able to cope with them. And the United States is now walking the Soviet Union's path, and its gait is confident and steady."Dan Cohen, filmmaker and writer for the Gray Zone Project, joins us to discuss Israel. Israel is once again receiving global condemnation for its treatment of the Palestinians. The Israeli military has arrested and detained two Palestinian activists and a reporter who are both covering and resisting the forced expulsions in Sheikh Jarrah. This comes just days before the Israeli courts are set to rule on major issues related to the expulsions. Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist, author of The Velvet Coup, joins us to discuss Julian Assange. Julian Assange's fiancee Stella Moris, Geneva Mayor Frederique Perler, and UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Nils Melzer called for his release and an end to US extradition proceedings against him on Friday. This action is part of an effort designed to make a push for corrective action just before the G7 summit. Also, world-renowned whistleblower Danial Ellsberg has released new classified information, and is daring the US government to take similar action against him at 90 years old. Kathy Kelly, an American peace activist, one of the founding members of Voices in the Wilderness, and co-coordinator for Voices for Creative Nonviolence, joins us to discuss Afghanistan. A recent New York Times article seems to have been written as a public relations piece for the CIA, as it presents a detailed disposition of the intelligence agency's claims against leaving Afghanistan. Also, the US is again spending huge amounts of money for foreign interventions as the Biden administration has pledged 3.3 billion dollars for the Afghanistan military. Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, joins us to discuss Lebanon. Laith discusses an interesting article regarding the US interests in Lebanon. The Biden administration has quietly decided to give an additional 15 million dollars to Lebanon. Observers suspect that the money is being directed towards a clandestine anti-Hezbollah campaign rather than towards providing stability.Nick Davies, peace activist and author of "Blood on Our Hands: The American Invasion of Iraq," joins us to discuss the US endless war campaign. A recent poll demonstrated exactly what most security analysts would predict. Most Americans oppose the endless war campaign waged by the US empire, and would rather see the money wasted on these wars used for domestic purposes. Ted Rall, political cartoonist and syndicated columnist, joins us to discuss political cartoonists. He talks about the problems that political cartoonists face in a time when dissident opinions are being suppressed. Cartoonists have been censored and repressed worldwide and making a living in that field is getting nearly impossible for those who choose the path of honesty and professionalism.
Alexander Mercouris, editor-in-chief at theduran.com & host of "The Duran'' on YouTube, joins us to discuss "Spygate 2." Reports that the US National Security Agency enlisted the aid of Denmark's intelligence services to spy on German Chancellor Angela Merkel and potentially other European leaders is causing an uproar amongst US vassal states in Europe. Meanwhile, many observers are yawning at the reality that these nations have generally accepted their status as powerless clients of the US empire and are unlikely to do more than complain.Levi Rickert, editor and publisher of NativeNewsOnline.net, joins us to discuss the genocide against indegenous people in Canada. The bodies of over 200 children were found in Canada at a building that was used to strip them of their culture and indoctrinate them into European culture. Observers are using this as an opportunity to revisit the genocide and violence associated with Western imperialism. Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations security analyst, joins us to discuss Belarus. The President of Belarus is talking about the Western attempt to overthrow his government, and is joining a chorus of international voices warning that NATO and the US empire are rapidly dragging the planet towards a third and potentially final world war. Also, Roman Protasevich, the man who was arrested in Belarus from a RyanAIr plane last week was wanted in connection with Ukrainian Nazi operatives, according to Russian foreign policy sources.Greg Palast, investigative reporter, joins us to discuss election issues in the US. A major political struggle has erupted in Texas as GOP politicians introduce a restrictive voting bill and Democrats walk out to halt the process. Also, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) argues that the Democrats must show equal resolve to push through legislation that the GOP opposes.Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "The Velvet Coup," joins us to discuss Israel. The landscape is shifting, as Washington, DC produced over 35,000 people at a rally on a rainy cold Memorial Day weekend. The leaders of the Democratic party are struggling to deal with a large group of major donors who support the Netanyahu Likud regime, while facing growing opposition in their major voting blocs.Ajamu Baraka, former VP Candidate for the Green Party, joins us to discuss Columbia and Brazil. Brazil is facing a major internal crisis, as the citizens are taking to the streets in large numbers to protest the neoliberal policies of Jair Bolsanaro. Bolsonaro and his US supporters are particularly concerned as the former left leaning leader Lula De Silva seems ready to make a comeback. Also, we discuss how Israel is influencing far-right wing politics in South America, and in particular, the US controlled government of Colombia. Margaret Kimberley, editor and senior columnist at Black Agenda Report and author of "Prejudential: Black America and the Presidents," joins us to discuss the militarism of the US empire. We discuss Caitlin Johnstone's article in which she pushes back against war propaganda and explains her concept of US foreign policy. Also, we talk about Jim Bovard's article about the run up to the invasion and occupation of Iraq.Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, joins us to discuss Syria. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad won the Syrian election with 95.1% of the vote. As is normally the case with perceived adversaries, the US condemned the election as illegitimate before the voting process began. Also, does the end of the Syrian war mean that the war torn nation can return to its status as a power player in the region?
On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Shane Stranahan address the pending completion of Nord Stream 2, German politics, the crypto market, the ongoing story of Russiagate and the failures of both political parties in their current standings.Guests:Peter Oliver - EU correspondent for RT International | Nord Stream 2 Sees Light, German Politics Come SeptemberJoseph Leibowitz - Foreign relations lobbyist and crypto day trader | Volatility of the Cryptocurrency MarketDaniel Lazare - Independent journalist and author | Russiagate and the Kilimnik InterviewIn the first hour we were joined by Peter Oliver to talk about the German political establishment's view of Biden's course on Nord Stream 2 and the likely makeup of the Bundestag come September's federal election.In the second hour we were joined by Joseph Leibowitz as the discussion on cryptocurrencies rages on. Joseph offered insight into his trading skills regarding the big three coins and how the seaming limitless income potential has a very real cap.In the third hour Fault Lines was joined by Daniel Lazare to talk about the persistence in claims of Russia's influence in American elections and affairs, as well as what problems Lazare sees with the current party system and the Constitution.
Jacqueline and Abdus Luqman, hosts of Luqman Nation, talk to us about rallies held at least across the East Coast this weekend in support of long time American political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal, who turned 67 this week, the importance of his story in exposing the brutality of the American system, and the impact his reporting has had in the movement to for black rights and reforming justice in the country. We also talk about how free speech and public protests by black and brown people could be stifled by the government deploying more security measures, like semi-permanent barriers around DC buildings, and by corporations through social media gatekeeping, under the guise of preventing a January 6-like riot. Daniel Lazare, journalist and author of “The Velvet Coup: The Constitution, the Supreme Court, and the Decline of American Democracy,” tells us about a recent spate of political infighting in Iran, where accusations are being flung back and forth about Qassem Soleimani, foreign minister Javad Zarif, the revolutionary guards, Russia, and the JCPOA, and how this could play into the hands of the U.S. in future negotiations of the nuclear deal. We also talk about how intellectual property laws are hindering vaccine distribution programs globally, how big pharma has undue influence in the government, and how these allegations about national security undermine the fight against the pandemic in the name of profits.In our Miss the Press segment, hosts Michelle Witte and Bob Schlehuber talk about Chuck Todd’s grammar issues talking about the Derek Chauvin trial, his analysis of presidential approval ratings, Kamala Harris’ new book, and Chris Christie calling Biden a far-left president. The Misfits also talk about former president George W. Bush’s ongoing rehabilitation and his appearance in the Jimmy Kimmel show, where no mention was made of the terrible legacy of the Iraq War, President Biden’s still unclear details about the infrastructure plan and clean technology that may or may not affect meat consumption, and the explosion of covid cases and deaths that have wracked India in recent days.
To the summit! In Alaska, representatives from China and the US will meet for the first time since the advent of the Biden administration. What can Beijing expect? And what will Washington demand? Can the two sides agree to disagree? Will it be a meeting of low expectations? CrossTalking with Daniel Lazare, Tom Watkins, and Daniel McAdams.
On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Shane Stranahan discuss the headlines that include the Biden Administration's dealings with the filibuster, continuing protests for Julian Assange, the Royal Family and much more.Guests:Rabbi Yaakov Shapiro – Speaker, Author and Rabbi | Israeli Supreme Court on Law of ReturnDaniel Lazare – Journalist and Author | FilibusterLeo Flores – Political Analyst and Latin America Campaign Coordinator at Code Pink | Lula's Cleared of ChargesGlory Jones – Co-host of the Slow News Day Podcast | Upcoming Assange Event in DCMariTi Lovell – Producer of Fault Lines Radio | The Royal FamilyThe Law of Return is an Israeli law giving any Jew the right to live in Israel and obtain Israeli citizenship. Rabbi Yaakov Shapiro gives the hosts of Fault Lines more details into what this means for religion and nationality.Should the Biden Administration work to repeal the Filibuster? Fault Lines explores the answer to this question with guest Daniel Lazare.Former Brazilian president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, also known as Lula, has had his corruption convictions annulled. Leo Flores discusses the details behind this annulment and what this means for Lula's future campaign.March 17th and March 18th there will be a #FreeAssange event stationed in Washington DC. Glory Jones, Co-host of The Slow News Day Podcast gives details on this event and how you can participate. The Royal Family finds themselves in the center of controversy over a recent interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. MariTi joins the show to give thoughts on the scandals involved in the interview and what this means for the United States.
On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Shane Stranahan discuss foreign relation policies that include the Biden Administration and its dealings with the JCPOA, foreign influence, media bias and recent concerns around the spread of propaganda. Guests: Laith Marouf – Multimedia Producer and Law Consultant | Questions Surrounding UN Special RapporteurAlexander Mercouris – Editor-in-Chief at TheDuran.com | Navalny, UK Politics Daniel Lazare – Author | Uyghur OverviewAndrew Spannaus – Journalist | Update: Collapse of Italian Government Dr. Piers Robinson – Political Scientist | UK FCO Cover-Up The Biden administration has reinitiated talks with Iran concerning the JCPOA. Laith Marouf gives details into past US relations with Iran and what this means for future negotiations. Amnesty International has revoked Alexei Navalny of his “prisoner of conscience” status after complaints about his prior xenophobic comments. Alexander Mercouris gives his take on the decision and insight into the role British politics plays in this matter. Meanwhile documents from Britain's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office reveal money has been used to fund media outlets such as Reuters and BBC, in an alleged “anti-Russian influence campaign”. Dr. Piers Robinson, co-director of the Organization for Propaganda Studies, speaks on Foreign influence policies and mainstream media's role in propaganda operations. China continues to face accusations of Human Rights violations concerning treatment of Uyghur Muslims. Daniel Lazare works with Faults Lines to define the term ‘genocide' and its implications of political motivation. Italy is one of the countries hit hardest by the Covid-19 crisis. As the new Prime Minister, Mario Draghi has plans of restoring the European country. American Journalist to Italy, Andrew Spannus, speaks Italian Politics and Draghi's role concerning issues with Italy and the EU banks.
Nick Davies, a peace activist and author of "Blood on Our Hands: The American Invasion and Destruction of Iraq, joins us to talk about Joe Biden’s foreign policy perspectives and the impact of US policy on children around the world.Dr. Iyabo Obasanjo, Professor of Public Health at College of William and Mary in Williamsburg VA, joins us to look at New York, its covid pandemic, its vaccine program and its governor. Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "The Velvet Coup: The Constitution, the Supreme Court and the Decline of American Democracy, joins us to discuss the power of American exceptionalism to develop some really bad policies, the latest protests from Russia; and the military taking over in Myanmar.
On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Shane Stranahan outline the chaos ensuing around the world that seems to have intensified following the Capitol siege. Next week, Trump will face impeachment for the second time.Guests:Mark Sleboda - International Security Analyst | Ashurkov and the MI-6 AgentThe Gaggle - Peter Lavelle and George Szamuely | Pro-Navalny Protests and the Trial in MoscowLee Stranahan - Host of The Backstory | Media to Blame for Radicalizing the GOPDaniel Lazare - Independent Journalist | Trump Impeachment 2.0Alexei Navalny is a Russian opposition leader. He has many allies including Vladimir Ashurkov. Lately, supporters of Navalny have been protesting in his favor as he faces prison. International security analyst Mark Sleboda gives us the background on Putin's opposition. The Gaggle hosts Peter Lavelle and George Szamuely discuss the uprising.Placing the blame for the Capitol siege is a topic of conversation. Republicans are trying to move past the event quickly while Democrats want to hold someone responsible. Some people are even arguing that the rioters were not Trump supporters. Host of the Backstory Lee Stranahan argues that the media is to blame for fueling the far right. Independent journalist Daniel Lazare talks about the upcoming Trump impeachment.
KJ Noh, writer and scholar of Asian Pacific geopolitics, joins us to discuss US China relations. China says it will sanction .28 U.S. officials, including members of the Trump administration, for allegedly violating China's sovereignty. The decision was announced in a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry. These 28 people and their family members will not be allowed to enter China mainland, Hong Kong and Macau. The sanctions also forbids them from doing business with China. What will happen next?Matthew Telles, labor organizer, joins us to discuss Instacart nearly two-thousand jobs, including the grocery delivery platform's only unionized workers. Tina Landis, environmental and social justice advocate and author of "Climate Solutions Beyond Capitalism,” joins us to discuss climate actions that should be pushed under the Biden administration.Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "The Velvet Coup: The Constitution, the Supreme Court and the Decline of American Democracy, joins us to give an update on the articles of impeachment waged against Trump and threats of an impeachment against Biden. We’ll also dive into US Russia relations under Biden; and Gen. Lloyd Austin being tapped for the Secretary of Defense.Melik Abdul, Republican communications consultant, joins us for our weekly “Working For The Weekend” segment, where we decide who needs to take a break and have a seat!?!
On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Shane Stranahan steer their attention towards the COVID-19 vaccine logistics. Yesterday, as thousands died from COVID and the vaccine distribution continues to flail, the attention was on Trump being impeached.Guests:Dr. Mikhail Kogan - Medical Director | Vaccine Rollout Effectiveness So FarDaniel Lazare - Independent Journalist | The Chaos of 'Repocratic' PoliticsTim Canova - Law Professor | Straight. No chaser! GLARING Hypocrisy on the LeftThere are so many vaccines in the inventory, but the logistics of distribution has fallen flat. Thousands continue to die everyday but the focus is on other agenda items. Medical director Dr. Mikhail Kogan gives his opinion on the rollout so far.The question over which US political party is better ends up a question of which party is the worse of two evils. Should we be forced to choose from two parties that do not serve the majority? Independent journalist Daniel Lazare explains the concept of repocratic politics. Law professor Tim Canova describes the left's hypocrisy.
On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Shane Stranahan discuss the end of a crazy, unpredictable year. It looks like Trump could not "stop the steal" and Biden will be taking over in January.Guests:Daniel Lazare - Independent Journalist and Author | Do We Need New Constitutional Amendments?Dr. Linwood Tauheed - Associate Professor of Economics | TRUMP Wants $2000 Checks?Scott Ritter - Former UN Weapons Inspector | Top Stories for 2020This year has proven that we, as a nation, are not running the best political machine. There is certainly room for improvement. Independent journalist Daniel Lazare discusses whether we should implement new constitutional amendments.It is very nice that Trump wants $2000 checks sent to Americans. If his request is genuine, what is the economics behind it? Associate Professor of Economics Dr. Linwood Tauheed gives us his perspective.The year 2020 will be an unforgettable period of time for all who are living through it. The pandemic was certainly a top story, but the world changed in so many other ways. Former UN Weapons Inspector Scott Ritter outlines his list of the top highlights of 2020.
Here to talk to us about what this means is KJ Noh, writer and scholar of Asian Pacific geopolitics, joins us to discuss the Center for Economics and Business Research report saying China’s economy would outstrip the US’s by 2028, five years earlier than it had previously predicted. A lot of headlines have made much of the role covid plays in this change, noting that the US 5% contraction this year helped narrow the gap, but the deputy chair of the think tank himself said “The big news in this forecast is the speed of growth of the Chinese economy.” Kei Pritsker with Breakthrough News, joins us to discuss the New York Legislature on Monday overwhelmingly passed one of the most comprehensive anti-eviction laws in the nation. Under the new measure, landlords will be barred from evicting most tenants for at least another 60 days in almost all cases, and new eviction cases are to be banned until May 1. Some small landlords will be protected from foreclosure, and the bill also automatically renews tax exemptions for homeowners who are elderly or disabled. What's some of the work happening in New York to help people stay in their homes, and what results that’s had.Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "The Velvet Coup: The Constitution, the Supreme Court and the Decline of American Democracy, joins us to discuss the actual fight brewing in the Senate, propaganda in the pages of the Washington Post, and the intrigue between the UAE and Venezuela.KenYatta Rogers, Freelance Theatre Artist and Professor of Theatre at Montgomery College and William Dawson, writer, author and culture critic, joins us to discuss Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, the importance of August Wilson’s Pittsburgh Cycle, and the politics and economics of turning theatrical plays into movies.
Ted Rall, political cartoonist and syndicated columnist, joins us to talk about reports of a massive hacking operation involving US government websites. Nearly all mainstream Western media outlets are repeating the claims that the Russian government is involved in the hack, but the US government has not provided evidence. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) in a Thursday speech before the Senate called the hacking operation a "virtual invasion by the Russians into critical accounts of the federal government," and Biden has promised to impose "substantial costs" on those responsible, according to Fox News.Dr. Linwood Tauheed, associate professor of economics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, returns to The Critical Hour to discuss the state of the US economy as jobless claims remain elevated and Congress squabbles over a stimulus package. Recent negotiations point to a final deal that will not include money for state and local governments despite projections that over 5 million workers will face layoffs without such funds.Dr. Jehan "Gigi" El-Bayoumi, professor of medicine and founding director of the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences' Rodman Institute; and Dr. Yolandra Hancock, board-certified pediatrician and obesity medicine specialist, return to discuss reports that a panel of independent experts recommended overwhelmingly that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) grant Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine an emergency use authorization. Our panel discusses the efficacy and safety issues that have so many people apprehensive about taking the vaccine. Are their fears valid, and will these fears complicate the use of vaccine therapy to overcome the deadly pandemic?Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "The Velvet Coup"; and Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst and co-founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, come together to discuss several of the most important stories of the week. Chief among these stories is one that involves recordings that recently surfaced from James O'Keefe's Project Veritas, revealing that WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange contacted the State Department in 2011 and notified it that 250,000 diplomatic cables had been stolen from WikiLeaks and may be released soon. Assange advised the department to take mitigating actions to protect personnel because the necessary redactions and precautions may not have been taken by the thief.Dr. Gerald Horne, professor of history at the University of Houston, author, historian and researcher; and Danny Haiphong, author and contributor to Black Agenda Report, team up to review another group of major stories from the week. They address growing concerns Biden is building a political team chock full of notorious Wall Street operatives. Reports show that Biden has grown his transition team with new additions, such as 18-year Goldman Sachs employee Eric Goldstein; Monica Maher, vice president for cyber threat intelligence at Goldman; and Josh Zoffer, who was formerly an engagement manager at McKinsey and now works at private equity firm Cove Hill Partners.
Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "The Velvet Coup: The Constitution, the Supreme Court and the Decline of American Democracy," joins us to discuss a recent Washington Post story that claims Russian government hackers are behind yet another espionage campaign that has infiltrated US agencies. We'll also take a look at the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh and the larger conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. A few days ago Eurasianet came out with a report on what has been circulating on social media for weeks now: videos depicting shocking atrocities by Azerbaijani soldiers against Armenian civilians and prisoners of war. Has global media just let Azerbaijan walk all over Armenia without any kind of fuss?Teodrose Fikre, co-founder of the Ghion Journal, joins us to discuss the latest developments in northern Ethiopia as the country's government continues to look to regain complete control of the Tigray Region. The government said Monday that "power and phone connections had been partly restored in Tigray, where civilians spoke of deprivation, fear and violence in the troubled region after six weeks of silence," AFP reported. "Tigray has been under a communications blackout since November 4 ... The shutdown, coupled with restrictions on access to the region, made verifying the situation on the ground difficult as the army battled forces loyal to the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF)."Anthony Lorenzo Green, a core organizer with Black Lives Matter DC, joins us to discuss the Pro-Trump Proud Boys demonstration here Washington, DC, over the weekend. At least four people were stabbed in confrontations late Saturday after a daylong MAGA rally that featured recently pardoned former national security adviser Michael Flynn, conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and a flyover from what appeared to be the Marine One presidential helicopter. Clashes between Proud Boys, Antifa and the police continued well into the evening on Saturday, leading to the arrests of at least 33 people, according to NBC4 Washington, which cited local police.
Dr. Yolandra Hancock, board-certified pediatrician and obesity medicine specialist, joins us to discuss Britain rolling out the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to its citizens, becoming the first nation in the West to begin such a campaign. A report prepared by the White House coronavirus task force tells a different story about US vaccination efforts, warning that the shots that will be available for US citizens will not alter the pandemic's course in the country until well into next year. "The current vaccine implementation will not substantially reduce viral spread, hospitalizations, or fatalities until the 100 million Americans with comorbidities can be fully immunized, which will take until the late spring," notes the report, sent to US governors.Kevin Gosztola, journalist, author and documentary filmmaker, joins us to talk about US President-elect Joe Biden's choice of retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin for secretary for defense. Austin was the first African American general to "command an Army division in combat and the first to oversee an entire theater of operations," according to Politico. If confirmed, Austin would be the first African American to hold the position.Elisabeth Myers, lawyer, former editor-in-chief of Inside Arabia and democracy lead for Democrats Abroad, joins us to discuss the sentencing of Dr. Walid Fitaihi in Saudi Arabia. Fitaihi, who holds dual American and Saudi nationality, was sentenced on Tuesday to six years in prison on "charges that included obtaining US citizenship without official permission and posting messages on Twitter supporting the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings, according to the person close to the family, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case," reported the Washington Post.Jack Rasmus, professor in economics and politics at St. Mary's College of California, returns to discuss the fate of renters in the US. "Nearly 12 million renters will owe an average of $5,850 in back rent and utilities by January," the Washington Post reported, citing Moody's Analytics. "Last month, 9 million renters said they were behind on rent last month, according to a Census Bureau survey."Scott Ritter, former UN weapons inspector in Iraq, joins Dr. Wilmer Leon to discuss a report saying that the US and its allies are spreading misinformation about Iran possibly trying to retaliate for the killing of nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. According to an article in AntiWar.com, "Despite Iran's clear desire to make it to January 20 without a military confrontation with the US, anonymous officials are hyping the threat of Iranian retaliation for Fakhrizadeh's death."Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "The Velvet Coup," joins us to discuss the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's statements that Britain may leave the European Union without a trade deal. Reuters reported Tuesday that "with just three weeks left to break a deadlock in trade negotiations," Johnson said that there may be no deal forthcoming.Latin American Coordinator of CodePink Teri Mattson joins us to discuss a Grayzone report outlining Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the US corporate media's continuing propaganda war against Venezuela. Pompeo and the media "declared Venezuela's legislative elections a 'sham' before results were even announced," the outlet noted. "Among the most blatant distortions deployed against President Nicolas Maduro's United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) was a claim first advanced by Leopoldo López, the far-right, US-backed opposition leader who recently fled to Spain."Ted Rall, political cartoonist and syndicated columnist, returns to talk about a report from Geopolitics Alert that says large media outlets will not acknowledge Yemeni forces' success in battling Daesh and al-Qaeda. According to the report, media organizations have failed to report this information because Yemeni military sources have detailed "extensive cooperation between the US-backed Saudi coalition and terror groups."
Caleb Maupin, journalist and political analyst, joins us to discuss Iran's decision to be open to talks with the incoming Biden administration, even after veteran physicist Moshen Fakhrizadeh, a major player in Iran's nuclear research and defense activities, was assassinated in an ambush outside of Tehran on November 27. "Underscoring the support for diplomacy, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said while 'Iran and the US will continue to have fundamental differences,' the tension between Tehran and Washington needn't continue after Trump is out of office," Bloomberg reported this week.Dr. Jack Rasmus, professor of economics and politics at St. Mary's College of California, returns to discuss this week's top economic stories, including the $908 billion stimulus package proposed in the US Senate and slow sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. He will also talk about a Washington Post report on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) which revealed that more than half of the emergency funds intended for small businesses went to larger businesses instead.Garland Nixon, co-host of The Critical Hour, joins us from Caracas, Venezuela. He will discuss the various measures that the Venezuelan government is using to contain the COVID-19 crisis, as well as sanctions and other news from the region.Ray Baker, political analyst and host of the podcast Public Agenda; and Gary Flowers, radio talk show host and public policy analyst, return to discuss the bipartisan stimulus package talks, who will lead the US Defense Department, and Republicans fearing US President Donald Trump's criticism of Georgia officials over the handling of the presidential elections could cause a rift in the party and hurt their chances in the state's Senate runoff elections. They also discuss the Trump administration is scheduling several executions in the days leading up to the presidential inaugurationJim Kavanagh, writer at The Polemicist and CounterPunch; and Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "The Velvet Coup," return to tackle the subjects of the proposed bipartisan stimulus package, the search for the next Pentagon chief by US President-elect Joe Biden and a group of House Republicans on Thursday who were accused of pulling an "outrageous" maneuver by Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and fellow Democratic lawmakers when they attempted to pass a motion to adjourn the chamber while the pandemic rages. Common Dreams reported on the matter: "'People are going hungry and they're treating this like a game,' Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) tweeted in response to the motion, which Republicans used to complain about House rules allowing proxy voting to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on Capitol Hill. 'Leaders don't abandon people in their time of greatest need.'"
Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "The Velvet Coup: The Constitution, the Supreme Court and the Decline of American Democracy and Kathy Kelly, co-coordinator of Voices for Creative Nonviolence, joins us to discuss the conflict in Afghanistan we can’t seem to find our way out of. Army Gen. Mark Milley, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said at the Brookings Institute, “We went to Afghanistan ... to ensure that Afghanistan never again became a platform for terrorists to strike the United States...We believe that now after 20 years — two decades of consistent effort there — we’ve achieved a modicum of success.” How true is that?Greg Palast, an award-winning investigative reporter featured in The Guardian, Nation Magazine, Rolling Stone Magazine, BBC and elsewhere, joins us to discuss the Black Voters Matter Fund and others announcing a lawsuit against the State of Georgia to return nearly 200,000 voters they say were wrongly purged from the polls in 2019, a lawsuit based on your report about voter purges from September. We will discuss the news conference and any bombshells that were dropped.Carmine Sabia, journalist and writer for Citizen Truth, joins us to discuss the future of the Republican Party with or without Donald Trump and whether or not the GOP can keep the screws together ahead of Georgia’s Senate runoff election early next year.Chris Garaffa, web developer and technologist takes a look at the brand new app Clubhouse and how you may be giving up more than you think online.
Dr. Emmitt Riley, political scientist and assistant professor of Africana studies at DePauw University, joins us to discuss the election issues going on in Georgia. Trump is attacking the Republican governor for refusing to join the president in his effort to overturn the election results. Many in the GOP fear this might cause a deep party rift that could affect voter turnout for Georgia's critical Senate runoff races in January. Daniel Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "The Velvet Coup"; and Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, join us to talk about recent events involving Israel's apparent assassination of an Iranian scientist. While this dramatic action seems intended to provoke a military response, Iran is signaling that it will not take the bait and respond violently. Also, Israeli actions seem to be empowering hardliners in Iran who prefer a more robust military response to violations of Iran's sovereignty. Ajamu Baraka, former US vice-presidential candidate for the Green Party, joins us to discuss some of the new picks for Joe Biden's potential Cabinet. Biden on Monday nominated Neera Tanden to head the Office of Management and Budget. Tanden has previously supported reducing Social Security benefits and floated the idea of seizing the oil of nations that the US invades to pay down the national debt. Also, the mainstream media has been fawning over the Biden picks as opposed to providing an unbiased review. KJ Noh, peace activist, writer, and teacher, joins us to discuss the powerhouse Chinese technology company Huawei. The employee-owned company is enjoying tremendous success, and many believe that its success using an alternative business model is viewed as a threat to US global dominance. Also, we discuss a recent Ted Galen article at Antiwar.com that refers to US policy towards Taiwan as a "ticking time bomb." Dr. Yolandra Hancock, board-certified pediatrician and obesity medicine specialist, returns to discuss reports of a recent meeting in which Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, discussed the timeline for distributing a COVID-19 vaccine. Also, officials are extremely concerned about US hospital capacity as the number of COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization rises dramatically. Elisabeth Myers, attorney and former editor-in-chief of Inside Arabia, returns to discuss the Saudi Arabian war on Yemen. Over 80 progressive organizations are pressing the incoming Biden administration to discontinue support for the war, HuffPost reported Monday. Additionally, in his latest MintPress News article, Ahmed Abdulkareem talks about the Trump administration showering Saudi Arabia with weapons and diplomatic cover as they leave power. Nicolas Davies, peace activist and author of "Blood on Our Hands, the American Invasion and Destruction of Iraq," returns to discuss the upcoming elections in Venezuela. As the United States tries to interfere by influencing opposition forces to boycott the elections, those same forces are fracturing due to infighting. Additionally, he reviews a Branko Marcetic story in Jacobin magazine about the CIA's covert war on the left.Dr. Linwood Tauheed, associate professor of economics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, joins our hosts to talk about reports that 12 million people in the US are scheduled to lose unemployment benefits the day after Christmas. Between the loss of benefits and a wave of evictions, America is on the verge of an economic catastrophe. Dr. Tauheed carefully outlines the economic moves needed to fend off such a disaster.