Fault Lines

On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Garland Nixon and Lee Stranahan discuss recent events involving Iran, Venezuela, Ukraine, and US Foreign Policy. How are the actions of the Trump administration impacting the current geopolitical landscape, and will President Trump's advisors continue to push him closer to a major military conflict?


Guests:

Serihy Leshchenko - Member of Parliament in Ukraine | Politics of Ukraine & The US-Ukrainian Relationship

Mark Sleboda - International Relations & Security Analyst | Pompeo Meets with Putin & The Foreign Policy of the Trump Administration

Ryan Cristián - Founder and Editor of The Last American Vagabond | Analyzing Recent Geopolitical Events


During the first hour of the program, the hosts are joined by Ukrainian Member of Parliament
Serihy Leshchenko for a conversation about the politics of Ukraine and the relationship between certain prominent American figures and Ukrainian officials. How have US-Ukrainian relations evolved post-Maidan, how influential was former Vice President Joe Biden inside of Ukraine, and what were the nature of Paul Manafort's business dealings within the country?

Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi, Russia to discuss the ongoing tension and geopolitical differences between the two countries. International Relations & Security Analyst Mark Sleboda returns to the show to talk about the Pompeo/Putin meeting, increasing tension between the US and Iran, efforts to overthrow the Maduro government in Venezuela, and the neoconservative tendencies of the Trump administration.

For the final two segments, Garland and Lee are joined by Ryan Cristián, Founder and Editor of The Last American Vagabond, to discuss some important current geopolitical stories. Together they will analyze recent events involving the United States, Iran, Venezuela, and the European Union along with talking about increasing online censorship.

On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Garland Nixon and Lee Stranahan discuss several major global stories and how reporting by independent journalists informs the public beyond what is put forth by mainstream media. The situation in Venezuela, Brexit, and protest movements can take on a different image depending on who is reporting on the story.


Guests:

Alexander Mercouris - Editor-in-Chief at TheDuran.com | The Brexit Party, UK Politics & European Union Elections

Ted Rall - Political Cartoonist & Syndicated Columnist | 2020 Presidential Candidates and Foreign Policy

Jamarl Thomas - Progressive Political Commentator | Contentious US-China Trade Relations

Ford Fischer - Independent Journalist | Events at the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington DC & Covering the News as an Independent Journalist


During the first hour of the show, the hosts are joined by Alexander Mercouris, Editor-in-Chief at TheDuran.com, for a wide ranging conversation about various foreign policy topics with a focus on Brexit & the politics of the United Kingdom. How has 'The Brexit Party' under the leadership of Nigel Farage gained a great deal of support in recent months, and how are the upcoming European Union elections impacting the political landscape in the UK and around Europe?

Despite the important role that foreign policy plays in the direction of the United States, many Presidential candidates tend to spend a limited amount of time discussing these issues. Ted Rall, a Political Cartoonist & Syndicated Columnist, returns to the show to discuss the different foreign policy positions of the Democratic 2020 Presidential candidates, how the progressive vote could be split amongst these candidates, and how the Democratic Establishment will attempt to navigate their upcoming Presidential Primary.

Trade disputes between the US and China have contributed to recent market fluctuations and economic uncertainty. Progressive political commentator Jamarl Thomas joins the program to give his take on the US-China trade situation, foreign policy issues involving both Iran and Saudi Arabia, and the issue of increasing online censorship.

For the final two segments, Garland and Lee are joined in-studio by Independent Journalist Ford Fischer to talk about his coverage of recent events at the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington DC. Additionally, they will discuss past rallies and protests that Ford has covered along with how he chooses to cover the news as an independent journalist.

On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Garland Nixon and Lee Stranahan discuss the news that Swedish authorities are planning to resume an investigation into Julian Assange regarding an alleged rape in 2010. How does this latest turn potentially impact Assange's legal woes, and could he now face extradition to Sweden rather than the United States?


Guests:

Patrick Henningsen - Journalist & Founder of: 21stCenturyWire.com | Sweden Targets Julian Assange with Old Rape Allegations

Dr. Piers Robinson - Co-Director of the Organization for Propaganda Studies | Analysis of the 2018 "Douma Attack" & How Propaganda is Used on Populations

Ariel Gold - National Co-Director at Code Pink | Clashes at the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington DC

Joel Segal - Former Congressional Staffer | The Need for More Policy Solutions & 2020 Politics

Tim Canova - Law Professor & Former Candidate for Congress in Florida | Growing Internet Censorship & Control of the Democratic Party


Swedish authorities have moved to re-open the investigation into rape allegations against WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange. Journalist Patrick Henningsen returns to 'Fault Lines' to discuss this latest legal threat to Assange, how it could impact his potential extradition, and his current status in the United Kingdom.

The alleged chemical attack in Douma, Syria in April of 2018 was used by some in the political establishment to push for greater foreign intervention and military action in Syria. Dr. Piers Robinson joins Garland and Lee to talk about a recent assessment of the "Douma attack" and why it appears to have been a staged event. They also discuss how propaganda can be used to persuade a population into supporting foreign wars, the need for media to hold powerful entities accountable for their words/actions, and strategies for helping people to see through the pervasive propaganda they face on a daily basis.

The dispute over control at the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington DC continues as supporters of Juan Guaidó are clashing with those both within and outside of the Embassy who are backing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Ariel Gold, National Co-Director at Code Pink, returns to the show for a conversation about the current situation at the Venezuelan Embassy, how events in this area have been evolving in recent days, and why the treatment of Julian Assange represents an attack on the free press.

Much of the Congress and many candidates running for President in 2020 appear to be more concerned with raising their individual profiles than putting forth actual policy solutions. Former Congressional Staffer Joel Segal joins the program to talk about the direction of Congress, 2020 politics, social justice movements, and the importance of name recognition in current Presidential polls.

For the final two segments, the hosts are joined by Former Congressional Candidate Tim Canova for a discussion about both increasing internet censorship and the state of the Democratic Party. Why are some powerful forces afraid to allow people to make their own choices in the marketplace of ideas, and how is the Democratic Party establishment working to keep their party under the control of corporate interests through elections and other means?

On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Garland Nixon and Lee Stranahan discuss the important role alternative media and independent journalism will play in shaping the future of politics and society. Why is media consolidation and increased top-down control dangerous, and how can modern technology be an asset to those looking to make a difference?


Guests:

Teodrose Fikre [In-Studio] - Co-Founder of GhionJournal.com | Journalism, Activism & Fighting for Justice

Vanessa Beeley - Investigative Journalist | Recent Events in Syria & Analyzing the 'White Helmets'

Michael Krieger - Founder of LibertyBlitzkrieg.com | Decentralization and the Future Role of Technology

Tom Luongo - Geopolitical Analyst and Publisher of the Gold Goats 'n Guns Newsletter | Analyzing Recent Geopolitical and Economic Events


Many individuals engaged in independent journalism have invested a great deal of time and energy into making a positive difference in society despite the many hurdles that have been placed in their way. Teodrose Fikre, Co-Founder of GhionJournal.com, has experienced some of these challenges, and he joins Garland and Lee in-studio to discuss his personal story about getting involved in journalism and his efforts to create positive changes. Together, they also talk about the ruthless nature of geopolitics, history of Ethiopia/politics in Africa, and the nature of the current US political system.

Violence in Syria has again ramped up as the fight for the city of Idlib rages on. Investigative Journalist Vanessa Beeley returns to 'Fault Lines' to discuss these military operations, what may come next, the role the 'White Helmets' have played in the Syrian War, and parallels between Syria and past conflicts in Kosovo and elsewhere around the world.

While modern technology has numerous benefits which can improve the lives of ordinary citizens, some of these technologies also provide governments with the opportunity to further oppress and control populations. Michael Krieger, Founder of LibertyBlitzkrieg.com, joins the program to talk about the importance of getting a hold of these technologies in order to further freedom, the difficulty of maintaining an extended Empire, negative effects of regime change, and the ongoing US-China rivalry.

For the final two segments, Garland and Lee are joined by Geopolitical Analyst Tom Luongo for a conversation about the week's major geopolitical stories and some current economic issues. What is the status of trade disputes involving tariffs, is a potential economic crisis in the US on the horizon, and how are oil politics impacting the global economy?

On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Garland Nixon and Lee Stranahan discuss how the current political order tends to neglect the desires and concerns of common working people in favor of big-money individuals/organizations. How are both Brexit and corporate America's close relationship with the US Government good examples of this tendency?


Guests:

Medea Benjamin - Co-Founder of Code Pink | Power Cut Off at the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington DC

Dr. Lakisha Jenkins - Traditional Naturopath, Registered Herbalist & Founding President of the California Cannabis Industry Association | Hallucinogenic Mushroom Referendum in Colorado & Benefits of CBD

Ian Shilling - Geopolitical Analyst, Researcher & Blogger | UK Politics, The European Union & "The Brexit Party"

Mark Frost - Economist and Professor | Recent Market Fluctuations, A Trade War with China & Uber's Upcoming IPO

Ali Alexander - Political Consultant and Editorial Director of Culttture.com | Online Censorship & Corporate America's Close Relationship with the Federal Government


Yesterday, power was cut off at the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington DC as the Trump administration continues to support Juan Guaidó in his efforts to replace Nicolás Maduro as the President of Venezuela. Medea Benjamin, Co-Founder of Code Pink, was at the Embassy last night, and she joins today's show to talk about the situation at the Embassy, the latest details surrounding political turmoil in Venezuela, and National Security Advisor John Bolton's role in dictating US actions in Venezuela.

A referendum in Denver, Colorado to decriminalize psilocybin, the psychoactive substance in hallucinogenic mushrooms, has narrowly passed as ongoing debates about the potential benefits/dangers of drugs and mind-altering substances continue to evolve. Dr. Lakisha Jenkins returns to the program to discuss the result of this referendum, herbalism, some benefits of CBD, and why more people are becoming open to alternative health options.

"The Brexit Party" was just founded earlier this year and already appears to be as popular as the other major parties in the United Kingdom for its critical stance towards the European Union and establishment politics in the UK. Geopolitical Analyst and Blogger Ian Shilling joins Garland and Lee to talk about the popularity of "The Brexit Party," why people who supported Brexit feel disenfranchised, and expectations for the upcoming European Union elections.

The financial markets have been fluctuating a great deal in recent days, and uncertain trade/tariff policies between the US and China are at least partially responsible. Economist and Professor Mark Frost joins the program for a conversation about trade relations between the US and China, the economic concerns surrounding Brexit, and expectations for Uber's upcoming IPO.

Online censorship and the silencing of voices on social media has been on the rise, and this trend has further exposed the close relationship between certain 'Big Tech' firms in Silicon Valley and the Federal Government. Political Consultant Ali Alexander returns to the show to discuss the nature of online censorship, how large corporations cozy up to the Federal Government, and the possibility of breaking up some of these massive companies.

On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Garland Nixon and Lee Stranahan examine how Robert Mueller's lengthy investigation and subsequent report furthered certain narratives surrounding the RussiaGate story. Looking back at the Mueller Report, what conclusions can now be drawn, and what lingering issues have still yet to be addressed?


Guests:

Patrick Henningsen - Journalist & Founder of: 21stCenturyWire.com | The Latest on Julian Assange & Increasing Tension with Iran

John Hoge - Author, Blogger & Audio Engineer | Brett Kimberlin and his Connection to the DNC

Daniel Lazare - Journalist & Author | Top Questions About the Mueller Report

Gareth Porter - Investigative Historian & Journalist | Mueller's Role in Trump-Russia Alarmism


WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange has been imprisoned at the Belmarsh Prison in London since his expulsion from the Ecuadorian Embassy in London last month. Patrick Henningsen, Journalist & Founder of: 21stCenturyWire.com, returns to the program to discuss the latest details concerning Assange and his legal situation. Additionally, Henningsen will talk with the hosts about the recent escalation of tensions between the US and Iran, Iran's status within the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) Nuclear Agreement, and what a military conflict between the US and Iran would mean for both countries and the global economy.

DNC Operative Alexandra Chalupa's name has recently appeared in news articles related to Ukrainian interference in the 2016 US Presidential Election, but her connection to Brett Kimblerlin aka "The Speedway Bomber" remains largely ignored. Author & Blogger John Hoge joins Garland and Lee on today's show to provide details about Kimberlin's past criminal history, what has been revealed in court filings, and the significance of Kimberlin's connection to Chalupa.

The conclusion of Robert Mueller's investigation and the subsequent release of his report failed to produce evidence of collusion between the Trump Presidential Campaign and Russia despite massive amounts of speculation from many in the mainstream media. Journalist & Author Daniel Lazare returns to 'Fault Lines' to discuss his main takeaways from the Mueller Report, some of the questions that the Mueller Report left unanswered, and details surrounding the interactions between George Papadopoulos and Joseph Mifsud.

Despite no finding of Trump-Russia collusion, Robert Mueller's investigation furthered several RussiaGate narratives and fueled speculation that the Trump campaign was involved in nefarious activities which could lead to criminal charges for President Trump. Investigative Historian & Journalist Gareth Porter joins the show to discuss how the Mueller Investigation impacted public perception, the tactics used in the Final Report to further certain narratives, and some of the individuals who were central to creating the storylines which became a part of the RussiaGate saga.

On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Garland Nixon and Lee Stranahan discuss how increasing online censorship is a danger to those on both sides of the political spectrum willing to challenge establishment points of view. How is this trend influencing politics/society, and why should those celebrating the silencing of their opponents think again?


Guests:

Ian Miles Cheong - Journalist who Covers Media, Politics & Culture | The Media's Obsession with Trying to Silence Anti-Establishment Voices

Jim Jatras - Government and Media Relations Specialist | Trump's Foreign Policy Advisors and Escalating Tensions with Iran

Jim Hoft - Founder of TheGatewayPundit.com | Online Censorship, Ukrainian Election Interference & The Focus of Establishment Democrats

Caleb Maupin - Journalist & Political Analyst | Historical Reference for the Current Situation in Venezuela


The desire of the elite ruling class to maintain control over political discourse continues to become more evident as online censorship increases towards individuals and platforms who challenge establishment narratives. Journalist and Writer Ian Miles Cheong joins today's show to discuss some of the recent incidents of "deplatforming" on social media, how this trend threatens independent journalism, and Silicon Valley's power and influence with regards to news/politics.

Yet again, tensions between the United States and Iran have been ramped up, and the US has sent an aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, to the Middle East. Jim Jatras, a Government and Media Relations Specialist, returns to the program to talk about the current US-Iran dynamic, the nature of Sunni-Shia conflicts in the region, and how Russian or Chinese support for Iran could change the equation for the US and potential military action.

While some in the political world celebrate the online censorship of their opponents, this trend has become a slippery slope where almost any dissenting voice could be targeted in the future. Jim Hoft, Founder of TheGatewayPundit.com, joins Garland and Lee to discuss this latest wave of silencing speech on the internet, the largely ignored story of Ukrainian Election Interference, and why many establishment Democrats are focusing on perceived scandals over actual policy proposals.

For the final segment, the hosts are joined by Journalist & Political Analyst Caleb Maupin for a conversation about Venezuela and some historical reference for the current situation. What level of support does Venezuelan President Maduro have from both ordinary citizens and the military, how have the Obama and Trump administrations approached Venezuela differently, what are some of the similarities between foreign interventions in Syria and Venezuela, and what role is the international energy market playing with regards to how foreign countries are intervening in Venezuela?

On this episode of Fault Lines, host Garland Nixon talks with a variety of guests about global issues including tension in Israel, turmoil in Venezuela, and the politics of the European Union. How are current events being impacted by globalization/populism, and why are concerns of ordinary citizens being neglected by ruling elites around the world?


Guests:

Mark Sleboda - International Relations & Security Analyst | Trump/Putin Phone Call, Venezuela, and Pipeline Politics

Ali Abunimah - Co-Founder of ElectronicIntifada.net | Escalating Tension/Violence in Israel and Gaza

Andrew Spannaus - Political/Strategic Analyst & Writer | Globalization, Populism & The European Union

Jacqueline Luqman & Abdus Luqman - Political Analysts | Analyzing Recent Events in Venezuela, Julian Assange, and Technological Advances


Recently, President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone call which could be viewed as a standard talk between two world leaders, but has predictably been reported on in a frenzied manner by some in the US mainstream media. International Relations Analyst Mark Sleboda returns to the program to give his thoughts on the relevance of this call, the current US role in Venezuela, implications of the recent Ukrainian Presidential Election, and pipeline politics involving Russia and the European Union.

Following the deaths of four Palestinians in Gaza on Friday, rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel as tensions in the region have yet again escalated. Ali Abunimah, Co-Founder of ElectronicIntifada.net, joins today's show to analyze these recent events, how the Israeli election results may have changed the dynamics between the Israelis & Palestinians, and how the two sides reached their recent ceasefire.

Some political elites in the western world have been quick to dismiss recent populist voting trends as unimportant and continue to do so at their own risk. Political and Strategic Analyst Andrew Spannaus is the author of a new book entitled, 'Original Sins. Globalization, Populism, and the Six Contradictions of the European Union,' which takes a look at the recent political trajectory of voters and countries within the EU. Spannaus joins today's episode of 'Fault Lines' to discuss his new book, some of the fundamental issues and economic concerns of citizens within the EU, and the importance of the upcoming EU elections.

For the final two segments, Garland is joined in-studio by political analysts Jacqueline and Abdus Luqman for a conversation about US foreign policy and issues involving the future of media and technology. What are the Trump administration's current goals in Venezuela, what does the treatment of Julian Assange mean for independent journalism, and how will artificial intelligence continue to shape the world in which we live moving forward?

On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Garland Nixon and Lee Stranahan discuss yesterday's move by Facebook to ban content related to certain individuals that the Silicon Valley firm has deemed to be "dangerous" and "extremist." What does this mean for the future of political speech online and will censorship continue to increase moving forward?


Guests:

Ariel Gold - National Co-Director at Code Pink | Being ARRESTED Yesterday at the Venezuelan Embassy in DC

Alex Jones - Radio Host & Founder of InfoWars.com | Alex Jones on his Facebook BAN & Growing Censorship

Niko House - Political Activist & Broadcast Journalist | The Impacts of Censorship & Analyzing the Democratic Presidential Primary

Ryan Cristián - Founder and Editor of The Last American Vagabond | Venezuela Analysis & The Trump Administration's Foreign Policy Plans


Yesterday morning, Ariel Gold from Code Pink joined Garland and Lee on 'Fault Lines' to describe the situation at the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington DC. Later in the day, she was arrested while attempting to get food to the individuals inside the Embassy. She was subsequently charged then released, and today Ariel returns to the show to detail these events, discuss the ongoing protests outside of the Embassy, and provide an update on the media coverage of recent events in Venezuela.

Yesterday, Facebook banned the posting of content on their platform from certain prominent people including Alex Jones, the Founder of InfoWars.com. Today, Alex joins Garland and Lee to discuss the nature of this move by Facebook, the threat of increasing censorship, Silicon Valley's apparent obsession with controlling narratives, and why this may be just the start with regards to silencing speech online.

Increasing censorship is a growing danger to anti-establishment voices on both the political left and right. Niko House, Political Activist & Broadcast Journalist, returns to the program to give his take on how online censorship is impacting political discourse, the current state of the Democratic Primary Race, and how Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has separated herself from this large field of Presidential hopefuls.

For the final segment, the hosts are joined by Ryan Cristián, Geopolitical Analyst & Founder/Editor of The Last American Vagabond, to hear his analysis on recent events in Venezuela and how this situation has been covered by the mainstream media. Additionally, they discuss the US relationship with Saudi Arabia, the crisis in Yemen, John Bolton's role in the Trump administration, and President Trump's apparent willingness to defer to his advisors and Generals on foreign policy.

On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Garland Nixon and Lee Stranahan receive updates on some key global stories including political tension in Venezuela and the possible extradition of WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange. How does the Trump administration view these situations, and is the current trajectory of US foreign policy on a dangerous course?


Guests:

Patrick Henningsen - Journalist & Founder of 21stCenturyWire.com | LIVE Updates from the Julian Assange Extradition Hearing in London

Ariel Gold - National Co-Director at Code Pink | LIVE Updates from the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington DC

Phil Wilayto - Editor of The Virginia Defender & Coordinator of the Odessa Solidarity Campaign | The 5th Anniversary of the Odessa Massacre in Ukraine

Dr. Bosworth - Internal Medicine Physician & Author | Baby Boomer Health and Benefits of Fasting

Danny Sjursen - Retired U.S. Army Officer and Former History Instructor at West Point | What SHOULD Be the Major Goals of US Foreign Policy?


Today, WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange is at a court hearing in London regarding his potential extradition from the United Kingdom. Journalist Patrick Henningsen is live at the scene of outside of this event, and he joins Garland and Lee on today's show for an update on what is taking place inside the courtroom and what it could mean for a possible Assange extradition to the United States.

A number of US citizens are currently staying at the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington DC as the political uncertainty in Venezuela continues to mount. Ariel Gold, National Co-Director at Code Pink, joins the program to discuss what has been taking place at the DC Embassy, its current security situation, and the likelihood that these occupants at the Embassy could be ousted in the near future.

Today is the 5th Anniversary of the Odessa Massacre where at least 48 people were killed following violent protests and a massive fire which took place Odessa, Ukraine. Phil Wilayto, Editor of The Virginia Defender & Coordinator of the Odessa Solidarity Campaign, returns to 'Fault Lines' for a conversation about the events that took place in Odessa on May 2, 2014, the current geopolitics of Ukraine, and how the Maidan Revolution evolved over the course of several months.

As people get older, they regularly seek out new methods to combat the inevitable aging process. Annette Bosworth M.D. joins Garland and Lee on today's episode to give some of her tips for the Baby Boomer generation with a specific focus on preventative medical strategies and why periodic fasting can be a beneficial practice.

For the final segment, the hosts are joined by retired US Army Officer Danny Sjursen for a discussion about the purpose of US foreign policy and where it would be best served in focusing its resources. How often does US military action involve direct national security interests, what is the role of the media in US foreign policy, and is President Trump's current foreign policy team problematic for the trajectory of his administration?