Foreign Policy Focus

On FPF #314, I discuss recent polling that shows Americans want a less aggressive foreign policy. The polling showed that Americans prefer diplomacy and trade. However, foreign policy 'experts' are committed to a more militaristic policy. I explain how this data can impact the 2020 race. I also update Russiagate, a nuclear sale to Russia, and the upcoming talks between Trump and Kim. 

Links

• Time - Americans want a less interventionist FP
• Gareth Porter - Russiagate
• John Kiriakou - Russiagate
• Ron Paul Liberty Report - Anti-Iran summit

On FPF #313, I cover the controversy surrounding statements made by Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. She called out AIPAC's influence over US policy and Elliott Abrams' nefarious history. In response, the foreign policy establishment has condemned the Congresswoman. 

I break down the unrest in Kashmir and the Indian/Pakistani relationship. A recent suicide bombing has caused increased friction between the nuclear powers and ethnic tensions in India. 

Links

Ady Bankan - AIPAC

Scott Horton returns to the Foreign Policy Focus podcast to talk about nukes, regime change, and ending the war in Afghanistan. Scott breaks down the US effort to replace Maduro as president of Venezuela and the likelihood of a US regime change effort in Iran. He discusses how developing low yield nukes and leaving the INF Treaty increases the risk of nuclear weapons being used. We also cover the potential withdraw of US troops from Afghanistan

Scott Horton is the Managing Director of The Libertarian Institute, Editorial Director at AntiWar.com, and host of the Scott Horton Show. Scott is the author of Fools Errand: Time to End the War in Afghanistan. 

Links

• Scott Horton Show - Dan McAdams
• Scott Horton Show - Max Blumenthal 
• Scott Horton Show - Tom Eddlem
• Scott Horton Show - Greg Palast
• Adam Graham - Remember the Maine

On FPF #311, I discuss the Pentagon looking to grow the Overseas Contingency Operation. The OCO is considered to be a slush fund for the Pentagon. Growing instability in Africa and a lack of Congressional oversight on war powers allow the Pentagon to expand wars. 

Links 

Amanda Sperber - Somalia

James Bamford - Maria Butina

Scott Horton Show - Tom Eddlem

On FPF #310, I discuss Trump's Iran policy. In the first two years of Trump's presidency, his Iran policy has been a massive failure. Many of his top advisers are life-long Iran hawks who believe the key to American security regime change in Iran. I examine the possibility of the US taking an active role in overthrowing the government of Iran.

Links

• Scott Horton Show - David Stockman 
• Scott Horton Show - Muhammad Sahimi
• Conn Hallinan - Iranian Regime Change 
• Politico - Khashoggi murder

On FPF #309, I discuss the next meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un. The meeting will take place at the end of February in Vietnam. Trump's tweets suggest the talks could take important steps in Korean Peace. I give my take on what could come from the talks. 

Links

Free Man Beyond the Wall - Scott Horton

Jason Ditz - SOTU

On FPF #308, Mike Maharrey returns to the show to talk about fighting the empire from within. Mike explains how his work at the Tenth Amendment Center has worked to fight access military weapons from going to local police forces. Mike discusses why passing Defend the Guard laws on a state level can help to end wars overseas. He is also working to prevent the US from engaging in torture with state laws. 

Mike Maharrey is the author of Our Last Hope. He is the host of the Thoughts from Maharrey Head podcast and the Friday Gold Wrap. Mike is the managing editor at Schiff Gold and the communications director at The Tenth Amendment Center. 

Links

FPF #134 - Mike Maharrey
Tenth Amendment Center sample legislation 
Mike Maharrey's: [email protected]

On FPF #307, I discuss the intelligence community's assessment that Russia and China are the biggest threats to the US. I breakdown the alleged areas of conflict between the American people and Great Power Rivals. I also update recent events in Venezuela.

Links

• Gareth Porter - Threat Assessment
• Scott Horton Show - Greg Palast
• Moon of Alabama - Venezuela
• Eric Margolis - China

On FPF #306, I update the political uncertainty in Venezuela. Maduro appears to be retaining control over the country. However international actors continue to push the Juan Guaido government. I discuss the regime change effort coming from the United States. 

Links

Max Blumenthal & Dan Cohen on Venezuela

The Drive - USS Ford

FPF #262 - INF Treaty

On FPF #305, I breakdown war state efforts to create and expand wars. Factions of the Trump administration continue to push regime change efforts in Venezuela. DNI Dan Coats is attempting to throw cold water on a deal with North Korea. Max Boot is arguing that the US should remain in Afghanistan and Syria for 100 years. The Trump Administration is in a dangerous state that could lead to a conflict with Iran. 

Links

Peter Van Buren - Venezuela

Jim Lobe Ben Armbruster - Iran