Foreign Policy Focus

On FPF #254, I discuss a close call between US and Chinese Navy ships. The US ship was conducting a 'freedom of navigation' mission in waters claimed by China. The Chinese ship carried out maneuvers that brought it very close to the US ship. I review the history of the US and Chinese tensions over the region. I explain how similar operations for the US turned deadly. 

Links

Moderate Rebels - Idlib 

On FPF #253, I discuss how Trump has hurt US influence by leaving the Iran Nuke Deal. The deal prevented Iran from making nuclear weapons and opened Europe to Iranian markets. Trump left the agreement even though all parties agreed Iran was following the agreement. Leaving the deal has caused US allied to spur US sanctions on Iran. 

Links

SHS - Phil Giraldi

SHS - Trita Parsi

On FPF #252, I discuss how to fight war in Congress. Two different methods have been proposed to end wars, passing a more restrictive AUMF or by invoking the War Powers Act. I argue the War Powers Act method is more effective. 

I also break down an article by Turkey's President on how to fix the UN. 

Links

Erdogan on the UN

Why an AUMF is an ineffective method to end a war

On FPF #251, I discuss the goals set by CIA Director Gina Haspel. I explain some of Haspel's and the CIA's dark History. Many of Haspel's goals call for expanding the CIA. 

I update the Syrian Civil War, Yemeni Civil War, Afghan War, and US arms sales. 

Links

Intercept - Rayethon Lobbyist

NYT - 57 Afghan troops killed a day

Moon of Alabama - S-300 missiles to Syria

On FPF #250, Will Porter returns to the show to evaluate how Trump's foreign policy has achieved the goals set in the National Security Strategy. The Strategy called for the US to combat great powers, including Russia. Will breaks down the results of Trump's policies in Poland, Ukraine, Syria, and Iran. Will and Kyle give analysis on US foreign policy has bolstered the influence of Russia. 

Will Porter is a freelance journalist. He specializes in US foreign policy and Mideast affairs. His work can be found at Consortium News, AntiWar.Com, and LibertarianInstitute.Org. 

Links

FPF #134 - National Security Strategy guest Will Porter  

On FPF #249, I discuss how Trump's policy with Venezuela and Iran has pushed those nations closer with China. Trump's National Security Review highlight as great power struggles with Russia and China to be the cornerstone to his foreign policy goals. 

Trump's administration has leaked several stories to the media about Trump's desire for regime change in Venezuela. His Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has taken public statement against the Maduro regime. China is now investing in Venezuelan oil and gold industry. 

Links

Ben Norton - UN report on Uyghers 

On FPF #248, I discuss recent developments in the Syrian Civil War. An attack by Israel led to the Syrian government accidentally downing a Russian surveillance plane. Turkey and Russia reached an agreement to put the Syrian government offensive in Idlib is on pause. The US carried out live-fire exercises in southern Syria to warn the Assad government against retaking the area. 

Links

Around the Empire - Elijah Magnier 

Moon of Alabama - Idlib Offensive on hold 

On FPF #247, I discuss the possibility of another round of talks with Kim Jong Un and the Taliban. Trump and Kim have said they would like to meet again. The Taliban said they want a second round of talks with the US. I break down demands of the US and the Taliban.

I answer criticism about why I am optimistic about Korean Peace. 

Links

Daniel L Davis on North Korea

On FPF #246, Matt Bankert joins the show to discuss music and war. Matt goes through a short history of American wars and music that opposed them. Matt highlights some of the great antiwar songs. 

Matt Bankert is a musician. His work is featured in the introduction to the show

Links

AntiWar Playlist

MattBankert.com - Link for bonus songs 

Matt Bankert Facebook

Matt Bankert Twitter

Matt Bankert YouTube

Matt Bankert Liberty Playlist 

On FPF #245, I discuss 9/11 and the US War on Terror. I explain how the 9/11 terror attack was blowback for US attacks on the Middle East. I argue the US War on Terror has failed to make the world safer and more stable. 

Links

NYT - Misleading Americans about Afghanistan

SHS - Daniel Elisburg 

FPF - 9/11

FPF - #WhyImAntiWar