Foreign Policy Focus

On FPF #196, I discuss a young Palestinian in Gaza setting himself on fire and the confirmation of Gina Haspel as CIA Director. The Israeli government, with the help of the US government, has created one of the worst situations in the world for the people who live in Gaza. The Senate confirmed Gina Haspel, who has an extensive involvement with the torture program. I also update Syria, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia. 

Link

• FPF #194 - Casterophy Day guest Will Porter 
• Intercepted - Norman Finkelstein & Ron Wyden 
• Moon of Alabama on the OPCW report

On FPF #195, I discuss new offensives in Afghanistan and Yemen. In Afghanistan, the Taliban have begun their Spring Offensive. The Taliban killed over 100 Afghan soldiers in a week and seized two district headquarters. In Yemen, Saudi backed forces started an offensive towards the Port of Hodeida. Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned that a battle for the port will lead to famine in Yemen. I also update Iran, North Korea, and Iraq. 

Links

• Ron Paul Liberty Report on North Korea
• Patrick Cockburn on Iraqi Elections
• Saudi backed forces start offensive 
• 2018 Spring Offensive 
• Iran and Europe look to save nuke deal 

Will Porter returns to Foreign Policy Focus to discuss the Nakba and the protests in Gaza. Will gives the historical background for the Great Return March Protests. We discuss the Israeli reaction to the protest and review the morality of using lethal force against the protesters. 

Links

Ramsey Baroud on the Right of Return

DWB report on the Great Return March 

Ilan Pappe

Arab League 

On FPF #193, I briefly cover the US interventions in Europe, Asia, and Africa. 

US Interventions 

• Korean War
• South China Sea
• Terrorism in Indonesia and the Philippines
• Rohingya Crisis
• Pakistan
• Afghan War
• Iran Nuclear Deal
• Iraq War/ISIS
• Syrian Civil War
• Ukrainian Civil War
• NATO expansion 
• Yemen Civil War
• Somali Civil War
• Egypt 
• Libyan Civil War
• War on AQIM

Links

• FPF #159 - Yemen Cheat Sheet
• FPF #184 - Will Porter on NATO Expansion
• Andrew Cockburn
• May Jeong 

On FPF #192, I discuss Gina Haspel's nomination to become CIA Director and the new AUMF bill. Ray McGovern heroically stood up at a hearing with Gina Haspel to recount her history of torture. I look at the proposed AUMF and Senator Rand Paul's warning it gives the president ultimate war powers. I also discuss North Korea, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Afghanistan. 

Links

Liberty Weekly #73

On FPF #191, I breakdown Trump's announcement that the US is withdrawing from the JCPOA. 

Links

FPF #190 - Will Trump Leave the Iran Deal?

Pat Buchanan explains why it is a terrible idea to leave the Iran Nuke Deal 

Patrick Cockburn explains how Trump can blunder into war with Iran by withdrawing from the nuclear deal 

On FPF #190, I look at Trump's coming decision on the Iran Nuclear Agreement. Trump has called the agreement the "worst deal ever." I explain the options for European countries and Iran if Trump decides to leave the deal. I discuss the consequences leaving the deal for Israel, Syria, and North Korea. I also update Haspel's nomination, Gaza, and Yemen. 

On FPF #189, I debunk the myth of Russian Aggression. Western leaders continue to push the narrative that revisionist powers are looking to destroy the world order and are a threat to the people in the West. By providing disinformation about Crimea, Syria, and chemical weapons, people are tricked into believing Russia is a threat. I set the record on all of these matters. I also update Libya, Afghanistan, Niger, and Yemen.

Links

FPF #188 - Israel & Iran

FPF #184 - Expanding NATO to Ukraine 

Scott Horton Show - Ted Snider 

Maj. Danny Sjursen debunks Russian Aggression 

Patrick Cockburn - Israel bets Iran won't strike back 

On FPF #188, I look at the relationship between Iran and Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu gave a talk claiming to have proof Iran is in violation of the nuclear deal. Israel has bombed several Iranian targets in Syria. I examine the impact these developments will have on the US policy for Iran with the recertification of the Iran Nuclear Agreement looming. I also discuss the VA and North Korea. 

Links

Around the Empire #51 

Syria looks to expand in Israel 

On FPF #187, I cover Trump's policy on North Korea and Iran. The Korean leaders had a historic summit on Friday and talks of denuclearizing the Korean Penisula continue to move forward. Trump is now in a position to make a deal with North Korea for denuclearization. 

On May 12th, Trump will be faced with a decision to sign a waiver to continue sanctions relief against Iran or break the P5+1 Nuclear Agreement. The IAEA has certified Iran is living up to the deal. Trump claims Iran is violating the "spirit of the deal." Trump's new Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US is unlikely to remain in the deal past May. 

Links

Gareth Porter on Trump's limited options for Iran