Foreign Policy Focus

On FPF #176, I discuss the recent Palestinian protests in Gaza. During the protests, the Israeli Defense Force opened fire on the protesters killing 18 and injuring over 750. 

Links

Will Porter talks about the Nakba on the Free Man Beyond the Wall

Justin Raimondo on the Gazan Protests

Gordan Levy gives his take on the protests

Protester shot in back

Israel deploys 100 snipers to Gazan border

Mehdi Hasan on the Liberal media's response

Adam Johnson on NPR's response

On FPF #175, I breakdown segments by NBC Chief Foreign Correspondent Richard Engel. Engel presents a narrative that Russia an expansionist power headed by the evil Putin. During the segments, Engle tells lies, half-truths, and distorts facts to scare Americans into believing his fake narrative. I set the record straight on Russian intervention in Syria, Crimea, and the UK. 

Links

Richard Engel on Hardball

Richard Engle on Maddow

Syrian Chemical Weapons Allegations

Russia's Annexation of Crimea

Will Porter on Russiagate 

On FPF #174, I update the Syrian Civil War. The Syrian Civil War recently passed its 7th year but remains exceptionally complex. Assad has liberated Damascus from most al-Qaeda linked factions. Turkey has conquered the Afrin District from the Syrian Kurds and now Turkey looks to move its military operations to Manbij. ISIS controls various pockets around Syria. The US continues to have thousands of troops in Syria. However, Trump announced the troops were leaving very soon. 

Links

Peace and Liberty Podcast

Liberty Weekly Podcast 

Elijah Magnier updates the Syrian battlefield 

On FPF #173, I discuss the US expelling 60 Russian diplomats. Several other countries also expelled Russian diplomats in response to an alleged Russian nerve agent attack in the UK. I look at the evidence behind the allegations and respond to US Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman.

I break down new developments in the Yemeni Civil War and the Afghan War. 

Links

Hawks Always Fail Upwards

Andrew Cockburn on the Afghan Opium Trade

Moon of Alabama UK Nerve Agent Attack 

On FPF #172, I discuss Trump's announcement that John Bolton will replace HR McMaster as National Security Advisor. Bolton continues to support the Iraq War and he was involved in lying us into the war. Bolton has been a long opponent of the Iran Nuclear Deal. He has suggested preemptive strikes against North Korea and Iraq. Bolton supported Obama's war in Libya. I also give some analysis of what this means for US foreign policy. 

Links

• Daniel Larison: Bolton and the North Korea Summit
• Eli Lake explains John Bolton's plan to kill the Iran Nuclear Agreement
• Paul Pillar: How John Bolton Handles Diverse Viewpoints & Expert Analysis
• HR McMaster announces he will retire this summer
• Bolton: Trump should insist on fast, 'Libyan' style denuclearization
• Matt Purple: A Madman on the National Security Council
• Trump Tweets: HR McMaster out, John Bolton new National Security Ambassador
• Gareth Porter: John Bolton as NSA makes war with Iran more likely

On FPF #171, I discuss Ahed Tamimi. Ahed is a 17-year-old Palestinian who was jailed for confronting an Israeli soldier who shot her younger cousin. Ahed was denied a public trail and remained in jail while awaiting trial at an Israeli military court. Ahed agreed to a plea deal and spend 8 months in prison. Ahed has become a symbol of resistance for Palestinians. I also update Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. 

Link

Ahed Tamimi's cousin arrested

Taibbi: The Legacy of the Iraq War

Veterans for Peace go to Palestine

Maj. Danny Sjursen: The Iraq War has been a 15 year long failure

On FPF #170, I discuss the Senate killing the Yemen War Powers Act. The Senate voted 55-44 to table the bill. The bill was killed by a lie from the War State. By tabling the bill, the Senate continues to allow the US to aid the genocide of the people of Yemen. 

I address the reelection of Putin in Russia. Russia is facing condemnation from the EU and NATO for the evidenceless allegations by the UK government. 

I also update the Syrian Civil War.

Link

FPF#159 - Yemen Cheat Sheet 

On FPF #169, I discuss the Syrian Civil War. Turkey has taken control of Afrin City after it was evacuated by the Syrian Kurds. The Turkish Forces immediately announced their occupation by tearing down statues and flying Turkish flags. Assad Forces continue to make progress against the Syrian Rebels in Eastern Ghouta and civilians in the area continue to suffer. I examine the possibility of a US attack on Assad and a possible Russian response.

I correct my previous statements on Gina Haspel's role in the torture program. 

I look at the status of the Yemen War Powers Act. The Pentagon and Establishment Senate Leadership are seeking methods to prevent the bill from being passed. I also update Iraq, Philippines, South Africa, and Mali. 

On FPF #168, I discuss the nerve agent attack on former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. The British Prime Minister rushed to condemn Russia. The media quickly picked up the narrative presented by the UK. The UK has been joined by the leads of the US, France, and Germany blaming Russia for the attack. However, this allegation lacks evidence and creates tensions between nuclear powers. 

Links

• Moon of Alabama explains the UK or US have presented no evidence that Russia was behind the attack. [Link]
• Justin Raimondo: Who Poisoned Suegri Skripal? [Link]
• James O’Neil looks at who had the motives and who benefits from the nerve agent attack. [Link]

On FPF #167, I discuss the new changes to the Trump Administration. Trump announced the firing of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Twitter. CIA Director Mike Pompeo has been nominated to replace Rex Tillerson. Pompeo is an Iran hawk who wants to break the Nuclear Deal. Gina Haspel has been nominated to replace Pompeo as head of the CIA. Haspel oversaw a torture site under Bush and later ordered the destruction of the evidence.