Guest: Gregory Copley. Following the precise U.S. tactical operation to abduct Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, the strategic focus has shifted to securing the hemisphere and managing oil access, though major companies currently prefer the easier reserves off Guyana over Venezuela's tapped-out infrastructure. Copley notes that while the raid was surgically successful, the lack of follow-up planning risks a messy, protracted conflict driven by Russian and Chineseinfluence, potentially damaging U.S. prestige if the new government does not quickly align with Washington.

1925 GUYANA

Guest: Mary Kissel. Following the incursion to arrest Maduro, Kissel notes that restoring the rule of law and curbing gang violence are prerequisites for foreign oil investment. Regarding Ukraine, Putin maintains maximalist demands, suggesting the Trump administration may eventually increase pressure to force a resolution as Europe strengthens its defenses.

1950 CARACAS

Guest: Cleo Paskal. The Solomon Islands remain heavily influenced by China, leading to social decay and the suppression of democratic voices like the late Daniel Suidani. Paskal urges Australia to combat corruption by targeting funds flowing into their banks, while noting positive U.S. engagement in Palau to counter Chinese aggression.
1910 PALAU

Guest: Cleo Paskal. Paskal details severe corruption in Saipan, where Chinese interests have exploited visa loopholes and influenced local politics via a casino. Illegal entry by Chinese nationals poses security risks to nearby Guam, though Palau is receiving U.S. assistance to strengthen defenses against similar influence operations.

1944 SAIPAN

Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. Chaos persists in Syria with airstrikes against ISIS and factional fighting, prompting Israelisecurity concerns. In Gaza, Hamas refuses to disarm despite U.S. pressure and Israeli control over roughly half the territory, signaling a continuation of conflict rather than a ceasefire or reconstruction.
1920 ALEPPO

Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. The fall of the Maduro regime disrupts a critical transit hub for Hezbollah's illicit finance and drug trade in Latin America. Meanwhile, Iran faces its most significant threat since 2009 due to widespread protests, economic collapse, and the recent loss of key allies like Assad and Maduro.
1914 MT ZION

Guest: Elizabeth Peek. Peek criticizes Democrats for defending figures like Governor Tim Walz despite a massive welfare fraud scandal in Minnesota. She argues it is politically foolish for Democrats to criticize the arrest of Maduro, given previous administration efforts to apprehend him and the disruption of dangerous gangs involved in the drug trade.

Guest: Elizabeth Peek. President Trump's comments regarding Venezuelan oil fields have sparked interest among major companies, though political risks and broken infrastructure remain hurdles. Despite past predictions of fossil fuel obsolescence, demand remains high, and U.S. refining capacity is prepared for Venezuelan heavy crude. Economic optimism for 2026 is bolstered by tax cuts and strong consumer spending.
1903 SANTA BARBARA