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.
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Gareth Porter on Trump's limited options for Iran
On FPF #186, I talk current events from the fronts of the American empire. At home, the US has introduced a new drone warship. In Libya, chaos continues to thrive as General Haftar returns to the country. Assad continues to reclaim territory in Syria. The Taliban have announced the start of their spring offensive. I also explain how war hawks will look to exploit the war in Yemen to demonize Iran.
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FPF #182 - Expanding Trump's War Powers
On FPF #185, I give my take on the establishment's glorification of past presidents. Then, I address the most important stories in the news. Rand Paul endorsed Pompeo to be Secretary of State. The Koreans continue to move towards peace. In Afghanistan, a voter registration drive has spurred attacks by the Taliban and ISIS-K. I update Cuba, Syria, and Yemen.
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FPF #167 - Tillerson out, Pompeo in
Adam Johnson on the media's reaction to Syria
On FPF #184, Will Porter returns to the show to discuss his recent articles. Will published Ukraine's NATO Bid Risks Even Worse US Russian Ties at Consortium News. He explains the history of NATO's expansion to the Russian border and reviews the events in Ukraine in 2014. Now Ukraine is on the path to NATO membership; Will explains what this could mean for the US/Russian relationship.
Will published Chemical Facility Hit in Syria Strike Cleared Twice by Inspectors in 2017 at Libertarian Insititute. On FPF #181, Will discussed his research into the past OPCW inspections at sites the US bombed in Syria. Wil updates us on his work on this story.
Will is a freelance journalist who specializes in US foreign policy and Mid East affairs. Will's work can be found at Consortium News, Antiwar.com, Libertarian Insitute, and the Daily Sheeple.
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FPF #115 - The Rise of ISIS with Will Porter
On FPF #183, I discuss the Korean peace process. Recently, South Korea said the Koreans will look end the Korean War and Trump gave his 'blessing' to Korean peace. Trump then announced CIA Director Mike Pompeo traveled to North Korea to meet with Kim Jung Un. South Korean President Moon announced that North Korea will agree to denuclearization without US troops withdrawing from South Korea.
I breakdown Trump's interpretation of the Korean peace process he presented at a recent press conference. I also update Turkey's geopolitical position.
On FPF #182, I discuss a new AUMF that has been proposed in the Senate. The AUMF increase Trump's powers to wage expansive and endless war. The AUMF authorizes war against the Taliban, al-Qaeda, ISIS, and those associated groups. The AUMF authorizes war in Libya, Somalia, Yemen, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. However, the President is not limited to only fighting war in those countries and against those groups. The President will be able to add any group or expand the war to any country just by notifying Congress. The AUMF has no sunset, and the power to wage war will only end if Congress passes a resolution ending it.
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FPF #162 - Congress Moves on War
On FPF #181, Will Porter joins the show to discuss Trump ordering an attack on the Syrian government. Will and I breakdown speeches by Trump, Secretary of Defense Mattis, Pentagon spokesperson Dana White, and General McKenzie to explain the attack and give our analysis.
Will Porter is a freelance journalist who writes on American foreign policy. His work can be found at The Libertarian Institute, AntiWar.com, The Daily Sheeple, and Consortium News.
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US Killing Civilians in Battle for Mosul
On FPF #180, I discuss the geopolitical fallout from the Western accusation that Assad used chemical weapons in Douma, Syria. The US has floated forming a coalition for military actions against Assad, with France and the UK suggesting they would be participants. Trump is looking to end the Gulf Corporation Council split between Saudi Arabia in Qatar signaling the US may be trying to align its Arab allies for an attack. I examine what the possible US military actions against Assad may be and the possible responses from Russia. I also break down some highlights of Mike Pompeo's confirmation hearing and the coming protests in Gaza.
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On FPF #179, journalist Will Porter returns to the show to discuss Syria. Allegations that Assad used chemical weapons have presented the hawks with an opportunity to push Trump deeper into the Syrian quagmire. Trump seems to be taking the bait, as he says he believes Assad carried out the attack.
Will breaks down Trump's statement and explains the flaws in the president's argument. Will helps debunk common lies about the Syrian Civil War and chemical weapons by dissecting Nikki Haley's speech at the UN. Will and Kyle also discuss Tucker Carlson's recent heroic monolog.
Will is a freelance journalist who writes on Mid East Affairs and American Foreign Policy. His work has been published at AntiWar.com, The Libertarian Institute, The Daily Sheeple, and Consortium News.
On FPF #178, I discuss recent allegations that Assad used chemical weapons. The al-Qaeda linked White Helmets claims that over 40 people were killed in the attack. In response, Trump took to Twitter to call Assad an animal and blame the situation in Syria on Obama. I debunk past claims that Assad used chemical weapons. I also update the Gaza Protests, Taiwan, and Afghanistan.
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On FPF #177, Will Porter returns to the show to discuss Syria, Russia, and North Korea. In an Ohio speech, Trump suggested the US should remove troops from Syria. Trump has since said US troops will remain in Syria for now. On a March 20th phone call, Trump suggested to Putin a arms control summit at the White House. Trump has committed to talks with North Korea. Will discusses how the appointment of John Bolton as NSA will impact Trump's instincts to do the right thing.
Will Porter is a freelance journalist whose work can be found at Libertarian Institute, Antiwar.com, and Consortiumnews.
Show Notes
Scott Horton on Sergei Skripal poisoning
Immersion News John Bolton archive
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.
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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
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.
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