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Foreign Policy Focus

Foreign Policy Focus is a podcast hosted by me, Kyle! It covers current events overseas and how those events affect you at home. While US military operations in the Middle East seem like they are on the other side of the world, they have real impacts on the everyday lives of Americans. Wars are the most costly of all US government actions and politicians use them to strip away rights of Americans. Knowing what your government is doing around the globe will give you insight into what they are doing at home.
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Now displaying: 2018

Foreign Policy Focus is a podcast hosted by me, Kyle! It covers current events overseas and how those events affect you at home. While US military operations in the Middle East seem like they are on the other side of the world, they have real impacts on the everyday lives of Americans. Wars are the most costly of all US government actions and politicians use them to strip away rights of Americans. Knowing what your government is doing around the globe will give you insight into what they are doing at home.

Nov 2, 2018

On FPF #266, I discuss how the US wars in Syria, Afghanistan, and Libya are failing. In Syria, NATO member state Turkey is attacking the US-backed Syrian Kurds. The Syrian Kurds have now abandoned their fight against ISIS. In Afghanistan, over half the people live in districts controlled or contested by the Taliban. In Libya, ISIS is mounting successful attacks against the US-backed government. 

Links

Oct 31, 2018

On FPF #265, I discuss President Trump deploying troops to the southern border to assist in preventing migrants from entering the US. I explain why it is a mistake to treat the migrants as invaders. 

I update the Syrian War. The American mission in continues to kill civilians and fail to retake the remaining territory from ISIS. 

Links

FPF #223 - Brian Saady

Oct 29, 2018

On FPF #264, I discuss some new casualty numbers for the War on Yemen. The media has long cited a UN estimate that said 10,000 people have died. However, that estimate stopped counting deaths over a year ago. The 10,000 number has helped mask the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The new reports suggest there have been 70,000 - 80,000 deaths from violence and 130 children under five die every day.

Links

Patrick Cockburn on Yemen's death toll

Scott Horton Show - Martha Mundy 

FPF #254 - South China Sea 

 

Oct 26, 2018

On FPF #263, I discuss the nuclear arms relationship between the US and Russia. NSA John Bolton appears determined to pull the US out of the INF Treaty. Bolton played a role in the withdraw from a nuclear treaty with Russia as a member of the Bush Administration. Vice President Mike Pence added to the nuclear buildup hype by refusing to rule out putting nuclear weapons in space. 

Links

John Glaser and Eric Gomez - INF Treaty

Glenn Greenwald - MSM hides UAE influence

FPF #262

Tim Shorrock - Korean Peace

 

Oct 24, 2018

On FPF #262, I discuss the US relationship with Russia and China. In a move supported by NSA John Bolton, Trump suggested the US will withdraw from the INF Treaty. The President also called for an increase in the US nuclear arsenal. 

Secretary of State Pompeo is warning against China's 'Belt and Road' loans. The Congress is passing legislation to open a new US agency dedicated to counter the Chinese loans. The US also sailed two warships through the Taiwan Strait. 

Links

FPF #207 - Brian Saady on Colombia 

 

Oct 22, 2018

On FPF #261, I discuss important news events around the world. Social networks continue to go after independent media outlets. John Kiriakou explains why whistleblowers are so rare. I look at an article by Max Blumenthal on Nikki Haley's speech to CNP. In Afghanistan, an attack nearly killed the Commander of US Forces just days before elections were held. Over 30 people were killed during the election.  

Links

Scott Horton Show - Gareth Porter

Scott Horton Show - Saudi Lobby

Max Blumenthal - Nikki Haley

John Kikakou - Whistleblowing 

Oct 19, 2018

On FPF #260, I explain how the war on drugs impacts US foreign policy and countries around the world. Prohibition is proven to be a failed policy that leads to black market violence. In some countries, the black market created by drug prohibition is so massive it can corrupt and destabilize the entire political and justice systems. 

I also discuss Korean Peace, Syria, and Africa. 

Links

Moon of Alabama on Korean Peace 

Oct 17, 2018

On FPF #259, Will Porter joins the show to cover the Turkish/Russian agreement that has delayed the Syrian offensive of rebel-held Idlib. The agreement had a deadline for all rebels to be out of the buffer zone by October 15th. The deadline has passed, but Russia, Syria, and Turkey continue to work towards implementing the agreed steps. Will explains why he is optimistic about recent developments in Syria. 

We also discuss Nikki Haley and Yemen. 

Will Porter is a freelance journalist with a focus on Mideast Affairs and US foreign policy. His work can be found at Libertarian Institute, AntiWar.com, and Consortium News 

Links

Buzzfeed - American Mercenaries in Yemen

Moderate Rebels - Ali al-Ahmed

Oct 15, 2018

On FPF #258, I discuss how some close US allies have terrible human rights records. Recently, Egypt imprisoned a girl for discussing being sexually harassed in public, Israel has detained an American student for supporting BDS, and the UAE has held a UK researcher in solitary confinement for five months. Many of these countries are committing long-term atrocities, such as Turkey's persecution of the Kurds, the Saudi led genocide in Yemen, and the Ukrainian government's deep ties with neo-Nazis. 

I also discuss an article by Gareth Porter on the Internet Research Agency's limited impact on the 2016 election. 

Links

Gareth Porter on Russiagate

Oct 12, 2018

On FPF #257, I discuss the resignation of US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley. Haley has used her platform at the UN to promote violence. I highlight some of Haley's worst statements as Ambassador to the UN, including the Great Return March Protests, allegations of Iranian support for the Houthi, and lies about Assad using chemical weapons. 

Links

Caitlin Johnstone on Nikki Haley's resignation

Justin Raimondo - Goodbye Haley 

Oct 10, 2018

On FPF #256, I discuss new Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's foreign policy. I explain how Kavanaugh's positions on presidential war powers are dangerous. Kavanaugh supports the Patriot Act, ignoring international treaties, and federal officials violating American's Constitutional rights. 

I also update Iran, Afghanistan, and Korean Peace. 

Links

Brett Kavanaugh on Presidental war powers

Common Dreams - Kavanagun's war powers record

Oct 5, 2018

On FPF #255, I discuss two articles by The Weekly Standard Editorial Board. The first article calls for the US to return to the Bush Doctrine. The editors believe that the US needs to very hawkish policy with Iran. The second article celebrates Trump's reversal on his desire to remove troops from Syria. The writers suggest an important role for the US troops in Syria is to combat Iran. 

I argue a return to the Bush Doctrine would be a disaster and US troops should return home from Syria. 

Links

Return to the Bush Doctrine?

Trump Rethinks Syria

Oct 3, 2018

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 

Oct 1, 2018

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

 

Sep 28, 2018

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

Sep 26, 2018

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

 

Sep 24, 2018

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  

Sep 21, 2018

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 

Sep 19, 2018

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 

Sep 17, 2018

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

Sep 14, 2018

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 

Sep 11, 2018

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

Sep 10, 2018

Will Porter returns to FPF to cover the alleged chemical weapons attacks in Syria. Will debunks the common lies about Ghouta 2013, Khan Sheikhoun 2017, and Douma 2018. Will and Kyle discuss the Syrian Army offensive in Idlib and the potential for another alleged chemical weapons attack. 

Will Porter is a freelance Journalist specializing in US foreign policy and Mid East Affairs. Will's work can be found at AntiWar.com, Consortium News, and LibertarianInstitute.Org

Links

Seymour Hersh - Rat Line

Seymour Hersh - Trump's Red Line

Will Porter's Syrian CW reading List

Rick Sterling - Khan Sheikhoun

 

Sep 7, 2018

On FPF #243, I discuss the UK announcement that 2 Russians have been identified as suspects in the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal. I review the development of the evidence and accusations related to the poisoning. I break down an article published on Moon of Alabama that questions the new allegations made by the UK. I also update the Afghan War, the Syrian Civil War, and Israel. 

Links

Moon of Alabama on the Skripal poisoning 

Jason Ditz on Israeli arming of Syrian rebels

Sep 5, 2018

On FPF #242, Tricia Stuart joins to the show to discuss her effort to raise money for Yemen children. Tricia tells us about her “Put your money where your memes are” drive. She makes the case to donate to the charity she selected, Save the Children. We explain the US role in causing so many Yemeni children to be in need of aid. 

On the second part of the show, I discuss the ethnic cleansing in Myanmar. Two Journalists were sentenced to seven years in jail and the Myanmar government is working to mask the extent of the genocide. 

Links

Liberty Network

Save the Children 

Eric Margolis on Myanmar

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