Will Porter returns for the final episode of Foreign Policy Focus to discuss the shootings and civil unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin. First, a Kenosha police officer shot Jacob Blake in the back seven times while attempting an arrest, leaving him paralyzed. The shooting ignited protests at the Kenosha courthouse that led to riots in other areas of the city. On the third night of unrest, 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse shot three people during a confrontation, killing two. He has since been arrested, while both shootings continue to fuel intense debate and division.
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On FPF #537, I discuss both parties claiming they will end the endless wars, but neither is serious about actually doing it. Americans keep voting for the president who promises to be less interventionist. However, after taking office, Bush, Obama, and now Trump have expanded wars rather than ending them. Our wars are the most destructive and wasteful part of the US empire. It makes us all poorer and leaves a wake of destruction overseas.
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On FPF #536, Will Porter returns to the show to discuss Trump's Iraq police. Trump ran for president on ending endless wars. However, he has failed to get the US out of a single conflict. He is again saying he would like to bring US troops home from Iraq. His own staff could get in his way, as Secretary of State Pompeo is also demanding Iraq disarm the Shia militias. The election is approaching, and a desperate Trump could see ending the war in Iraq as a path to election victory.
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Will Porter returns to FPF to discuss how Lockheed could cash in on the recent deal between Israel and the UAE. Trump administration officials have suggested that after the two countries normalize relations, the US could allow the UAE to buy F-35 fighter jets. While Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has objected, the weapon makers have a powerful lobby in DC and Trump believes arms deals benefit the economy. Trump has also said he would like to extend the Israel/UAE agreement to Saudi Arabia.
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On FPF #534, I cover several important stories in the news. Documents from BlueLeaks expose the government spending thousands on training police in junk sciences. Andy McCarthy writes in the National Review how Kevin Clinesmith's guilty plead also is an indictment of Rep. Adam Schiff. The US Ambassador to Israel said the new deal with the UAE could open up new arms sales to the UAE. However, Israel expressed concern over sales of the F-35 to the UAE. Israel is hoping to have new deals with Bahrain and Oman.
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Will Porter returns to FPF to discuss Trump's maximum pressure policy against Iran and Venezuela. Will explains how the US seized four oil tankers that were carrying oil to Venezuela. Iran responded with a lack of concern saying the oil was no longer being carried by Iranian ships.
At the UN, the US pressed for a resolution that would have extended the arms embargo against Iran. The resolution failed with only two votes, the US and the Dominican Republic. Even US allies - France, UK, and Germany - refused to vote for the US resolution. Kyle and Will talk about how Iran is responding to Trump's aggression.
Kyle and Will announce the successor show to FPF, Conflicts of Interest. Will is becoming a full-time co-host, and the new show will include a video. Conflicts of Interest is set to launch on August 31st.
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On FPF #532, I discuss Trump's announcement that the US mediated an agreement that will lead to Israel and the UAE normalizing relations. Details on the agreement remain unknown, but both sides are claiming this somehow allows for or prevents the annexation of the West Bank. While it may seem like a breakthrough, both Israel and the UAE have been apart of the US efforts to overthrow Assad in Syria and undermine the government in Iran. I explain that the relationship between the UAE and Israel becoming public will have some pushback and importance. However, I believe the main goal is to help Trump's presidency.
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On FPF #531, Will Porter returns to the show to discuss the ongoing unrest in Lebanon. Protests escalated after government negligence led to a massive explosion at the Bierut Port. The country's prime minister and his cabinet resigned, although they will remain in place as caretakers until a new government is formed. Will and Kyle also talk about Biden's VP pick, the US trying to take Syrian oil, and Turkish drone strikes in Iraq.
On FPF #530, Will Porter returns to the show to discuss the new Russiagate Whistleblower Steven P. Schrage. Schrage is a former student of Stefan Halper and set up the event was Halper first met Carter Page. The Page/Halper meeting is suspected of helping generate the bogus Steele Dossier information that led to a FISA warrant on Carter Page and surveillance of the Trump campaign. Schrage has recorded audio of Halper showing he knew Mike Flynn would be fired as NSA just days before it happened.
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On FPF #529, Will Porter returns to the show to discuss the massive explosion in Beirut. So far, over 150 people have been killed; however many more remain missing. The damage to the port will also significantly harm Lebanon's economy, doing billions in damage. Will explains that a cache of improperly stored ammonium nitrate caught fire and eventually exploded. While many details – such as how the ammonium nitrate ended up at the port and how the initial fire was stated – remain unknown, hawks are rushing to turn the tragedy into anti-Russia/Iran/Hezbollah propaganda.
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On FPF #528, I discuss reports that an American company had signed an agreement with the Syrian Kurds to produce oil in Syria. The story was pushed by Secretary of State Pompeo and Senator Graham. However, the Syrian Kurds now say no agreement has been made. The Kurds added that American and Russian companies are competing for the contract. The Syrian government has argued that the Kurds do not have a right to award the contract.
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On FPF #527, Will Porter returns to the show to explain why it doesn't matter to Boeing CEO who wins in November. Will and Kyle how the US will continue to wage wars throughout the world and spend hundreds of billions of tax dollars on unnecessary weapons and wars. The bipartisan consensus continues to give the president a nearly blank check for waging war.