Fault Lines

Latest Episodes:

Episode 322: Capitol Hill Shakeup Over Spy Powers Apr 12, 2024

Show notes

Today, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss another ongoing fight within Congress - the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a vital national security program that allows the U.S. to gather intelligence on foreign adversaries and terrorists. Earlier this week, former President Donald Trump called on House Republicans to "Kill FISA,” leading to 19 GOP House members joining Democrats in blocking FISA legislation from moving forward.

Why is Section 702 of FISA so important to U.S. national security? Will the House pass a 702 reauthorization bill ahead of its April 19 expiration date? Why did former President Trump lobby against reauthorization when his administration voted to reauthorize it?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-republicans-blast-cry-wolf-conservatives-who-tanked-fisa-renewal-bill

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/10/us/politics/fisa-trump-johnson-house.html

https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4588493-fisa-702-plan-b/

https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4588868-jeffries-johnson-fisa-impasse/

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@jamil_n_jaffer

@NotTVJessJones

@lestermunson

@morganlroach

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We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/4a-gGafR5Ts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 321: Will Johnson Be Ukraine’s Savior? Apr 10, 2024

Show notes

Today, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss the ongoing conflicts within the U.S. House of Representatives over the $95 billion supplemental aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Embattled House Speaker Mike Johnson faces threats from Republican rabble-rousers to oust him if he brings Ukraine aid to vote on the House floor. There is also speculation whether House Democrats will support the White House supplemental given the ongoing war in Gaza.

How do these shakeups impact U.S. reputation abroad? Should Speaker Johnson bring the Ukraine/Israel/Taiwan aid package to the floor even in the face of threats of ouster? How does the upcoming election impact the vote on the supplemental?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!

https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4581611-johnson-gauntlet-greene-ouster-threat/

https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-congress-speaker-johnson-6ca638103f0286405144891604f92de3

https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-johnson-marjorie-taylor-greene-e0f0271f8244598841c56502f12f38a0

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@NotTVJessJones

@lestermunson

@morganlroach

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We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/5VK9TlwHKCQ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 320: Mexican - Diplomatic - Standoff Apr 08, 2024

Show notes

Today, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss Ecuador’s recent decision to send police officers into the Mexican Embassy in Quito to arrest former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who has been convicted on corruption and bribery charges. The raid has been with met international condemnation and Mexico has severed diplomatic ties with Ecuador.

Why did Mexico grant political asylum to Jorge Glas? Are there any long-term implications for Ecuador’s violation of the Vienna Convention? Was Ecuador in the right to raid the embassy?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!

https://www.eurasiareview.com/08042024-biden-administration-should-demand-ecuador-immediately-release-political-opponent-illegally-kidnapped-from-mexicos-embassy-oped/

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/07/world/americas/ecuador-mexico-embassy-noboa.html

https://apnews.com/article/7276b35e8d5944e7b5ca280ab0390b26

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/07/ecuador-mexico-embassy-raid-glas-noboa-diplomacy/eb838672-f50c-11ee-9506-c8544e5c9d86_story.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/05/mexico-ecuador-crisis-diplomatica/a9d8ba10-f3c9-11ee-a4c9-88e569a98b58_story.html

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/07/latin-american-governments-condemn-ecuador-after-police-raid-mexican-embassy

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@jamil_n_jaffer

@NotTVJessJones

@lestermunson

@morganlroach

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Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.

And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!

We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/zI8rRImFEy0

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 319: Secretary Yellen Take 2 Apr 05, 2024

Show notes

Today, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s second trip to China, where she will advocate for fair treatment of American workers and businesses, press Chinese counterparts on unfair trade practices, and warn of the consequences of Chinese industrial overcapacity. This trip follows a domestic tour by Secretary Yellen to key swing states selling President Biden’s economic and industrial policies to the American Public.

What is the Biden administration’s strategy when it comes to China? What does Secretary Yellen’s visit seek to accomplish? Will this visit affect any policy changes within China?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2218

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/04/heres-who-treasury-secretary-janet-yellen-is-going-to-meet-in-china.html

https://www.voanews.com/a/treasury-secretary-yellen-to-visit-china-for-high-level-talks/7555456.html

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@NotTVJessJones

@lestermunson

@morganlroach

Like what we're doing here?

Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.

And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!

We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/kJHFlJVF9Es

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 318: Havana - or Moscow - Syndrome Apr 03, 2024

Show notes

Today, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss a recent joint investigation by 60 Minutes, The Insider, and Der Spiegel on Havana syndrome – a mysterious illness causing a variety of debilitating symptoms often seen in American diplomats and intelligence officials – that points the finger at Russia. This report contracts the U.S. Intelligence Community’s formal assessment from a year ago that found it was “very unlikely” that symptoms were caused by enemy operatives.

How credible is this joint investigation report? Is this a case of the politicization of U.S. intelligence? Is the U.S. intelligence community covering up Russia’s involvement to prevent escalation?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/havana-syndrome-culprit-investigation-new-evidence-60-minutes-transcript/

https://time.com/6962399/havana-syndrome-russia-u-s/

https://apnews.com/article/havana-syndrome-russia-cuba-vilnius-4839ec0e3ce0db76670832235d602a16

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/04/01/investigate-havana-syndrome-russia/

https://www.nationalreview.com/2024/04/a-havana-syndrome-cover-up/

https://www.voanews.com/a/us-not-moved-by-report-blaming-russia-for-havana-syndrome/7552401.html

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@NotTVJessJones

@lestermunson

@morganlroach

Like what we're doing here?

Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.

And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!

We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/KTvmCpHA9D4

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 317: The Four Horsemen Visit Sudan Apr 01, 2024

Show notes

Today, Jamil, Les, Bishop, and Martha discuss the civil war in Sudan which is entering its second year with a UN report stating that Sudan needs 'immediate action' on hunger to avert widespread death due to famine. Amidst the hunger and conflict, Sudan has seen the outbreak of several deadly diseases including a Cholera outbreak which has impacted thousands.

How can the United States help resolve the humanitarian crisis in Sudan? Does Iran and Russia’s backing opposing sides of the civil war indicate that the collaboration of global repressors is more limited? How do other conflict zones around the globe impact the crisis in Sudan?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/01/sudan-hunger-war/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/janicegassam/2024/03/31/the-war-in-sudan-that-no-one-is-talking-about/?sh=6db820d9457e

https://www.salon.com/2024/03/03/irans-troubling-move-into-africa--and-the-you-havent-noticed/

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/sudan-needs-immediate-action-hunger-avert-widespread-death-un-backed-report-says-2024-03-29/

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/29/sudan-slips-into-famine-as-warring-sides-starve-civilians

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@jamil_n_jaffer

@lestermunson

@BishopGarrison

@marthamillerdc

Like what we're doing here?

Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.

And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!

We are also on YouTube, watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/Z3cWc3T8J7o

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 316: West Philippine Sea Clashes Mar 29, 2024

Show notes

Today, Jamil, Les, Bishop, and Andy discuss the recent confrontation between two Chinese Coast Guard ships and a Philippine Navy vessel near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands that resulted in injuries to several Philippine sailors after the use of high-pressure water cannons. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to counter what he called “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks” by China’s coast guard and said that the Philippines would not be “cowed into silence” about Chinese aggression.

Will the tensions in the West Philippine Sea continue to escalate? Would any conflict between China and the Philippines drag the United States into direct conflict? Is China trying to test U.S. commitments in the region?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/28/philippiness-marcos-promises-measures-after-chinas-dangerous-attacks

https://www.foxnews.com/world/china-warned-as-philippine-president-proposes-countermeasures-against-beijings-aggression

https://time.com/6960916/us-military-intervention-south-china-sea-philippines-china/

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/mar/27/inside-ring-water-cannon-attack-raises-odds-of-us-/

https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/03/28/philippines-countermeasures-coast-guard-attacks-south-china-sea-marcos/

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@jamil_n_jaffer

@lestermunson

@BishopGarrison

@AndyKeiser

Like what we're doing here?

Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.

And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!

We are also on YouTube, watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/NxuUz3AZGPM

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 315: The U.S. Breaks with Israel? Mar 27, 2024

Show notes

Today, Jess, Les, Morgan, and John discuss the recent passing of a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. The United States angered Israel by abstaining from the vote, the fifth attempt to pass the resolution, which it previously vetoed leading to Israel canceling a visit to Washington by a high-level delegation.

Is the Biden administration truly breaking with Israel in policy? Will the U.N. Security Council resolution impact the situation on the ground in Gaza? Does an apparent hostile U.S. benefit Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu domestically?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!

https://apnews.com/article/un-gaza-ceasefire-resolution-vote-ramadan-b7985fede65e5477aba2c8d2e62a6632

https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-abstains-united-nations-security-council-vote-israel-hamas-ceasefire-biden-6dd91dee?mod=editorials_article_pos2

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@NotTVJessJones

@lestermunson

@morganlroach

@JohnCLipsey

Like what we're doing here?

Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.

And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!

We are also on YouTube, watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/93ZVbpvvaKw

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 314: Terror Strikes the Heart of Moscow Mar 25, 2024

Show notes

Today, Jess, Les, Morgan, and John discuss last week’s terror attack in Moscow at the Crocus City complex, which killed more than 130 people. ISIS-K, an Afghanistan-based offshoot of ISIS, claimed responsibility for the deadliest terror attack in Russia in decades, and Russia formally charged four men on Sunday for committing terrorism.

What does this terror attack do to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s strongman image? Does ongoing the war in Ukraine leave Russia more vulnerable to terrorism? Does this attack indicate a renewed ISIS threat of global terrorism?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-mourns-victims-deadly-concert-hall-attack-2024-03-24/

https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/23/europe/moscow-attack-what-we-know-intl/index.html

https://apnews.com/article/russia-attack-concert-hall-putin-islamic-state-f6f89c4c39965da6c11c3c111053f0e2

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/25/us/politics/moscow-attack-isis.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/24/world/moscow-russia-attack-news

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@NotTVJessJones

@lestermunson

@morganlroach

@JohnCLipsey

Like what we're doing here?

Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.

And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!

We are also on YouTube, watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/iixOGRDkz4A

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 313: China Has Its Trade and Houthi Terror Too Mar 22, 2024

Show notes

Today, Les, John, and Morgan discuss the recent deal brokered by Russia and China with the Houthi rebels in Yemen for the safe passage of their ships through the Red Sea amidst their continuous attacks on commercial shipping in the region.

How effective have U.S. and allied strikes against the Houthis been at deterring attacks on shipping? What are the implications of the Houthi attacks on the freedom of navigation? What role does the UN Security Council play in this conflict?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-21/china-russia-reach-agreement-with-yemen-s-houthis-on-red-sea-ships

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesfarrell/2024/03/21/houthis-reportedly-strike-deal-with-russia-china-for-safe-passage/?sh=40c9d48c4a6b

https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2024/03/houthis-granting-china-russia-safe-passage-red-sea-centcom-says/395143/

https://www.politico.eu/article/russia-china-struck-deal-yemen-houthi-rebels-ship-safety/

https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasource/houthi-attacks-egypt-red-sea-economy/

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@lestermunson

@morganlroach

@JohnCLipsey

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