Loud & Clear

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Bill Binney: CIA Admits It Has No Evidence of Russian Hacking Nov 09, 2017

Show notes

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker and Walter Smolarek are joined by NSA whistleblower Bill Binney.
For the past several days, the corporate-owned media has been engaged in a smear campaign against Binney, the former NSA technical director and legendary whistleblower, labelling him a conspiracy theorist. This was prompted by reports that he met with CIA director Mike Pompeo to discuss his finding that the alleged hack of the DNC server during the 2016 election campaign was in fact a leak.
The high-stakes intrigue in Saudi Arabia continues as Saudi citizens are instructed to leave Lebanon immediately, and the Lebanese Prime Minister continues to be held in what appears to be house arrest. Is another war around the corner? Radwan Chehab, political analyst, joins the show.
A new study from Brown University has found that the total cost of the so-called War on Terror amounts to an eye-popping $5.6 trillion. That’s $23,386 per US taxpayer! Ted Rall, editorial cartoonist and columnist, joins Brian and Walter.
The Trump administration is tightening the screws on the blockade of Cuba, prohibiting additional transactions in its drive to reverse the thaw in US-Cuba relations that began at the end of the Obama presidency. Joining the show is lecturer, journalist and author Arnold August.
NATO is growing yet again. The alliance’s Defense Ministers decided yesterday to create two new commands, including one focused on naval operation in the Atlantic. Reiner Braun, co-president of the International Peace Bureau, joins the show.

What Does Trump Want from China? What Does China Expect from Trump? Nov 08, 2017

Show notes

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker and Walter Smolarek are joined by Jude Woodward, the author of “The US vs China: Asia's new Cold War?”, and by political analyst Ajit Singh.
Donald Trump is in China today for the first time in his presidency for a high-profile summit with President Xi Jinping. The two leaders will discuss a range of issues of diplomatic, military and economic issues.
Loud & Clear co-host John Kiriakou was invited to address the European Parliament in his capacity as a world-renowned whistleblower and human rights advocate. But his speech was cancelled at the last minute -- the “Russiagate” witch hunt strikes again. John speaks with Brian and Walter from Brussels.
Democrats are jubilant following their victories in last night’s election. What does this tell us about the state of politics in the United States? And is the Democratic Party really on solid ground? Kevin Zeese, co-director of Popular Resistance, joins the show.
A leaked German government document has revealed the military’s strategic planning for six geopolitical scenarios that could come to pass by 2040. What does the de-facto leader of the European Union foresee for the bloc -- and the world? Brian and John are joined by international affairs and security analyst Mark Sleboda.
Who’s the real conspiracy theorist? The latest theme in the Russiagate frenzy is that anyone who questions the official narrative is on the fringe, unworthy of serious consideration. Joining the show is former FBI special agent and whistleblower Coleen Rowley.

100 Years Later: How the Russian Revolution Changed the World Nov 07, 2017

Show notes

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker and John Kirakou are joined by professors and authors Vijay Prashad and Jodi Dean, as well as Eugene Puryear, host of Radio Sputnik's By Any Means Necessary.
100 years ago today, an earth-shaking revolution took place in Russia that led to the establishment of the Soviet Union. The existence of the first socialist state reshaped all of global politics, and the end of that state 26 years ago became a defining feature of the 21st century as well.
The Saudi purge continues to sow chaos across the Middle East, as the kingdom declares that Lebanon has declared war against it and President Donald Trump endorses the sweeping crackdown on opponents of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. Joining the show to discuss these developments are Peter Ford, the former British ambassador to Syria, as well as independent journalist and analyst Marwa Osman.
Speaking in South Korea where he met today with President Moon Jae-in, Donald Trump repeated his standard threats but also surprised many by floating the possibility of negotiations. What is Trump’s strategy in Korea? Simone Chun, a fellow at the Korea Policy Institute, joins the show.
It’s election day in the United States, and the most closely watched campaign is the race for the governor’s office in Virginia. Ralph Northam is the favorite, but a late surge by Republican Ed Gillespie threatens to deal another demoralizing blow to the Democrats. Brian and John speak with Daniel Lazare, author and journalist.

Will Saudi Arabia Push War on to Lebanon? Purge Rocks Royal Family Nov 06, 2017

Show notes

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker and John Kiriakou are joined by Jana Nakhal, an independent researcher and a member of the central committee of the Lebanese Communist Party.
Political turmoil has rocked Lebanon and Saudi Arabia in recent days, as Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned -- while he was in Saudi Arabia! -- and a sweeping purge eliminates rivals to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
Donald Trump is headed to South Korea following his meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. On one of the most anticipated stops of his Asia tour, will Trump continue to press for war? Author Jude Woodward joins Brian and John to discuss Trump's trip.
A flurry of U.S. airstrikes near the Afghan city of Kunduz has caused heavy civilian casualties according to Afghan government officials. The Trump administration’s “new strategy” for the Afghan War is proving to be even deadlier than before. Ann Wright, retired United States Army colonel and former U.S. State Department official in Afghanistan, joins the show.
Is Michael Flynn the next to be indicted in special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation? Meanwhile, the Paradise Papers tax haven revelations are now being brought into the “Russiagate” narrative. Brian and John are joined by author and labor rights lawyer Dan Kovalik.
Catalan pro-independence leaders have been released from detention in Belgium, but their fate is far from certain. As the legal drama plays out, the pro and anti-independence camps prepare to do battle in the December snap election. Steve Keen, economist and professor, discusses these developments.
Top Democrats, especially Clinton allies, continue to fume over the content of Donna Brazile’s new book, which goes on sale tomorrow. Anoa Changa, host of The Way With Anoa, joins the show.
Both major parties in Virginia have nominated thoroughly establishment candidates who are set to square off in the governor's election tomorrow. What does this tell us about the state of politics in the U.S.? Jim Jatras, former U.S. diplomat and political analyst, discusses the importance of the election.

Trump, Three Aircraft Carriers, and B1-B Bombers "Visit" Asia-Pacific Nov 03, 2017

Show notes

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker and John Kiriakou are joined by journalist and author Patrick Lawrence, as well as Sputnik News analyst Walter Smolarek.
Donald Trump is off to Asia for nearly two weeks, where he will visit five countries. While a range of issues will be discussed, his top priority appears to be beating the drums of war against North Korea.
The fallout is continuing from Donna Brazile’s claim that Hillary Clinton orchestrated, in her words, “a secret takeover of the DNC” before becoming the party’s candidate in the 2016 election. Journalist and best-selling author Max Blumenthal joins the show.
In a startling attack on one of the foundations of the U.S. legal system, Robert Mueller’s team based their indictment of Paul Manafort in part on the testimony of Manafort’s own lawyer. Brian and John are joined by Mara Verheyden-Hilliard, the executive director of the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund.
Daesh has been driven out of its last pocket of the Syrian city of Deir Ezzor by pro-government forces as the race for control of oil-rich eastern Syria continues. Mark Sleboda, international affairs and security analyst, joins the show.
Donald Trump is furious that Bowe Bergdahl, the U.S. army soldier held in captivity in Afghanistan for five years, was not given jail time as part of the sentence passed today. Michael Prysner, a former Marine and anti-war activist, joins the show to discuss.
Spanish authorities have imprisoned eight ministers of the now-suspended government of Catalonia, as the region gears up for a dramatic showdown in the December 21 Catalan election. Dick Nichols, correspondent for Green Left Weekly, discusses the latest developments.

Trump Tax Plan a Bonanza for Wall Street and the Ultra Rich Nov 02, 2017

Show notes

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker and John Kiriakou are joined by financial policy analyst Daniel Sankey and investigative report Dave Lindorff.
House Republicans unveiled their tax plan today, which slashes the tax rate for corporations alongside many other measures. But this is just the first step in a long and treacherous series of negotiations that could derail the push for tax reform.
Former DNC chair Donna Brazile published a shocking -- for several reasons -- article in Politico slamming the Clinton campaign, Barack Obama, her predecessor Debbie Wasserman Schultz and more. What’s behind this surprise move? Anoa Changa, host of The Way With Anoa, joins the show.
In a speech today in New York, Attorney General Jeff Sessions exploited the grief caused by Tuesday’s terror attack to push for mass surveillance and restrictions on travel and immigration. Journalist Chip Gibbons joins Brian and John.
The Syrian opposition has rejected a proposal to hold a national “Congress” with the government in order to negotiate a settlement to the war. What does this mean for the future of Syria? John and Brian are joined by Peter Ford, the former UK ambassador to Syria.
Today marks the 100th anniversary of the Balfour declaration, where the British Empire first declared its support for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. Benjamin Netanyahu is in the UK to mark the occasion with Theresa May, but supporters of Palestine say there is nothing to celebrate. Palestinian journalist Jafar Ramini joins the show from London.
British Prime Minister Theresa May named a new Defense Secretary today as her close ally Michael Fallon was forced to step down in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal. Activist Jackie Walker speaks with Brian and John about what's behind the resignation of Fallon.
The leader of the former guerrilla organization FARC has announced his intention to run for president of Colombia next year, amid a national strike organized to protest violations of the peace accord between the government and FARC and the widespread killings of social movement leaders. James Patrick Jordan of the Alliance for Global Justice speaks about these developments.

After NYC Attack: A Deeper Look into the Origins of Modern Terrorism Nov 01, 2017

Show notes

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker and John Kiriakou are joined by journalist Ben Norton, anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan, and professor and activist Danny Shaw.
In the wake of the terror attack in New York, we’ll spend the full hour discussing the historical roots of modern terrorism, the role of U.S. foreign policy during the past four decades in the Middle East and South Asia, and Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant response to the incident in New York City.
Tech giants Facebook, Google and Twitter are testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee this afternoon as the media works itself up into another frenzy over so-called “Russian ads” influencing the 2016 election. Brian and John are joined by author and journalist Daniel Lazare.
As part of the Palestinian reconciliation agreement, Hamas handed over control of several border crossings -- including the crucial Rafah Crossing - to the Palestinian Authority. Is the decade-long Palestinian division really coming to an end? Miko Peled, author of the book ‘The General’s Son: Journey of an Israeli in Palestine’, as well as “Injustice: The Story of the Holy Land Foundation Five”, joins the show.
Environmental Protection Agency head Scott Pruitt is poised to carry out a purge of the EPA’s scientific advisory boards. Pruitt signaled that he would replace many existing members with scientists who are climate change deniers. Fred Magdoff, professor emeritus of plant and soil science at the University of Vermont and the co-author of “What Every Environmentalist Needs to Know About Capitalism” and “Creating an Ecological Society: Toward a Revolutionary Transformation”, joins the show.
The Affordable Care Act’s open enrolment period begins today. But after several acts of sabotage by the Trump administration, premiums for the benchmark “silver” plans are skyrocketing. David Hughes, President of the research and advocacy organization Citizen Power, joins John and Brian.

General John Kelly: U.S. Civil War That Ended Slavery Was a Mistake Oct 31, 2017

Show notes

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker and John Kiriakou are joined by Kevin Zeese, the co-director of Popular Resistance, as well as Sputnik News analyst Walter Smolarek.
Tech giants Facebook, Google and Twitter are testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee this afternoon as the media works itself up into another frenzy over so-called “Russian ads” influencing the 2016 election.
Chief of Staff General John Kelly -- frequently praised by liberals for being the adult in the room of Trump’s White House -- gave an interview yesterday to Laura Ingraham where he said the US civil war happened because of a failure to compromise, causing outrage across the country. What’s the real history? Dr. Gerald Horne, a professor of history at the University of Houston and author of many books including Race to Revolution: The U.S. and Cuba During Slavery and Jim Crow, joins the show.
The head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has made a final plea to the Trump administration to veto a measure from Congress aimed at discouraging class action lawsuits against financial companies. Meanwhile, the big banks are set for another big win with the expected appointment of Jerome Powell to lead the Federal Reserve. Daniel Sankey, financial policy analyst, joins Brian and John.
Suspended Catalan President Puigdemont has denied that he is seeking asylum in Belgium and vowed to contest the upcoming regional election imposed by the Spanish central government. Economist and professor Steve Keen discusses these developments along with Matt Qvortrup, Professor of Political Science at Coventry University.
Qatar’s former Foreign Minister has come forward with surprisingly candid comments about the war in Syria, detailing the U.S.-Saudi-Qatari efforts to overthrow the Syrian government and even admitting that there may have been “interaction” with al-Qaeda. Alexander Mercouris, editor-in-chief of The Duran, discusses the comments.
Saudi officials have announced that they will be vastly expanding their nuclear program as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing effort to overhaul its economy. We’ll take a look at the U.S. government’s double standard when it comes to nuclear energy and nuclear weapons in the Middle East with Kevin Kamps, radioactive watchdog at Beyond Nuclear.

Manafort Charged, Podesta Next? The "Politics" of an Indictment Oct 31, 2017

Show notes

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker and John Kiriakou are joined by Jim Kavanagh, the editor of ThePolemicist.net, as well as by Dan Kovalik, a human rights and labor lawyer who is the author of “The Plot to Scapegoat Russia”.
Indictments have been issued targeting Paul Manafort, Rick Gates and George Papadopoulos. What is Special Counsel Mueller’s strategy in the ongoing investigation? Are others likely to be indicted? None of the charges are related to Russian interference in the 2016 election, but “Russiagate” continues to gain steam.
Catalan President Puigdemont has gone to Belgium along with several other Catalan officials following the announcement of heavy charges against pro-independence leaders. Meanwhile, the central government has declared that a new regional election will take place in December. Brian and John are joined by Dick Nichols, correspondent for Green Left Weekly.
Longtime leader of the Kurdistan Regional Government Masoud Barzani has resigned following an independence referendum that prompted an Iraqi government offensive that retook the contested city of Kirkuk. Following clashes in the Kurdish parliament, what comes next for the KRG and Iraq? Ali Musawi, war correspondent based in Iraq, joins the show along with Kani Xulam, director of the Kurdish American Information Network.
Another round of Syria peace talks convened by Russia, Iran and Turkey are underway in Astana, with delegates set to discuss the future of the country’s four “de-escalation zones”. Peter Ford, former British ambassador to Syria, discusses the prospects for peace.
Some of the most revealing documents in the “JFK files” were in fact about Cuba. Evidence has now emerged that the U.S. government was considering biological warfare on Cuban agriculture and a staged bombing campaign that would be blamed on the Cuban government, among other schemes. Brian and John are joined by Dr. Helen Yaffe, an Economic History Fellow at the London School of Economics and author of the book “Che Guevara: The Economics of Revolution”.

High Stakes Independence Showdown As Spain Dissolves Catalan Parliament Oct 27, 2017

Show notes

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker and John Kirakou are joined by Alberto Garcia Watson, former Middle East correspondent for HispanTV.
Catalonia has declared independence, with hundreds of thousands pouring into the streets to celebrate. However, a dramatic showdown looms as the Spanish central government prepares to reassert its control.
The United Nations has thrown its weight behind the narrative that the Syrian government made the decision to deploy chemical weapons while his forces were winning the war through conventional means. Is this really true? Rick Sterling, an investigative journalist and member of the Syria Solidarity Movement, joins the show.
The Trump administration and Jeff Sessions’ Justice Department have been closing halfway houses, canceling contracts with 16 since taking office and worsening the mass incarceration crisis in the United States. Brian and John are joined by Alex Friedmann, Associate Director of the Human Rights Defense Center and managing editor for Prison Legal News.
As part of his “Vision 2030” plan to overhaul the Saudi economy, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has announced that the planned $500 billion, 10,000 square-mile NEOM mega-city will be a publicly-traded commodity owned by its shareholders. In his words, “The first capitalist city in the world”. Ali Al Ahmad, director of the Institute of Gulf Studies, joins the show.
U.S.-Pakistan relations continued to deteriorate today as the Pakistani Foreign Minister fired back at criticism of his country’s support for terrorists by slamming the United States’ failure in the war in Afghanistan. Christopher Black, international criminal defence lawyer, discusses the longest war in U.S. history.
The U.S. Congress, through the Government Accountability Office, is moving to counter the Trump administration’s so-called Voter Fraud Commission. But are the Democratic Senators who requested the move, and who say they oppose the panel because it “diminishes confidence in our democratic process”, missing the point? Daniel Lazare, journalist and author of The Frozen Republic, The Velvet Coup, and America's Undeclared War, joins Brian and John.

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