Loud & Clear

Latest Episodes:

Wall St. Vultures: Goldman Sachs See "Opportunity" as Puerto Rico Sinks Sep 27, 2017

Show notes

On today’s episode of Loud & Clear, Shawn Garcia, Executive Director of Revolutionary Fitness; Gloria La Riva, who was the Coordinator of the National Committee to Free the Cuban Five; and Greg Cruz, an activist who will soon be traveling to Puerto Rico to take part in relief efforts, join the show.
In our first hour, we discuss the crisis in Puerto Rico. After the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, there are dire shortages of essential goods and services. On top of this, Puerto Rico is still suffocating under a mountain of debt and the colonial status imposed on it by the United States.
The far right Alternative for Germany has made a breakthrough in last week’s election, securing nearly 13 percent of the vote and entering parliament. What’s behind the party’s stunning rise and deep internal divisions? Marcel Joppa, a journalist and Sputnik News analyst, talks about the issue.
Incumbent Republican Senator Luther Strange has been defeated in a landslide by far right challenger Roy Moore in the Alabama primary election. What does it mean for Trump, McConnell, and the future of politics in the United States? Ray Baker, the host of the podcast Public Agenda, discusses this development.
The Venezuelan opposition has broken off talks with the government that were being held in the Dominican Republic, just weeks ahead of crucial regional elections. Lucas Koerner, a Caracas-based activist and writer for VenezuelAnalysis.com, joins the show.
Saudi Arabia’s government has announced that it will legally permit women to drive for the first time following years of protest. But horrific restrictions on women’s rights still persist in this close ally of the United States. Catherine Shakdam, a political analyst and author, talks about this issue

Absurd Facebook Story: WashPost Takes Anti-Russia Hysteria to New Level Sep 26, 2017

Show notes

On today’s episode of Loud & Clear, Dan Kovalik, a human rights lawyer and author, joins the show for the first half hour. Then, the hosts are joined by Vijay Prashad, an author and professor of international studies.
In our first hour, we discuss two big issues. First, the new McCarthyism in the United States continues to deepen. After Facebook released the so-called “Russian ads” it became clear that they were not in fact pro-Trump, so now the corporate media has gone back to an old Cold War smear. And then, we discuss the referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan that has upended the geopolitics of the Middle East. As Turkey and Iraq hold joint military exercises, how far could the conflict spiral?
Could Alabama be on the verge of electing the most far right Senator in the country? The Republican establishment is lining up behind incumbent Senator Luther Strange in the Alabama primary election today, but former state supreme court Chief Justice Roy Moore is the frontrunner. The hosts are joined by award-winning editorial cartoonist and columnist Ted Rall.
The Graham-Cassidy bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act is circling the drain as several Republican senators come out in opposition to the proposal, but the fight over the future of healthcare in the United States is far from over. Marc Stier, Director of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, talks about the issue.
French President Emmanuel Macron has given a major address on his vision for the future of the European Union, calling a dramatic expansion in the powers of the EU relative to national governments. But following last Sunday’s election, German support is very much in doubt. Alexander Mercouris, editor in chief of The Duran, discusses this development.
According to the UK’s Ministry of Defense, the British air force killed over 3,000 ISIS fighters -- but not a single civilian! What’s the reality of the air war against the so-called Islamic State? Robert Carter, a journalist and political commentator on Middle East, joins the show.

The Politics Behind Trump's Assault on Black Athletes Sep 25, 2017

Show notes

On today’s episode of Loud & Clear, Dr. Gerald Horne, a professor of history and author, and Danny Shaw, a professor and retired boxer, join the show for the first half hour. Then, the hosts are joined by Mojtaba Masood, a journalist and filmmaker, and Kani Xulam, founder of the American-Kurdish Information Network.
In our first hour, we discuss two big issues. A wave of protest has hit the NFL as players kneel to protest racism and police brutality, sparking a furious reaction from Donald Trump. Are we on the cusp of another wave of Black athlete activism? And then, we discuss the referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan. Tensions in the region are heating up as Iraq’s Kurds vote, and neighboring states move to block any moves towards independence.
Anthony Weiner is going to prison for nearly two years after being found guilty to send obscene material to a minor. We’ll take a look at the dramatic fall of this once-rising star of the Democratic Party. The hosts are joined by Anoa Changa, the host of the weekly radio show The Way With Anoa and Deputy Director of MPACT.
The far right has entered the German parliament again for the first time in decades, as support for the governing coalition of Chancellor Angela Merkel retains a much-diminished majority. Reiner Braun, co-president of the International Peace Bureau, talks about the issue.
The Trump administration has issued its latest travel ban executive order, widening the scope of countries affected and making the restrictions indefinite. Dr. Nazia Kazi, an activist and professor of Anthropology, discusses this development.
Brexit and Britain’s membership in the European common market is causing waves at the Labour Party conference, while Theresa May tries to rally her divided party around the idea of a 2-year transition period following the country’s exit from the European Union. John Wight, the host of Radio Sputnik’s weekly show Hard Facts, joins the show.

Militarism on Steroids! Trump Ramps Up War Drive Sep 22, 2017

Show notes

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker and John Kirakou are joined by
Jodie Evans, a filmmaker, activist and co-founder of Codepink, as well as by Kevin Zeese, co-director of Popular Resistance.
The Trump administration is reportedly preparing a dramatic expansion of the so-called War on Terror. Drone strikes and special forces raids could soon be conducted with little oversight and in virtually any country.
In the second hour, John and Brian look at the the Graham-Cassidy bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act that now appears to be dead. John McCain just hours ago announced his opposition to the measure, dealing a major blow to Congressional Republicans’ legislative agenda. Joining the show is Dr. Margaret Flowers, co-director of Popular Resistance.
Next, Turkish president Erdogan says that his military will soon enter rebel-held Idlib province in Syria as part of a deal to establish a “de-escalation zone”. Is Syria headed towards partition? Kani Xulam of the American-Kurdish Information Network joins the show.
Will Angela Merkel win a fourth term in office and Chancellor of Germany? The so-called Grand Coalition between the center-right and center-left looked set to continue, but a last minute surge by smaller parties could upend the equation. Joining the show is Reiner Braun of the International Peace Bureau.
And finally, if Congress gets to see the so-called “Russian Facebook ads”, why can’t the public? Dr. Robert Epstein analyzes what's behind the move.

Trump at the UN: Is the World Trembling or Laughing? Sep 21, 2017

Show notes

On today’s episode of Loud & Clear, Pepe Escobar, a writer and political analyst, Prof. Simone Chun, a fellow at the Korea Policy Institute and author and columnist Patrick Lawrence, join the show.
The Russian and Chinese speeches at the United Nations General Assembly were delivered today, but neither Vladimir Putin nor Xi Xinping took to the podium. Is this a boycott? What else was discussed today at the General Assembly debate?
Today is the International Day of Peace, but you wouldn’t know it from listening to Donald Trump’s rhetoric at the United Nations. Is the world on the verge of a major conflict? Can we step back from the brink?. The hosts are joined by activist, educator and author Bill Ayers.
High ranking officials in the Catalonia autonomous community of Spain have been arrested by the central government as the region’s president denounces Madrid’s “totalitarian” actions and vows to go ahead with the October 1st independence vote. Journalist Alberto Garcia Watson talks about the issue.
Is the United States a rising power or a hegemon in decline? Speaking to a celebration held by Forbes magazine, billionaire Warren Buffett called people who were pessimistic about the future of the country “out of their mind”. Author and economist Steve Keen joins the show.
Last year the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced its largest fine ever -- a $100 million penalty to Wells Fargo for opening accounts without customers’ permission. But newly-released documents show that the government chose CFPB could have in fact levied a $10 billion fine, but chose to cut a deal with the bank. Daniel Sankey, a financial policy analyst, discusses these developments.

Iran Blasts Trump at UN as “Rogue Newcomer” Sep 20, 2017

Show notes

On today’s episode of Loud & Clear, Greg Mello, Executive Director of the Los Alamos Study Group and Alexander Mercouris, editor in-chief of The Duran, join the show.
The fiery tone at the United Nations General Assembly continues following Donald Trump’s threat to “totally destroy” North Korea, as the United States is accused of violating the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces agreement and the future of the Iran nuclear deal appears bleak.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the British Defense Minister have reached an agreement on a military cooperation accord, as billions of dollars of British weapons continue to pour into Saudi Arabia despite the country’s war crimes in Yemen. The hosts are joined by journalist Steve Topple.
The death toll continues to rise in Mexico City and surrounding areas in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that killed over 200 people and devastated critical infrastructure. Clayton Conn, a freelance reporter in Mexico City, talks about the issue.
Hurricane Maria is doing massive damage to Puerto Rico and has knocked out all electricity on the island, as this year’s brutal hurricane season continues. Javier Nieves, a student at the University of Puerto Rico, joins the show.
Will the war on ISIS in eastern Syria turn into a war between U.S.-backed Kurdish forces and the Syrian government? Or can there be coexistence? The battle for Deir Ezzor could be just the beginning. Rick Sterling, an investigative journalist and member of the Syria Solidarity Movement, discusses these developments.

"We Will Totally Destroy Your Nation": Trump Tells North Korea at UN Sep 19, 2017

Show notes

On today’s episode of Loud & Clear, Lucas Koerner, an activist and journalist for VenezuelaAnalysis.com, political analyst Ajit Singh, and former State Department official turned anti-war activist Ann Wright join the show.
Donald Trump’s debut speech to the United Nations General Assembly drew gasps from the audience as he threatened the destruction of North Korea, slammed Iran and Venezuela, and boasted about U.S. military might.
The Republican effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act was left for dead, but a last minute push by Senators Lindsey Graham and Bill Cassidy seems to have gained serious traction. We are joined from Nashville by Dr. Carol Paris, President of Physicians for a National Health Plan, joins the show.
We do some pretty amazing things here at Sputnik News, including, according to three members of Congress, time travel. In a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai they claimed that we influenced the election through our broadcasts on 105.5 FM, which began eight months after election day. Dan Kovalik, a human rights and labor lawyer and author, talks about the issue.
Defense Secretary James Mattis has announced that 3,000 more U.S. troops are going to Afghanistan as part of the Trump administration’s push to deepen the longest war in U.S. history. Phil Wilayto of the Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality, joins the show.
Donald Trump’s unbelievably bellicose speech at the United Nations today took aim at Iran, slamming the JCPOA nuclear deal and calling for regime change. Catherine Shakdam, an independent journalist and author, talks about these developments.

Is the UN a Figleaf for U.S. Foreign Policy? Sep 18, 2017

Show notes

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker and John Kiriakou are joined by Christopher Black, an international criminal lawyer who is on the List of Counsel before the ICC, and Jim Jatras, a political analyst and former U.S. diplomat.
The UN General Assembly debate opens today in New York. As world leaders grapple with the conflicts, crises and tensions that seem to be intensifying by the day, Donald Trump has slammed the United Nations as inefficient and unfair.
Scores of people have been arrested as demonstrations and outrage continue in St. Louis against racism and police brutality following the acquittal of police officer Jason Stockley in the killing of Anthony Lamar Smith. Kofi Ademola, an organizer with the Black Lives Matter movement, joins the show from London to talk about the incident.
Hamas has announced that it is prepared to dissolve its government in Gaza. Could a Palestinian unity government finally be formed after over a decade of bitter division between the West Bank and Gaza? Journalist and filmmaker Dan Cohen, talks about the issue.
Donald Trump’s hostility towards Cuba is no secret, but after a series of alleged “sonic attacks” on diplomats, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said that the administration may go as far as closing the embassy in Havana. Arnold August, a lecturer, journalist and author, joins the show.
Former CIA employee Jeffrey Sterling’s sentence has been extended, as the U.S. government’s war on whistleblowers continue. Activist Arn Menconi talks about these developments.

With ISIS in Retreat, What Will Become of Iraq? Sep 15, 2017

Show notes

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Walter Smolarek fills in for Brian Becker and is joined by co-host John Kiriakou.
The fight against ISIS in Iraq seems to be in its last stages, but the fight over the future of the country is far from over.Dr. Dahlia Wasfi, an activist and internationally known speaker on anti-war and international solidarity issues, as well as Eugene Puryear, host of By
Any Means Necessary, join the show.
An explosive device has detonated in the London subway, injuring over 20 people. Donald Trump wasted no time in taking to Twitter to criticize British authorities. Marcel Cartier, Sputnik political analyst, joins the show from London to talk about the incident.
A groundbreaking investigative report shows that the Pentagon secretly funnelled billions of dollars of weapons to armed groups in Syria. Alexander Mercouris, editor-in-chief of The Duran, talks about if the U.S. policy of arming the Syrian opposition is really over.
The fallout continues from the preliminary deal between Donald Trump and Democratic congressional leaders over the DACA program. Are the Dreamers really secure? What comes next for the immigrant rights movement? Angie Kim, immigrant rights activist, joins the show.
Donald Trump has harshly criticized the Iran nuclear deal, signalling that he may move to pull out of the deal next month on the same day as new U.S. sanctions
targeting Iranian firms were announced. Massoud Shadjareh, co-founder of the Islamic Human Rights Commission, talks about these developments.
New charges have been filed against embattled Brazilian President Michel Temer, as the country’s corruption scandal continues to rage. British-Brazilian journalist Victor Fraga join Walter and John to discuss the ramifications.

Is a Trump-Democratic Party Love Affair Possible? Sep 14, 2017

Show notes

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker and John Kiriakou are joined by Anoa Changa, Deputy Director of MPACT and the host of the radio show The Way With Anoa, and David Cobb, campaign manager of the 2016 Jill Stein/Ajamu Baraka presidential campaign.
The newfound partnership between Donald Trump and congressional Democrats has upended politics in the United States. First the debt ceiling deal, now DACA, what’s next? Could we be set for a major realignment of political parties?
In the second hour, John and Brian take a look at the breaking news of the day.
First, the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq is determined to push ahead with an independence referendum. Kani Xulam, founder of the American-Kurdish Information Network, joins the show.
Next, military exercises in Russia lead to a heating up of the rhetoric in the new cold war. They speak with Mark Sleboda, an international affairs and security analyst.
In the third segment, the hosts talk to Ben Norton, a journalist with Alternet’s Grayzone Project about reports that the Trump administration is considering a drastic reduction in the number of refugees admitted into the country.
And finally, Will the de-escalation zones in Syria hold? The fate of opposition-controlled Idlib province hangs in the balance as the sixth round of the Astana peace talks open today. The hosts are joined by investigative journalist Rick Sterling.

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