Conflicts of Interest
Trump Doubles Down on the Failed Coup in Venezuela
by Kyle Anzalone | Jan 22, 2020
On FPF #446, I discuss the US continuing to push Juan Guaido's failed coup attempt against Maduro. Nearly a year ago, Guaido declared himself president of Venezuela with the backing of the US. He claimed this authority from his position as the leader of a legislative...
Lies They Tell To Start Wars
by Kyle Anzalone | Jan 20, 2020
On FPF #445, I debunk lies about North Korea and Iran. On North Korea, the blob often claims the US must take an aggressive position on North Korea because of North Korean nuclear weapons. I explain how the North Korean nuclear weapon program is a reaction to...
US Officials Have A ‘Disincentive’ to Tell the Truth
by Kyle Anzalone | Jan 17, 2020
On FPF #444, I discuss the Congressional hearing of the Inspector General for the Afghan War. During his testimony, he said US officials have a "disincentive" to tell the truth about the situation in Afghanistan, and we have created a situation that basically requires...
The Fallout and Lies of the Soleimani Assassination
by Kyle Anzalone | Jan 15, 2020
On FPF #443, I discuss the fallout of the Soleimani assassination and the lies the Trump administration is telling. Trump and his team have had to walk back all their claims that Soleimani was an imminent threat. Now, Pompeo has claimed the decision was made to...
Maximum Pressure, Maximum Failure guest Will Porter
by Kyle Anzalone | Jan 13, 2020
Will Porter returns to Foreign Policy Focus to talk about Trump's 'maximum pressure' strategy. Will covers the recent news that Iran shot down the Ukrainiahttp://traffic.libsyn.com/foreignpolicyfocus/FPF442.mp3n civilian flight, killing 176 people. Will and Kyle...
Is Trump Deescalating the War with Iran?
by Kyle Anzalone | Jan 10, 2020
On FPF #441, I cover the assassination of Soleimani and the subsequent Iranian missile attack. The Iranian missile attack did not kill anyone, and that appears to have been the Iranian intention. The symbolic response to Trump's act of war, allowed Trump to back away...
The Assassination of Soleimani and Iran’s Missile Attack
by Kyle Anzalone | Jan 8, 2020
On FPF #440, I cover all the breaking news from Iraq, including Iran's missile attack on the al-Asad Airbase in Iraq. The attack was a response to the US assassination of Soleimani. The assassination has provoked moves by several actors. US and allies are moving...
Scott Horton on Trump’s Assassination of Soleimani
by Kyle Anzalone | Jan 4, 2020
Scott Horton returns to Foreign Policy Focus to cover the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Quds Force. Scott discusses the importance of Soleimani and why his killing could spark more conflict in the Middle East. He then debunks the...
The Heroic Chelsea Manning Rots in Prison
by Kyle Anzalone | Jan 3, 2020
On FPF #438, I talk about the torture of Chelsea Manning. Chelsea heroically leaked to Wikileaks the Afghan war logs, Iraq War documents, and State Department cables that revealed US war crimes. Chelsea was given 35 years for liberating the documents. She spent the...
Protesters Break Into the US Embassy in Iraq
by Kyle Anzalone | Jan 1, 2020
On FPF #437, I discuss Iraqi protesters breaking into the US Embassy in Baghdad. The protesters took to the street outside of the embassy in response to US airstrikes on an Iraqi militia. The US claims the strikes targeted an Iranian backed militia that had attacked...
The War Party Endangers All of Us
by Kyle Anzalone | Dec 30, 2019
On FPF #436, I do the second half of my end of year wrap up. I continue to ask if American foreign policy has made Americans safer. I look at the wars in Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia, and Libya. In all cases, the wars led by the war party are making us...
Trump’s Foreign Policy Failed in 2019
by Kyle Anzalone | Dec 27, 2019
On FPF #435, I discuss how Trump's foreign policy has been unsuccessful and made Americans less safe in 2019. I break down Trump's 2019 policy in Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. Trump has moved the world away from arms control and towards more war.
The Wars Rage On During Christmas
by Kyle Anzalone | Dec 25, 2019
On FPF #434, I update the most important news of the last week. I discuss Kim's upcoming end of year deadline and what could happen if the US fails to engage North Korea in meaningful talks. Trump signed the 2020 NDAA this week. The bill will sanction European energy...
The Dark History of the ATF guest Sam Jacbos
by Kyle Anzalone | Dec 23, 2019
I invited Sam Jacobs on the show to discuss the dark history of the ATF. Sam has a recent article that covers the ATF gun-walking operations know as 'Fast and Furious.' Sam explains how the program provided arms to deadly cartels. The weapons were used to kill many...
Dems Impeach Trump Over Nothing, While Ignoring His Real Crimes
by Kyle Anzalone | Dec 20, 2019
On FPF #432, I explain my view that the Democrats' case for impeaching Trump is very weak. The House passed two articles of impeachment this week, although House leadership is now preventing those from going to the Senate. While everyone is distracted with these...
Ending Wars with ‘Defend the Guard’ guest Mike Maharrey
by Kyle Anzalone | Dec 18, 2019
Mike Maharrey returns to FPF to discuss the Defend the Guard Act. Defend the Guard is a bill introduced at the state level that prevents the federal government from using National Guard troops in undeclared forever wars. The movement is growing as more states will...
Articles
Israeli Forces Deliberately Dismantled Healthcare System in Northern Gaza
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 16, 2025
A humanitarian aid worker said the healthcare facilities in Northern Gaza had been decimated by the Israeli onslaught. Starting in October, Israel began the systematic destruction of all structures in three Northern Gaza cities. MSF (the French acronym for Doctors...
Hamas Releases Three Hostages But Trump Restates Demand To Release All of Them
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 16, 2025
Trump previously said that if Hamas did not release all Israeli captives on Saturday, Israel would have a greenlight to break the ceasefire Following the release of three hostages, including one with an American, President Donald Trump restated his demand that all...
Trump Adviser Gives Four Tenets of Deal to End War in Ukraine
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 16, 2025
National Security Adviser Mike Waltz discussed some of the core issues for Donald Trump in the upcoming talks on ending the war in Ukraine. He did not confirm that Ukraine would be involved in the talks. On Fox News Sunday, Waltz explained, "Number one, it has to be...
Hegseth: US Will Expedite Weapons Sales to Europe
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 13, 2025
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that the US will accelerate weapon deliveries to its allies in Europe. Initially, the proposal was made by NATO Chief Mark Rutte, and received mixed reviews from European powers. On Thursday, speaking at a press conference...
Tulsi Gabbard Sworn in as Director of National Intelligence
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 12, 2025
Tulsi Gabbard was confirmed by the Senate for the post of Director of National Intelligence. Gabbard said the intelligence community has been weaponized against the American people. Gabbard was confirmed by the Senate in a 52-48 vote. Sen. Mitch McConnell was the...
Ukraine Attempts to Enlist More Young Men With Signing Bonus
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 12, 2025
As Ukrainian forces are struggling to hold back the Russian advance and Kiev is facing a shortage of soldiers, the Defense Ministry is offering increased pay and signing bonuses to 18-24-year-olds that agree to enlist. Ukraine currently begins conscription at 25, a...
American Freed From Russian Prison Following Trump Envoy’s Trip to Moscow
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 11, 2025
Marc Fogel, an American teacher arrested in Russia for possession of marijuana, was released from jail after Donald Trump’s envoy traveled to Moscow. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's trip to Russia is the first by an American official since the invasion of Ukraine. ...
NSA Waltz: US Must ‘Recoup’ Ukraine Aid By Taking Natural Resources
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 10, 2025
President Donald Trump’s National Security Adviser explained on Sunday that the White House will push for access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals as the US has invested a considerable amount of money in Kiev’s war effort. Most of Ukraine’s mineral wealth is in areas...
State Dept. Plans New $7 Billion Arms Sale to Israel
by Connor Freeman | Feb 10, 2025
The State Department has formally notified Congress of its plans for a massive arms sale to Israel worth over $7 billion, including thousands of missiles and bombs, the Associated Press reported on Friday. This follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to...
Iranian Supreme Leader Says Talks With US ‘Are Not Intelligent, Wise, or Honorable’
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 9, 2025
Earlier this week, President Trump signed an executive order placing maximum pressure sanctions on Tehran. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei suggested Tehran would not pursue negotiations with Washington. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order that imposed...
USAID Shutdown Causing Funding Shortage for Ukrainian, Russian ‘Independent’ Media
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 9, 2025
Donald Trump’s shutdown of USAID has had a significant impact on several media outlets in Russia and Ukraine. Worldwide, the agency has provided nearly a half-billion in funds to media outlets. “The suspension of USAID has had a dramatic effect on both Ukrainian and...
Trump Envoy Rejects Zelensky’s Demand for Nuclear Weapons
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 6, 2025
President Donald Trump's envoy to the war in Ukraine firmly rejected Kiev's request for nuclear weapons. President Volodymyr Zelensky recently said that Kiev needs NATO membership or nuclear weapons. In an interview on Fox News, retired General Keith Kellogg said,...
News Roundup
News Roundup 3/19/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Mar 19, 2021
US News US-Chinese talks in Alaska are leading to more confrontation than diplomacy. [Link] Trump’s last minute decision to add Cuba back to the state sponsor of terrorism list is causing Cubans to have struggle to access banking. [Link] Putin offered to engage in...
News Roundup 3/18/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Mar 18, 2021
US News A New Hampshire town is evicting 25 people from their homes because they are ‘tiny homes.’ [Link] A North Korean diplomat said the US effort to reach out for talks was a “cheap trick” and North Korea would not engage with the US until the hostile policy was...
News Roundup 3/17/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Mar 17, 2021
Great Power The UK will increase its cap of nuclear weapons from 180 to 260. [Link] Biden says Putin will pay for alleged election interference. [Link] The US pressured Brazil not to buy Russia-made Covid vaccines. [Link] Four Senators call for increasing the State...
News Roundup 3/16/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Mar 16, 2021
US News Two people were charged with assaulting Capitol police officer Brian Sicknick. Sicknick died after the Capitol Riot. It is unclear of the assault - spraying an irritant at Sicknick - caused his death. [Link] The US increased its share of global weapon sales...
News Roundup 3/15/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Mar 15, 2021
US News A Michigan police officer was charged with a felony after he allowed his police dog to needlessly attack a man for four minutes. [Link] Cuba accuses the US of promoting - potentially deadly - illegal migration to the US by allowing Cubans easy asylum once...
News Roundup 3/11/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Mar 11, 2021
China Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet with top Chinese officials in Alaska next week. [Link] Blinken said the US will take action against those who commit human rights violations in Hong King. [Link] Myanmar The US sanctioned the children of Myanmar’s...
News Roundup 3/10/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Mar 10, 2021
US News The Supreme Court declines to hear the appeal of a man who was beat by police officers while standing on his front porch. The 6th Court of Appeals granted the cops qualified immunity. [Link] South Korea will increase its payment for US soldiers deployed to...
News Roundup 3/8/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Mar 8, 2021
US News The FBI says that it is unaware of any guns being found at the Capitol during the 6th riot. [Link] Three men were freed after being convicted of killing a New York police officer in 1996. The prosecution withheld exculpatory evidence from the defense. [Link]...
News Roundup 3/5/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Mar 5, 2021
US News NY Governor Cuomo’s advisors changed Covid numbers to make it appear the governor wasn't responsible for killing as many nursing homes residents as he did. [Link] Biden extends an executive order naming Venezuela as a threat. [Link] Myanmar The US blocked...
News Roundup 3/4/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Mar 4, 2021
US News A Michigan woman was caring for injured animals on her farm. The state charged her with a misdemeanor for caring for animals. Then the state killed six of her animals. [Link] Massachusetts police seized a woman’s car in 2015. The state did not serve her a...
News Roundup 3/3/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Mar 3, 2021
US News Twitter will introduce a strike system for users who tweet “covid misinformation.” Too many strikes will get users banned. [Link] Eighty members of the House sign a letter to Biden urging him to undo Trump’s Cuba policy and return to the détente pushed by...
News Roundup 3/1/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Mar 1, 2021
US News The FBI says it is looking at one person who sprayed an irritant into the face of Capitol police officer Brian Sicknick before he died the next day. The FBI is investigating the incident as an assault. [Link] Minneapolis city council approved $1.18 million in...
News Roundup 2/26/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 26, 2021
US News Forty-one Republicans introduce a bill that will prevent Biden from lifting sanctions on Iran. [Link] USA Today gives a look at the massive US military operations around the world from 2018-2020. In those three years the US conducted counterterror operations...
News Roundup 2/25/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 25, 2021
US News YouTube removed a Consortium News video that covered election suppression in the Georgia Senate runoff. [Link] Facebook plans to invest $1 billion in the news industry over the next three years. Facebook invested $600 million in the industry since 2018. [Link]...
News Roundup 2/24/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 24, 2021
US News Twitter added a ‘hacked materials’ warning to an article published by The Gray Zone detailing how BBC, Reuters, and Bellingcat were paid by the UK Foreign Office. [Link] The US opened a new facility to cage migrant children. [Link] The New York police officers...
News Roundup 2/23/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 23, 2021
US News Texas police arrested a man for walking in the street during the Texas freeze. [Link] The Los Angeles school district will cut the number of police officers in schools by a third. The cuts will allow $25 million to be redirected towards support services....
