Conflicts of Interest
The Economic Consequences of the Peace: 100 Years Later
by Edward Fuller | Dec 16, 2019
Introduction December 12, 2019 is the hundred-year anniversary of The Economic Consequences of the Peace by John Maynard Keynes. This work has been described as “one of the most influential books of the twentieth century.”1 It made Keynes the most famous economist in...
The 2020 War Bill
by Kyle Anzalone | Dec 16, 2019
On FPF #430, I discuss the 2020 NDAA. The bill is filled with funding and approval for more war. An earlier version of the bill actually provided some limitations on the president's war-making powers. However, it was stripped out during the conference committee. I...
The Afghanistan Papers Reveal the Government Knew the War Was a Lost Cause
by Kyle Anzalone | Dec 13, 2019
On FPF #429, I discuss the Afghanistan Papers. The large cache of documents were released by the Washington Post via FOIA. The papers show the successive White House administrations and Pentagon generals knew the Afghan War was unwinnable but continued to send...
All Roads Lead to the Intelligence Community guest Joanne Leon
by Kyle Anzalone | Dec 11, 2019
On this Foreign Policy Focus and Around the Empire swap cast, Kyle and Joanne discuss the Democrats' efforts to impeach Trump over Russiagate. Statements by Nancy Pelosi and witnesses in the impeachment hearings show the blob's real aim to prevent Trump from adopting...
Blowback: Saudi Soldier Shoots Up Florida Airbase
by Kyle Anzalone | Dec 9, 2019
On FPF #427, I explain how the shooting at the US base in Flordia was a part of the war the US is fighting in the Middle East. The shooter was a Saudi officer who was training at the base. Before the shooting, the Saudi posted about American crimes against Muslims...
Movie Review: The Report
by Kyle Anzalone | Dec 6, 2019
On FPF #426, I review the recently released on Amazon movie, The Report. The movie tells the story of the CIA torture program after 9/11 and Daniel Jones' effort put together a report on the program. The movie is well done and generally gets the narrative correct. I...
NATO Is a Mess. It Is Time to End the Outdated Alliance.
by Kyle Anzalone | Dec 4, 2019
On FPF #425, I explain why NATO should be dissolved. NATO leaders are meeting in London and there are plenty of issues among the members. Turkey is recently purchased Russian made air defense systems and is refusing to sign off on defense plans unless other countries...
Scott Horton on the US Empowering Iran and Creating a Failing Government in Iraq
by Kyle Anzalone | Dec 2, 2019
Scott Horton returns to the show to discuss the turmoil in Iraq. The prime minister resigned over the weekend as government forces have now killed over 400 protesters since October 1st. Scott explains how the Iraq War removed Saddam from power helping to expand...
What’s Wrong with ‘Détente’ Anyway?
by Kyle Anzalone | Nov 27, 2019
On FPF #423, I break down an Oliver Stone tweet saying the US should develop a more diplomatic relationship with Russia. I look at some of the reasons, so many Americans reflexively oppose the US strengthening ties with our nuclear rival. I take on some establishment...
The Deep State Is Exploiting Impeachment guest Joanne Leon
by Kyle Anzalone | Nov 25, 2019
Joanne Leon returns to the show to cover the second week of the impeachment hearings. Joanne explains that some of those who testified did so to push the establishment's narrative on Ukraine and Russia. Fiona Hill, as one example, attempted to the line that Ukraine...
Trump Is Awful on Iran and Israel
by Kyle Anzalone | Nov 20, 2019
On FPF #421, I discuss Trump getting Iran and Israel wrong. Trump continues the failed maximum pressure campaign against Iran. The Iranian people are suffering but their leaders remain firmly in place. The US continues to place more sanctions on Iran and Iran responds...
Trump’s Ukraine Policy Goes on Trial at Impeachment guest Joanne Leon
by Kyle Anzalone | Nov 18, 2019
Joanne Leon returns to FPF to discuss the first public impeachment hearing. Joanne gives a break down of Kent and Taylor's testimony. Joanne explains the MSM headline of bombshell revelations are simply wrong. While the hearing were meant to focus on Trump's alleged...
Wasting Our Money on War
by Kyle Anzalone | Nov 15, 2019
On FPF #419, I discuss all the money the US is wasting on war. The Watson Institute has an update on the cost of war project; the US has spent $6.4 trillion since 2001 on the Terror Wars. The wars have been a complete failure, took thousands of American lives,...
A Coup in Bolivia
by Kyle Anzalone | Nov 13, 2019
On FPF #418, I discuss the events in Bolivia that led to Morales' resignation. Mainstream sources and groups claim Morales deserved to be removed from power after violating term limits and rigging a recent election. I explain the alternative narrative that Morales was...
Former US-Backed Forces Commit War Crimes in Syria guest Will Porter
by Kyle Anzalone | Nov 11, 2019
Will Porter returns to Foreign Policy Focus to discuss his recent work on Assange, Syria, and Yemen. Kyle and Will talk about the dangers of Assange's condition and solitary confinement. Will explains how the formerly US-backed Syrian rebels are now committing crimes...
Google Wants More Business with the Pentagon
by Kyle Anzalone | Nov 8, 2019
On FPF #416, I discuss tech companies' ties to the military. Tech companies often present themselves as being 'progressive,' and some even have human right statements. Last year, Google employees quit in protest over the company contracting with the Pentagon to...
Articles
Biden Seeks Bilateral Deal With Saudi During Lame Duck Session
by Kyle Anzalone | Nov 5, 2024
Before President Joe Biden leaves office in January, he will seek to sign a bilateral security agreement with Saudi Arabia, according to a new report. The deal comes after the Biden administration failed to ink a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi...
Dems Sign Letter Demanding Answers From Biden on Expanding US Role in Israel’s Wars
by Kyle Anzalone | Nov 4, 2024
A group of progressive Democratic members of Congress are demanding answers from the White House about America’s role in the Middle East as Israel wages war in Gaza, invades Lebanon, and attacks Iran. “In light of recent regional escalations, including exchanges in...
North Korea Tests ICBM, US Leads Trilateral War Drills in Response
by Kyle Anzalone | Nov 3, 2024
The latest round of provocations between North Korea and the US took place over the weekend. Pyongyang launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Washington responded by conducting military drills with Seoul and Tokyo. “The test-fire of the latest ICBM...
US Issues Hundreds of Secondary Sanctions On Firms In Over a Dozen Countries
by Kyle Anzalone | Oct 31, 2024
The US Treasury Department issued hundreds of sanctions targeting companies in a handful of countries that Washington claims are helping Russia evade US sanctions. “The Treasury sanctioned 275 individuals and entities involved in supplying Russia with advanced...
Boeing Overcharged Pentagon for Spare Plane Parts, Including Soap Dispensers at 8000% Markup
by Kyle Anzalone | Oct 30, 2024
A report from the Pentagon inspector general found that Boeing massively charged the Department of Defense for spare parts on the C-17 Globemaster. The overcharging included the pricing of replacement soap dispensers at 80 times the market value. “Specifically, for...
State Department Threatens Georgia With ‘Consequences,’ Amid Rigged Election Claims
by Connor Freeman | Oct 29, 2024
The State Department and the European Union are demanding Tbilisi repeal “anti-democratic” legislation and investigate election “irregularities” respectively after the Georgian Dream Party won this weekend’s parliamentary elections. Georgian leaders including Prime...
The US Is Funding 70% of Israel’s Wars
by Kyle Anzalone | Oct 29, 2024
A new report by the Israeli outlet Calcalist reviewed Israeli military spending on wars since October 7, finding that Washington is funding 70% of Tel Aviv’s military costs. In a little over a year, the US has provided Israel with more than $20 billion in military...
Washington Approves Weapons Sale to Riyadh Following Iran-Saudi Drills
by Kyle Anzalone | Oct 28, 2024
Last week, Saudi Arabia conducted drills with its rival Iran in the Sea of Oman in a sign of warming relations between the regional powers. Following the announcement, Washington approved a massive arms sale to the Gulf Kingdom. On Thursday, the US announced it had...
DOD Audit on Military Aid for Israel Will Not Investigate Human Rights Violations
by Connor Freeman | Oct 27, 2024
The Pentagon’s inspector general has launched its audit covering the military’s oversight of US military aid provided to Israel for its war against the Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip, Bloomberg reported. However, the audit will not investigate whether the...
DoD Review Finds Half of Weapons Sent to Ukraine Lacked Documentation
by Kyle Anzalone | Oct 27, 2024
The Department of Defense Inspector General reviewed hundreds of weapon shipments to Ukraine, finding that half lacked proper documentation. The report released by the Pentagon IG on October 18th examined hundreds of arms transfers to Ukraine that occurred in the...
Report: Shin Bet Warned of Possible Hamas Assault Hours Before October 7 Attack
by Connor Freeman | Oct 24, 2024
Approximately three hours prior to the Hamas’ attack in southern Israel on October 7, Shin Bet warned other elements of the police and security establishment that a potential assault emanating from the besieged Gaza Strip could be imminent. The Kan public broadcaster...
US Slow Walking Zelensky’s Request to Join NATO
by Kyle Anzalone | Oct 24, 2024
US and NATO officials said that the US and Germany are blocking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's request to join the North Atlantic alliance. Kiev has been pushing for NATO to accept Ukraine as its 33rd member as a part of Zelensky’s victory plan. Four NATO...
News Roundup
News Roundup 2/22/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 22, 2021
US News Assange’s lawyers are considering a cross appeal to the UK High Court. [Link] Bolivia has returned the entire US-IMF loan the country received when a coup government was in charge. The $346 million loan racked up $25 million in interest when it was paid off....
News Roundup 2/19/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 19, 2021
US News Legal marijuana jobs increased by 77,000 in 2020. Now over 300,000 Americans work in the weed industry. [Link] Paul Sperry was suspended by Twitter. [Link] Texas police killed a man by setting on fire with their tasers. The cops received qualified immunity....
News Roundup 2/18/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 18, 2021
US News Chicago’s Mayor Lori Lightfoot took $281 million in Covid relief money and allocated it to police. [Link] An Appeals Court rules that NYC can release the misconduct records of police officers. The police union attempted to sue to keep officers misdeeds secret....
News Roundup 2/17/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 17, 2021
US News Hedge fund Alden Global Capital will buy Tribune Publishing - publisher of the Chicago Tribune and other papers - for $630 million. Alden Global Capital already owns Digital First Media. DFM includes papers like The Denver Post and Boston Herald. [Link] The...
News Roundup 2/16/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 16, 2021
US News Missouri sent letters to 46,000 residents demanding the repay money the state said it over-paid in unemployment. [Link] Ohio police arrested a mother of two for leaving her ten and two year old children home alone while she was at work. [Link] Biden has...
News Roundup 2/11/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 11, 2021
US News A new bill proposes cutting civilian Pentagon jobs by 100,000. [Link] Facebook will begin limiting the amount of political content in some user’s feeds. [Link] Great Power Ukraine announces at NATO HQ it would build two new navy bases on the Black Sea and Sea...
News Roundup 2/10/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 10, 2021
US News Gregory Berry was wrongfully convicted of murder. He was exonerated after the gunman revealed that police beat him until he said Berry committed the crime. [Link] South Dakota voters approved a marijuana legalization referendum. The state’s governor, Kristi...
News Roundup 2/9/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 9, 2021
US News Facebook will crack down on vaccine misinformation. [Link] Cass Sunstein joins Biden’s DHS to craft immigration policy. [Link] A proposed House bill will make gun ownership highly regulated and establish a gun database. [Link] A federal appeals court ruled it...
News Roundup 2/8/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 8, 2021
US News The Minneapolis police department obtained a geofence warrant. The warrant forced Google to give the police the names of the accounts of the people at an area of the George Floyd protest. [Link] Healthcare workers replaced police in 750 calls in the past year....
News Roundup 2/5/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 5, 2021
US News The mayor of Olympia, Washington called protesters, who occupied a hotel demanding more aid for the homeless, ‘domestic terrorists.’ [Link] Phoenix prosecutors are labeling a group of young protesters, including minors, as a gang to charge them with more...
News Roundup 2/4/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 4, 2021
US News The Biden Admin is continuing the Trump immigration policy of forcing asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while their claim is processed. [Link] A new video shows police officers murdering a teen who was having a mental health crisis. Officers reported the teen...
News Roundup 2/3/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 3, 2021
US News Biden undoes a late-Trump regulatory move that would have allowed doctors to more easily prescribe Suboxone to treat opioid disorders. [Link] The CDC says it can issue criminal penalties for travelers not wearing masks. [Link] The Pentagon declares climate...
News Roundup 2/2/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 2, 2021
US News Wikipedia is introducing new standards to increase diversity and target harassment. [Link] The cop who murdered Ryan Whitaker will not face charges. [Link] Biden is signing a large number of executive orders in his first weeks in office. [Link] Biden gives...
News Roundup 2/1/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Feb 1, 2021
US News Several police officers tackled, handcuffed, then sprayed a chemical in the face of a nine-year-old girl. [Link] Kevin Clinesmith, former FBI lawyer, was sentenced to 12 months probation for lying on the warrant to spy on Carter Page and the Trump campaign....
News Roundup 1/29/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Jan 29, 2021
US News Biden expresses his intent to keep the Jones Act in place. The law prevents foreign ships from picking up and delivering goods between American ports. The law harms the Hawaiian and Puerto Rican economies. [Link] The US sent three warships into the Black Sea....
News Roundup 1/28/21
by Kyle Anzalone | Jan 28, 2021
US News The Proud Boys leader was a prolific FBI informant. [Link] Wall Street firms are hiring Democratic lobbyists for more influence in the Biden Administration. [Link] Biden’s Administration Biden’s nominee to be Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield,...
