Eric Margolis gives an update on the “yellow vest” protests in France over recent fuel taxes announced by President Macron. The protests have caused Macron to back down from some of his policies, which Margolis says has left him looking weak. Macron’s future as leader of France looks uncertain. Margolis explains that Americans, conservatives in particular, have a skewed image of the French, remembering only that America “saved them” in two World Wars—never mind the fact that U.S. intervention in World War I prevented a likely negotiated resolution, gave the Allies an overwhelming military victory, and set up catastrophic economic conditions for Germany that would later give rise to Hitler and World War II. We also forget about France’s long history as a military and imperial power before the 20th century, including their indispensable aid to American revolutionaries in defeating the British. Scott and Margolis also talk about the first Iraq War, and the history of America’s military intervention in the Middle East.

Discussed on the show:

• Wilson’s War: How Woodrow Wilson’s Great Blunder Led to Hitler, Lenin, Stalin, and World War II
• “A Big Step for a Greater Israel” (Unz.com)
• Deterring Democracy
• April Glaspie
• “12/3/18 Barry Lando on the First Iraq War” (Libertarian Institute)
• “The Redirection” (The New Yorker)
• “Baghdad Delenda Est.” (National Review)
• A Clean Break: A New Strategy for Securing the Realm
• The 9/11 Commission Report
• Sykes–Picot Agreement

Eric Margolis is a foreign affairs correspondent and author of War at the Top of the World and American Raj. Follow him on Twitter @EricMargolis and visit his website, ericmargolis.com.

This episode of the Scott Horton Show is sponsored by: Kesslyn Runs, by Charles Featherstone; NoDev NoOps NoIT, by Hussein Badakhchani; The War State, by Mike Swanson; WallStreetWindow.com; Roberts and Roberts Brokerage Inc.; Zen Cash; Tom Woods’ Liberty Classroom; ExpandDesigns.com/Scott; and LibertyStickers.com.

Check out Scott’s Patreon page.

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