INTEL Roundtable w/ Johnson & McGovern: Weekly Wrap
Feb 21, 2025
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Renowned intelligence expert Ray McGovern and former CIA analyst Larry Johnson dive deep into the evolution of U.S. foreign aid into covert operations, starting with the Clinton administration. They dissect the intricate connections between USAID and the CIA, raising alarms about corruption in international aid. Speculating on a controversial bombing possibly linked to Mossad, they also address power dynamics involving Trump and Netanyahu. The discussion extends to the complexities of the Gaza conflict and U.S.-Ukrainian relations, emphasizing the need for integrity in intelligence.
The U.S. intelligence community has increasingly used foreign aid, particularly through USAID, as a covert means to influence regime changes since the Clinton administration.
Corruption among U.S. politicians connected to foreign aid and arms deals raises ethical concerns regarding the integrity of foreign policy and democratic values.
Deep dives
Covert Action and Foreign Aid
Foreign aid has increasingly been used as a means for covert action by the U.S. intelligence community, particularly since the Clinton administration. During this period, mechanisms like USAID and the National Endowment for Democracy became conduits for funding efforts that promote regime change or influence, exemplified by the onset of color revolutions such as the Arab Spring and the situation in Ukraine. With significant budget increases for USAID under subsequent administrations, it became apparent that these organizations were at times operating in tandem with CIA objectives, raising ethical and operational concerns. Analysts and former operatives acknowledge the blurred lines between foreign aid and covert operations, indicating a systemic challenge within the intelligence structure itself.
Corruption and the Political Class
Corruption within the U.S. political class is highlighted, especially regarding the financial ties linking Congress and foreign aid operations. It is suggested that some members of Congress have benefited financially from arms dealing and aid packages tied to the military-industrial complex, raising questions about the integrity of U.S. foreign policy. Specific politicians, such as Lindsey Graham and Nancy Pelosi, are noted for their dramatically increased net worths during their time in office, implying an unsavory connection between political contributions and legislative decisions. This intertwining of financial incentives and policymaking contributes to a culture where foreign aid can be leveraged for personal gain, undermining democratic values.
Geopolitical Maneuvering and Military Support
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is examined in light of geopolitical shifts and the role of the U.S. in the region, with particular focus on statements made by former President Trump regarding Ukrainian leadership. Trump's suggestion that Ukrainian President Zelensky is a dictator reveals a growing skepticism about the U.S. commitment to Ukraine, especially amidst rising concerns about accountability and transparency. Analysts believe that the robust flow of military aid to Ukraine is driven more by bureaucratic inertia than strategic rationale, as the realities of warfare on the ground increasingly challenge the narrative promoted by Western leaders. There is speculation that shifts in U.S. policy could soon emerge, influenced by both domestic political considerations and the changing dynamics of the international landscape.
