Is War With Iran—Long-Time Neocon Fantasy—Finally Here? Nancy Pelosi Says Pro-Palestine Protesters Are Russian Agents—or Chinese. Plus: Expert Sal Mercogliano on Houthi Attacks in Red Sea
Jan 30, 2024
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Expert Sal Mercogliano discusses the increasing hostilities between the US and Iran, potential war with Iran, and the impact of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea on global shipping. The chapter also highlights Nancy Pelosi's contradictory statements about pro-Palestine protesters and accusations of Russian influence without evidence.
Houthi attacks in the Red Sea disrupt global trade, impacting the economy and raising concerns about the US military's presence in the region.
There is a consistent bipartisan push to engage in war, with motives often linked to Israel's perceived threat from Iran.
Nancy Pelosi's response to pro-Palestine protesters reveals her strong support for Israel and the Democratic Party's obsession with conspiracy theories.
Deep dives
Houthi Attacks Disrupt World Trade
The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have disrupted 11% of the world's trade, forcing major container liners to divert their vessels around Africa. This adds significant costs and delays to shipping, impacting the global economy. The Houthi, a small group in Yemen, have been able to interdict a significant portion of the world's trade, causing billions of dollars in additional freight costs. Their attacks have become indiscriminate, targeting vessels at random and posing a threat to energy shipments as well.
US Response and Limitations
The US Navy, along with the Royal Navy, has stationed destroyers in the region to counter the Houthi attacks. However, it has proven challenging to intercept every missile launched by the Houthi. The slow ramp-up of US operations and the vulnerability of ships sailing through the region have allowed the Houthi to continue their attacks. The presence of war risk insurance, necessitated by the ongoing threat, adds to the financial burden on shipping companies.
Complexity of the Houthi Conflict
The Houthi attacks highlight the complex dynamics in the Middle East, with multiple countries involved in confrontations and proxy conflicts. The conflict in Yemen, where the Houthi are one faction in a three-way civil war, has led to a situation where a small group is disrupting global trade. The implications of this conflict extend beyond immediate economic costs and raise questions about the US military's presence in the region and the potential for further escalation.
The push for war with Iran
The podcast highlights the constant pressure from politicians like Lindsey Graham and John Bolton to attack Iran, while condemning the lack of genuine courage displayed by those who advocate for war without risking their own lives. It compares Joe Biden's involvement in multiple wars, such as the Ukraine-Russia proxy war and the Israel-Gaza conflict, to the pressures faced by Donald Trump during his presidency. The speaker argues that there is a consistent bipartisan push to engage in war, with the motive often linked to Israel's perceived threat from Iran. It questions the underlying reasons behind the United States' foreign policy decisions and asserts that it is essential to analyze these motives critically.
Nancy Pelosi's stance on protests
Nancy Pelosi's response to pro-Palestinian protesters disrupting her fundraising event reveals her strong support for Israel and her intolerance towards those exercising their constitutional right to protest against the Israeli-Gaza war and the US's involvement in enabling it. The speaker points out the insincerity of Pelosi's claim to understand the protesters' feelings while displaying anger and offense toward their actions. The podcast criticizes the Democratic Party's obsession with the conspiracy theory that anyone critical of Democrats is either a Russian agent or unwittingly serving Russian interests. This mentality, applied to the protests, leads Pelosi to assert that those calling for a ceasefire are merely executing Vladimir Putin's agenda. The podcast exposes the flawed logic and deranged discourse prevalent within the Democratic Party.
