Douglas Farah

Douglas Farah, an expert on Viktor Bout and author of "Merchant of Death," discusses the controversial prisoner swap of WNBA star Brittney Griner for the notorious arms dealer. He delves into Bout's murky past, detailing how his arms trade exacerbated global conflicts. The conversation also touches on the moral dilemmas surrounding such exchanges, contrasting Griner’s situation with that of Paul Whelan, highlighting the complexities of international relations and public perception in these high-stakes negotiations.

Douglas Farah, a former Washington Post journalist turned national security consultant, shares his insights on the tumultuous scenarios following a potential ousting of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro. He discusses the chaos predicted by U.S. war games, highlighting military dynamics, involvement of organized crime, and the challenges of mass migration. Farah warns that regime resilience remains likely, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive strategy to disrupt the elite's financial networks. His expert analysis paints a gripping picture of instability and the complexity of intervention.

Douglas Farah, co-author of "Merchant of Death" and an expert on arms dealing, dives into the life of Viktor Bout, the infamous arms dealer whose operations shaped global conflict. He discusses the ethical dilemmas surrounding the potential prisoner swap involving WNBA star Brittney Griner, currently imprisoned in Russia. Farah unveils Bout's rise in the arms trade, backed by his Soviet intelligence background, and highlights the intricate dance of high-stakes diplomacy as the U.S. navigates a controversial negotiation with Russia.