Scott Horton Show - Just the Interviews

William Van Wagenen, author of "Creative Chaos: Inside the CIA’s Covert War to Topple the Syrian Government," provides a gripping analysis of the Arab Spring's roots and the Syrian Civil War. He explains how grassroots uprisings were often orchestrated by external forces rather than being spontaneous. The conversation dives into the neoconservative influences on U.S. foreign policy, the critical role of past events like the 1982 Hama uprising, and the profound impact of social media and WikiLeaks in igniting protests across the Arab world.

Mark Lynch, a state senator and businessman from South Carolina, is on a mission to unseat the long-serving Lindsey Graham. He shares his motivations for running, emphasizing integrity and constitutional governance. Lynch discusses his pro-life stance and critiques the current foreign policy, especially regarding Israel, aligning his campaign with the desires of local constituents. He also argues for political accountability, encouraging voters to seek candidates who truly resonate with their values, particularly in light of the consequences of military interventions.

William Van Wagenen, a research fellow at the Libertarian Institute and author of 'Creative Chaos,' delves into the CIA's covert operations in the Middle East. He discusses his motivation for exploring the Syrian conflict, challenging mainstream narratives about U.S. influence. The conversation reveals how U.S. intelligence has interacted with radical groups, fueling violence in Iraq and Syria. Van Wagenen also examines the geopolitical stakes surrounding ethnic tensions, particularly among Kurdish factions and Yazidi communities, shedding light on the complex web of manipulation in the region.

Matt Wolfson, an investigative journalist known for his insights on political influences, discusses the funding behind attacks on Congressman Thomas Massie. He reveals key individuals and organizations driving these efforts, linking them to a broader network focused on maintaining Israel's interests in U.S. foreign policy. They explore the disconnect between elite donors and grassroots supporters, critique the commodification of support for Israel in media, and emphasize the need for authentic political advocacy amid shifting dynamics in conservative circles.

Larry Johnson, a former CIA officer and intelligence analyst, delves into the pivotal Trump-Putin summit and its implications for global geopolitics. He discusses the intricacies of U.S.-Russia relations, highlighting how perceptions of Putin have evolved over time. Johnson critiques neocon influence and the ongoing dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing Russia's strategic gains. The conversation also touches on the complexities of nuclear diplomacy and the consequences of major policy decisions in the realm of arms control.

Dan McKnight is the founder of bringourtroopshome.us and a veteran of the global war on terror. At Ron Paul's birthday barbecue, he, along with Liam McCollum and Lee Deming, discusses the crucial 'Defend the Guard' legislation. They emphasize the importance of congressional approval for military engagements and the role of grassroots activism in challenging federal authority. Personal anecdotes highlight the human cost of war and the need for veterans to lead advocacy efforts for legislative change, ensuring their voices resonate in political spheres.

Matt Taibbi, a renowned journalist known for his sharp insights into political controversies, returns to discuss newly uncovered details about Russiagate. He questions the credibility of the intelligence assessments regarding Russian interference, highlighting inconsistencies influenced by a select few CIA analysts. The conversation dives into the complexities of the DNC hack and the challenges of identifying hackers. Taibbi also critiques the Durham Report, shedding light on overlooked figures and the manipulation of information that shaped public perception during this tumultuous era.

Tony Aguilar, a former Green Beret and special forces soldier, shares his harrowing insights from his time as a contractor for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. He recounts chilling observations of war crimes committed against civilians by the IDF. Discussing the complex humanitarian challenges in Gaza, Aguilar contrasts the chaos he witnessed with official narratives. He also reflects on the moral implications of military actions and the ethical dilemmas faced by those who dare to speak out about the conflict.

Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute, shares his insights on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. He discusses how recent military actions have emboldened Iran's nuclear ambitions, making it tougher to contain their efforts. Parsi challenges common misconceptions surrounding the conflict, emphasizing the heavy toll on both nations and the implications for U.S. foreign policy. He also highlights the intricacies of Israel's military strategy and the potential for instability in the region.

Journalist Aaron Maté, host of Pushback for The Grayzone, sheds light on the origins of Russiagate and its lasting significance. He reveals that U.S. intelligence harbored doubts about Russian election interference, challenging the mainstream narrative. The conversation navigates historical events, cybersecurity challenges, and the geopolitical fallout from allegations of meddling. Maté also discusses how the investigation impacted U.S. foreign policy towards Russia and Ukraine, alongside the implications for free speech and national discourse.