Scott Horton Show - Just the Interviews

Daniel L. Davis, retired Army officer and defense analyst known for whistleblowing on Iraq and Afghanistan, returns to survey geopolitics. He walks through how close the Ukraine war is to ending. He examines NATO cohesion, Europe's urge for independent security, and Russia’s evolving military strength and new weapons.

Daniel McAdams, executive director of the Ron Paul Institute for Peace and Prosperity, discusses the intriguing dynamics of U.S. foreign policy. He analyzes Trump's Greenland ambitions and the strategic motives tied to Arctic resources. They explore the Venezuela situation as a pursuit for quick geopolitical wins and the hidden political interests behind interventions. The conversation touches on the chaos in social media influencing public perception and emphasizes the importance of independent journalism amidst legacy media. Lastly, they caution against hasty military actions, referencing historical decisions.

Max Blumenthal, a senior editor at The Grayzone and investigative journalist, discusses escalating tensions in Iran and the U.S.-Israeli strategies aimed at regime change. He highlights the dangerous role of Mossad in militarizing protests and the manipulation of Iranian currency reminiscent of tactics used in Venezuela. Blumenthal also analyzes recent protests, the implications of external influence, and the risks associated with potential strikes on Iran, cautioning against the destabilizing effects of a regime collapse.

Tom Eddlem, a Libertarian writer and economist, delves into the complexities of Venezuelan politics and U.S. interventions. He discusses Maduro's controversial 2024 election and the historical context of the oil boom that enabled Chávez's rise. Eddlem critiques the failures of socialism in Venezuela's economy, emphasizing how sanctions and nationalization compounded the crisis. The conversation also touches on Trump's motives behind oil seizures and the implications for U.S. policy in the region, as well as the intersection of instability and financial gain.

In this insightful conversation, Andy Worthington, a journalist specializing in Guantanamo Bay, discusses the prison's 24-year history and its continuing implications. He reveals that 15 detainees still remain, despite the lack of legal bases for their detention. Notably, he debunks myths surrounding torture's effectiveness and explores the psychological toll of indefinite detention. Worthington also highlights legal cases like that of Muin Abdel Sattah, advocating for public awareness and activism to restore due process and close Guantanamo for good.

Chris Brunet, an investigative journalist with an economics background, dives into the web of corruption surrounding U.S. interventions in Venezuela. He highlights how Paul Singer, labeled a 'vulture' investor, profits from geopolitical turmoil through sovereign debt litigation. Brunet discusses the implications of Citgo's seizure, the perplexing logistics of using Venezuelan oil, and the broader fight for energy security against China. With insights on media manipulation and the risks of interventionist policies, this conversation sheds light on the complexities of modern geopolitics.

In this discussion, Ramzy Baroud, a prominent US-Arab journalist and editor-in-chief of the Palestine Chronicle, offers deep insights into the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He highlights Israel's repeated violations of ceasefire agreements and the tactics behind the recent ceasefire's reduced kill rate. Baroud emphasizes Gaza's resilience and the political significance of figures like Marwan Barghouti. He also examines the dangerous trends of ethnic cleansing and the challenges faced by Palestinian leadership amid escalating violence in the West Bank.

Join Jason Jones, a dedicated film producer, author, and activist, as he highlights the struggles of Christians in the Middle East through his work with the Vulnerable People Project. He discusses how Israeli settlements drive Christian displacement and details bombings on churches in Gaza and Lebanon. Jason critiques the perception of Israel as a safe haven for Christians and addresses the unintended consequences of U.S. policies in the region. With a focus on humanitarian efforts, he shares insights on how war and ideology affect vulnerable communities.

Larry Johnson, a former CIA officer and intelligence analyst, dives deep into the intricacies of the Ukraine conflict. He discusses the alleged assassination attempt on Putin and why European leaders continue to support Ukraine, highlighting financial interests at play. Johnson reveals Russia's territorial aims and critiques Zelensky's political actions amid corruption concerns. He also examines historical parallels with insurgency tactics and the potential risks of terrorism as managed by state actors. A captivating look at modern geopolitical tensions!

In this discussion, Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute, explores Netanyahu's renewed push for U.S. military action against Iran. He delves into Israel's security concerns versus its ambition for regional dominance, and how attacks could backfire by solidifying Iranian resistance. Parsi also critiques Biden’s missteps in diplomacy regarding the JCPOA, highlighting internal U.S. conflicts that affect policy. Additionally, he comments on how military actions might inadvertently boost Iran's pursuit of nuclear capabilities, changing the dynamics in the Middle East.