Securing America with Frank Gaffney Podcast

Fred Grandy, David Yerushalmi, Elbridge Colby, Bill Gertz

Fred Grandy starts today’s show with his weekly wrap-up. Fred gives his analysis on the recent presidential debate as well as Newt Gingrich’s statement pertaining to Sharia. Fred also explains that Afghan Security Forces are turning their weapons on their instructors, US, NATO or French forces. This breach in security needs to be addressed; America is essentially running a de-facto jihad training camp because these jihadists are using American training to kill Americans. Is now really the time to start pulling out of Afghanistan?

David Yerushalmi explains the need for the American Freedom Law Center, which he just founded, as the first Judeo-Christian public interest law firm. The law center focuses on offensive as well as defensive lawfare against the threat from Sharia and the Muslim Brotherhood. Is the threat so great that America needs such organizations? Sharia is an existential threat around the world; it motivates the global jihad and groups such as CAIR, the OIC and the Muslim Brotherhood. The OIC wants to establish anti-blasphemy laws in America, which is the first step to a Sharia compliant government. Will the American government institute such a law that is in direct conflict with the First Amendment? Have there been instances where Sharia has found its way into American courts?

Nuclear arms expert Elbridge Colby spends time with Frank to explain the need to maintain America’s strategic triad, which is our deterrence from a nuclear strike. The triad consists of submarines, Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM) and B-52 and B-2 bombers. America must think long term; we do not know what future threats there will be therefore we must maintain this triad to ensure security for America and our allies. Each leg of the triad is used to ensure a quick counterstrike to an attack against homeland America, our forces or our allies. No one can attack America without reprisal and that security must be maintained. We cannot be the only country without nuclear weapons and we cannot convince other nations to remove their weapons, so we must maintain ours. Isn’t it necessary to be able to counter an attack on America?

The triad is cheap in comparison to other programs and force resources. America has not tested a nuclear weapon since 1992, how affective are they at this point? We need to test these systems to ensure they are in proper working condition as well as modernize our force structure. Mr. Colby finishes the interview with his take on the need to develop modern bunker buster bombs as another deterrent so enemies don’t feel they can hide after an attack.

Washington Times columnist Bill Gertz takes us “Inside the Ring.” US military officials are showing concern of the possibility that the president may sign the European Unions’ Code of Conduct, which would curtail American military space technology. What is the real situation with the Code of Conduct? Will the administration sign this agreement and what will that mean for American security? Finally, Bill shares his opinion about the Iranian nuclear situation and the US governments’ passive role on it.

Fred Grandy, Taylor Dinerman, Mitch Silber, Bill Gertz

Fred Grand starts off today’s show by elaborating on Obama’s comment in regards to reorganizing the commerce and trade department. Does this administration want to consolidate power within the executive branch? In a review of yesterdays interview with Diana West, Fred Grandy explains his view on the Marines eligibly desecrating corpse of Taliban’s combat in Afghanistan.   How will the Oklahoma ruling in regards to the Shariah law determine the path for the rest of America?

Space expert Taylor Dinerman joins Frank to explain how America uses space more than any other nation. Space is used for commercial and military capabilities and therefore it is necessary to protect space from hostile nations who seek to use it in order to threaten US security. China is working towards an anti-satellite missile and has joined Russia in looking to weaponize space as well as use space to impact US communications. There is an international agreement to establish laws in the use of space known as the Cod of Conduct, but it undermines America space power. This would limit testing for anti-satellite missiles as well as create a space traffic control program headed by the United Nations that would undermine American sovereignty. Will the Obama Administration concede space to our enemies?

Mitch Silber from the New York Police Department’s Intelligence Division explains how his new book, “The al-Qaeda Factor: Plots Against The West,” analyzes 16 different al-Qaeda plots in both Europe and North America since 1993. By looking into past attacks, units such as the NYPD might be able to thwart future terrorist attacks on the homeland. Al-Qaeda core influence has diminished over the years and they could not achieve their goals without people coming to them from Western nations instead of them going out and recruiting. Conspirators come from the West and policymakers need to understand that, they also need to understand the two main factors that lead a person to violence. Mitch explains that these two factors are political grievances or a literalist interpretation of Islam that calls for violence to combat non-believers. The Obama Administration desires to find that ideology plays no role in extremism, but rather just political grievances, which is a fallacy. A literalist interpretation of Islamic doctrine is at the forefront of violent extremism. Does the Obama Administration properly recognize the threat that America faces? Is the president taking the proper steps to ensure American security?

Finally, Bill Gertz gives his take on the difficulty the president faces in achieving his national security goals as well as institute the defense cuts that he has proposed. Secretary of Defense Panetta is starting to fight back against these cuts and explain how America’s military capabilities will be seriously hindered. American enemies will feel empowered and become more aggressive knowing America has a limited response. Will our allies feel secure and adequately protected by a smaller US force? What is the connection between China’s civilian technology and the military? Gertz also explains how China is trying to influence upcoming Tawain elections. There is economic warfare and the president is weak on combating this growing threat, al-Qaeda wanted to wage an economic jihad against Europe. What does this mean to American financial security?

Bill Gertz

Frank spends an hour with Washington Times columnist Bill Gertz for a year in review. Bill first speaks on the Arab Spring, U.S. military aid to Egypt as well as the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood. Bill then moves onto the idea that not speaking about a certain threat makes it disappear. The Obama Administration fails to characterize the Islamic Extremist threat properly, even in a historical context, which is detrimental to fighting this enemy. The Department of Homeland Security is even reaching out to the Muslim community for training guidelines.

Bill then moves onto Iran and its nuclear program. What will the Israelis do the curb this growing threat? Bill and Frank next speak on the end of the Iraq War and how America is leaving the country in a fragile security state. Will Iran move in and take control? Will American troops have to go back in the future to reinstate security and order?

Next, Bill explains the rise of the Chinese threat and how America has let China become a growing threat when we decided to turn a blind eye to their nefarious activities for the past two decades. Now that Obama is doing a pivot towards China, will America be able to control the red Dragon?

Finally, Bill touches on the subject of defense cuts and how America’s aging military needs to be upgraded to meet today’s growing threats. Our military resources cannot be upgraded or expanded without any money. Obama has pledged to veto any bill that tries to circumvent these cuts, what will the state of American security be in the future?

Frank Gaffney, Cynthia Farahat, Joel Rosenberg, Bill Gertz

First, Frank Gaffney joins Fred Grandy, who is hosting the show today, to discuss recent developments from this week.  The central theme seems to be that the world is becoming increasing dangerous by the day and our administration is failing to recognize it. On Wednesday, the Senate and House homeland security committees held their first-ever joint hearing to address the threat from "homegrown" terrorists, particularly terrorist infiltration of the military.  While these committee members see this issue as a serious threat, the administration refuses to use the necessary language to accurately identify the enemy.  In addition, the recent discovery of a massive Chinese tunnel network that is likely being used to conceal China’s nuclear force, further demonstrates the blind eye we are turning to our enemies.

 

Next Cynthia Farahat joins Fred to discuss her role as one of the principal witnesses that testified in front of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on December 7^th. As a Coptic Christian who recently escaped Egypt, Cynthia has had a firsthand account of the violence towards Coptic Christians, liberals, and moderate Muslims at the hands of the Egyptian military.  Cynthia, along with the other witnesses, calls for an end to the US military aid that is being sent to Egypt.  At the very least something must be done to “condition” this aid.  This would be a positive first step towards the democracy that Cynthia believes is possible for Egypt.

 

What does the future of the Middle East look like and what could happen if an American president miscalculates with regards to Iran? Joel Rosenberg joins Fred Grandy to discuss his new book, The Tehran Initiative, which paints an amazing realistic picture of how this scenario might unfold.  The plot revolves around a CIA operative who is sent to Iran to identify its nuclear sites and sabotage them in order to prevent a war between the United States and Iran and also the high probability of a preemptive attack from Jerusalem.  Given today’s political climate in which the Obama administration is trying to water-down the recent bi-partisan agreement for strict Iranian sanctions as well as weaken our relationship with Israel, the issues in Rosenberg’s book are a real possibility. 

Today’s show concludes with Bill Gertz, national security editor at the Washington Times.  Bill discusses the controversy regarding Obama’s nominee for the next US ambassador to Moscow, Michael McFaul.  This issue demonstrates the current administration’s policy of seeking more friendly nuclear relations with Russia.  Unfortunately in the case of arms control, the United States is the only country abiding by such agreements, whereas countries like Russia, China, and Iran continue to strengthen.  We know these countries are spying on us; we are even losing large amounts of technological information through cyber espionage.  So why do we continue the pattern of willful blindness? 

Fred Grandy, Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Mike Foreman, Bill Gertz

Fred Grandy joins Frank to explain the upcoming hearings in the Lantos Human Rights Committee which will shed light on the truth behind the Arab Spring. Truth is the Arab Spring is nothing more than a platform to persecute religious minorities such as the Coptic Christians in Egypt.  The Arab Spring is providing the Islamist agenda to come to power which will cause these “new democracies,” such as Egypt, to look more like Pakistan than Turkey as the State Department has claimed; although Turkey is looking more like Pakistan these days. Where is the U.S. government in all this? Also, Secretary of State Clinton claims that the U.S. could work with the Muslim Brotherhood; does she know who they are? Secretary Clinton is hosting the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) which pushes a Sharia agenda as the determinant for human rights. The OIC is now trying to push for anti-blasphemy laws in America which would make it a criminal offense to speak ill of Islam. Ever hear of the First Amendment?

Rep. Gus Bilirakis joins Fred Grandy inside the Cloakroom to further dig into the plight of the Coptic Christians in Egypt. Should the U.S. keep sending $1.3 billion in military aid to Egypt each year? 14 million Christians, over 10% of the population, are being persecuted. Is this aid being used to kill Coptic Christians? America is the leader of the free world and it’s time for America to lead.

Former Orange County SWAT Commander Mike Foreman explains the growing concern among law enforcement officials of the use of IEDs in the U.S.  Mike explains the improvements in equipment, training, understanding and information sharing that has helped law enforcement to combat this threat. Homeland Security’s Trip Wire initiative which is “designed to prevent, identify, and disrupt” the use of IEDs in America is one such improvement. Mike Foreman also speaks on the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program which helps supplement the budgets of small and medium law enforcement agencies throughout the U.S. so every law enforcement officer has a vest when he goes to work. What are the advancements in these new vests and how will they help law enforcement better serve the community?

Weekly guest Bill Gertz sheds light on the Obama Administrations new concessions to the Russians pertaining to arms control. Does Obama want America to be completely defenseless? Gertz also talks about Congressman Wolf’s efforts to find the results of a Commerce Department study that could potential show that Chinese telecommunications systems have infiltrated American telecommunication systems. This is the result of a massive economic and technological espionage operation set up by the Chinese a decade ago. China not only steals American information, but also plants viruses into American systems and when we need that technology the most it won’t be there. When will Obama open his eyes to this threat?

Fred Grandy, Rep. Duncan Hunter, Bill Gertz

How was Mohamed Elibiary, a top member of the Homeland Security Council able to use his security clearance to access sensitive documents to defame Rick Perry? The real question, however, is why was Mohamed Elibiary the only DHS advisor to have access to such a sensitive database? Additionally, why is the Department of Homeland Security continuing to protect a man who abused their trust? Senior Fellow at the Center for Security Policy, Fred Grandy joins Frank for a few segments for a discussion on the pertinent topics for the week, including the complete Islamist penetration of the US government. What does this penetration of Islamic forces mean both for freedom of speech in the US and the future of counterterrorism activities?

Who is the “man behind the curtain” in today’s Republican party? Fred and Grandy continue today’s Secure Freedom Radio discussing how Republican tax expert, Grover Norquist’s connections to Islamist organizations continue to expand. They also enlighten us on the true intentions of the Democrats in regards to the defense budget. Grandy believes that the Democrats in power, such as Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, have always planned on cutting defense. It is only recently that they have started to put Republicans in a hard place where they must choose between raising taxes and cutting defense.

What can all Americans do to thank veterans for their service to our country? Representative for California’s 52^nd district and the first Marine combat veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to be elected to the House of Representatives, Duncan Hunter continues Secure Freedom Radio’s tribute to US veterans. He expresses his personal views on the importance of our men and women in uniform. Rep. Hunter states that they best thing we can do for our military personnel is to simply tell them “thank you.” Do we, as a nation, have a connection to our all-volunteer force or are we losing our sense of respect for those in combat? Rep. Hunter highlights a growing concern that civilians and military personnel no longer have a tangible relationship. Moreover, does the security of the whole world rely on the US economy or does the international economy depend on the national security of the US?

National Security Writer for the Washington Times and weekly commentator at Secure Freedom Radio, Bill Gertz concludes today’s show touching on the new Air Sea Battle strategy for dealing with the Chinese military in the future. According to Gertz, a new office has been created within the Pentagon to deal with China’s growing military power. Has the United States finally recognized the grave threat that China poses to our government?

Fred Grandy, Rep. John Shimkus, Reza Kahlili, Bill Gertz

What does the recent launch of a long-range missile by Israel mean for relations in the region? Are these missiles capable of hitting Iran, and if so, should the Iranians be concerned? Fred Grandy joins Frank for another “Week in Review” segment. The announcement by Israel was the first time that a nation had recognized that Iran was the premier threat in the world. Thus, Israel responded in the only language they seem to understand: weaponry. Will Israel be able to take out Iranian nuclear facilities like it did in 1981 with Saddam Hussein? Additionally, will their new missiles stand up to Iran’s nuclear power? Fred and Frank also touch on how the concept of the EU was great in practice and promise, but has failed to live up to its promise of supporting the weaker countries under its control.

What impact will the HR 1687 Open Fuel Standard Act of 2011 have on energy security and independence in the United States? Rep. John Shimkus of Illinois steps up to the microphone to enlighten us on how the United States can transition away from reliance on crude oil and explore other natural resources. Alternative energy sources such as ethanol can be used to set a new standard for transportation fuel. By manufacturing flex-fuel vehicles, the United States could greatly increase its energy independence. Rep. Shimkus argues that mandating the industry to consider all forms of liquid fuels would not reduce competition, but would replace the current mandate that requires gasoline be at every gas pump. Will the United States be able to reduce its dependence on foreign oil like Brazil did with its transportation system, or will we continue to rely on foreign nations for our energy supply?

Why were sensitive documents from the Iranian intelligence ministry removed by the President of Iran? Is it true that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad did such a thing just in case other Iranian leaders threatened his power? Former Iranian Revolutionary Guard Member and undercover agent, Reza Kahlili gives us a special insight into the political strife occurring within Iran. According to Kahlili, the United States has had its head in the stand for over two decades. Have we really misunderstood the ideology behind Iran’s nuclear build-up? Moreover, by abandoning the mission in Iraq, has President Obama given way to the “end of times” that Iran has been preaching?

National Security writer for the Washington Times, Bill Gertz concludes today’s show uncovering the dire consequences that will happen if the Obama administration goes along with its $1 trillion cuts to defense. These cuts not only affect national security, but also influence emergency organizations such as FEMA. More worrying is the fact that China has been providing Iran with cruise missiles in violation of US sanctions.

Fred Grandy, Rep. Allen West, Bill Gertz

Should the United States raise taxes in order to continue to fund military power or should our leaders go ahead with the proposed defense budget cuts? Both US political and military leaders are at odds on this issue and remain at a stalemate as to how to develop a concrete budget plan. Should the Obama administration listen to the Tea Party’s claims that the Constitution calls for a strong defense? Frank starts today’s show sharing the microphone on topics such as these with Senior Fellow at the Center for Security Policy, Fred Grandy. According to recent statements made by members within the Obama administration, providing training materials to US government agencies such as the FBI that state Islam as a religion of violence is wrong. They continue to make overarching statements such as this, while ignoring the self-declared jihadists who use Islam simply as a religion of violence.

Moreover, associates at CAIR and other Muslim Brotherhood front groups continue to undermine the efforts of New York City’s counterterrorism police units. Are the President’s efforts to negotiate with local imams damaging the operations of these police forces? In order to infiltrate a neighborhood, these local law enforcement units must first consult with the local imam. How can the United States expect to run training programs against Muslim extremists, while also seeking the advice from biased Muslim community leaders? US leadership has become confused as to who is an enemy of the country.

Does the United States have a hard time understanding the 21^st century battlefield where unassociated extremists in countries such as Iraq are backed by hostile governments? In a new segment here at Secure Freedom Radio, entitled The Cloakroom, Fred Grandy has the honor of having a candid discussion with Rep. Allen West about US strategies in Iraq. By removing all of our forces in Iraq, have we truly given a “green light” to Iran to begin its political and military build up in the region? Rep. West argues that America has never lost a war at the tactical level, but has shown that it can lose the overall war such as in Vietnam. If we continue to lose at the strategic level, then we will certainly lose the war in Iraq. In order to stop this from happening, does the United States need to take Rep. West’s recommendations and develop a concrete operations strategy?

Weekly commentator here and writer at the Washington Times, Bill Gertz concludes today’s show commenting on Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta’s visit to Asia. Did Panetta successfully convey the message that no matter what happens to the US defense budget, we will remain a force in the region? Furthermore, how did those in the region react to such news?

Fred Grandy, Richard Mourdock, Bill Gertz

Is the Obama Administration turning its back on the Constitution in order to appease those who aim to destroy the American way of life? Former Congressman Fred Grandy delves into this concept in two segments with Frank. He explains that people like Eric Holder are doing what they can to distort or mitigate the threat posed by Islamic extremism. CIA, FBI and others are not being allowed to adequately train their agents and discuss ways to combat this threat because they are being tied and silenced by the Obama Administration who wants to appease Muslims Brotherhood front organizations here in the United States.

Indiana Treasurer Richard Mourdock, who is running for a seat in the U.S. Senate, explains that America has weakened its position with the Russians and continues to show weakness through treaties such as START.  He also points out that by cutting the Defense Budget, the Obama Administration will be putting more people out of work. How will this help the economy especially when those people are in high paying positions where their money could help stimulate the economy?

Finally, Bill Gertz of the Washington Times sheds light on that idea that China may try another poke in the eye when Tom Donilon, National Security Advisor, comes to visit. As a result of recent arms sales to Taiwan, some in the Chinese government feel it is time for some “crafty revenge” against America which may come in a show of China’s new military buildup.

Gen. Jack Keane, Claudia Rosett, Bill Gertz

“We must insist our Representatives and members in Congress do what the Constitution tells them to do, which is to provide for the common defense. It is the first duty of government and one that we must insist they perform.” Frank kicks off today’s show reflecting on what is occurring on Capitol Hill. Leon Panetta and Martin Dempsey warned Congress of the dire impact of major defense cuts. Congress is in process of undoing the most formidable military, as the world is becoming even more dangerous.

Will President Obama’s decision to remove the surge forces in Afghanistan put the remaining 3,000 American forces at risk? General Jack Keane examines the administration’s proposed pull out of 30,000 troops by next September. Although the Taliban has been largely defeated in southern Afghanistan, the operation in the east continues to face threats. It is not a matter of the Taliban having endeared themselves in the hearts and minds of the people in the east, but rather that these people live in continued fear of the militant forces. General Keane argues that once all members of the Taliban have been killed, the Afghan people will be automatically on our sides. Since General Allen has taken over control of the US forces in Afghanistan, he has started an assessment of the situation. In his assessment, he has laid out an unacceptable level of risk associated with the current plans for troop withdrawal. However, the President continues to ignore the council of generals who argue that 3,000 troops will not be enough to secure the nation.

Should Turkey try to confront Iran for its hostilities in the region, rather than ignore the nation like the United States has done? Journalist-in-residence at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Claudia Rosett shares with Frank her recent experiences attending a pro-free market conference in Turkey. The situation in Turkey today paints a dark scene for democracy in the state. The ascendance of the AKP Islamic Part in 2002 saw the beginning of a sinister takeover of the country by Islamists. Turkish citizens are becoming more and more concerned due to many journalists being arrested after the publication of articles criticizing the government. The former narrative of a Turkey was that of a country ruled by a Muslim majority who believed in having a moderate, democratic, and free market nation. After the neutering of the Turkish military, the country has started on the path towards the revival of the Ottoman Empire.

National Security Editor at the Washington Times and weekly Friday guest here on Secure Freedom Radio, Bill Gertz concludes today’s show talking Panetta, Dempsey, and the Air Sea Battle concept. Security of Defense Leon Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey appeared before the House Armed Services Committee this week to warn of the serious effects that $450 billion of defense cuts would have on our nation’s national security. The US’s ability to provide protection in regions overrun with terrorists such as countries in Northern Africa will be eliminated with these proposed cuts. Many members in Congress are trying to avoid the slash and burn approach taken in relation to defense cuts. Moreover, Gertz discusses his recent article about the Air Sea Battle concept, where air forces are used to protect naval ships from a possible future conflict with China.