Securing America with Frank Gaffney Podcast

Eric Eversole, Karen Lugo, Bruce Klingner, Jim Hanson

By the virtue of their service our men and women in uniform are entitled to have their votes count and be counted, unfortunately for a long time this has not been the case. Eric Eversole the leader of a group called the Military Voter Protection Project talks about Ground Hog Day experience where each election our troops find out their ballots didn’t make it in time to be counted. Eversole points out that it has become increasingly difficult for our men and women in uniform to vote.  Eversole mentions that it not only affects the morale of the troops but also impacts the elections. We need to find an alternate to regular mail to get the votes of the troops in.

Karen Lugo, a prominent member of the federal society, a lawyer and a visiting professor at the Chapman University sheds light on ‘Taqiyya Tour’ sponsored by Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) presents the idea that  Sharia and our constitution are not only compatible but they are inspired by the same ideas.  ICNA has a budget of $3 million to run this program.  ICNA points out that the Sharia to be implemented in the U.S. would be different from the one adopted by conservative countries such as Saudi Arabia.

Bruce Klinger a fellow at the Heritage Foundation, and a former CIA and DIA intelligence specialist examines the situation in North Korea and its new regime.  Klinger points out that the recent launching of a missile by N. Korea is a violation of the UN resolution and the agreement signed with the U.S. Klinger mentions that N. Korea testing its nuclear weapons is a certainty and this has closed any doors for negotiations. Should the U.S. engage in diplomatic talks and negotiations with this country? What should be the administration’s response?

Does the recent raid over the weekend by the Haqqani network in some of the highly secured areas of Afghanistan show that we are losing in Afghanistan? Does it point to a lack of coherent strategy in Afghanistan?  Jim Hanson former Army Special Forces and our boots on the ground specialist joins Frank to discuss the situation in Afghanistan plus the recent controversial photos posted by newspapers of an Army soldier posing with a blown up dead body.

Sylvia Longmire, Roger Noriega, Amb. Yoram Ettinger, Jim Hanson

Sylvia Longmire, a retired Air Force captain and former Special Agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, provides analysis on Mexico and the influence of drug cartels in the coming elections.

Are the advisors of Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez already acting like he’s dead? What will happen to Venezuela when Chavez actually dies? Former U.S. ambassador to the Organization of American States, Roger Noriega, of the American Enterprise Institute weighs in.

Former Israeli Ambassador Yoram Ettinger contributes with his take on the Muslim Brotherhood’s rise to power in Egypt and the rest of the Middle East. Ambassador Ettinger explains how the Muslim Brotherhood supports Islamic terrorist organizations as well as terrorist cells.

Jim Hanson asses the US deal to give Afghani judges veto power over the US operations. Is President Obama endangering the U.S military by bargain with the enemy?

Fred Grandy, Jim Hanson, Rep. Frank Wolf, Bill Gertz

A Christian student in Egypt is being sent to prison for three years because he posted a picture that was deemed “offensive to Islam” on his Facebook page. The growing Muslim Brotherhood is calling for tighter Sharia law in Egypt, and in the meantime Mr. Obama is sending $1.5 billion in aid to the country because he thinks they are our partners. Fred Grandy analyzes the recent trip the Muslim Brotherhood took to DC to ratchet up support from the Obama Administration in their bid for greater control of post-Mubarak Egypt. What is Obama’s relationship with the Muslim Brotherhood and why does he trust people who continually lie to America?

What role did bin-Laden play in the Mumbai attacks in India? According to Jim Hanson, the terrorists were part of an organization that is controlled by the Pakistani Intelligence Service, ISI, and they passed information along to Osama bin-Laden. Therefore, there is a connection between the ISI and al-Qaeda so they must not only have known the former terrorist leader was hiding in their country but they also protected him. Also, is Mr. Obama creating a policy of failure in Afghanistan? How can we expect the Afghans to trust us and work with us when they know we are leaving soon?

What are Congresses feelings toward Obama’s relationship with the Muslim Brotherhood and his willingness to give unconditional aid to a government that is becoming increasingly hostile towards its own people? Congressman Frank Wolf explains how the Egyptian government has put a Red Flag on the US citizens they recently released from prison, meaning that INTERPOL must arrest these folks if they travel abroad. Will INTERPOL actually accept this Red Flag? If so, what is the next step in the US/Egypt relationship?

The Saudi Grand Mufti is calling for the demolition of all churches in the Middle East, a sign of increasing intolerance in an already intolerant region. Bill Gertz goes explains what this means for regional security as well as religious freedom. North Korea is working on a new long range missile, even after they promised to halt production on their ICBM program. Not only are they breaking their promise to the US, but they are also in violation of two UN resolutions. How is the rest of Asia viewing this increased aggression?

Tarek Fatah, Ed Meese, David Satter, Jim Hanson

A newlywed Muslim couple in Canada received a book as their wedding gift which conveys to the husband ways to beat his wife if she disobeys him.  Tarek Fatah, a well known Canadian radio talk show host, discusses this appalling book, “A Gift for Muslim Couple.” What is Canada’s reaction to this book?  This book was originally sold in India and Pakistan and was handed to young brides to instill the idea that she must keep her husband and in-laws happy, and if she does not then the husband is allowed to beat her for her mistakes. Fatah points out that this is not the only appalling book available in Islamic book stores in Canada. Is the answer to this censorship or censure-ship?

Edwin Meese who holds the Ronald Reagan Chair in Public Policy at The Heritage Foundation provides more information about the initiative he is directing about defending the identity of the voting process. He reminds us why voting is the most important liberty we have as citizens and also one of our biggest duties that must be protected from fraud and other illegal acts.

David Satter examines President Obama’s open microphone remarks to Dmitry Medvedev about flexibility over global missile defense in his second term.  What is President Obama failing to grasp as far as Russia is concerned? Satter points out that Obama is failing to understand that Russians are not his friends or allies, and they would take any opportunity to manipulate the US.  What is Vladamir Putin’s long term agenda? What is he trying to extract from the United States? Satter suggests that the United States should send the Russian regime a message that the U.S. will operate on the basis of facts and we are going to hold them accountable for their actions.

Jim Hanson provides an analysis of Staff Sgt. Robert Bale’s trial; the lawyer for the Army Staff Sergeant accused of slaughtering 16 Afghan civilians in a nighttime shooting rampage said on Monday the soldier has a sketchy memory of the night of the massacre. Lawyer John Henry Browne said SSgt. Bale remembers very little or nothing from the time the military believes he went on a shooting spree through two Afghan villages. Hanson gives his take on what could have happened and our military must deal with this event as well as soldiers who may be prone to these types of outbursts.

Claudia Rosset, Marc Thiessen, Kevin Freeman, Jim Hanson

Claudia Rosett analyzes the UNESCO relationship with the United States Government. Rosett take us back to President Reagan’s decision to stop funding UNESCO due to the high corruption inside the organization, and why President Bush decided to support UNESCO in 2003. The U.S decided to withdraw their funding to the organization (22% percent of UNESCO’s core budget) after it voted last October to confer membership to the Palestinian Authority. What are the real reasons for UNESCO to seek United States funding? What would they use this money for?

Mark Thiessen examines the five real risks to the United States if it loses in Afghanistan. The drone war in Pakistan would stop, the Taliban would be free to reconstitute themselves and take control of the Pashtun area in Pakistan, Al-Qaeda will regain its sanctuary, Al-Qaeda and other groups would be embolden to strike against the United States, and finally it would send a sign of weakness to the enemies of the United States, especially Iran. Considering these disadvantages, should the U.S. withdraw from Afghanistan or should they maintain presence in the region?

Kevin Freeman explains the economic war between Iran and the United states over the price of oil and the repercussions this have on the Iranian and American economies. Iran has the third-largest oil reserves in the world and pricing oil in currencies other than dollars is a provocative move aimed at Washington. If Iran switches to non-dollar terms for its oil payments, there could be a new oil price that would be denominated in euros, yens or even the yuan or rupee. Iran already started to talk to India over how they can “trade” oil for rupees.

Even more surprisingly, reports have suggested that India is even considering paying for its oil in gold bullion. However, it is more likely that the country will pay in rupees, a currency that is not freely convertible. The United States needs to find a solution to this economical warfare in order to avoid spending excessive amounts of money in a battle we could have won.

Jim Hanson assesses Vice President Biden’s recent comments about the air strike that killed Osama bin Laden. Vice President Biden at a fundraiser in New Jersey said “ the bin Laden raid was the ‘most Audacious’ plan in 500 years.” Hanson moves on to Afghanistan, and examines the drastic consequences of having to obtain advance notice (warrant) from Afghan judges to carry out night raids. How does this jeopardize the troops? Would this compromise our ability to capture terrorists?

Mark Krikorian, Rep. Mike Turner, Riki Ellison, Jim Hanson

The DREAM Act was established to provide citizenship to people who came to the United States at a certain age, mostly younger ages, stayed a certain period of time and have either received a college education or provided military service. The problem today though, is that people are applying this act to a wide range of illegal immigrants not just the ones it was designed to benefit. Also, shouldn’t our armed forces be compromised of American citizens and not illegal immigrants who are just serving because they have a hidden agenda? Mark Krikorian also explains the E-Verify program, which is a database at employer’s disposal that allows them to screen out illegal immigrants who may have forged their application; problem is Congress is sitting on legislation that would make this voluntary program mandatory. Finally, has naming our naval ships become less of an honor and more politicized?

In order for the Senate to approve the new START Treaty, President Obama had to make certain promises about our nuclear deterrent; so far he has walked away from those promises. Rep. Mike Turner and his colleagues are working on legislation that would force Obama to stand by the promises he made to the Senate and the American people. America has not adequately taken care of its nuclear arsenal; we have not upgraded the technology or modernized the infrastructure that supports the weapons. In order to be a nuclear power we must have a creditable deterrent, not something that is based on decades old technology or hasn’t been tested in over 20 years. It is unbelievable that the president is even considering reducing our nuclear arsenal by 80%; we are the only country that is reducing its nuclear weapons program. Our missile defense shield is the only system that can protect America from an Iranian or North Korean attack and Obama has continually cut that capability.

Riki Eillison educates us on the Israeli “Iron Dome” system that protects civilians from incoming missile attacks. This past week, it withstood over 200 rocket launches with only two scratches and no heavy damage or civilian death. The system detects and intercepts rockets with its own rockets and only targets the ones heading for civilian regions. The US has a three-prong missile shield, first is the GBI (Ground Based Interceptors) that protects homeland America from North Korea or Iran. The second is comprised of 15 battalions of Patriot systems and 23 Aegis ships, which protect our armed forces worldwide.

Finally, there is the European shield, which protects our European allies from an Iranian attack. Obama has clearly stated that his priorities are to protect the homeland, our forces then our allies yet he gives more money to protect our allies than he does our homeland. Europe doesn’t even contribute o this shield, yet they benefit from it and the American people wont stand for it much longer. Obama has also cut the sea based X-Band radar system, which puts a huge hole in America’s missile defense shield. This system has cost the taxpayers $1.5 billion but it is now being used less and less. The president has tested fewer systems in the past three years than under the entire Bush administration.

Is America still a major player in Afghanistan? Are our enemies becoming emboldened by the idea of an American withdrawal? Al-Qaeda and the Taliban will use American withdrawal as a victory and a recruiting tool; Obama does not want to win in, he just wants to leave. Obama is ignoring the fact that America is facing real threats and therefore hollowing out the military is a good idea. Jim Hanson explains that Obama feels any future problems can be solved with the use of SpecOps yet they shouldn’t be used in place of a strong conventional military deterrent.

Barry Rubin, Christian Adams, Jim Hanson

On today's show Frank spends two segments with Barry Rubin. Barry  is the director of the Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA) Center and editor of the Middle East Review of International Affairs (MERIA) Journal.  He is also the author of the definitive book on the global Islamist group, the Muslim Brotherhood. (The Muslim Brotherhood: The Organization and Policies of a Global Islamist Movement) His interpretation of Obama's AIPAC speech as a distinct change in U.S. policy makes for lively debate on the harbinger's of a strike on Iran's nuclear program.  In the second segment Barry guides us through the consequential developments in Egypt's new political system.  Has the United States propped up a new Islamist state? In segment 3, Christian Adams, a former attorney for the Voting Rights Section of the Department of Justice details the history of the new third in command at DOJ, Tony West.  West was an advocate for American Taliban member John Walker Lynn.  West's law firm represented among others, the 20th hijacker of the 9/11 attacks.  The same firm used lawfare to sue a company for access to the CIA's logistical operations at GITMO.  West is now in charge of detainee policy at DOJ.  Christian then breaks news on Chinese and Cuban agents of influence acting to have the U.S. naval presence ordered out of Guam. Former Army Special Forces weapons expert, Jim Hanson, wraps up the show with with a glowing grade on Eric Holders case for a pro-assassination policy by the administration.

Ambassador John Bolton, Jim Hanson, Sara Carter, Rep. Fred Upton

The United States is more afraid of an Israeli first strike against Iran, than it is of an Iranian nuclear weapon. Former UN Ambassador John Bolton weighs in on the risks and perils of an Israeli pre-emptive strike on Iran and the backlash that could resonate throughout the Middle East. The current administration believes that it can contain and deter a nuclear Iran therefore they are focusing on preventing an Israeli first strike. If we let Iran arm itself with nuclear weapons are we giving a license to other countries in the Middle East to build nuclear weapons? Ambassador Bolton then moves on the possibility of negotiations with the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, who are still holding American hostages. Should the United States negotiate with Sharia adherent organizations?

Jim Hanson gives his read on the apology the U.S. is delivering to the Karzai government and the Afghani people over the incident of burning Qurans, which were being used to send messages between prisoners. Does this apology send a message of weakness to the Taliban and other radicals? What message does this send to the soldiers on the ground? Jim then points out the gravity of the consequences of the sequestration cuts that the current administration is planning to implement on the defense department as well as the general morale of the troops that will have to work under these constraints.

Sara Carter enlightens us on the situation in Iran. The bank sanctions against Iran are failing to deter Iran from becoming a nuclear power and just recently the IAEA is no longer welcomed within Iran for nuclear inspections. How is the administration reacting to this growing threat? Sara also speaks about the threat of a pre-emptive strike from Israel against Iran and how it would change the dynamics of the Middle East. Obama feels he can control a nuclear Iran easier than an Iran that has just been attacked by Israel. According to NATO the Taliban is poised to rule Afghanistan after the U.S. troops leave. Should we have given our exit strategy away to the Taliban?

Representative Fred Upton analyzes the Key Stone Pipeline and the steps that are being taken to keep the pipeline alive. This privately built $7 billion pipeline between Canada and United States would create more than 100,000 jobs indirectly and over 20,000 jobs directly; then why has the President pulled back his support from this project? Congressman Upton then directs his focus on the issue of cyber security and how we are on trying to prevent an EMP attack.

Arthur Herman, Rep.Jeff Duncan, Jim Hanson

Arthur Herman joins Frank to discuss the implications of the budget cuts on our men in uniform or the troops and the industrial capacity required to supports them.  Also, it was recently discovered that our defense contractors were using fraudulent Chinese parts in American weapons systems. Why do we have any Chinese parts in our weapon systems? Arthur and Frank explore these topics and more.

Congressman Jeff Duncan introduces the “Countering Iran in the Western Hemisphere Act of 2012” (H.R 3783)  which comes a week after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s five day tour of four Latin American countries. Duncan’s legislation makes it clear that American policy is to counter Iran’s influence in Latin America by requiring a coordinated and targeted strategy that uses all elements of national power. Specifically, the legislation charges the Obama Administration to detail the presence of Iran in the Western Hemisphere.

Weekly commentator Jim Hanson weighs in on the impact the budget cuts are most likely to have on the U.S. military, which he predicts will leave our military second rate.  Will the U.S. be able to effectively play the role of the global super power and fulfill its responsibilities? President Obama is actively considering cutting back on 80% of the nuclear forces, are these cuts advisable? Would other countries follow the United States path of nuclear disarmament or will this leave our enemies stronger?

Rebecca Heinrichs, Amb. John Bolton, Jim Hanson, Peter Pham

Rebecca Heinrichs expresses her views on the repercussions of Secretary of State Hilary Clinton’s agreement on the European Union’s “Code of Conduct” relating the rules in space. Why would the United States join such a code of conduct? Could this make the U.S. vulnerable in space, and how?

John Bolton, former UN ambassador sits with Fred Grandy to analyze and discuss whether the U.S. is safer and more respected around the world. Is the United States stronger than it was under the last administration? If the U.S. is indeed a stronger and respected nation, why has Iran continuously disregarded the United States’ “no nuclear weapons” warning? Ambassador Bolton analyzes about the consequences of Iran’s threat to shut down the Strait of Hormuz. How will it affect the U.S.? Can the United States avert this threat?

Jim Hanson evaluates the situation in Afghanistan. Has the U.S. crushed the Taliban momentum? Will Afghanistan again become a leader in terrorism around the world? Will Afghanistan attack the United States? Hanson then examines the issue of Afghan security forces turning on and killing their U.S. and NATO trainers.

Dr. Peter Pham sheds light on the matter of an overwhelming onslaught of radical Islam in Nigeria and the terror unleashed by Boko Haram, an Islamist terrorist group in the country. Are there ties between Boko Haram and Al-Shabab? Should the U.S. and the world intervene and provide aid of any kind to Nigeria to deal with this problem?