Securing America with Frank Gaffney Podcast

Peter Berkowitz, Roger Noriega, Erick Stakelbeck, Rep. Duncan Hunter

On today’s edition of Secure Freedom Radio, Peter Berkowitz, Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, joins Frank to discuss the latest “Progressive bents,” from contempt for the recent debt deal to efforts that will erode our national sovereignty. Berkowitz reminds us of the 2010 elections in which the will of the people rejected further spending and growth of the nation’s debt, and how Progressives are up in arms as Congress moves ever so slightly in that direction. The chair of the Hoover Task Force on National Security and Law also explains how the Left is seeking to submit U.S. sovereignty to International law via the Law of the Sea Treaty. Berkowitz wonders whether the political class will recognize that America is the main guarantor of International order, and not International bureaucrats or trans-nationalists. Roger Noriega, of the American Enterprise Institute, offers insights into the situation in Mexico, where the New York Times reported the implementation of CIA and retired law enforcement officials on the ground. Noriega asserts some positive results have been reached while working with Mexican President Felipe Calderon. However, as Calderon nears the end of his term, Noriega warns the upcoming elections could leave the government in the hands of the radical Leftist Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The Former Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs also explains Hugo Chavez’s reluctance to leave Venezuela for chemotherapy treatments in Cuba because of the infighting in his regime. The dangerous situation amongst Chavez’s crooks and cronies makes Noriega weary given the instincts of the Obama Administration’s foreign policy team, which “are usually wrong when it comes to a choice between democracy and a soft landing for our enemies.” Next, Erick Stakelbeck, of CBN News, illuminates the shocking lawsuit that reveals Iran’s connection to the 9/11 attacks. Although most Americans believe without hesitation Al-Qaeda was the sole perpetrator, it is becoming more apparent that this is not the case. According to three Iranian defectors from within the Islamist regime, the 9/11 hijackers travel to Afghanistan was facilitated by Imad Mugniyeh, a Hezbollah operative who worked with Iran. Now the families of the 9/11 victims have filed suit in light of what Stakelbeck calls “rock solid” evidence, dating back seven years to the 9/11 report. The “Stakelbeck on Terror” host explains the government’s refusal to investigate since the facts would demand action against Iran. Finally, Congressman Duncan Hunter, of California, shares his regrets over the tragic helicopter crash in Afghanistan. A former combat veteran himself, Rep. Hunter explains why we shouldn’t Monday morning quarterback the event and dishonor the lost. A member of the House Armed Services Committee, Hunter also predicts imminent massive defense cuts as both Republicans and Democrats usually “take the path of least resistance” when faced with hard choices in Washington. Hunter finally explains the naivety of those who hold a “Small Wars” philosophy dismissing the notion of a World War in the future, given the many threats we face.

Peter Berkowitz, Roger Noriega, Erick Stakelbeck, Rep. Duncan Hunter

On today’s edition of Secure Freedom Radio, Peter Berkowitz, Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, joins Frank to discuss the latest “Progressive bents,” from contempt for the recent debt deal to efforts that will erode our national sovereignty. Berkowitz reminds us of the 2010 elections in which the will of the people rejected further spending and growth of the nation’s debt, and how Progressives are up in arms as Congress moves ever so slightly in that direction. The chair of the Hoover Task Force on National Security and Law also explains how the Left is seeking to submit U.S. sovereignty to International law via the Law of the Sea Treaty. Berkowitz wonders whether the political class will recognize that America is the main guarantor of International order, and not International bureaucrats or trans-nationalists. Roger Noriega, of the American Enterprise Institute, offers insights into the situation in Mexico, where the New York Times reported the implementation of CIA and retired law enforcement officials on the ground. Noriega asserts some positive results have been reached while working with Mexican President Felipe Calderon. However, as Calderon nears the end of his term, Noriega warns the upcoming elections could leave the government in the hands of the radical Leftist Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The Former Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs also explains Hugo Chavez’s reluctance to leave Venezuela for chemotherapy treatments in Cuba because of the infighting in his regime. The dangerous situation amongst Chavez’s crooks and cronies makes Noriega weary given the instincts of the Obama Administration’s foreign policy team, which “are usually wrong when it comes to a choice between democracy and a soft landing for our enemies.” Next, Erick Stakelbeck, of CBN News, illuminates the shocking lawsuit that reveals Iran’s connection to the 9/11 attacks. Although most Americans believe without hesitation Al-Qaeda was the sole perpetrator, it is becoming more apparent that this is not the case. According to three Iranian defectors from within the Islamist regime, the 9/11 hijackers travel to Afghanistan was facilitated by Imad Mugniyeh, a Hezbollah operative who worked with Iran. Now the families of the 9/11 victims have filed suit in light of what Stakelbeck calls “rock solid” evidence, dating back seven years to the 9/11 report. The “Stakelbeck on Terror” host explains the government’s refusal to investigate since the facts would demand action against Iran. Finally, Congressman Duncan Hunter, of California, shares his regrets over the tragic helicopter crash in Afghanistan. A former combat veteran himself, Rep. Hunter explains why we shouldn’t Monday morning quarterback the event and dishonor the lost. A member of the House Armed Services Committee, Hunter also predicts imminent massive defense cuts as both Republicans and Democrats usually “take the path of least resistance” when faced with hard choices in Washington. Hunter finally explains the naivety of those who hold a “Small Wars” philosophy dismissing the notion of a World War in the future, given the many threats we face.

Jamie Fly, David Yerushalmi, Roger Noriega, Gordon Chang

Jamie Fly, Executive Director of Foreign Policy Initiative, joins Frank to discuss the latest debt ceiling compromise and to what extent the Defense budget will be cut. Fly notes that in the initial stages the details are few, however, the two phases of the compromise appear to amount close to $1 trillion in cuts, over 10 years. “It hasn’t been defense that has been ballooning over the last few years,” says Fly, rather that the Department has actually been shrinking, in lieu of an expanding domestic agenda. With an Administration that prefers providing food stamps to providing for the common defense, Fly relates the debate with the determination of what role in the world the U.S. will have in the future.

Then, David Yerushalmi gives his response to a scathing article from the New York Time’s, which names him the “Man Behind the Anti-Shariah Movement.” The Times rebukes Yerushalmi’s attempts to uphold the Constitution by introducing the American Laws for American Courts Act that prohibits the use of International law in the U.S. The paper paints Yerushalmi, who provides General Counsel to the Center for Security Policy, as a fear monger, while dismissing the notion that Shariah poses a threat at all. The Anti-Defamation League also accuses Yerushalmi of “anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant and anti-black bigotry,” while the Times fails even a passing reference to the tenets of Islamic law, which calls for the stoning of homosexuals. These accusations are “par for the course,” says Yerushalmi, who defends his efforts amidst a media narrative that seeks to make the voices against radical Islam appear even more extremist than those Yerushalmi is fighting against.

Next, Roger Noriega, our resident Latin America expert, offers insights into Hugo Chavez and his protégés. Although Chavez recently celebrated his 57^th birthday, Noriega, Visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, reports that he may not live to see his country’s 2012 elections. Members of the regime are “not a sentimental bunch,” says Noriega, and the Cuban-backed affiliates are quickly posturing for power in the event of Chavez’s death. Noriega also informs on President Rafael Correa’s assault on Ecuador’s free press and other Chavez loyalists in the region.

Finally, Gordon Chang, of Forbes, reports from Sydney, Australia, as that the nation may move away from the U.S. toward China, with whom its economy is closely tied. Back in Washington, Chang gives his take on the Law of the Sea Treaty, concluding that it is not treaties, but the U.S. Navy that insures the peace of international waters. Chang also offers an explanation as to why China is moving to buy Greek debt, in what he describes as terrible economics.

Roger Noriega, Trevor Loudon, John Bolton

In recent years, liberal media and advocacy groups have failed to recognize the truth in the Israeli-Pakistani conflict: Israel has a right to exist in the region. Frank tells us about of his experiences at the 6th annual Christians United for Israel convention where he and 1,500 attendees examined the role that non-Jews have played in the survival of Israel and what it means for United States national security. Then, visiting fellow at AEI, Roger Noriega gives us his insight on Hugo Chavez’s fifty percent chance of surviving the next 18 months and the opposition factions that will form after his eventual death. He believes that the democrats within the country will need to move quickly to fill the vacuum with positive energy for the future. Next, Trevor Loudon in his new book, Barack Obama and the Enemies Within, discusses how the 5th column movements in the United States are undermining our military defense. Additionally, he examines the close ties that Obama’s allies and former mentors have to far leftist, Communist groups. Lastly, Former Ambassador to the UN, John Bolton joins Frank to voice his concerns over the threat of the Palestinians advocating for official statehood in front of the UN General Assembly. If the General Assembly recognizes their statehood, he says, the US should cut off all funding to the UN. He then gives his recommendations for isolating monetary waste within our government.

Jeff Kueter, Roger Noriega, Jim Hanson

After the arrest of informants who aided in the Osama Bin Laden raid, growing evidence of a double game being waged by the ISI, and the recent report that North Korea paid Pakistani officials for information regarding their nuclear program, Frank questions the stability of Pakistan and addresses these mounting concerns. Next, Jeff Kueter, President of the George C. Marshall Institute, discusses the rise of Chinese space power and fall of America’s as the space shuttle mission comes to an end. Kueter explains the security threat of a strike to our space assets, but also how the U.S. is working to minimize how China would be able to affect our National Security. Roger Noriega, our resident Latin America expert, joins Frank to update the situation in Venezuela with Hugo Chavez’s declining health, and the ensuing power vacuum. Noriega also reports his testimony during today’s Congressional hearing on Hezbollah in Latin America, where he explains that operatives are more than merely “fundraising” in the Western Hemisphere, as State Department officials have said, but actively awaiting an opportunity to attack. Finally, Jim Hanson, of blackfive.net, unmasks the Administration’s approach to terrorism, asserting, “’lawfare’ is not the best way to fight terrorists,” upon Obama’s recent selection of a former prosecutor as the next Counter Terror Chief. Hanson also details how this method is damaging morale within the military, as life and death decisions made on the battlefield are being prosecuted in the courtroom.

Roger Noriega, Michael O'Hanlon, Mackenzie Eaglen

An Inspector General report has been uncovered by the Center for Military Readiness about a scandal that happened during last year’s Lame duck session of Congress. Frank discusses this report and how it outlines the abuses of power that the Obama administration and his supporters made in ramming through Congress the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. As Hugo Chavez nears death’s door, Venezuela is gearing up for his eventual passing and the implications it will have on an already unstable country. Roger Noriega examines the fears held by high-level officials in the Venezuela government that the government will crumble after Chavez’s death. Next, Michael O’Hanlon, from the American Enterprise Institute, gives us his take on the recent decision by President Obama to withdraw 30,000 troops from Afghanistan six months ahead of schedule. Will this early withdrawal mean more risk for the US’s mission in Afghanistan? Finally, Mackenzie Eaglen analyzes the role of that the Navy plays in US economic strength, as well as the Robert Gates apology tour.

Clare Lopez, Roger Noriega, Andy McCarthy

“When they stone a woman for being an adulterer, they aren’t throwing aspirations, they are throwing stones…”  That is what Andy McCarthy has to say to people who feel Sharia is not a real threat, just aspirations from a small community. Clare Lopez speaks on the escalating threat from Iran and what America must do to combat it. Roger Noriega looks at the mess in Mexico, including ATF’s Operation Fast and Furious which has people scratching their heads as to what is happening within the ATF. Andy McCarthy gives his take on the Republicans and Sharia, will they get it right?

Scott Cleland, Roger Noriega, Gordon Chang, Andy McCarthy

Is the current administration’s practicing of “sloppy diplomacy” in Latin America a ploy reelection or an attempt to befriend our southern neighbors? Scott Cleland gives us an insight to his new book, Search & Destroy: Why You Can’t Trust Google, where he delves into Google’s monopoly on internet data. Cleland also enlightens us on the how Google’s Big Brother attitude could be a threat to our national security. Roger Noriega discusses the recent election in Peru, as well as the threat posed by the missile agreement between Iran and Hugo Chavez.  Gordon Chang explores the Chinese government’s tightening of control and the move towards greater nationalization. Andy McCarthy reflects on the Presidential debate with remarks on Bachmann and Romney and if Congressional authorization is needed in Yemen.

Michelle Van Cleave, Roger Noriega, Joel Parker, and Jeff Smith

Every day the United States faces the threat of cyber warfare; a new type of warfare that is not constrained by traditional rules. Michelle Van Cleave discusses how the military and economic reliance on the Internet exposes crucial vulnerabilities to the United States. Roger Noriega enlightens Americans on the tense situation between Venezuela and Iran caused by Iran’s current long-range missile build-up; as well as the relationship of Chaves with the terrorists in the region. Joel Parker, a Tel-Aviv University PhD candidate, comments on the Syrian government’s connection with the Muslim Brotherhood. Jeff Smith educates us on the Pakistani identity crisis and how mid-level officials are double-teaming both the United States and their own government.

Caroline Glick, Roger Noriega, James Woolsey, Jim Hanson

Weekend Edition Hour 1