Loud & Clear

Sunday marks the 15th anniversary of the attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 that ushered in George W. Bush’s war on terror. Fifteen years later, have any U.S. goals been achieved as this endless war continues to inflict unimaginable suffering on people around the world?

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker is joined by Margaret Stevens, history professor at Essex County College and a member of the advisory board of Veterans for Peace, Mazda Majidi, a contributor to LiberationNews.org and co-author of the book “Socialists and War: Two Opposing Trends”, and by Walter Smolarek, a producer of Loud & Clear and co-author of a forthcoming book about Hillary Clinton’s foreign and domestic policy.Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have outlined their foreign policy views in a nationally televised “Commander-In-Chief” forum, with each trying to out maneuver the other to appear more militaristic. How would Clinton and Trump handle the war in Syria? Are both ready and willing to break international law to assert U.S. dominance around the globe? Is it true that Trump wants a better relationship with Russia? And what do the candidates have to say on veterans issues, including the extremely high suicide rate, PTSD and depression faced by returning soldiers?

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker is joined by political analysts Alexander Mercouris and Mark Sleboda to analyze why Russia and the United States failed to come to an agreement on Syria at the G20 Summit.Obama and Putin met for about 90 minutes on the sidelines of the summit, in addition to a meeting between Secretary of State Kerry and Foreign Minister Lavrov. President Obama says that “gaps of trust” exist between the U.S. and Russia and that has hampered any kind of agreement on Syria. What really happened at the G20? Is it just a trust issue?Obama has become the first U.S. President to visit Laos where he will attend the ASEAN Summit. Is Obama trying to lure Laos into a closer relationship to counter China? Becker is joined by writer and columnist Patrick Lawrence, whose latest book is “Time No Longer: Americans After the American Century”, to discuss the meaning of Obama's historic visit.Could the U.S pivot to Asia be undermined by tension with the Philippines? Obama has scrapped a me

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker is joined by Steve Keen, author and economist as well as professor of economics at Kingston University, as well as by international security and affairs analyst Mark Sleboda. The annual G20 Summit starts wrapped up yesterday. It was the first of the meetings of the world’s twenty largest economies to be held in China, showcasing the country’s rapid growth in recent years. But as world leaders and central bank governors converged on China, where is the global economy heading? Can global discontent with free trade agreements be curbed? Are the largest proposed free trade deals -- the TPP and TTIP -- already dead? Can summits like the G20 do much to alleviate political tensions, from NATO's conflict with Russia to the war in Syria?

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker is joined by former CIA analyst and activist Ray McGovern to analyze Hillary Clinton's speech to the American Legion. Clinton addressed the Legion’s National Convention in Cincinnati on Wednesday, threatening China, Russia and Iran in a chest-thumping and highly militaristic speech. Is she the second coming of George W. Bush?Also on Wednesday, in a surreal scene, Donald Trump spoke alongside Mexico’s President Enrique Nieto in Mexico City. But his softer tone there quickly vanished when he gave his major immigration speech saying that Mexico would 100 percent pay for a wall and promised mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. Becker is joined by Juan Jose Gutierrez of the Full Rights for Immigrants Coalition and Gloria La Riva, 2016 Presidential candidate of the Party for Socialism and Liberation. The integrity of U.S. elections has been making headlines recently as the Clinton camp throws accusations about Russian hacking and the Trump campaign speak

On today's special episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker reacts to the news that Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff has been removed from office after her impeachment trial came to a close Wednesday afternoon. Becker is joined for the full hour by geopolitical analyst Pepe Escobar and Brazilian-British activist Victor Fraga of Democracy for Brazil UK. Dilma Rousseff has been removed from office following her impeachment trial as more than two thirds of the Upper House votes for her ouster. Michel Temer takes the reigns of the Presidency, but will his government have any legitimacy in the eyes of the people? Is the end of progressive rule in Brazil, or merely the beginning of a protracted struggle? And how will the new political situation in the country affect both the continent and global geopolitics?

With Hillary Clinton well ahead of Trump in the polls, there has been talk of the Trump campaign modifying its views on immigration, with Trump himself speaking of "softening" his position. But does this make Trump any less of a bigot? France has called on an end to talks on the TTIP - which has been strongly criticized by labor and consumer groups - days after Germany’s economy minister said the deal had failed. Political leaders in Germany and France are blaming the U.S. Becker is joined by Nick Dearden, the director of Global Justice Now to discuss if TTIP is really dead. Today marks six years since the United States combat mission in Iraq officially ended. Becker talks to legendary British parliamentarian and anti-war fighter George Galloway about the policy of endless war in Iraq.

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker is joined by Brazilian journalist Pepe Escobar to discuss the speech of Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff at her impeachment trial. Dilma struck a combative tone as she addressed the Senate, speaking of proceedings against her as a coup and questioning the rationale for putting her on trial when so many members of the House are implicated in a corruption scandal. Was her speech her last address as President, or can she overcome the slow motion coup against her government?The former chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee faces a primary challenge today, but will the DNC email scandal continue to follow Debbie Wasserman Schultz whether she wins or loses? Becker is joined by YahNe Ndgo of Revolt Against Plutocracy to talk about the struggle within the Democratic Party and if the progressive spirit of the Bernie Sanders campaign is to be found in Schutz's challenger Tim Canova. John McCain is embroiled in a bitter primary fight as voters go to the poll

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker talks with CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou, the only man who went to prison for the U.S. government's torture program -- not for participating in it, but for exposing it.Abu Zabaydah, one of the Guantanamo prisoners that the United States has admitted to waterboarding, has made his case for release in his first appearance in 14 years of imprisonment. Kiriakou discusses his role in Zubaydah's capture, the extent of the torture that was inflicted on him, and whether the Guantanamo prison camp will ever close. A new investigation shows that the U.S. downplayed the extent of Shia militias’ torture and abuse of Sunni civilians after the recent liberation of Fallujah from ISIL. But this sectarianism was purposely fomented by the murderous U.S. occupation following the 2003 invasion. Becker is joined by Iraqi-American journalist Raed Jarrar.A Sputnik News poll found that the majority of people over 35 in almost every former Soviet republic believed that life was

After 52 years, the civil war looks as if it has finally come to an end after negotiations in Havana proved successful. What were the factors that allowed peace to prevail, and where does the country go from here?The impeachment trial against Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff has started with Dilma herself expected to take the stand on Monday. The political forces hoping to oust her are confident in victory, but would such a result create an explosive situation in the country? Becker is joined by Dr. Francisco Dominguez, head of the Latin American Studies department at Middlesex University. After an earthquake killed hundreds in Italy earlier this week, the possibility of an even worse disaster along the powerful San Andreas fault in California looms on the minds of many. Is southern California prepared for such a disaster? Joining Becker to discuss the issue is Mark Benthien, director for communication, education and outreach for the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC).

Turkey's military has directly intervened in Syria without the invitation of the Syrian government to retake the town of Jarablus from the so-called Islamic State with U.S. cooperation. Clashes have also erupted in recent days between the Kurdish YPG and Syrian Army. Alliances are shifting fast in Syria’s ever-deepening five year war.Vice President Joe Biden has met with Turkish President Erdogan, but was their meeting enough to mend the relationship that was terribly damaged after last month’s coup attempt? Fethullah Gulen, who the Turkish government claimed is the coup mastermind, is safe in the United States - for now. Becker is joined from Ankara by professor and journalist Dr. Bilal Sambur.Secretary of State John Kerry is in Saudi Arabia where he is discussing the war in Yemen. Meanwhile, more than 100,000 Yeminis staged a mass protest against the Saudi bombing campaign. Massoud Shadjareh, founder of the Islamic Human Rights Commission, joins Becker to talk about the role of the west in the Saudi-led war

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker is joined by Julie Hurwitz, an attorney who was a Sanders delegate to the DNC rules committee, and Anoa Changa, digital organizers with African Americans for Bernie, to discuss the launch of the organization Our Revolution. Sanders launches the organization today at the same time that the Democratic Party is moving to the right rather than to the left. Although Bernie Sanders may have endorsed Hillary Clinton for President, will his progressive vision and movement live on through his new organization? The pay to play scandals keep piling up for the Clintons and their foundation as the FBI has announced it found nearly 15,000 new emails in the its investigation of Hillary. Is the Clinton Foundation likely to be prosecuted for corruption? Becker is joined by Doctor and columnist Steven Jonas. Diplomats from Japan, South Korea and China are meeting today in Tokyo in an attempt to smooth over tensions. The meeting comes after it was revealed that Beijing warn

Turkey’s Prime Minister says the U.S. is destroying ties between the two countries. Vice President Joe Biden arrives in Ankara tomorrow to attempt to smooth things over, but the Turkish government is still furious that the U.S. refuses to extradite the man they claim masterminded the failed coup.Italy hosted the leaders of Germany and France as part of increasingly desperate efforts to relaunch the European project and chart a way forward after the stinging blow from the Brexit vote, but is the writing already on the wall for the EU? Becker is joined by filmmaker and journalist John Pilger to talk about if there's a path forward for Europe's 27-member bloc. Peace talks have kicked off between the government of the Philippines and the communist rebels who have been at war for nearly five decades. As key rebel leaders have walked free in recent days and a ceasefire has taken effect, is peace more realistic than ever before? Bernadette Ellorin, chairperson of BAYAN-USA, joins Becker to discuss the talks.

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker is joined by journalist with the Real News and former political prisoner Eddie Conway.Saturday marked the 45th anniversary of the death of Black Panther leader George Jackson at San Quentin Prison. Nearly half a century later, his life and legacy are commemorated by many as part of a month of fasting and resistance called Black August. The United Nations has admitted its role in causing the outbreak, the worst in recent history that has killed almost 10,000 people to date. But why was a report on the outbreak suppressed for almost a year, and does it only scratch the surface of UN abuses in Haiti? Writer Kim Ives and Sienne Merope-Synge, Be Just Fellow at the Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti, assess the role played by the United Nations in the 2010 cholera outbreak in Haiti.Almost fifteen years after the brutal U.S. invasion and occupation of Afghanistan, the Taliban are now active in more of the country than they were in 2001. The coalition c

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker is joined by NSA whistleblower William Binney to discuss if the NSA was actually hacked and what kind of tools may have been acquired.A hacking group calling itself the Shadow Brokers says it has infiltrated the NSA's Equation Group and is now looking to sell off “cyber weapons” used by the agency, asking for a payment of $1 billion in bitcoin. Who could be behind the hack and what does it mean for the future of the NSA and cyber warfare?Former President Bill Clinton turns 70 today. Becker is joined by Kevin Akin of the Peace & Freedom Party and activist Jane Cutter to discuss Bill's real legacy: war against Yugoslavia, the end of welfare at home, millions of jobs sent overseas, prisons overflowing in record numbers with impoverished young people, and the destruction of the liberal wing of the Democratic Party. Joe Biden visited Serbia this week where he was greeted by crowds of protesters. Now activists will erect a monument to the victims of the NATO

Is the Trump campaign at a crisis point? The Republican candidate has shaken up his campaign team once again, effectively the second overhaul in as many months. As his poll numbers slip, should we now expect a gentler and more mild mannered Trump to emerge, or will his shoot from the hip style continue -- and possibly cost him the election?Khalid Jabara, a 37 year old, has been murdered on his own front porch in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The suspect in custody has a history of racist harassment of violence. Brian is joined by Council on American-Islamic Relations Oklahoma Civil Rights Director Veronica Laizure and Robert McCaw, Director of Government Affairs at the Council on American-Islamic Relations.Did the Obama administration give away $1 billion of taxpayer money to a private corporation to administer a nearly empty detention facility? The mass detention of Central American asylum seekers in 2014 was declared illegal by the federals courts, but the ink was already dry on a contract signed with the Correctional

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker is joined by Jeremy Varon of Witness Against Torture and Raha Wala of Human Rights First to discuss the decision of the United States to send 15 Guantanamo detainees to the United Arab Emirates.The transfer is the largest such move under the Obama administration, but what will happen to the 61 prisoners still remaining at the Guantanamo detention center, and why did President Obama not fulfil his promise to close the facility? Is Guantanamo a step closer to closing or will the number of prisoners increase under the next president?Milwaukee was the scene of an uprising over the last few days after the police killing of 23 year old Sylville Smith on Saturday. But Milwaukee is far from a unique case. Black communities around the country are resisting as daily harassment and deprivation push people into the streets. Eugene Puryear, host of Radio Sputnik's By Any Means Necessary, joins the show.Hillary Clinton has been on an offensive to capture blue collar vote

On today's special episode of Loud & Clear, Brian spends the full hour discussing the crisis inside the Republican Party, and the implications for the two-party system as a whole.Nearly one in five Republican voters say they want Donald Trump to drop out of the presidential race according to a new poll. The Republican Party is in chaos as the party ranks continue to be split on Trump’s surprise nomination. But the Democrats aren’t faring much better, as supporters of Bernie Sanders reject Hillary Clinton or turn to third parties. What’s led to the crises in the two major political parties? Is this the end of the two-party system as we know it? And will third parties soon challenge the Democrats and Republicans in a serious way?To address these issues, Brian is joined for the full hour by Dr. Jack Rasmus, professor of political economy at St. Mary’s College and the author of “Systemic fragility in the global economy” and the new book “Looting Greece: An Emerging New Financial Imperialism;” Anoa Changa, par

On this special episode of Loud & Clear, we take a look at how Cuban society was fundamentally transformed under the leadership of this giant of history.Few individuals have had such a tremendous impact on history as former Cuban President Fidel Castro. He turned 90 on Saturday, despite literally hundreds of attempts on his life. All over the world, people celebrated his milestone birthday, especially in Cuba. Brian is joined by legendary actor and long­time activist in solidarity with Cuba Danny Glover; Gale Walker, Executive Director of the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization; and Gloria La Riva, coordinator of the Cuba and Venezuela Solidarity Committee and 2016 presidential candidate of the Party for Socialism and Liberation.

On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker is joined by political analyst Alexander Mercouris to discuss the strategy of the United States and Britain in Syria, Iraq and Libya. A congressional task force in the U.S. has found that the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) manipulated intelligence to paint a rosier picture of efforts to defeat Daesh. This comes as British special forces have been photographed on the ground in Syria, assisting a rebel group calling itself the New Syrian Army. Why would top level U.S. officials lie about the reality on the ground? Is Daesh actually far stronger than presented by CENTCOM?This week, tensions escalated between Russia and Ukraine over Crimea as Moscow hit the reset button with Turkey. How do these developments affect the rocky relationship between NATO and Russia? Are prospects for mending differences feasible? Becker is joined by Michael Klare, professor and defense correspondent for The Nation.The Philippines and China are on course to mend their relationship.