Episode 111: 2021 Festivus Edition

Today, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss Israel’s response to the over 300 drones and missiles launched against them by Iran earlier this week. Last night Israel struck the airbases near the Iranian city of Isfahan, near where Iran’s nuclear programme is located. The IAEA confirmed that there was no damage to Iran’s nuclear sites. Will this strike lead to further escalation?  What was the message sent by Israel by the targets they picked to strike?  Has Iran’s status decreased regionally as a result of these strikes? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.npr.org/2024/04/18/1245763498/israel-iran-missile-strikeshttps://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-missiles-hit-site-iran-abc-news-reports-2024-04-19/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/04/18/world/israel-iran-gaza-war-newshttps://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/iran-activates-air-defenses-and-cancels-flights-27b6d416https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/19/israel-iran-hamas-war-news-gaza-palestine/ Follow our experts on Twitter: @jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@morganlroachLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/hZlChKLH5Wo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss House Speaker Mike Johnson’s new strategy to pass the long-awaited aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific and his attempts to rebuff members of his own party who seek to oust him through a motion to vacate.What will the resulting aid package look like?  What will the reputational impact for the United States be if the House fails to pass one or more of the aid bills?  With an outstanding motion for Speaker Johnson to vacate the chair, will he survive passing the aid package? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4598253-johnson-ukraine-aid-ouster-threat/https://rollcall.com/2024/04/15/piecemeal-supplemental-spending-plan-emerges-in-house/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna147747https://apnews.com/article/israel-ukraine-house-speaker-42a2f281a5437beaa8af4c3345987637 Follow our experts on Twitter: @NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@morganlroachLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/17uG_Pe0uhg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss Iran’s massive drone and missile attack against Israel which occurred over the weekend. Israel, in a coordinated air defense operation with the U.S. and others, was able to intercept 99% of Iran’s missiles and drones.  Israel’s war cabinet met yesterday to formulate a response, while the Biden Administration said the U.S. would not participate in a counter-strike.Did Iran intend this attack merely as theatre or as the opening salvo of a larger escalation?  How can Israel respond to this attack without escalating the conflict?  How will the increasing cooperation of Israel and Arab partners impact the war in Gaza and the region long term? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.wsj.com/articles/iran-launches-drone-attack-at-israel-ff263fbbhttps://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/biden-presses-for-diplomatic-response-to-irans-attack-on-israel-1c5452a1https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-says-it-shot-down-iranian-salvo-shoulder-to-shoulder-with-us-2024-04-15/ https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-hamas-latest-04-15-2024-05ca1ac2780defa8a1a0345754708512 https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/europe-joins-us-urging-restraint-by-israel-after-iranian-attack-2024-04-15/ https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israels-netanyahu-vows-victory-after-iran-strikes-fears-wider-conflict-grow-2024-04-14/ Follow our experts on Twitter: @jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@morganlroachLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/ofSkyc4olPk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss another ongoing fight within Congress - the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a vital national security program that allows the U.S. to gather intelligence on foreign adversaries and terrorists.  Earlier this week, former President Donald Trump called on House Republicans to "Kill FISA,” leading to 19 GOP House members joining Democrats in blocking FISA legislation from moving forward.Why is Section 702 of FISA so important to U.S. national security?  Will the House pass a 702 reauthorization bill ahead of its April 19 expiration date?  Why did former President Trump lobby against reauthorization when his administration voted to reauthorize it? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-republicans-blast-cry-wolf-conservatives-who-tanked-fisa-renewal-bill https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/10/us/politics/fisa-trump-johnson-house.htmlhttps://thehill.com/homenews/house/4588493-fisa-702-plan-b/https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4588868-jeffries-johnson-fisa-impasse/Follow our experts on Twitter: @jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@morganlroachLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/4a-gGafR5Ts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss the ongoing conflicts within the U.S. House of Representatives over the $95 billion supplemental aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.  Embattled House Speaker Mike Johnson faces threats from Republican rabble-rousers to oust him if he brings Ukraine aid to vote on the House floor.  There is also speculation whether House Democrats will support the White House supplemental given the ongoing war in Gaza. How do these shakeups impact U.S. reputation abroad?  Should Speaker Johnson bring the Ukraine/Israel/Taiwan aid package to the floor even in the face of threats of ouster?  How does the upcoming election impact the vote on the supplemental? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4581611-johnson-gauntlet-greene-ouster-threat/ https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-congress-speaker-johnson-6ca638103f0286405144891604f92de3https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-johnson-marjorie-taylor-greene-e0f0271f8244598841c56502f12f38a0 Follow our experts on Twitter: @NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@morganlroachLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/5VK9TlwHKCQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss Ecuador’s recent decision to send police officers into the Mexican Embassy in Quito to arrest former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who has been convicted on corruption and bribery charges. The raid has been with met international condemnation and Mexico has severed diplomatic ties with Ecuador.Why did Mexico grant political asylum to Jorge Glas? Are there any long-term implications for Ecuador’s violation of the Vienna Convention? Was Ecuador in the right to raid the embassy? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.eurasiareview.com/08042024-biden-administration-should-demand-ecuador-immediately-release-political-opponent-illegally-kidnapped-from-mexicos-embassy-oped/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/07/world/americas/ecuador-mexico-embassy-noboa.htmlhttps://apnews.com/article/7276b35e8d5944e7b5ca280ab0390b26https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/07/ecuador-mexico-embassy-raid-glas-noboa-diplomacy/eb838672-f50c-11ee-9506-c8544e5c9d86_story.htmlhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/05/mexico-ecuador-crisis-diplomatica/a9d8ba10-f3c9-11ee-a4c9-88e569a98b58_story.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/07/latin-american-governments-condemn-ecuador-after-police-raid-mexican-embassy Follow our experts on Twitter: @jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@morganlroachLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/zI8rRImFEy0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s second trip to China, where she will advocate for fair treatment of American workers and businesses, press Chinese counterparts on unfair trade practices, and warn of the consequences of Chinese industrial overcapacity. This trip follows a domestic tour by Secretary Yellen to key swing states selling President Biden’s economic and industrial policies to the American Public.What is the Biden administration’s strategy when it comes to China? What does Secretary Yellen’s visit seek to accomplish? Will this visit affect any policy changes within China?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2218https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/04/heres-who-treasury-secretary-janet-yellen-is-going-to-meet-in-china.html https://www.voanews.com/a/treasury-secretary-yellen-to-visit-china-for-high-level-talks/7555456.html Follow our experts on Twitter: @NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@morganlroachLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/kJHFlJVF9Es Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss a recent joint investigation by 60 Minutes, The Insider, and Der Spiegel on Havana syndrome – a mysterious illness causing a variety of debilitating symptoms often seen in American diplomats and intelligence officials – that points the finger at Russia. This report contracts the U.S. Intelligence Community’s formal assessment from a year ago that found it was “very unlikely” that symptoms were caused by enemy operatives.How credible is this joint investigation report? Is this a case of the politicization of U.S. intelligence? Is the U.S. intelligence community covering up Russia’s involvement to prevent escalation?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.cbsnews.com/news/havana-syndrome-culprit-investigation-new-evidence-60-minutes-transcript/ https://time.com/6962399/havana-syndrome-russia-u-s/https://apnews.com/article/havana-syndrome-russia-cuba-vilnius-4839ec0e3ce0db76670832235d602a16https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/04/01/investigate-havana-syndrome-russia/https://www.nationalreview.com/2024/04/a-havana-syndrome-cover-up/https://www.voanews.com/a/us-not-moved-by-report-blaming-russia-for-havana-syndrome/7552401.html Follow our experts on Twitter: @NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@morganlroachLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/KTvmCpHA9D4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jamil, Les, Bishop, and Martha discuss the civil war in Sudan which is entering its second year with a UN report stating that Sudan needs 'immediate action' on hunger to avert widespread death due to famine. Amidst the hunger and conflict, Sudan has seen the outbreak of several deadly diseases including a Cholera outbreak which has impacted thousands. How can the United States help resolve the humanitarian crisis in Sudan? Does Iran and Russia’s backing opposing sides of the civil war indicate that the collaboration of global repressors is more limited? How do other conflict zones around the globe impact the crisis in Sudan?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/01/sudan-hunger-war/https://www.forbes.com/sites/janicegassam/2024/03/31/the-war-in-sudan-that-no-one-is-talking-about/?sh=6db820d9457ehttps://www.salon.com/2024/03/03/irans-troubling-move-into-africa--and-the-you-havent-noticed/ https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/sudan-needs-immediate-action-hunger-avert-widespread-death-un-backed-report-says-2024-03-29/ https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/29/sudan-slips-into-famine-as-warring-sides-starve-civilians Follow our experts on Twitter: @jamil_n_jaffer@lestermunson@BishopGarrison@marthamillerdc Like what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/Z3cWc3T8J7o Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jamil, Les, Bishop, and Andy discuss the recent confrontation between two Chinese Coast Guard ships and a Philippine Navy vessel near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands that resulted in injuries to several Philippine sailors after the use of high-pressure water cannons. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to counter what he called “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks” by China’s coast guard and said that the Philippines would not be “cowed into silence” about Chinese aggression.Will the tensions in the West Philippine Sea continue to escalate? Would any conflict between China and the Philippines drag the United States into direct conflict? Is China trying to test U.S. commitments in the region?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/28/philippiness-marcos-promises-measures-after-chinas-dangerous-attackshttps://www.foxnews.com/world/china-warned-as-philippine-president-proposes-countermeasures-against-beijings-aggressionhttps://time.com/6960916/us-military-intervention-south-china-sea-philippines-china/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/mar/27/inside-ring-water-cannon-attack-raises-odds-of-us-/https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/03/28/philippines-countermeasures-coast-guard-attacks-south-china-sea-marcos/ Follow our experts on Twitter: @jamil_n_jaffer@lestermunson@BishopGarrison@AndyKeiserLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/NxuUz3AZGPM Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.