Episode 308: The Afghanistan Papers

Newt talks with Bernard Cornwell about his latest book, “Sharpe’s Storm: Richard Sharpe and the Invasion of Southern France, 1813.” Cornwell shares the serendipitous start of his writing career, which began when he moved to the United States and decided to write a book due to difficulties in obtaining a work permit. His first novel, "Sharpe’s Eagle," set in 1808, marked the beginning of a series that follows the character Richard Sharpe through various historical battles. Cornwell explains his inspiration for writing about the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars, filling a gap he perceived in historical literature. He also discusses the challenges and intricacies of writing two major series, one about Sharpe and the other about The Saxon Stories, which explore the creation of England. Their conversation touches on historical figures like Wellington, whose military strategies and personal characteristics are vividly brought to life in Cornwell's novels. Cornwell also reflects on his characters, expressing a closer connection to Sharpe due to the character's long-standing presence in his work. He hints at the possibility of future Sharpe novels, though he is currently focused on writing another book in The Saxon Series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Ryan Thorpe, investigative reporter for the City Journal about his article, co-authored with Christopher Rufo, “The Largest Funder of Al-Shabaab Is the Minnesota Taxpayer.” Thorpe and Rufo report on a billion-dollar fraud scheme in Minnesota, primarily involving social service programs. The fraud was orchestrated by a nonprofit, Feeding Our Future, which falsely billed the state for feeding children during the COVID-19 pandemic, while the funds were misappropriated for luxury purchases and real estate. Additionally, the Housing Stabilization Services and autism therapy programs were exploited, with fraudulent claims and kickbacks, leading to a near billion-dollar theft. Thorpe highlights the concentration of fraud within the Somali community and the lack of media coverage and political will to address the issue. The fraud has national security implications, as some funds were allegedly funneled to Al-Shabaab through informal money transfer networks. Their discussion underscores the systemic issues in government oversight and the need for policy changes to prevent such fraud. They also discuss the political influence of the Somali community in Minnesota and the challenges faced by whistleblowers within the state government.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Walter Isaacson, bestselling author and historian, about his new book, "The Greatest Sentence Ever Written," which explores the creation and significance of one of history’s most powerful sentences: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” from the Declaration of Independence. Isaacson emphasizes the importance of this sentence as a unifying mission statement for America, especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. The book delves into the historical context and the collaborative efforts of figures like Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams in crafting this foundational sentence. Isaacson argues that understanding and reflecting on this sentence can help bridge current political divides and foster a renewed sense of patriotism. Their discussion also touches on the broader impact of the Declaration of Independence as a universal document advocating for individual rights and democratic governance. Isaacson's work aims to inspire dialogue and reflection on America's founding principles as the country prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with George Beebe, Director of Grand Strategy at Quincy Institute about the Russia-Ukraine war. They discuss the Tuesday meeting between President Putin, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, focusing on a potential compromise to end the war in Ukraine. George highlights the necessity for both Ukraine and Russia to make concessions, emphasizing Ukraine's need to secure its sovereignty and rebuild, while Russia seeks assurances against perceived threats from NATO and the United States. The ongoing negotiations aim to address both nations' security concerns, with discussions on military limitations and the status of the Donbas region. The potential for nuclear escalation remains a critical concern, with George asserting that Russia views the conflict as existential, which could lead to nuclear options if pushed into a corner. They conclude their conversation by emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and achieve a sustainable peace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-4th), Chairman of the Committee on Natural Resources, about the importance of the bipartisan legislation known as the SPEED Act, “Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act.” The SPEED Act aims to reform the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to streamline permitting processes and expedite economic development. Westerman highlights the inefficiencies of the current NEPA process, which can delay projects for years, contributing to increased costs and hindering the U.S.'s ability to compete globally. Their discussion emphasizes the need for reform to facilitate infrastructure development, energy projects, and national security initiatives, while also addressing environmental concerns. The SPEED Act proposes a more streamlined permitting process, giving states a better role and reducing bureaucratic obstacles. Westerman has been working on this policy for eight years, aiming for bipartisan support to pass the legislation. Their conversation underscores the potential economic and environmental benefits of the proposed reforms, advocating for a balance between development and environmental protection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Andrew Biggs, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, about the perceived retirement crisis in the United States, arguing that the U.S. retirement system is performing well compared to other developed countries. He highlights that the typical U.S. senior is among the wealthiest globally. Biggs, who has worked on Social Security reform for over 20 years, notes that while surveys indicate a widespread belief in a retirement crisis, actual retirees report financial stability, with only 4% describing their situation as a crisis. Biggs advocates for a reevaluation of Social Security, proposing a shift from focusing solely on solvency to considering structural reforms that better align with current economic realities. He warns that without reform, the Social Security Trust Fund is projected to run out by 2032, necessitating either significant tax increases or benefit cuts. He suggests that a special commission could facilitate necessary reforms, as the regular political process may be inadequate to address the issue effectively.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with William Hartung and Ben Freeman about their new book, "The Trillion Dollar War Machine.” They discuss the profits of militarism, highlighting the role of traditional Pentagon contractors and high-tech firms in promoting destabilizing technologies. They also examine the influence of politicians, lobbyists, media, and think tanks in perpetuating the war machine, enriching a wealthy elite at the expense of global peace and domestic stability. Their conversation further explores the inefficiencies in the defense acquisition system, where increased spending does not equate to increased security, and they highlight the wasteful nature of current military expenditures. They also discuss the evolving nature of military technology and the challenges posed by new defense tech firms verses traditional defense contractors. They conclude with a call for a national discussion on military strategy and spending, emphasizing the need for a bipartisan effort to address these systemic issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Steve Israel about his new novel, “The Einstein Conspiracy.” Steve is a former congressman for New York's second and third districts. He transitioned from politics to literature and entrepreneurship after retiring from Congress in 2017. He opened Theodore's Books in Oyster Bay, New York, named in tribute to Theodore Roosevelt, whose home was nearby. Israel has authored two political satires, "The Global War on Morris" and "Big Guns," and recently published "The Einstein Conspiracy," a historical mystery centered around Albert Einstein and the Nazi threat during World War II. The novel explores Einstein's pivotal role in alerting the U.S. government to the potential of an atomic bomb and the Nazi efforts to assassinate him, set against the backdrop of pro-Nazi activities in the U.S. Israel's research for the book involved balancing historical accuracy with engaging storytelling. His bookstore, Theodore's Books, actively participates in community events, such as Small Business Saturday, promoting local shopping and civil discourse. Visit Theodore’s Books at theodoresbooks.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Professor Avi Loeb about the latest news on 3I/ATLAS, the third interstellar object discovered passing through our solar system. Loeb highlights its unusual characteristics and the possibility of it being a technological artifact rather than a natural object. He emphasizes the importance of scientific curiosity and the need for academia to embrace risk-taking and exploration beyond conventional boundaries. He advocates for a broader search for intelligent life in the universe, suggesting that the discovery of alien technology could significantly alter human priorities and investments in space exploration. Their conversation also touches on the cultural and institutional challenges within the scientific community, urging a shift towards a more open-minded and exploratory approach to science. He concludes with a reflection on the potential of science to inspire and engage the public, particularly the younger generation. Avi Loeb is the Frank B. Baird, Jr., Professor of Science at Harvard University. He serves as Director of the Institute for Theory and Computation within the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and also heads the Galileo Project. His blog about 3I/ATLAS is avi-loeb.medium.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Stephen Hunter, a renowned author and former chief film critic for The Washington Post, about his latest book, "The Gun Man Jackson Swagger." This novel is a prequel set in the 1890s, focusing on Jack Swagger, an ancestor of the famous Bob Lee Swagger character. Hunter, who won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism, shares insights into his career, including his transformative experience at The Baltimore Sun during the 1970s, where he was part of a movement to modernize the newspaper. Their conversation explores Hunter's writing style, which is heavily influenced by his extensive background in film, resulting in novels that often read like movies. "The Gun Man Jackson Swagger" is described as a tribute to the American Western, filled with cinematic references and innovative portrayals of gunfights. Hunter also discusses the cultural significance of the gunfighter myth and his intent to restore this figure's place in American culture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.