On Tuesday night, President Obama announced the U.S. would hand over leadership of security operations in Afghanistan at the end of 2014. Retired U.S. Army Brigadier Gen. David Phillips says any time we let the enemy know when we plan to pull back or leave gives that enemy an advantage we don’t need to give them. Phillips also discusses whether Afghan security forces are up to the job and what the benchmark is for determining if those forces are up to the job. Gen. Phillips was also commander for all police operations in Iraq. He explains why he thinks the Iraqi army and police forces are an example of a successful training program. But Gen. Phillips says the greatest threat to Iraq comes at the very top – the deep loyalty of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to the Iranian government. He says that alliance threatens Iraqi stability and makes Iranian dissident groups like the MEK at risk for annihilation. Phillips says he personally promised the MEK that they would be protected by the U.S. government. However, he points out American policy changed toward the MEK in 2009 and it has suffered many deaths and injuries ever since.
Three Martini Lunch 5/2/12
Greg Corombos of Radio America and Jim Geraghty of National Review welcome Newt Gingrich finally exiting the presidential race. They also wince as private sector job growth in April comes in well below expectations. And they react to Andrea Mitchell unintentionally referring to the Obama administration as “we”.
‘Not One Word’
In the second part of our conversation with New Jersey Rep. Chris Smith, the congressman takes us inside the diplomatic process and explains what leverage we actually have with the Chinese to help dissident Chen Guangcheng and whether we’ll use it. Rep. Smith also discusses how long it may take to resolve this issue. He also saves some very strong criticism for President Obama. Smith says Obama has done absolutely nothing to confront China over it’s forced abortions, horrific treatment of political and religious groups and other human rights atrocities.
The Story of Chen Guangcheng
This week’s trip by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner is being overshadowed by the story of Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng. Chen has been imprisoned and confined to house arrest in recent years but recently escaped – most likely to the U.S. embassy in Beijing. Chen has been a target of the Chinese government for his vocal opposition to forced abortions and the one child policy. New Jersey Rep. Chris Smith has been a critic of China’s human rights record for decades and he has been shining light on Chen’s plight for years as well. Rep. Smith says the forced abortions in China are responsible for the slaughter of 100 million girls over the past 33 years, as parents terminate pregnancies unless it’s a boy and the government mandates abortions for any subsequent children. The government also requires abortions of all pregnancies of unwed mothers. In this first half of our interview, Rep. Smith discusses Chen’s struggles and what will likely happen next.
Three Martini Lunch 6/1/12
Greg Corombos of Radio America and Daniel Foster of National Review Online enjoy Bill Clinton defending Mitt Romney’s career in the private sector. They’re also horrified by the May jobs report that shows anemic growth. And they have fun with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg moving to ban sodas bigger than 16 ounces.
Three Martini Lunch 5/1/12
Greg Corombos of Radio America and Jim Geraghty of National Review see President Obama’s excessive celebration on the bin Laden killing anniversary turning a legitimate plus for him into a distasteful display. They also groan as they learn middle class income in the Obama administration has dropped far more than it did in the Bush administration. And they marvel at Massachusetts senate hopeful Elizabeth Warren declaring herself a minority for years because she is 1/32nd Cherokee Indian.
‘Funding the Enemy’
After more than a decade in Afghanistan, there are still lingering problems in our effort to root out terrorists and establishing a stable, honest government. Rampant corruption in the Karzai regime, dealing with fickle war lords and trying too hard to make nice with the Afghans continue to frustrate us. One of the most maddening developments in the past 11 years has been the U.S. essentially subsidizing the activity of those trying to kill us. In his new book “Funding the Enemy: How U.S. Taxpayers Bankroll the Taliban”, reporter Doug Wissing explains how our policy has been flawed from the beginning and how recent efforts to correct it have been largely unsuccessful. He also addresses the question of whether the Afghan culture is too corrupt to avoid some of our huge financial commitment ending up in the wrong hands.
‘A Policy of Divisiveness’
On Friday, the House of Representatives voted 215-195 to extend low interest rates on student loans. The interest rates are currently scheduled to double on July 1. Texas Rep. Blake Farenthold voted for the plan and applauded the effort to pay for the rate extension by tapping a program within the president’s health care plan for almost six billion dollars. Democrats say the program provides vital preventive care while Farenthold calls it a political ‘slush fund’. Listen here as Farenthold also responds to the argument from 30 GOP House members that Congress should not be artificially manipulating the the interest rate on loans and that the market should run its course. Farenthold also shares his thoughts with us on President Obama making this a major campaign issue and how he’s approaching a tough primary and fierce general election campaign in one of the most competitive districts in the nation. Listen here for our full conversation with Rep. Farenthold.
Three Martini Lunch 4/30/12
Greg Corombos of Radio America and Daniel Foster of National Review are optimistic about Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s chances of winning his recall fight. They also speculate on the impact of Tuesday’s May Day protests by Occupy protesters. And they comment on the latest installment of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Jackson Ready for Debates
Most political pundits assume former Virginia governors Tim Kaine and George Allen will meet in the race for Virginia’s open U.S. Senate seat. But this weekend brings the first in a series of debates among the four Republican candidates – Allen, Jamie Radtke, Delegate Bob Marshall and E.W. Jackson. Jackson tells us that he plans to convey the same message that is winning him support across the state – that he is the best choice to protect the Constitution and preserve a system of government that recognizes that rights come from God and not the state. Jackson also explains why it’s not a good idea to return Allen to the Senate.