This is an important first step — stopping the money funnel to regime change media. The next step, which both Americans and the global community deserve to know, is publishing Biden & Obama era internal files at RFE/RL showing their efforts & coordination to regime change OrbanBalázs Orbán (@BalazsOrban_HU):‼️ The 🇺🇸 U.S. Agency for Global Media ends funding for @RFERL’s 🇭🇺Hungarian-language service “Szabad Europa,” stating that American taxpayers’ money will no longer be used to weaken allies.👉 Originally ...

Colombia's foreign ministry says it has recalled its ambassador from the United States, escalating the feud between President Trump and Colombia's President Gustav Petro. Pro is accusing the US of murdering a Colombian fisherman in a military strike on his boat in the Caribbean. One of at least seven strikes on boats US alleges were carrying narcotics bound for the US and one of at least 32 people who have died as a as a result of those strikes.Joining us now, Washington correspondent for the New York Times ...

Venezuela Situation & US Policy - US President authorized military strikes against suspected drug boats in the Caribbean, resulting in over 20 deaths in six strikes [1] - Senator argues these strikes are against tradition, requiring accusation and evidence before lethal action [2][3] - Senator highlights that Coast Guard statistics show about 25% of boarded ships have no drugs, questioning the policy of blowing up suspected drug-running ships [4] - Senator suggests speedboats are likely supplying drugs to islands near Venezuela, questioning the assumption they are destined for the US and the lack of proof [5] - Senator emphasizes the difference between war and peace, stating that all-out war with Venezuela requires a declaration of war from Congress [6] - President Trump acknowledged authorizing a covert CIA operation inside Venezuela, and the Pentagon has scaled up US forces in the region [7] - Senator finds it unusual to announce a covert CIA operation, questioning its effectiveness [8] - Senator notes some members of the administration have been pushing for war with Venezuela for a long time [9] - Senator points out President Trump's past opposition to regime change in Iraq and Libya, highlighting the costly and destabilizing consequences of those interventions [10][11]

International Relations & Diplomacy - A potential double meeting involving President Trump, President Putin, and Ukrainian President Zalinski to discuss ending the war in Ukraine is being considered [1][2] - The US is considering Ukraine's request for long-range missiles, but Trump's stance seems to shift after speaking with Putin [2][3] - The Council on Foreign Relations suggests that providing Ukraine with the necessary support is crucial for achieving a ceasefire and peace, arguing that Trump's behavior may be undermining this goal [6][7] - The US approach to diplomacy with Ukraine and Russia is described as unconventional, with concerns raised about consulting Russia before providing support to Ukraine [5] Military & Security - The provision of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine is under discussion, but the focus should be on providing sufficient intelligence and military support to deter Putin [3][9][10] - The ongoing phase of the war in Ukraine is noted to be in its third and a half year, with concerns that without decisive support for Ukraine, the war will continue due to Russia's larger economy and population [8][9] Geopolitics & US Foreign Policy - The choice of Budapest, Hungary, as the location for a potential summit raises questions, especially given Hungary's sympathetic stance towards Russia [11][15] - The US involvement in Venezuela, including potential military actions, is viewed by some as a possible regime change attempt, raising concerns about the long-term consequences and the need for multilateral cooperation [18][19][20][21]

On Wednesday, President Trump confirmed something that every other administration might have kept shrouded in secrecy that he had approved new CIA actions inside Venezuela. A move so unprecedented that it prompted a question like that from a reporter. So far, US military strikes on boats in the Caribbean have killed 27 people with little information, evidence, or much of an explanation from the Trump administration on their goals and its war on drug trafficking.But sources tell the New York Times, which was ...

US-Venezuela Relations - The US government is increasing pressure on Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, accusing him of rigging elections [2] - The US denies regime change but questions the legitimacy of Venezuelan elections [1] - The US labels Maduro a narco-terrorist and offers a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest [2] - Maduro accuses the US of planning to overthrow his government and blames Marco Rubio for directing White House policy [4] US Strategy - The US aims to stem the flow of illegal drugs from Venezuela [3] - The US seeks to pressure Maduro to leave power without deploying American troops [3] - The US is deploying military firepower, including guided missile destroyers, near Venezuela [3] Venezuelan Situation - Maduro supporters are gathering in response to US actions [4] - Venezuela experienced mass protests in 2019 due to hyperinflation and blackouts [4]

When you talk to Iranians today out in the streets, Richard, what are they saying to you about their their current government after this war. People are rallying around the government more. Those who are opposed to the government, don't like the government, I'm sure, still don't like the government.But the idea that this military action was suddenly going to bring people out onto the streets and start a popular uprising and lead to a a people's revolt that would change the regime is not happening. There are ...

Geopolitical Landscape - The report focuses on the situation in Iran, specifically in Tehran, during a Shia religious festival honoring a martyr killed 1400 years ago [1] - The ongoing religious festival has a special resonance due to the recent conflict between Israel and Iran [2] - Access to Iran is restricted, with limited foreign presence and airspace closures, requiring travel via the Afghan border to Mashhad and then driving to Tehran [3] - The Iranian government maintains control, with visible security measures including checkpoints and police presence in Tehran [4] Societal Sentiment - Despite potential discontent with the government since 1979, many Iranians are reportedly standing with their government due to the intensity of Israeli bombing and ongoing negotiations [5][6] - A prevailing sentiment among Iranians is a fear of civil war and bloodshed, leading them to oppose regime change imposed from abroad [6][7] - There is concern that continued bombing by Israel or the United States could lead to regime destruction, which is undesirable for many Iranians [7] Potential Risks - The report suggests a risk of escalation if external forces continue military actions, potentially leading to unintended consequences such as regime destruction [7] - The report highlights the potential for instability and unrest, although currently not visible, if external pressures persist [2][5]

Now that Iran attacked the US military base in Qatar, what comes next for the Middle East. Well, joining us now is Richard Hos, president emeritus at the Council on Foreign Relations. He's also a senior counselor with Centerview Partners.Richard, it's great to have you back on the show. Welcome. I'm going to ask you the same question I just asked Mark Esper, and that is this attack, which seems to be pretty limited and pretty well intercepted uh on Aluded in Qatar.Does this now provide an off-ramp rather th ...

US Involvement in Iran - The US government is sending mixed signals regarding its involvement in Iran, with the president suggesting potential regime change [1] - This stance contradicts statements from senior officials who deny regime change as a US objective [2][3] Potential Retaliation and Threats - Iran reportedly threatened to attack the US via sleeper cells if strikes proceeded [4] - The Department of Homeland Security warns of an ongoing threat environment in the US, including potential cyber attacks [4] Monitoring and Observation - The industry is closely monitoring the situation as the week progresses [5] - The president has not been seen on camera, adding to the uncertainty [5]