Covert Radio Archives on War, Terror, Iraq, Afghanistan

Get all the latest in the fight against the Taliban and Al Qaeda from Pakistan and Afghanistan with Tim Lynch. All this plus, Russian moves inside Central Asia and Havana, reaches out to Mexico City! 60 Minutes

The Bank of China is the bank of Hamas? Spec Ops Forces hunting Al Qaeda in Pakistan to disrupt the next 911? All in today's Covert Radio Show. Runs 60 Mins.

Today we break down the nuclear scam that Iran is perpetrating on the European Union. Banafsheh Zand Bonazzi breaks it down, and explains the Mullah's Apocalyptic Worldview. Make no mistake, Iran is playing a very high stakes game of chess with the United States and many of their pawns are playing double and triple games.This is a fascinating episode as Brett breaks down the con that Mahmood is running on the west. Plus the latest from Iraq, Pakistan and Venezuela. Runs 60 Minutes.

Today we talk about Russia and Georgia. The EU has bailed out on Russian sanctions, under oil pressure. Russia vows to help Iran, and Bill Roggio on the latest fight against Al Qaeda in Somalia and Pakistan, plus your emails! Running Time: 60 Minutes

Great 60 minute episode. Get the latest on Russia, Iran, Al Qaeda in Turkey and the Maghreb, plus the latest on the plot to bomb the Alaskan Pipeline, and border security. Finally Brett looks at the emerging Air Strategy over Iraq. It is a powerful 60 minutes.

Should the west talk to Bin Laden? The Swiss Foreign Minister says yes. Aaron Mannes joins us to talk about Hugo Chavez, FARC and Hezbollah.

Today we look at Pakistan as a Friend or Foe; and answer this question: should foreign-policy be viewed through the prism of the war on terror or should the war on terror reviewed the prism of foreign-policy? Is everything now defined through the prism of the war on terror in the same way that the Cold War defined everything in the prism of foreign-policy for 40 years? Joined by Eli Lake from the NY Sun.

Latest episode features an interview with Daveed Gartenstein Ross about the increasing instability of Pakistan. Bill Roggio weighs in on the latest from the Northwest Provinces as well as Iraq. Running Time 1 hour.

Welcome to the first of the new, Daily Covert Radio Show, your 1 hour peek into all that is happening in the War on Terror, National Security and International Affairs. Today we talk to Debbie Schlussel from Debbie Does Politics.Com to talk about the failure of ICE's immigration policy of Voluntary Deportation of Illegals. In segment 3 we talk to Bing West, author of The Strongest Tribe, its a great inside look at Iraq both Pre and Post Surge. The Show runs 60 mins.

Today on the Covert Radio Show A look at the latest Violence in Afghanistan as well as post Musharraf Pakistan.

The latest on the reports that Musharraf will resign as well as the latest from the main front on the war on terror--including 9 killed in Lahore.  

Brett visits with Bruce Pannier from RFE/RL to talk about the latest in the fight between China and the Uighurs in Xinjiang Province. Bruce gives you a deep history of this group and tells us that OIL may be at the root of the recent fights. Brett and Bruce also discuss the role that Al Qaeda may be playing in the fight. It is a great visit to an area of the world not covered by the press.

Brett Winterble Talks with Bill Roggio from the Long War Journal about the latest from Pakistan, China, Iraq and the Russia Georgia Fight.

Attorney Cloud Morris breaks down the fallout of the Hamdan Verdict. Saudi Artist Nada Farhat on working as an Artist and Doctor in the Saudi Kingdom.

This week Bill Roggio Checks in and talks about Hamdan, Pakistan, China's Uyghur Challenge and their threat to China, as well as the latest on Iraq as well as the fight between Russia and Georgia. 

Brett and Bill Roggio discuss media reports of the death of Zawahiri

Brett Winterble joins Tim Lynch from VSSA, Bill Roggio from the Long War Journal and Amy Sun from the FAB LAB, from MIT. Brett interviews Tim Lynch from VSSA, a contractor working in Afghanistan, about the current situation there. Also on the line was Amy Sun from the FAB Lab at MIT, Amy is working on a ground breaking new project to help redevelop Afghanistan's infrastructure. Bill Roggio from Long War Journal also joins in to talk about his take on the latest reports on ISI involvement with AQ and the TalibanPlus reaction to the latest report from RAND.

Brett and Bill Roggio talk about Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Turkey and Iraqi terror attacks in the last 48 Hours.

Bill Roggio checks in to talk about the Obama visit

Eli Lake joins me to briefly chat about Mid East Obama Mania....

Why has Maliki in Iraq suddenly come out for Barak Obama's plan for Iraq, here is a hint, Ahmed Chalabi is a major part of it. In fact, Eli writes in today's New York Sun that:  "The matter was taken up at a meeting of Iraq's National Security Council on Thursday on the recommendation of Mr. Maliki, who had been advised by the Iraqi politician Ahmad Chalabi to express public support for the Obama withdrawal plan. Asked for a comment yesterday, Mr. Chalabi, an old hand at working the American political process to the advantage of Iraq, conveyed a statement via his Washington representative, Francis Brooke: "This is an honor I will not claim and a rumor I will not deny."

Interestingly, Lake reports, that "Also supporting the decision to endorse the Obama plan was Bassima al-Jaidri, a powerful adviser to Mr. Maliki who has in the past been accused of undermining tactical and security decisions of Iraq's army to forward a Shiite confessional agenda."

More here!

http://www.nysun.com/foreign/maliki-bets-that-obama-will-prevail/82374/

Daveed Gartenstein Ross checks in to talk about what he sees as America's Achilles Heel: Oil in the Middle East. Daveed warns that Al Qaeda is looking to pull of a spectacular catastrophic attack in Saudi Arabia

Brett does a news digest and breaks down the latest on the Iranian diplomatic moves, the border secruity deal that Raytheon is cutting with Pakistan and India, and finally a  look at the emerging threat from Al Qaeda in Western Europe.

Bill Roggio from http://www.longwarjournal.org talks about the ongoing fight between US and Taliban forces, plus we explore the broken truce between Pakistan and the Taliban in the FATA and the Northwest Province. Bill takes a whack at the US diplomatic moves with Iran, and takes a look at increasing Iraqi stability. Finally, its Mailbag Friday Brett and Bill take a question about the Iraqi Oil supply.

Right here on the Covert Radio Show with the Long War Journal.

In this episode Brett visits with Cloud Morris to discuss the Congress' revisions to the FISA act. Brett and Cloud talk about Telco Immunity and what it means to us.

Brett interviews Professor James W Jones, on the new book, Blood that Cries Out from the Earth: The Psychology of Religious Terrorism. 

Dr. Jones, talks about what it is that motivates religious terrorists and the commonalities and differences between religiously motivated terrorists both in the East and West. Dr. Jones has extensively researched the jihadi movement and brings us fantastic insight. 

Dr. Jones shares with us the dangers of the virtual world and how that aids jihadists in recruitment and what must be done to counter to those efforts? 

Are we winning or are we losing against the jidhadi movement? Listen to this visit and find out.  

Be sure to pick up this book it is first rate! 

Today on Covert Radio we talk with Tim Lynch from VSSA.  Tim Lynch is working on the ground in Afghanistan to lead the nation in reconstruction.  Tim shares with the audience his impressions of rebuilding the nation of Afghanistan the failures and the successes of the NATO and global effort.  Tim talks about terrorist activity in Pakistan as well as within Afghanistan.  Later in the show Tim talks about the poppy crop and the United Nations report on drug exportation and how that affects Afghanistan.  Tim is a real asset on the ground in Afghanistan giving us a strong picture of what’s happening without the necessity of going through the media filter.  Join us as we take you on this journey inside Pakistan during this Independence Day, week.

This is a story that needs to be told because Cuba will remain in the front-page headlines for many years to come.  The ascent of Fidel Castro told against the backdrop of the American political machine and the American Mafia is one that is as relevant today as it was in 1959. 

TJ received unprecedented access to the island of Cuba and its records of Mafia control from the 1920s to the 1950s.  TJ's book covers a very dark period in the history of the island of Cuba but it is a period that still sets the tempo today.  The fact of the matter is the Mafia controlling Cuba is what set the revolution in motion and that revolution being set in motion is what has created the political realities of today’s world. 

Fully 60 years after the Mafia’s control of Cuba, Cuba remains a topic ingrained in the American consciousness and the American public political debate.  TJ offers some startling revelations including the blackmail material that existed on President John F. Kennedy. Here’s a hint, it was sexual in nature and it involved Santo Trafficante. TJ also reveals what became of the mobsters after Fidel Castro took over how they escaped and how they thought they might be able to do business with Castro.  It is not widely known that the mobsters went to Fidel Castro try to cut a deal all in the these casinos to place rebels in the counting room to watch the proceeds from the casino gambling operations be counted.  The Mafia would never permit that to happen allowing rebels in the counting room would allow Fidel Castro to know exactly how much money the Mafia in the casinos was skimming. Covert Radio works to bring you the latest information covering national security and the War on Terror however to understand the events of today you must understand the events of many years ago.  And so it is with great pleasure I bring to you this fantastic interview with TJ English the author of Havana Nocturne

Bill Roggio's images over at Long War Journal.Org were used in an AQI video recently released. The images of the aftermath of a suicide bombing in Mosul in March of 2008 were originally posted on Long War Journal.Org, as a part of Bill Roggio's reporting. They can be viewed here. Apparently it was these same pictures that caught the eye of Al Qaeda in Iraq.

According to LWJ's report on this account.
"The 38-minute-long video, titled "The Islamic State is Meant to Stay," was produced by Al Furqan, al Qaeda's media arm in Iraq. Al Furqan has released few videos over the past six weeks said Nibras Kazimi, a Visiting Scholar at the Hudson Institute, at his website, Talisman Gate.

Joining us on the line are Bruce Pannier in segment 1 and Banafesheh Zand Bonazzi in segment 2.

Bruce takes us on a journey of sorts into Central Asia and into the key strategic water disputes between Dushanbe (Tajikistan)and Bishkek (Kyrgystan). This stuff matters because ultimately it affects US interests in that part of the world.

This area is widely overlooked, but it’s a region with complex challenges and relations. There are currently 60 million people living in this region and the nations of the ‘stans are a mix of tribal loyalty and authoritarian rule.

You are guaranteed to learn stuff that you didn’t know.

• Did you know that they grow Confederate cotton in Central Asia?
• Did you know that Uzbekistan has been a key ally in the war on terror and would like to remain that way, as a hedge against Pakistan’s instability?

• Did you want to hear the latest on Nabucco’s plan to construct a pipeline into the heart of Europe from Eastern Turkey, with a plan on moving Iranian gas? 

• Did you know that Al Qaeda is active in the region and tapping into nationalist passions? You can also find out a lot about Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and Hizb ut-Tahrir

Bruce takes us inside the complicated array of relationships between Iran and her neighbors and gives us a peak into how the Islamic Republic would like to become a regional powerbroker. It’s a great insight into the Great Game, part 3!

In segment two we had a quick visit with Banafsheh Zand Bonazzi to get her reaction to the recent Israeli Military operations in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Bill Roggio stops by to talk about the latest in Afghanistan and Iraq. In Afghanistan, find out about US Forces killing 55 Taliban, in the Spring Offensive.

Also Bill checks in to talk about the goings on surrounding the cross border raids being run into Paktika.

We break and then we talk about recent reports surrounding Iranian arms in Afghanistan.

Brett and Bill then discuss the latest in Iraq including the beating that the Mahdi army is taking, including a few major takedowns during the recent Iraqi Special Ops moves.

Huge stuff going on today. But one story that caught my eye, was this from the Times of London: The story deals with the epidemic of rage in the UK and beyond. It is my contention this epidemic of rage also applies to the current fight against radical islam--which as we know is an ideology based on rage, anger and conquest. I also juxtapose this epidemic against the Gitmo decision handed down by SCOTUS yesterday. We wrap up this episode with a discussion of ongoing defeat of FARC. What lessons does it hold? Finally your emails!

This episode features all the latest on the fight with the Mahdi Army in New Baghdad and Moqtada Al Sadr’s inability to rally the Arab Street to his side. We also discuss the increasing action between the Iraqi army and the Iranians who keep trying to bring the fight into Iraq. We also discuss the current situation Vis a Vis the Iranian nuclear program and whether diplomacy is an option. Finally we look at the fruits of bad diplomacy in the form of the Taliban and Pakistan. Yet again Pakistan (and this time the Danes) takes a hit. Finally, we have an exciting new feature: it’s the Covert Radio Show Mailbag; where listeners from all over the world send in questions and we answer them. This week we hear from Turkey, California, Washington DC and NYC!

Bill Roggio from the Long War Journal reacts to CIA Director Hayden on his claims that AQ is largely defeated. Bill raises questions about the claim including issues of Al Qaeda fundraising in the Gulf States and Saudi Arabia–the so called Golden Chain. Also Bill looks at Al Qaeda ascendancy in other areas including Somalia and Egypt. It is 10 minutes of critical analysis.

Brett Winterble is joined by Bill Roggio from Long War Journal and from Threats Watch: Nick Grace.

The three of us discuss the latest from Al Qaeda: a new threat to use WMD, plus is Iran talking to Al Qaeda?

We are joined as always by Bill Roggio from the Long War Journal.Organd a special guest, Tim Lynch from Vigilant Strategic Services Afghanistan (VSSA) joins the show. Tim has traveled and worked extensively with the people of Afghanistan. He has an insight unmatched in the media.

VSSA was founded in 2006 by a group of experienced American and Afghan project managers. These contractors are the guys on the front lines winning hearts and minds and working to deliver services like roads, electricity, food and medical care—to the Afghan people.

Listen in as Tim describes the current situation on the ground in Afghanistan, hint: its not a complete war zone mess that the press makes it out to be. Find out how Pashtun tribesmen are working to stand up to the Taliban and also how our military is adapting to the ever changing environment. Tim relates numerous examples of successes and failures in this theater. Tim also talked about his experiences in Paktia and traveling through the Khyber Pass.

Tim also broke down the X’s and O’s on a huge victory by the USMC in Garmsmir in the Helmand Province against Taliban fighters who had recently been offered a deal by the Brits. US Forces destroyed the Taliban fighters and cleared the area.

Bill and Tim then wrap it up with a fascinating discussion about the Pakistan-Taliban Peace Accords and what happens next.

This episode is bringing you tomorrow’s headlines, today, you will feel it and experience in a way no one else in the podcast universe or in the mainstream media can do.

Brett Winterble, talks to Bill Roggio from Long War Journal.Org about the latest in Iraq and Pakistan. Brett also talks to Jane Novak from the Armies of Liberation Blog, its an eye opening 30 minutes. Al Qaeda has effectively taken over Yemen and the consequences are dire.

Today Brett speaks with Bill Roggio and Bill Ardolino. Bill Roggio breaks down the latest from the front lines in the war on terror, including Al Qaeda terrorists who have moved from Iraq to Afghanistan.

Then Bill and Brett are joined by Bill Ardolino who was embedded in Iraq until a few days ago. Bill Ardolino, brings us the latest stuff from the ground, including the growing anger among Iraqis at Iranian meddling, and the degree to which the US Military is taking out the Mahdi Fighters.

Finally Bill Roggio and Bill Ardolino, react to MSNBC's Keith Olbermann's assertion that Iranian weapons flows into Iraq are "being made up by the White House." 

Today Brett investigates the theoretical nature of warfare and the broader war on terror with a visit with PurpleSlog, from the PurpleSlog Blog. Brett and Purp talk about the nature of warfare still to come and what we can learn from the cold war to help win the War on Terror, regardless of administration. Hint: it involves creating security apparatus' that will thrive regardless of who occupies Washington!

This week and for many weeks to come we will be teaming up in partnership with Long War Journal.Org's Bill Roggio to explore issues surrounding the War on Terror. This week its an in depth look at Iraq.