The Critical Hour

Dan Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "The Velvet Coup: The Constitution, the Supreme Court and the Decline of American Democracy," joins us to discuss the worldwide effects of Russia's clash with the Nato alliance. Also, we talk about Russia's split from the US empire ruled Western alliance.Steve Poikonen, national organizer for Action4Assange, joins us to discuss the State of the Union address. President Biden's spokesperson has said tonight's state of the union speech will focus on Ukraine. The speech seems likely to briefly address economic issues at home and zero in on foreign policy. Jack Rasmus, professor in economics and politics at St. Mary's College in California, joins us to discuss the economic effects of the Ukrainian military operation. The French finance minister has said that the EU will wage an all-out economic war on Russia. Also, we discuss the emergence of new alternative international payment systems and the economic future of the United States.Ted Rall, political cartoonist and syndicated columnist, joins us to discuss censorship. The US-run social media platforms and other technology firms are working in alignment with the EU and US State Department to wage an online information war against Russia. This now includes labeling the private accounts of RT employees as Russian State Media accounts. Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, joins us to discuss the Middle East. Syria's permanent representative to the UN is claiming that Washington is working to discredit his nation by manipulating OPCW reports. Also, President Biden is getting significant heat for taking half of the Afghanistan sovereign fund.Margaret Kimberly, editor and senior columnist at Black Agenda Report and author of "Prejudential: Black America and the Presidents," joins us to discuss issues of racism related to the Ukraine crisis. Videos are leaking out of Ukraine showing that African and Indian people are being refused entrance to trains and held up and beaten at the border.Gerald Horne, professor of history at the University of Houston, joins us to discuss Africa. A "Mothers and Fathers" march in Sudan is meant to show support for young people who are resisting the nation's military junta. Also, France withdraws from Mali but continues its imperial machinations in the Sahel.KJ Noh, activist, writer, and teacher, joins us to discuss China. White House officials argue that they can focus on their aggressive foreign policy against both China and Russia simultaneously. Also, China says that it will not abandon its principles to repair ties with the US.

Gerald Horne, professor of history at the University of Houston, joins us to discuss Africa. A "Mothers and Fathers" march in Sudan is meant to show support for young people who are resisting the nation's military junta. Also, France withdraws from Mali but continues its imperial machinations in the Sahel.

Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, joins us to discuss the Middle East. Syria's permanent representative to the UN is claiming that Washington is working to discredit his nation by manipulating OPCW reports. Also, President Biden is getting significant heat for taking half of the Afghanistan sovereign fund.

Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, joins us to discuss the Middle East. Iran has advised that they will not accept any deadlines for ending talks on the revival of the JCPOA. They also say that they will no longer accept questions centered around accusations that they consider politically motivated.

Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst and co-founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, joins us to discuss the implications of the Ukraine conflict on great world powers. The Russian operation to rid its border of a major NATO military base of operations will have major implications on changing the power dynamics of the three great world powers. The unipolar hegemony of the US empire is being challenged by Russia as Iran, Venezuela, and China watches and waits.

Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations security analyst, joins us to discuss the Ukrainian military operation. Ukrainian and Russian diplomats met today near the Belarus border to work on a resolution to hostilities. The Russians have made clear demands that the Eastern European nation must pledge to remain neutral and free from US/NATO and Nazi influence.Jack Rasmus, professor in economics and politics at St. Mary's College in California, joins us to discuss the economy. Investors are bracing for a hostile and volatile world market as draconian sanctions against Russia threaten to destabilize the world economy. Russia has taken internal actions to dampen the effects, and the EU is considering additional actions.Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst and co-founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, joins us to discuss the implications of the Ukraine conflict on great world powers. The Russian operation to rid its border of a major NATO military base of operations will have major implications on changing the power dynamics of the three great world powers. The unipolar hegemony of the US empire is being challenged by Russia as Iran, Venezuela, and China watch and wait.Steve Poikonen, national organizer for Action4Assange, joins us to discuss Julian Assange. Julian Assange's unwillingness to trade his integrity for power and freedom set him apart from his tormentors. Assange provided a public service to the world by ripping off the veil of the vicious and brutal elite ruling class.Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, joins us to discuss the Middle East. Iran has advised that they will not accept any deadlines for ending talks on the revival of the JCPOA. They also say that they will no longer accept questions centered around accusations that they consider politically motivated. KJ Noh, activist, writer, and teacher, joins us to discuss China. China says that the US sailing its warship through the Taiwan straits is unnecessarily provocative. Also, China has said that it opposes sanctions and will continue to do business with Russia. Ajamu Baraka, former vice presidential candidate for the Green Party, joins us to discuss the reactions to the Ukraine conflict in the Global South. Cuba has stated that they believe Russia has a right to defend itself. Also, Venezuela blames the US and NATO for the Ukraine conflict. Ted Rall, political cartoonist and syndicated columnist, joins us to discuss the media's response to the Ukraine conflict. The media refuses to discuss the history that pointed to this outcome. Instead, the military operation is put forth as a result of the whims of a madman.

Caleb Maupin, journalist and political analyst, joins us to review the important stories for the week. Russian forces close in on the capital city of Ukraine as the Russian military operation moves into its second day. Also, we discuss the overall security situation in Europe and whether the Ukraine operation starts or averts World War III. Jack Rasmus, professor in economics and politics at St. Mary's College in California, joins us to discuss the economy. Dr. Jack discusses his latest article in which he carefully outlines the economic consequences of the Ukraine military operation and the subsequent sanctions. John Burris, civil rights attorney, comes on to discuss a few important legal cases. Former Minnesota police officers who were involved in the death of George Floyd were found guilty of violating Floyd's civil rights. Also, Dante Wright's family reacts to the light sentence given to his killer.Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst and co-founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, and Scott Ritter, former UN weapon inspector in Iraq, join us to discuss international politics. President Biden has made no comments on China's support of the Russian military operation in Ukraine. Also, Russia has destroyed most of the Ukrainian military assets and has signaled that they are open for negotiations.Dan Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "The Velvet Coup: The Constitution, the Supreme Court and the Decline of American Democracy," and Jim Kavanagh, writer at thepolemicist.net and CounterPunch and the author of "The American Farce Unravels: Shreds of January 6th," join us to discuss this week's important stories. Ukrainian President Zelensky is arguing that he has been abandoned by Western powers in a time of need. Also, Russia has signaled that it is ready to start talks with Ukrainian officials to accomplish a neutral status, and China is supporting Russia in a subtle manner.

Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst and co-founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, and Scott Ritter, former UN weapon inspector in Iraq, join us to discuss international politics. President Biden has made no comments on China's support of the Russian military operation in Ukraine. Also, Russia has destroyed most of the Ukrainian military assets and has signaled that they are open for negotiations.

Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations security analyst, joins us to discuss the military operation in Ukraine. After a Thursday night speech, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave the green light for an extensive military operation to "disarm and de-nazify" Ukraine. Putin argued that the lack of diplomatic movement and the Ukrainian threat of acquiring nuclear weapons left him with no choice. Scott Ritter, former UN weapon inspector in Iraq, joins us to discuss potential economic fallout from the Ukraine crisis. Oil prices have already begun to rise, and many analysts expect prices and inflation trouble ahead for many nations. Also, will the US empire levy sanctions against Russia that would likely backfire?Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst and co-founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, joins us to discuss the potential of a new world order as a result of this week's military operation in Ukraine. Russia and China oppose the enlargement of NATO, and we discuss how Russia's military operation in Ukraine will change the dynamics of power between the three great powers on Earth. James Carey, writer, activist, and podcaster, joins us to discuss Iran. There are signs that the US is nearing an agreement to rejoin the JCPOA with Iran. If so, how will an energy superpower reappearing in the world's oil market affect prices, trade, and inflation? Iran has recently announced that they are optimistic about a deal.Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, joins us to discuss the Middle East. Israel has launched several missile attacks on Syria. Also, Iraq's political instability has still been unable to produce a president. The Iraqi Parliament has announced a list of 33 presidential candidates. KJ Noh, activist, writer, and teacher, joins us to discuss China. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with his Russian counterpart yesterday regarding the situation in Ukraine. China advocates that dialogue and negotiations should be used to form a sustainable European security mechanism.Leo Flores, Latin America coordinator for Code Pink, joins us to discuss Venezuela. Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro has announced his support for the Russian recognition of the breakaway republics of Donetsk and Lugansk. He has, as of yet, not spoken about the hostilities in Ukraine.Carlos Castaneda, immigration lawyer, joins us to discuss immigration. The Supreme Court is reviewing whether the Biden administration had the authority to get rid of a Trump-era policy that made it harder for immigrants to obtain green cards.

Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, joins us to discuss the Middle East. Israel has launched several missile attacks on Syria. Also, Iraq's political instability has still been unable to produce a president. The Iraqi Parliament has announced a list of 33 presidential candidates.

Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst and co-founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, joins us to discuss the potential of a new world order as a result of this week's military operation in Ukraine. Russia and China oppose the enlargement of NATO, and we discuss how Russia's military operation in Ukraine will change the dynamics of power between the three great powers on Earth.

Gerald Horne, professor of history at the University of Houston, author, historian, and researcher, joins me to discuss the crisis in Ukraine. The diplomatic meeting between Antony Blinken and Sergey Lavrov has been canceled. Also, we compare the current crisis in Ukraine to the NATO military attacks and border restructuring in Serbia, Yugoslavia, and Kosovo.Dr. Yolandra Hancock, board-certified pediatrician and obesity medicine specialist, joins me to discuss covid. Vaccine protection against the omicron variant was much weaker than previous variants. Also, there seems to be a significant number of people experiencing heart problems as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.KJ Noh, activist, writer, and teacher, joins me to discuss China. The US Empire is working to subordinate Europe and freeze its economic partnership with the new Eurasian superpowers. Also, China is expressing support for Russia during the standoff with NATO. China argues that the collective West should pay attention to Russia's demands for border security and work through diplomatic channels to resolve these issues.Ted Rall, political cartoonist and syndicated columnist, joins me to discuss the assault on independent journalism in the West. Craig Murray is going back to court to address the distinction made between independent and traditional journalists during his trial. Also, Marine Le Pen has suspended her presidential bid.Scott Ritter, former UN weapon inspector in Iraq, joins me to discuss NATO. Scott talks about the current crisis of security interests between the US empire and numerous members of NATO. Is the current crisis a signal that NATO is becoming a public relations nightmare that has outlived its usefulness?Ajamu Baraka, former vice presidential candidate for the Green Party, joins me to discuss how the Ukraine crisis fits into the US empire's imperialist order. Ajamu argues that "the US empire's manufactured crisis in Ukraine cannot be separated from the drive for full spectrum dominance."Robert Fantina, journalist and Palestine activist, joins me to discuss preventative detention. Our guest discusses the use of rules allowing detention without trial or adjudication throughout the US empire and its various vassal states.Steve Ellner, an American scholar, retired professor at the Universidad de Oriente, Venezuela, and author of 12 books including his latest, entitled "Latin American Extractivism," joins me to discuss the Global South. Venezuela joins Cuba in formally announcing its support for Haiti in its quest to shake free from imperial control. Also, Juan Guaido's political support has crumbled as 100 members of his party have quit.

Gerald Horne, professor of history at the University of Houston, author, historian, and researcher, joins me to discuss the crisis in Ukraine. The diplomatic meeting between Antony Blinken and Sergey Lavrov has been canceled. Also, we compare the current crisis in Ukraine to the NATO military attacks and border restructuring in Serbia, Yugoslavia, and Kosovo.

Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst and co-founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, joins us to discuss the recognition of the breakaway republics in light of the larger world geopolitical landscape. Ray examines the likelihood that the move was coordinated between Russia and China and reveals the current thoughts of an ex-US ambassador to the USSR.

Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations security analyst, joins us to discuss Ukraine. Russia has officially recognized the breakaway republics in Eastern Ukraine and is in the process of working out aid and protection measures. The collective West now must formulate a strategy in light of losing their Ukraine invasion trope.Prof. Linwood Tauheed, associate professor of economics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, joins us to discuss the potential economic fallout from the recent geopolitical actions in Eastern Europe. The US has threatened severe sanctions against Russia, but now faces significant potential blowback. Will the US and EU risk crushing their economies in an effort to gain revenge against the Russian Federation? Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst and co-founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, joins us to discuss the recognition of the breakaway republics in light of the larger world geopolitical landscape. Ray examines the likelihood that the move was coordinated between Russia and China, and reveals the current thoughts of an ex-US ambassador to the USSR.John Burris, civil rights attorney, joins us to discuss two recent court cases. Officer Kim Potter received a sentence of two years in the killing of Daunte Wright. The Wright family is arguing that this is a miscarriage of justice. Also, jury deliberation is underway in the Ahmaud Arbery hate crime case. Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, joins us to discuss the Middle East. There are reports that the US and Iran are close to a nuclear deal, but recent events are creating skepticism. Also, the US claims to be rejecting Israel's criticism of the negotiations. Dr. Ken Hammond, professor of East Asian and global history at New Mexico State University, joins us to discuss China. China has responded to the Russian recognition of the breakaway republics with measured support. Also, China argues that the US plans to expand its military reach in Southeast Asia puts it on a path for confrontation with Beijing. Netfa Freeman, host of Voices With Vision on WPFW 89.3 FM, Pan-Africanist and internationalist organizer, joins us to discuss Haiti. The President of Cuba has spoken out about the moral obligation to provide unconditional cooperation with Haiti. Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic of Cuba, argued that years of plunder and foreign intervention are at the heart of Haiti's problems.Dan Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "The Velvet Coup: The Constitution, the Supreme Court and the Decline of American Democracy," joins us to discuss censorship. The US government is targeting another independent news and editorial site as a purveyor of Russian disinformation. The highly trafficked site "Zero Hedge" is in the crosshairs of the deep state media and intelligence complex.

Caleb Maupin, journalist and political analyst, joins us to wrap up the important stories for the week. Police in Canada have begun arresting anti-mandate protesters. Also, we discuss the failed Russian invasion claims and the US media's greatest misses. Jack Rasmus, professor in economics and politics at St. Mary's College in California, joins us to discuss the economic stories for the week. The end of pandemic economic measures is having a dramatic effect on child poverty. Also, we discuss the latest problems in the stock market, as well as the inflation outlook for the coming year.Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst and co-founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, joins us to discuss the NATO crisis. The Russian invasion seems to have either been canceled or was never planned. Also, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken admits that he has no clue why Russia would invade Ukraine, and the Pentagon is set to get another raise in its 2023 budget.Dr. Colin Campbell, a Washington, DC, news correspondent, and Margaret Flowers, pediatrician and health reform activist, join us to discuss this week's stories. The Supreme Court nomination may be impeded by Congressional infighting. Also, we discuss the bloated Pentagon budget, the spike in child poverty, and fake Russian invasion claims.Niko House, political activist, independent journalist and podcaster, and Jim Kavanagh, writer at thepolemicist.net & CounterPunch and the author of "Danger to Society: Against Vaccine Passports," come together to talk politics. The John Durham investigation has turned up credible evidence that the Clinton campaign paid operatives to spy on the office of the former president. Also, we discuss Nord Stream 2 and the US war on its own citizens with domestic terrorism laws.

Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst and co-founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, joins us to discuss the NATO crisis. The Russian invasion seems to have been either canceled or was never planned. Also, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken admits that he has no clue why Russia would invade Ukraine and the Pentagon is set to get another raise in its 2023 budget.

Jack Rasmus, professor in economics and politics at St. Mary's College in California joins us to discuss the economic stories for the week. The end of pandemic economic measures is having a dramatic effect on child poverty. Also, we discuss the latest problems in the stock market and the inflation outlook for the coming year.

Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations security analyst, joins us to discuss the Russian invasion predictions. US officials squabble over semantics as the "Russian invasion" hoax flops and Russian military units return to barracks. US officials argue that the claims of a Russian pullback around Ukraine are false.Martin Sieff, senior fellow at the American University in Moscow, joins us to discuss the Pentagon budget. The Biden administration is reportedly prepared to ask for up to $800 billion in their 2023 defense budget as US inflation runs wild and the fear of recession looms in the US empire. Also, we discuss the long-term effect of massive military spending by the US government.The Critical Hour Co-hosts Dr. Wilmer Leon and Garland Nixon come together to discuss censorship. The Biden administration's proposals for domestic terrorism laws are examined. The newest iteration of the domestic terrorism legislation appears to create an environment in which anyone who holds thoughts that run contrary to the official government narrative may be defined as a terrorist.Gerald Horne, professor of history at the University of Houston, author, historian, and researcher, joins us to discuss Africa. France is withdrawing from Mali as the people of the African nation take to the streets in massive demonstrations and civil disobedience against French colonial rule. Also, the Burkina Faso coup leader was inaugurated as president.Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, joins us to discuss the Middle East. Israel has reportedly launched fresh attacks on Syria near Damascus. Also, we discuss the US policy of using the entire Middle East as a free-fire zone resulting in years of merciless civilian slaughter, and settlers destroying 50 Palestinian olive trees near Salfit.Dan Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "The Velvet Coup: The Constitution, the Supreme Court and the Decline of American Democracy," joins us to discuss the NATO crisis. The invasion hoax is dissipating, but the crisis along the Russian border has not been abated. Also, there is increased shelling along the contact line in Eastern Ukraine, and some fear a US-sponsored Ukrainian offensive is in the offingLeo Flores, Latin America coordinator for Code Pink, joins us to discuss the Global South. The US Empire is using the Venezuelan people as pawns as they maintain brutal sanctions that cause untold suffering in the Bolivarian republic. Also, the Cuban communist party supports Syria's fight against terrorism and imperialism.Prof. Linwood Tauheed, associate professor of economics at the University of Missouri- Kansas City, joins us to discuss the economy. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has stated that she is pleased with the direction of the economy, but is still quite concerned about rising inflation. Also, based on historic patterns, bond yields are showing signs of an impending recession.

Gerald Horne, professor of history at the University of Houston, author, historian, and researcher, joins us to discuss Africa. France is withdrawing from Mali as the people of the African nation take to the streets in massive demonstrations and civil disobedience against French colonial rule. Also, the Burkina Faso coup leader was inaugurated as president.