EDITOR—Garland assesses the state of the world and US “democracy” with Dr Antony Monteiro. “We live an unprecedented moment”, notes Dr Monteiro. “A soft coup has taken place…at this point of extreme world crisis, no one seems to be in charge… Who’s making these decisions that will decide whether we live or die? Will we even get to see a Trump inauguration?”

No concerned American or cosmopolitan citizen should miss this wide-ranging, highly illuminating discussion. 

SCOTT RITTER—Matt Gaetz is the only person who has the motive and ability to take on the National Security Division’s of the DOJ and FBI and get justice for the American people whose lives have been turned upside down because of their distinctly illegal activities.

In 1998, the FBI promised to “fuck me in the ass” for daring to speak out against bad US policy in Iraq.

Today, some 26 years later, the FBI is still working to carry out that promise.

The FBI terrorizes innocent Americans daily for the “crime” of saying things their political masters object to.

Matt Gaetz was investigated by the FBI regarding the allegations that are the subject of the House Ethics Committee report.

The FBI did not press charges.

Matt Gaetz has promised to hold the FBI and Department of Justice to account for the crimes they have committed against him.

For the crimes they have committed against President Trump.

For the crimes that they have committed against the American people.

For the crimes they have committed against me. You see, it is personal.

EDITOR—Reckless disregard for the lives and well-being of billions of people around the globe does not begin to describe the latest “collective Biden” move to challenge Moscow with long-range weapons capable of hitting major Russian population centers and strategic points. If this is not openly provoking Russia to a probable nuclear conflict, nothing is. And this criminal declaration of war is taking place without the requisite endorsement of the US Congress and during the “lame duck” period of Biden’s presidency, AND in complete defiance of the recent election results, massively rejecting the Democrats rule!

NORMAN FINKELSTEIN—“Trump is a bully. He respects power.” Political scientist Norman Finkelstein explains why the Democrats sold the American public on a lie about hope, but why Trump will do nothing to stand up for those who have no power, like working people or Palestinians. This week on The Big Picture Podcast, we welcome back Professor Finkelstein to talk about the aftermath of the US elections, Israel’s war in Gaza and shifting tactics of the Palestine movement.

SCOTT RITTER—A splendid, must-watch interview with Scott Ritter who comments on a variety of pressing topics: • The latest developments in the Middle East—Lebanon/Hezbollah vs Israel and the farcical ceasefire •  Biden’s rump regime in Ukraine bringing the world so much closer to a nuclear confrontation with Russia, while the establishment media barely touch on the subject, preferring celebrity gossip, sports, and Trump criticisms to a national debate on the issues of war and peace confronting the US • Scott and Nima review Trump’s nominations so far, deeming them almost uniformly a disgrace, all warmongering Zionist Neocons in key positions: Marco Rubio, Mike Waltz, and the notorious Russophobe (and professional big mouth anti-communist) Sebastian Gorka, as “Senior Director for Counter-terrorism”.  This bunch, avers, Scott, will surely seek a war with Iran, and a worsening of the war in Ukraine. Trump, notes Scott, in the pocket of AIPAC and particularly the Adelsons, and with a “national security” team full of Neocons, is probably committed to some kind of US conflict with Iran. The man is pitifully inadequate to deal with the political complexities of the real world.

RACHEL BLEVINS—The Biden Admin may only have two months left, but it is using this lame-duck season to push the U.S. closer and closer to direct war with Russia, as the White House confirms it is allowing long-range strikes on Russian territory, despite repeated warnings from Moscow. Jimmy Dore, Host of The Jimmy Dore Show, noted that while the world is steps away from a nuclear world war, far too many Americans don’t seem to realize how dire the current tensions between the U.S. and Russia are, and the mainstream media is playing a major role in providing distractions as the U.S. war machine marches on.

VANESSA BEELEY—As promised this is the conversation that I had with Iran-based media producer and war correspondent Sarbaz Roohulla Rezvi. I apologise for the poor sound quality in the last segment due to internet issues in my side.

We discuss Iran’s True Promise 3, the internal situation in Iran that has an effect on decision making and Iran’s historical support for the entire Resistance Axis which is considered a “duty” and is 100% unconditional contrary to Western and Zionist hasbara. I hope you get as much out of the discussion as I did!

EDITOR—Sabby comments on the repugnant exhibition of full-on support for the depraved Zionist entity mounted by warmongering Zioncon Lindsay Graham, surely one of the most revolting political creatures in a culture replete with such specimens, and Sean Hannity, his media equivalent, a disinformation whore, a bully, and a political criminal, with a long and lucrative career of aggressive propaganda for the most disgraceful causes and projects in the last 40 years, all on behalf of the world oligarchy, which this repulsive individual is mighty happy to serve. Do note that the verminous Graham is now also busily sucking up to Trump, so the threat he represents is liable to continue indefinitely. 

MoA—Yesterday’s attack on the Yuzhmash complex in Dnepropetrovsk (video) was the first demonstration of the new Russian capability.

The new missiles, named Oreshnik (hazelnut), is a RS-26 variant with a shorter range and a payload of six (instead of the previously four) multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRV). Each reentry vehicle can carry six sub-munitions. The payload can be inert, destroying the target by the sheer power of its kinetic energy, high-explosive or nuclear.

The missile uses solid fuel and is road mobile. It can be fired on short notice from camouflaged positions.

Launched from Russia the missile can reach any target in Europe in less than 20 minutes. On reentry into the atmosphere the warheads of the missile reach hypersonic speeds of 3-4 kilometer per second. There is no air defense system in the world that could stop them.

The surprising and successful demonstration of such an enormous capability is a wake-up call for European strategists.

KIM PETERSEN—However woeful the Biden presidency has been, one ought not to forget the first Trump presidency. Trump has a track record. It seems prudent to remove the rose-colored glasses and take into consideration that track record.