We have to be with Ukraine for as long as it takes. If Putin gets away with taking territory, this will never end. We need to ramp it up and explain to people what is at stake. Americans, including Republicans, started out waving Ukrainian flags and saying that we were willing to deal with higher gas prices in support of this effort. It’s a shame that we would allow Putin’s propagandists to control the narrative. If we don’t fix this now, then we will be dealing with the outcome for decades, it won’t just go away.
Ukraine eliminated the Black Sea fleet and its leadership without a navy and barely having an air force. That alone was worth several minutes of coverage vs parroting Kremlin talking points.
fascinating interview! please keep up the good work. your podcast is one of the few sources of international info here in usa. and you do it so well, thank you.
Ben Rhodes, as smart and savvy as they come. He never comes to a conversation without a concise and thoughtful outlook, an articulate prognosis, and an informed and pragmatic suggestion on how to proceed. Rockstar Ben. #mfbelfast #starcubmichael #orange4change
So grateful to hear Mr. Rhodes articulate the need to call out India. Canada is an honorable country and the US needs to do way more about this assassination. It's absolutely comparable to Khashoggi.
@@EhEhEhEINSTEIN I frigging love using the _salimetric_ system. sa·lim·e·ter (sə-lĭm′ĭ-tər) n. A specially graduated hydrometer that directly indicates the concentration of salt in a solution. sal′i·met′ric (săl′ə-mĕt′rĭk) adj.
How can you say there's no definition of a victory for Ukraine? Maybe if you cover your eyes and ears, you can't see it, I guess. It's always been: 1991 borders, return of the children and POWs, war crimes tribunal, reparations. You could have said it's unrealistic or something, or that it's a starting position in negotiations, but pretending it doesn't exist is hypocrisy, Ben and Tommy.
Russia won’t be able to hold Ukraine. Even if they defeat the Ukrainian army, which they are not on track to do, they don’t have the resource to put down a sustained insurgency. Russia is already falling apart socially and economically and it will only get worse. It’s a question of when. If western support falls off, it could take a decade or two.
What's the difference between an unrealistic definition of victory and a non-existent one? If it's unrealistic to get all the goals, but we're committed to fighting/supporting/whatever "as long as it takes," the result is a lack of an endpoint, no? To be clear, I'm not opposed to further support for Ukraine. Even if the "no definition of victory" argument holds water, I think we can still support them for now and find a solution along the way, given the brutality of Russia's campaign and the suffering of the Ukrainian people. The one argument I will never accept is that we should stop doing right by those who suffer because it's inconvenient for us.
@@blanktester >What's the difference between an unrealistic definition of victory and a non-existent one? What's the difference between zero and infinity? I'm simply pointing out that Ben is lying when he says there's no definition. There is one. It's only unrealistic if we want to make it so. Russia's starting position is annihilation of Ukrainian statehood and full removal of NATO from Eastern Europe. Ukraine's position is "we keep our lands and people safe, preserve the UN Charter and bad actors get punished". Which is more unrealistic?
49:32 fucking hell, Tommy, I usually have a *lot* of respect for your opinions even if I don't 100% agree, but what you just said has me scratching at the walls, zoo are not abominations!!!!! Zoos play an INCREDIBLY important role in conservation and education, and dollar for dollar are some of the most effective organizations in existence when it comes to protecting endangered species from extinction. Are there crappy zoos out there that mistreat their animals? Abso-fucking-lutely, and there needs to be more oversight on these institutions (hell, even setting official oversight aside, if PETA-adjacent animal rights activists put a fraction of the money they spend on bullshit pr and "go vegetarian" stunts toward improving conditions in zoos, animals worldwide would be much better off). But on the whole, zoos are a force for good! There are species out there that would be 100% extinct if not for zoos, and pandas are often an important part of that - people love them because they're cute, and they bring in more money than is needed to take care of them, so that extra cash can be put toward protecting less charismatic animals like fish and bugs and amphibians people don't care about so much. It's a damned shame that there are fewer pandas in zoos outside of China, and pandas deserve better than to be caught up in human political rivalries
Many people feel that humans don’t have a right to hold animals captive away from their natural environment, & that animals have a right to a free existence in their own surrounds in the same way that humans do. If humans respected the natural environment in a real & practical manner there would be no need or justification for zoos. It’s about seeing the world differently, where each life form has its natural place & humans re-learn to live in balance with the world & appreciate it rather than trying to dominate it.
If politicians want to reach so called real people or working people like myself, their language has to change. Ukraine was invaded by a dictator who wants to dominate huge parts of the world by force, espionage, by corrupting public officials and he won't stop at making war in Ukraine. People have become numb to the vapid euphemisms politicians have come to use. During the height of the cold war newscasters didn't refer to "human rights violations" and "human trafficking"- they called things what they were. Wars of conquest, dictators, murder, war, children being sold into prostitution, concentration camps. There is a reason eastern dictators sold themselves and their crimes in a certain way. They were never socialists, they were dictators, they called them "reeducation camps" but we called them concentration camps and both sides chose their language for a reason.
... a dictator that wants to dominate huge parts of the world by force, espionage, by corrupting public officials . Substitute the word "country" for "dictator" and you've just described the USA. How does Russia being EVEN LESS of a democracy than the USA make it OK for the USA to use Ukraine as a venue for a long, drawn-out proxy war against Russia? Zelensky knew that Russia COULD not and WOULD not stand by when he talked about having American controlled military bases in Ukraine. He knew it meant war. He knew Putin is a ruthless, cold-blooded, killer. If he HAD to have a war with Russia, he could at least have waited until Putin was no longer the Russian leader.
We have warehouses of shit to give them. We are not paying billions, we are giving them billions for shit we never needed and won't need. Funding for Ukraine is not a complicated issue.
We should teach them low cost tactics, like how to build small arms out of pipes and use fertilizer bombs. Would be sustainable path to victory. Go to a guerilla style like the Vietnamese with traps with spikes. That is how you win against a bigger opponent.
I hate they way Ben frames the Ukraine war. He gives permission to those that are loosing faith even when the war is progressing much as he had predicted. PStW is not the place to both sides this. Start with why people that want more are wrong and roll into how it is good for democracy to continue the fight then finish with how Biden can try to get what is needed done.
I mean, Ben was the deputy nat sec advisor during the administration that did the "Reset" with Russia, barely reacted to the annexation of Crimea and the war in Donbas, allowed the nuclearisation of North Korea, allowed Assad (and Putin) to murder children in Syria, made deals with Ayatollahs in Iran, and so on and so forth. I wouldn't take advice on foreign policy (or messaging) from someone with his track record. This podcast is only good for measuring the temperature of progressive left's views on foreign affairs. Sadly, none of the history lessons have taught them anything.
@@tabascopronto I don't disagree with your take on Ben's track record, but I wanted to make one small clarification about the "temperature taking" - this podcast is representative of the "neo-liberal" left, the "progressive" left is in the comments calling them out. If that's what you intended by "taking the temperature", then yes, they're a good thermometer.
I wish Tommy would have pushed back more on the idea that keeping sanctions against North Korea. We can’t control what other governments do, but we can control whether or not our sanctions contribute to their citizens not having access to basic needs.
Great show (regardless of the Ukraine gaffe). Very informative. It’s a shame that General Milley didn’t just say that no one has ever cared about anything Benedict Arnold had to say about the patriotism of any other American. That too is a fact the civility police can chew on and swallow hard.
Kelly was the chief of staff - a political position. Mattis was the defense secretary - a political position. So spare me that they don't want to make political statements.
THe US must take more seriously Europe's concern that contrary to the US, we do not have our own energy sources and that we are first in line to the refugee crisis from zones of the world that were destabilized by the US. Not saying this as an adversary to the US or anything like that, but those 2 things must be in the spotlight more in a country that is in none of those 2 situations.
Good grief, just trumps rant about the people prosecuting him, should show everyone the kind of person he is. And just attach the people holding gov office that praise him should make most people that they too need to be gotten out of office.
When I was in the military of my colleagues who voted most supported the republicans. This should not surprise anyone. Historically republican values closely align with the type of people who join the military Myself excluded of course! Also republicans tended to support more military spending and we got more pay rises when republicans were in control. Because service members tend to be more conservative I don’t think they’ll all start voting democrat. That being said, service members care about the direction of the country and their reputation . Having a leader that dismisses them and doesn’t respect them challenges those values. It has to have an effect. I really hope it does
I have made a note about Beyond Utopia. If anyone has any doubt about the horrible oppression in North Korea, I would also suggest the book, A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea by Masaji Ishikawa. It's an amazing and harrowing true story.
Equating living under the Kims to life in Nazi Germany is pretty inapt. Most Germans experienced a rising standard of living and were relatively free to work and live how they chose until the war started and they weren't in an 'out-group'. A way better analog would be Cultural Revolutionary China, the Soviet Union during the Great Terror, or maybe in Hoxha's Albania. The point is totalitarianism, something Nazis never really aspired to.
You’ve got a pretty rosy view of the Nazis. They were big time totalitarians. They beat up their political critics and opponents and sent them off to death camps. They promoted violence in the streets. They cracked down on the press and academia and forced state propaganda everywhere. They indoctrinated children. And, they required hero worship of Hitler on par with that of Mao or Kim. It’s crazy to attribute “relative freedom” to the Nazis.
I know this is really messed up and it really is a serious matter.. every time I think of North Korea I think of the episode John Oliver did on last week tonight and at the end weird Al came out to sing “please don’t nuke us, North Korea..” in case you were looking for some levity
Why is Africa any less important to help then any other countries like Afghanistan or Iraq or any other places the US and the UN has helped? Makes me suspicious that now suddenly we're wanting to help Africa doesn't have anything to do with their natural resources. I hope I'm wrong.
Africa's not the only place the USA is threatening to help. It's also threatening to help Australia. By using Australia a base from which to attack China.
re: Haiti, this is a naive question, but why not take a "beachhead" approach, not to take over violently and impose order, but attempting to establish a zone of safety and economic trust with an outlet to the ocean to prevent change efforts from getting swamped by the chaos internally, and build out from there? Gonaves Island is right there. Admit that the country is a failed state, change the word colonialism to conservatorship, use the need to help Haiti as an opportunity to do a full historical autopsy of all of the problems of colonialism, have the global south use Haiti as a test case for lessons that can applied world wide, and get a functioning court system on that island so it's safe and secure.
The fact that Ukraine didn't gain enough territory in the offensive is a false narrative. That Russia has been fought to a standstill, is a massive victory. Russia should have been able to totally shut the offensive down. Not only did that not happen, but Ukraine captured places as important as Robotyne and broke through some of Russia's lines. Those gains are are a massive victory for the Ukrainians. They shouldn't be able to be on the offensive at all and the small wins they've gotten shouldn't be taken for granted.
Not to mention the Black Sea Fleet withdrawing(!) from Crimea! And grain ships are finally passing through to Ukrainian ports. This is not a result of appeasement or fake negotiations - Ukraine did it, with weapons. Ukraine can do more with more weapons, don't stop now because the media is bored.
I agree, and I also think that seeing military gains purely in terms of land is a bit reductive. However, there are a few points worth mentioning: First that you do have to sell this to the general public, and it is just easier to sell territorial gains as markers of progress. Second, that territory control *is* part of Ukraine's stated war goals. They want their occupied land back, so it is a valid general metric to measure success by. The combination of the two just makes it difficult sometimes to sell to most people.
@@umjackd Sadly, you're probably right. I do think the press in general could sell the narrative of one of the world's most powerful militaries being completely neutered by a country 1/3 its size. It's not as compelling though, and most media outlets aren't sophisticated enough to thread that needle. In many ways, this season has been comparable to the Tet Offensive during Vietnam. While a military disaster for the North, it convinced Cronkite to tell America the war was unwinnable. Fox News would never run with that narrative as they only spout propaganda that hurts the Democrats. Heaven forbid they try to use all that media power to try and save Ukrainian lives.
I am blowing the whistle at 31:37, where Tommy Vietor makes a jab against Catholics under his breath. Catholics respect the Jewish people as their elder brothers and sisters in the faith. The Catechism teaches that ALL people were guilty for Jesus’ death (not only the Jews, as the deplorable Nazis and intolerant-Catholics might claim).
It's an awful situation but how much aid does Ukraine need? Specifically from the US? The majority of the world has supported Ukraine and cut ties with Russia
What reporting, though, and what were the gains they indicated? I'm all for Ukraine taking back every square inch of their sovereign territory, but Russia controls like 160,000+ sq km and the counter-offensive, while making some significant symbolic gains, has taken and held less than a few hundred sq km. Sources include everything from BBC, CNN, and Aljazeera to the Institute for the Study of War. Even without the contacts these two probably have in government, I can see the math working. Slava Ukraini.
It's nothing if you don't count the Black Sea fleet withdrawing(!) from Crimea(!!!), and grain ships finally coming in and out of Ukrainian ports. Ukraine did it using weapons. Not by negotiating away more sovereignty to a dictator. Retaking ground is hard, especially under the conditions set by the types of weapons provided. But it's not the only measure of the counteroffensive.
@@tabascopronto All of that is fantastic news and worth cheering on and I hope and pray that momentum continues. The percentage mentioned was in a specific reference to a specific fact of the current summer 2023 counter-offensive however, and in a war we have to be specific about facts when presenting them. Should they have mentioned the other gains Ukraine has made, sure. The 0.25% remains correct however. Slava Ukraini.
The cost was terrible, but Vietnam not only managed to win their War of Independence from France against the Americans and the French, but also win the subsequent war against the collaborators with the USA, having first kicked out the USA. Which had rained hellfire and tetragenic poison on the country from above. Even today Vietnamese children are paying a medical price. At lease they united the country and could move forward. Korea, which never managed to kick out the Americans and unite, is today a total basket case and a chronic world flashpoint.
1:13:20 the US trying to get information to the people sounds like.... aiding and abbetting the North Korean revolution? Which I think is good but uh, complicated.
Three things. 1. Why is no one talking about the blood sucking bed bug outbreak in France? And now other parts of the world. 2. Tommy there is alway Kung Fu Panda movies. Which are very funny. 3. Ben wouldnt it be such a nice place to live if the whole world was kind like Sesame street.
What are these black and white photos on Ben's wall? To the left of his vid, it looks like ... boring skylines? omg, just noticed the iron enclosed bed. this has New England vibes thru the roof, and not in a good way.
Guys, I am frankly shocked by the complete lack of context and extremely biased reporting around India’s position on Nijjar. This goes so far beyond your assumption that india killed him despite no clear evidence shown - of course if they did, I clearly don’t support murder - but your COMPLETE lack of reporting on the fact that he was a wanted criminal for orchestrating terrorist attacks in india is absolutely absurd. I honestly don’t even have a strong loyalty to the BJP and am not an Indian citizen but this coverage was so callous that it’s genuinely making me question my deep trust in your reporting. Saying the Khalistani movement isn’t active or a “real” threat goes so far beyond uninformed, it’s clearly some sort of effort to erase the clearly chronicled history of terror at attacks in india for decades. I’ve been a loyal fan of pod save America for many years now and was so excited to see a global version of one of my favourite podcasts, but your coverage of this has left me questioning my own judgement for having trusted you guys completely for YEARS. Frankly I’m so deeply sad to see this extremely biased, America centric, casually holier than thou tone that is so unfamiliar and deeply hurtful to me coming from people I used to respect as balanced and carefully avoidant of such painful American stereotypical attitudes - your bias and omission of an entire side of the story is clear to me here because I literally have family members who were wounded in terrorist attacks organized by this group. PLEASE re think your approach to this and at the very least educate yourself by looking at the history of terrorism in india.
Lol nice. Yeah, influential, certainly not. His "Reign of Terriblor" might prove to be one of the most _consequential_ though 🤔 The day the Republic(an party) died. 🙏
It is north America, and US citizens and alot of the rest of world forget that. Just as they forget that America is a continent and that all of us are Americans of one kind or another. To me it is an example of the way language can be used to make invisible some places and cultures, making policies and actions regarding them less visible to the everyday US or Canadian citizen.
I like all your opinions, ok most of your opinions also Modiis not my favorite by any length may be but you really need to inform yourself on khalistani movement and having grown up there, when khalistanis were killing non sikhs in the states of punjab haryana in 80s,90s. Was horrid and awful. Again i am mot in favor of political assassinations. Anyhoo.
This show is a propaganda piece for the Ukraine war that Ben and Tom love so much! They bemoan any difference of opinion about the needless killing of Ukrainian soldiers. This war needs to stop immediately and apparently can only do so when Republicans who love this county pull the plug. I hate zoos and feel sorry for the animals. They all need to close and stop this torture.
I was wondering about that. As a leftist, I've seen a wide variety of views on NK that vary from "it's all true, it's terrible!" to "it's all false, it's propaganda!" and I don't know what to make of it.
"so triggered" is such an overstatement. They talked about him for a few minutes and pointed out what a loser he is. Just because he got rich from daddy's apartheid emerald mines doesn't make him smart or special in any way.
Anybody who supports Ukraine should be kicked out of office. Say NO to corruption. Ukraine isn't a democracy . In fact it's a big concentration camp. So far all men from 18 to 60 are banned from leaving, but it's only a matter of time before other categories will be banned too. Hundreds of people drowned or froze to death trying to escape this concentration camp.
Everything you said about Ukraine, is more accurate about Russia, and everyone who supports Russia should be kicked out of office and be Forbidden from running for any office ever again
Joshua Paul uncritically repeating Russian propaganda and talking points. Not a good look, dude. So if you don’t support Ukraine, then you must support Russia, and accept the idea that any strongman can launch wars of conquest and aggression without consequence.
We have to be with Ukraine for as long as it takes. If Putin gets away with taking territory, this will never end. We need to ramp it up and explain to people what is at stake. Americans, including Republicans, started out waving Ukrainian flags and saying that we were willing to deal with higher gas prices in support of this effort. It’s a shame that we would allow Putin’s propagandists to control the narrative. If we don’t fix this now, then we will be dealing with the outcome for decades, it won’t just go away.
Ukraine eliminated the Black Sea fleet and its leadership without a navy and barely having an air force. That alone was worth several minutes of coverage vs parroting Kremlin talking points.
@@curiousexplorer99 yes, this is a big deal and should have been the focus of this this discussion.
fascinating interview! please keep up the good work. your podcast is one of the few sources of international info here in usa. and you do it so well, thank you.
Ben & Tommy segments are the best that Crooked puts forward.
Ben Rhodes, as smart and savvy as they come. He never comes to a conversation without a concise and thoughtful outlook, an articulate prognosis, and an informed and pragmatic suggestion on how to proceed. Rockstar Ben. #mfbelfast #starcubmichael #orange4change
Thank you for your support for our PM. Canada has been a staunch member of the Five Eyes Alliance.
So grateful to hear Mr. Rhodes articulate the need to call out India. Canada is an honorable country and the US needs to do way more about this assassination. It's absolutely comparable to Khashoggi.
Tbf in the UK both parties are absolutely committed to continuing support
@velvet1865 it does which is nice after the embarrassment of the last year year
Brilliant interview and such a good speaker
Still a longer office held than Liz Truss
Lettuce never forget!
😂
One of my top World News sources... Thanks, always, gents.
His speakership lasted 24 Scaramuccis or 6 Trusses
Idk why the weird units of measure always amuse me so much but this one definitely made me chuckle, thank you!
@@EhEhEhEINSTEIN I frigging love using the _salimetric_ system.
sa·lim·e·ter (sə-lĭm′ĭ-tər)
n.
A specially graduated hydrometer that directly indicates the concentration of salt in a solution.
sal′i·met′ric (săl′ə-mĕt′rĭk) adj.
How can you say there's no definition of a victory for Ukraine? Maybe if you cover your eyes and ears, you can't see it, I guess.
It's always been: 1991 borders, return of the children and POWs, war crimes tribunal, reparations.
You could have said it's unrealistic or something, or that it's a starting position in negotiations, but pretending it doesn't exist is hypocrisy, Ben and Tommy.
Russia won’t be able to hold Ukraine. Even if they defeat the Ukrainian army, which they are not on track to do, they don’t have the resource to put down a sustained insurgency. Russia is already falling apart socially and economically and it will only get worse. It’s a question of when. If western support falls off, it could take a decade or two.
What's the difference between an unrealistic definition of victory and a non-existent one? If it's unrealistic to get all the goals, but we're committed to fighting/supporting/whatever "as long as it takes," the result is a lack of an endpoint, no?
To be clear, I'm not opposed to further support for Ukraine. Even if the "no definition of victory" argument holds water, I think we can still support them for now and find a solution along the way, given the brutality of Russia's campaign and the suffering of the Ukrainian people. The one argument I will never accept is that we should stop doing right by those who suffer because it's inconvenient for us.
Reading those conditions again makes me realize how insane they are, like it was deliberately written so there would never be peace.
@@blanktester >What's the difference between an unrealistic definition of victory and a non-existent one?
What's the difference between zero and infinity?
I'm simply pointing out that Ben is lying when he says there's no definition. There is one. It's only unrealistic if we want to make it so.
Russia's starting position is annihilation of Ukrainian statehood and full removal of NATO from Eastern Europe. Ukraine's position is "we keep our lands and people safe, preserve the UN Charter and bad actors get punished". Which is more unrealistic?
49:32 fucking hell, Tommy, I usually have a *lot* of respect for your opinions even if I don't 100% agree, but what you just said has me scratching at the walls, zoo are not abominations!!!!! Zoos play an INCREDIBLY important role in conservation and education, and dollar for dollar are some of the most effective organizations in existence when it comes to protecting endangered species from extinction. Are there crappy zoos out there that mistreat their animals? Abso-fucking-lutely, and there needs to be more oversight on these institutions (hell, even setting official oversight aside, if PETA-adjacent animal rights activists put a fraction of the money they spend on bullshit pr and "go vegetarian" stunts toward improving conditions in zoos, animals worldwide would be much better off). But on the whole, zoos are a force for good! There are species out there that would be 100% extinct if not for zoos, and pandas are often an important part of that - people love them because they're cute, and they bring in more money than is needed to take care of them, so that extra cash can be put toward protecting less charismatic animals like fish and bugs and amphibians people don't care about so much. It's a damned shame that there are fewer pandas in zoos outside of China, and pandas deserve better than to be caught up in human political rivalries
NOPE.
Many people feel that humans don’t have a right to hold animals captive away from their natural environment, & that animals have a right to a free existence in their own surrounds in the same way that humans do.
If humans respected the natural environment in a real & practical manner there would be no need or justification for zoos.
It’s about seeing the world differently, where each life form has its natural place & humans re-learn to live in balance with the world & appreciate it rather than trying to dominate it.
I too have conflicted views on zoos. Tending to shift towards outright dislike as I get older.
Great show, thank you.
Ukraine’s position may not be sustainable long term, but neither is Russia’s. Russia’s is arguably less sustainable than Ukraine’s.
If politicians want to reach so called real people or working people like myself, their language has to change.
Ukraine was invaded by a dictator who wants to dominate huge parts of the world by force, espionage, by corrupting public officials and he won't stop at making war in Ukraine. People have become numb to the vapid euphemisms politicians have come to use. During the height of the cold war newscasters didn't refer to "human rights violations" and "human trafficking"- they called things what they were. Wars of conquest, dictators, murder, war, children being sold into prostitution, concentration camps. There is a reason eastern dictators sold themselves and their crimes in a certain way. They were never socialists, they were dictators, they called them "reeducation camps" but we called them concentration camps and both sides chose their language for a reason.
... a dictator that wants to dominate huge parts of the world by force, espionage, by corrupting public officials . Substitute the word "country" for "dictator" and you've just described the USA. How does Russia being EVEN LESS of a democracy than the USA make it OK for the USA to use Ukraine as a venue for a long, drawn-out proxy war against Russia? Zelensky knew that Russia COULD not and WOULD not stand by when he talked about having American controlled military bases in Ukraine. He knew it meant war. He knew Putin is a ruthless, cold-blooded, killer. If he HAD to have a war with Russia, he could at least have waited until Putin was no longer the Russian leader.
All I can say is good riddance McCarthy. When the one thing you demand for the Continuing Resolution is to stop funding Ukraine, you can get effed.
Ben, 💯 on the Nijjar, India Canada story
Not all zoos are bad! A lot of them do really important conservation work be it public education, research or programs to boost native species numbers
We have warehouses of shit to give them. We are not paying billions, we are giving them billions for shit we never needed and won't need. Funding for Ukraine is not a complicated issue.
We should teach them low cost tactics, like how to build small arms out of pipes and use fertilizer bombs. Would be sustainable path to victory. Go to a guerilla style like the Vietnamese with traps with spikes. That is how you win against a bigger opponent.
I hate they way Ben frames the Ukraine war. He gives permission to those that are loosing faith even when the war is progressing much as he had predicted.
PStW is not the place to both sides this.
Start with why people that want more are wrong and roll into how it is good for democracy to continue the fight then finish with how Biden can try to get what is needed done.
I mean, Ben was the deputy nat sec advisor during the administration that did the "Reset" with Russia, barely reacted to the annexation of Crimea and the war in Donbas, allowed the nuclearisation of North Korea, allowed Assad (and Putin) to murder children in Syria, made deals with Ayatollahs in Iran, and so on and so forth.
I wouldn't take advice on foreign policy (or messaging) from someone with his track record.
This podcast is only good for measuring the temperature of progressive left's views on foreign affairs. Sadly, none of the history lessons have taught them anything.
@@tabascopronto I don't disagree with your take on Ben's track record, but I wanted to make one small clarification about the "temperature taking" - this podcast is representative of the "neo-liberal" left, the "progressive" left is in the comments calling them out.
If that's what you intended by "taking the temperature", then yes, they're a good thermometer.
@@OdyTypeR Thanks for your clarification, their positions are honestly confusing.
I wish Tommy would have pushed back more on the idea that keeping sanctions against North Korea. We can’t control what other governments do, but we can control whether or not our sanctions contribute to their citizens not having access to basic needs.
Great show (regardless of the Ukraine gaffe). Very informative. It’s a shame that General Milley didn’t just say that no one has ever cared about anything Benedict Arnold had to say about the patriotism of any other American. That too is a fact the civility police can chew on and swallow hard.
Thank you
Again, why don’t we have a Twitter alternative?
We do, you just don't use it. Or them.
Thanks guys 👍👍
Kelly was the chief of staff - a political position. Mattis was the defense secretary - a political position. So spare me that they don't want to make political statements.
THe US must take more seriously Europe's concern that contrary to the US, we do not have our own energy sources and that we are first in line to the refugee crisis from zones of the world that were destabilized by the US. Not saying this as an adversary to the US or anything like that, but those 2 things must be in the spotlight more in a country that is in none of those 2 situations.
McCarthy becomes the Scaramuchi of House Speakers.
Not an accurate comparison, McCarthy lasted longer than THE MOOCH
@@erichfiedler1481 Scaramucci Fired Before He Was Sworn In
Scaramucci minus his way with words does not leave much.
Good grief, just trumps rant about the people prosecuting him, should show everyone the kind of person he is. And just attach the people holding gov office that praise him should make most people that they too need to be gotten out of office.
0:14 😂😂😂😂😂that picture is crazy!!!!
When I was in the military of my colleagues who voted most supported the republicans. This should not surprise anyone. Historically republican values closely align with the type of people who join the military Myself excluded of course! Also republicans tended to support more military spending and we got more pay rises when republicans were in control. Because service members tend to be more conservative I don’t think they’ll all start voting democrat. That being said, service members care about the direction of the country and their reputation . Having a leader that dismisses them and doesn’t respect them challenges those values. It has to have an effect. I really hope it does
I wish they would’ve talked a little about the elections Coup going on in Guatemala and the 6 day protests ongoing!!
I have made a note about Beyond Utopia. If anyone has any doubt about the horrible oppression in North Korea, I would also suggest the book, A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea by Masaji Ishikawa. It's an amazing and harrowing true story.
@benrhodes Amazing shoutout to Sesame Street! ❤
Would it be possible to explain a bit about the Armenian conflict?
Equating living under the Kims to life in Nazi Germany is pretty inapt. Most Germans experienced a rising standard of living and were relatively free to work and live how they chose until the war started and they weren't in an 'out-group'. A way better analog would be Cultural Revolutionary China, the Soviet Union during the Great Terror, or maybe in Hoxha's Albania. The point is totalitarianism, something Nazis never really aspired to.
You’ve got a pretty rosy view of the Nazis. They were big time totalitarians. They beat up their political critics and opponents and sent them off to death camps. They promoted violence in the streets. They cracked down on the press and academia and forced state propaganda everywhere. They indoctrinated children. And, they required hero worship of Hitler on par with that of Mao or Kim. It’s crazy to attribute “relative freedom” to the Nazis.
lol "Canadian investment in India", what a threat. I am sure India is shaking in their boots
I think the larger point was that developed countries would be hesitant to invest if rules based society was ignored.
@user-uk2un4li9f look at Kashogi and how the US totally forgot about their own citizen. Realpolitik wins at the end of the day
I know this is really messed up and it really is a serious matter.. every time I think of North Korea I think of the episode John Oliver did on last week tonight and at the end weird Al came out to sing “please don’t nuke us, North Korea..” in case you were looking for some levity
Ouch says Taylor !!!
So we can add India to the list of countries one should not travel to. Is becoming a long list.
The only time I’ve ever seen a panda in person was in a Chinese zoo. It was the most depressing zoo I’ve ever seen.
Where can someone see Beyond Utopia? Theaters - Streaming?
I feel bad for the zoo keepers, losing their panda friends. 😔
Why is Africa any less important to help then any other countries like Afghanistan or Iraq or any other places the US and the UN has helped?
Makes me suspicious that now suddenly we're wanting to help Africa doesn't have anything to do with their natural resources. I hope I'm wrong.
Africa is a continent, not country.
@@EnigmaticPsyche Yeah I know, it's hard to throw into a comparison when speaking about other countries. But thanks for the education.
Africa's not the only place the USA is threatening to help. It's also threatening to help Australia. By using Australia a base from which to attack China.
Pandas were recalled.
re: Haiti, this is a naive question, but why not take a "beachhead" approach, not to take over violently and impose order, but attempting to establish a zone of safety and economic trust with an outlet to the ocean to prevent change efforts from getting swamped by the chaos internally, and build out from there? Gonaves Island is right there. Admit that the country is a failed state, change the word colonialism to conservatorship, use the need to help Haiti as an opportunity to do a full historical autopsy of all of the problems of colonialism, have the global south use Haiti as a test case for lessons that can applied world wide, and get a functioning court system on that island so it's safe and secure.
The fact that Ukraine didn't gain enough territory in the offensive is a false narrative.
That Russia has been fought to a standstill, is a massive victory.
Russia should have been able to totally shut the offensive down.
Not only did that not happen, but Ukraine captured places as important as Robotyne and broke through some of Russia's lines. Those gains are are a massive victory for the Ukrainians. They shouldn't be able to be on the offensive at all and the small wins they've gotten shouldn't be taken for granted.
Not to mention the Black Sea Fleet withdrawing(!) from Crimea! And grain ships are finally passing through to Ukrainian ports. This is not a result of appeasement or fake negotiations - Ukraine did it, with weapons. Ukraine can do more with more weapons, don't stop now because the media is bored.
I agree, and I also think that seeing military gains purely in terms of land is a bit reductive.
However, there are a few points worth mentioning:
First that you do have to sell this to the general public, and it is just easier to sell territorial gains as markers of progress.
Second, that territory control *is* part of Ukraine's stated war goals. They want their occupied land back, so it is a valid general metric to measure success by.
The combination of the two just makes it difficult sometimes to sell to most people.
@@umjackd
Sadly, you're probably right.
I do think the press in general could sell the narrative of one of the world's most powerful militaries being completely neutered by a country 1/3 its size. It's not as compelling though, and most media outlets aren't sophisticated enough to thread that needle.
In many ways, this season has been comparable to the Tet Offensive during Vietnam. While a military disaster for the North, it convinced Cronkite to tell America the war was unwinnable.
Fox News would never run with that narrative as they only spout propaganda that hurts the Democrats. Heaven forbid they try to use all that media power to try and save Ukrainian lives.
I am blowing the whistle at 31:37, where Tommy Vietor makes a jab against Catholics under his breath. Catholics respect the Jewish people as their elder brothers and sisters in the faith. The Catechism teaches that ALL people were guilty for Jesus’ death (not only the Jews, as the deplorable Nazis and intolerant-Catholics might claim).
What is it with these f'ing doofuses and their cowboy hats?!?!
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I live in Los Feliz. You guys are welcome to stop by anytime. See the real me.
They (figuratively) killed themselves instead
It's an awful situation but how much aid does Ukraine need? Specifically from the US? The majority of the world has supported Ukraine and cut ties with Russia
The Haiti chapter title says "nation" where it should say "mission"
wish you all did clips because the lead gets so buried in a lengthy podcast.
Wow nothing like helping Putin out. Just amazing
The China Show on YT covered panda diplomacy last Friday
Best of the best ! Podcast in the universe
They're gonna have a video about Israel and Palestine tomorrow
Note for Tommy, I believe Sikh is pronounced 'Seek' rather than Sick. Too pedantic?
Dictionaries say either pronunciation is acceptable.
I've known Sikhs who pronounce it either way, as well as middle ground pronunciations.
There should be NO zoos or zoo lovers. I mean seriously WTF?!
.25%? That is literally nothing which does not jive with the reporting on the offensive at all. Reporting indicated significant gains!!
What reporting, though, and what were the gains they indicated? I'm all for Ukraine taking back every square inch of their sovereign territory, but Russia controls like 160,000+ sq km and the counter-offensive, while making some significant symbolic gains, has taken and held less than a few hundred sq km. Sources include everything from BBC, CNN, and Aljazeera to the Institute for the Study of War. Even without the contacts these two probably have in government, I can see the math working. Slava Ukraini.
It's nothing if you don't count the Black Sea fleet withdrawing(!) from Crimea(!!!), and grain ships finally coming in and out of Ukrainian ports.
Ukraine did it using weapons. Not by negotiating away more sovereignty to a dictator.
Retaking ground is hard, especially under the conditions set by the types of weapons provided. But it's not the only measure of the counteroffensive.
@@tabascopronto All of that is fantastic news and worth cheering on and I hope and pray that momentum continues. The percentage mentioned was in a specific reference to a specific fact of the current summer 2023 counter-offensive however, and in a war we have to be specific about facts when presenting them. Should they have mentioned the other gains Ukraine has made, sure. The 0.25% remains correct however. Slava Ukraini.
The Domino Theory rides again. When was that last popular? Oh yeah, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
The cost was terrible, but Vietnam not only managed to win their War of Independence from France against the Americans and the French, but also win the subsequent war against the collaborators with the USA, having first kicked out the USA. Which had rained hellfire and tetragenic poison on the country from above. Even today Vietnamese children are paying a medical price. At lease they united the country and could move forward. Korea, which never managed to kick out the Americans and unite, is today a total basket case and a chronic world flashpoint.
1:13:20 the US trying to get information to the people sounds like.... aiding and abbetting the North Korean revolution? Which I think is good but uh, complicated.
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Three things. 1. Why is no one talking about the blood sucking bed bug outbreak in France? And now other parts of the world.
2. Tommy there is alway Kung Fu Panda movies. Which are very funny.
3. Ben wouldnt it be such a nice place to live if the whole world was kind like Sesame street.
What are these black and white photos on Ben's wall? To the left of his vid, it looks like ... boring skylines?
omg, just noticed the iron enclosed bed. this has New England vibes thru the roof, and not in a good way.
yes
Thank God i was so bored
There is no such thing as a good Repukelican. Put them in a paper bag shake it up and still get the same amount of nothing doing
Dont be racist Richard
Where is the coverage of the ongoing genocide in Azerbijan?
Tommy your anti-zoo stance is really ignorant. Modern accredited zoos are incredibly important in the work they do for conservation, animal rehab etc
How did the pro Putin sect get this far? Oh yeah, marketing.
My misreading of the thumbnail: Will Republicans Kill Ukraine For Sport?
how u gon say its not a fair benchmark when you’re not even experts on the subject 😭
military support or MRS Z's Cartier diamond fund
52:19 miss rachel is my girl!
Guys, I am frankly shocked by the complete lack of context and extremely biased reporting around India’s position on Nijjar. This goes so far beyond your assumption that india killed him despite no clear evidence shown - of course if they did, I clearly don’t support murder - but your COMPLETE lack of reporting on the fact that he was a wanted criminal for orchestrating terrorist attacks in india is absolutely absurd. I honestly don’t even have a strong loyalty to the BJP and am not an Indian citizen but this coverage was so callous that it’s genuinely making me question my deep trust in your reporting. Saying the Khalistani movement isn’t active or a “real” threat goes so far beyond uninformed, it’s clearly some sort of effort to erase the clearly chronicled history of terror at attacks in india for decades. I’ve been a loyal fan of pod save America for many years now and was so excited to see a global version of one of my favourite podcasts, but your coverage of this has left me questioning my own judgement for having trusted you guys completely for YEARS. Frankly I’m so deeply sad to see this extremely biased, America centric, casually holier than thou tone that is so unfamiliar and deeply hurtful to me coming from people I used to respect as balanced and carefully avoidant of such painful American stereotypical attitudes - your bias and omission of an entire side of the story is clear to me here because I literally have family members who were wounded in terrorist attacks organized by this group. PLEASE re think your approach to this and at the very least educate yourself by looking at the history of terrorism in india.
Kevin McCarthy will go down in American history as the single most influential Speaker of the hahahaha nah I'm just fuckin' with you.
Lol nice. Yeah, influential, certainly not. His "Reign of Terriblor" might prove to be one of the most _consequential_ though 🤔
The day the Republic(an party) died. 🙏
Who is the bald guy who is throwing Ukraine under the Trump bus?
First!
Nothing like giving china Russia and Iran power
Putins puppies
México is not South America
It is north America, and US citizens and alot of the rest of world forget that. Just as they forget that America is a continent and that all of us are Americans of one kind or another.
To me it is an example of the way language can be used to make invisible some places and cultures, making policies and actions regarding them less visible to the everyday US or Canadian citizen.
I like all your opinions, ok most of your opinions also Modiis not my favorite by any length may be but you really need to inform yourself on khalistani movement and having grown up there, when khalistanis were killing non sikhs in the states of punjab haryana in 80s,90s. Was horrid and awful. Again i am mot in favor of political assassinations. Anyhoo.
I love you guys, but this is the most depressing channel on youtube.
This show is a propaganda piece for the Ukraine war that Ben and Tom love so much! They bemoan any difference of opinion about the needless killing of Ukrainian soldiers. This war needs to stop immediately and apparently can only do so when Republicans who love this county pull the plug. I hate zoos and feel sorry for the animals. They all need to close and stop this torture.
Whats your plan to stop the war?
A film about NK that was partly produced by the CIA? Yeah, im sure that'd completely objective with no insane biases lolololololol
I was wondering about that. As a leftist, I've seen a wide variety of views on NK that vary from "it's all true, it's terrible!" to "it's all false, it's propaganda!" and I don't know what to make of it.
@blanktester can't say but as a general rule of thumb, if the CIA is involved, I lean towards it being bullshit
TRUMP 2024!!!
These guys are so triggered by Elon? They say his name is destain....?
"so triggered" is such an overstatement. They talked about him for a few minutes and pointed out what a loser he is. Just because he got rich from daddy's apartheid emerald mines doesn't make him smart or special in any way.
Anybody who supports Ukraine should be kicked out of office. Say NO to corruption. Ukraine isn't a democracy . In fact it's a big concentration camp. So far all men from 18 to 60 are banned from leaving, but it's only a matter of time before other categories will be banned too. Hundreds of people drowned or froze to death trying to escape this concentration camp.
Everything you said about Ukraine, is more accurate about Russia, and everyone who supports Russia should be kicked out of office and be Forbidden from running for any office ever again
@joshuapaul2022
There's those who support and help victims and those who stand with bullies. You seem to be the latter. Disgusting.
Joshua Paul uncritically repeating Russian propaganda and talking points. Not a good look, dude. So if you don’t support Ukraine, then you must support Russia, and accept the idea that any strongman can launch wars of conquest and aggression without consequence.
Russian Troll