Porkins Policy Review
From Hoax Busters Call:
John and Myself(Chris) have another excellent discussion with returning guest Pearse Redmond. We discuss the Showtime series ‘Homeland’, Media Manipulation and Coordination, Hyperrealistic Training Exercises, Predictive Programming,The Giffords Shooting, The Mass Shooting Epidemic, Islamic Terrorism, Politics, Donald Trump, Professional Wrestling, The Left-Right Paradigm.
I just had the great pleasure of joining Ed Opperman on the Opperman Report. We began by discussing the most recent developments with regards to the Jeffrey Epstein case. I broke down the case as well as the ongoing legal battle between Brad Edwards, Paul Cassell and the government. I also discuss the recent legal battles that Alan Dershowitz has suffered as he faces an uphill legal fight in his defamation suit. Ed and I also talk about some of the recent releases’ of depositions in the Epstein case and what they say about Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Dershowitz and the over all scale and scope of this pedophile ring. Ed and I also talk about our disdain for Donald Trump and his former political strategist Roger Stone.
Later Ed and I discuss the OJ Simpson case and some of our theories on it. We talk about the possibility of cocaine trafficking as a motive for the murder, and the numerous Scientology connections to the case.
In the after show we are joined by listener Joshua Brookshire and discuss a variety of topics. I discuss the CIA and Hollywood podcast series, DOD and CIA FOIA documents, money laundering in Hollywood, Central Asian geopolitics, Bowe Berghdal and much more.
From SpyCulture:
This review of the finale of Homeland discusses not just the final episode but the entire season. We reflect on what is new and different about this fifth season, from the religious dimensions being crow-barred into the show to the use of Russians as the enemy image and hackers as second-level terrorists. We examine the storyline of the recruitment of the Laura Poitras character by the BND, both drawing a parallel with the real life person and identifying this as a metaphor for Homeland as a state-sponsored show. We dwell on whether the CIA staff actually hate Laura Poitras, unaware that she may be an asset of some section of the Agency.
As the conversation progress, we outline the idea that Homeland is an experiment to see how far they can make people doubt their own perceptions of not just the show itself but also the geopolitical realities it sometimes portrays. We explore the idea that Homeland is designed to assault the audience’s confidence in their own perceptions. We wrap up looking at Homeland’s obsession with predicting or commenting on current events, often events that happen during the production or broadcasting of the show. We outline Alex Gansa’s recent admissions that the major creative players in the show – including Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin – attended four days of meetings at a private club in Georgetown. The meetings were arranged by former CIA deputy director John MacGaffin – the main consultant on Homeland – and involved currently serving CIA officers, State Department officials and White House staffers.
Download ClandesTime episode 066
Show Notes:
Alex Gansa on Homeland and Responding to Real Life Terrorism
On this penulitamte episode of our Homeland series Tom and I begin by venting about our hatred of Alison. Next we move onto the shows continual use of women as negative characters. WE discuss the similarities between Alison and real life Russian spy Anna Chapman. We look at the parallels between these two characters and the notion that Alison will receive a hero’s welcome if she returns to Russia. Next we explore if the Russian government would actually let an attack happen, as Homeland suggests, in order to galvanize the West to fight ISIS. Tom and I lay out some of our theories as to why the Russian’s don’t talk about the Gladio operations (Boston, 9/11, Paris) that they clearly are aware of. We discuss the emergence of yet another evil female spy this time in the form of a German Foreign Office offical. Later Tom and I discuss one of the major takeaways from this season: that the CIA no longer engages in torture. Through out this season we have seen several distinct plot lines that lead us to believe that the CIA no longer uses this brutal tactic. Tom and I discuss the moral issues surrounding torture and the aspects of torture that are never brought up in the debate. We discuss how the show uses the character of Marwan to illustrate that torture doesn’t work, and how this is most likely a deliberate propaganda move to wipe clean the CIA’s hands. We also note how the show has routinely made the German’s look not only like torturers, but Nazi’s and Stasi as well. Tom and I also touch on Hollywoods false portrayal of strong female characters in movies such as Spy, and how this is really just more of the same. Later we move onto the portrayal of Laura Poitras in the show and how this may reflect the CIA’s various desires to portray her as hero and villain. We round off the conversation by discussing some very interesting listener emails and tweets.
Tom and I briefly talk about our participation in a brand new media project being spearheaded by Sibel Edmonds at the end of the podcast.
Show Notes:
Homeland Season 5 episode 11 Our man in Damascus
Laila Helms could be a character in Homeland
Kathryn Bigelow Prepping Jihadi Recruitment Drama for HBO
First Look Media snags Comedy Central and NBC alum Lisa Leingang
First Look Media wants to make the next “Spotlight”
Music:
On this episode Christoph and I start off with our favorite Georgian politician, Mikheil Saakashvili, and his most recent meddling in his native country. While ostensibly operating as governor of Odessa, Saakashvili was recently caught on tape advising the owner and director of popular TV station Rustavi 2 on how to instigate a violent confrontation with the goverment. The pro-Saakashvili channel has been in a long legal dispute and the current regime has trued multiple times to shut it down. Christoph explains what is at stake for Rustavi 2 and how Saakashvili has been inserting himself into the situation. We discuss his plans to start a “revolution” by orchestrating a violent government showdown. We also talk about Georgia’s recent descion to buy natural gas from Russia and Iran. Christoph breaks down the reasons for this and address’ the persistan claims that the Georgian Dream Coalition is “pro-Russian.”
Next we move to Syria and the startling rumors of Chinese involvement in the war. We discuss a series of reports about Chinese naval vessels and military advisers arriving in Syria. Next we talk about the growing Uighur presence in places such as Jisr al Shughour and Deir ez-Zour. We break down the increasing role of the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP) with in the jihadi movement, but also their role in bringing hundreds of Uighur’s to Syria. We explore how all of this has forced China’s hand to a degree when in comes to fighting international terrorism.
For our third section Christoph and I explore the recent shooting down of a Russian jet by the Turkish military. We breakdown the reality of what actually happened, and provide a detailed analysis as to why Turkey carried out this action. We talk about Russia’s recent targeting of Turkish backed Turkem fighters, and how this one was one of the major factors for Turkey downing the fighter jet. Christoph explains how this was probably a joint US-Turkey operation separate from the NATO power structure. Christoph also tells us about the leader of the Turkem fighters and his true identity as a Turkish national and son of a Turkish mayor. As we round out the section we explore the ISIS oil smuggling routes that have also been bombed by Russia. We talk about how much of this lucrative trade is being overseen and brokered Bilal Erdogan, son of president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Christoph also gives his predictions as to the sorts of steps Russia will be taking in the near future.
For our weird terrorism section we discuss South Korea’s claims that ISIS and North Korea are in league with one another. As if that isn’t weird enough, we also touch on China’s claim that the Dailai Lama supports ISIS.
Christoph and I also briefly discuss a new media project that Sibel Edmonds is starting that both of us will be a part of.
Download PGG episode 11
Show Notes:
Saakashvili coup attempt:
“Rustavi 2 is a hostage of United National Movement,” Luka Kurtanidze
The New Great Game Round-Up #111 – U.S. Tries to Keep Georgia In Line
The New Great Game Round-Up #113 – Georgian Government Determined to Destroy Saakashvili Party
Wiretapped Recordings of Saakashvili Discussing Rustavi 2 TV Leaked
Saakashvili comments on leaked phone calls
Georgia strips ex-president Saakashvili of citizenship
Georgia’s “De-Georgianized” Ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili Vows a Comeback
Georgia wants gas from Russia & Iran:
Georgia Now Wants Gas From Russia and Iran
Anti-Gazprom rally outside Ivanishvili’s residence
Kakha Kaladze to hold working meetings with Gazprom
China in Syria:
China’s Main Mission: South China Sea, Not Syria
China says not planning to send military ships to Syria
BEN CARSON: Here’s the evidence that China is involved in Syria
Porkins Great Game Ep. 9 – The Death of Mullah Omar
Foreigners detained on the Turkish-Syrian border in 2015 (Turkish)
China Ministry Links Antiterror Efforts to Paris Tragedy
ISIS Releases Slickly-Produced Mandarin Song Seeking Chinese Recruits
China says Islamic State song in Mandarin shows need for global cooperation
If Assad asks, China can deploy troops to Syria
Turkey downs Russian jet:
Assad forces, Russian air strikes target Turkmen villages in Syria
Turkey summons Russian envoy over bombing of Turkmens in Syria: PM
Confused Turkish nationalists protest Russian air strikes in front of Dutch Consulate
US air force Gen Selva visits Ankara to discuss terror, Syria
ISW: Turkey Shoots Down Russian Jet Supporting Syrian Regime Offensive
https://twitter.com/batchelorshow/status/670093050316722176
The real reason for Turkey’s shoot-down of the Russian jet
Vladimir Putin claims US ‘leaked’ to Turkey the flight path of downed Russian jet
Syrian Turkmen commander who ‘killed’ Russian pilot turns out to be Turkish ultranationalist
Turkish Grey Wolves are participating in the blockade of Crimea
Russia vows to continue Syria air strikes close to Turkish border
Russia exposes Turkey-ISIS oil trade:
Former CIA chief says environmental concerns prevented bombing of Islamic State oil wells
Putin Names And Shames Obama Into Bombing IS Oil Smugglers
Russian warplanes disrupt ISIS oil sales channels; destroy 500 terrorist oil trucks in Syria
PBS NewsHour Uses Russian Airstrike Footage While Claiming U.S. Airstrike Successes
Russia has ‘more proof’ ISIS oil routed through Turkey, Erdogan says he’ll resign if it’s true
Russian military reveals new details of ISIS funding
Turkish PM accuses Russia of ‘ethnic cleansing’ in Syria
With Russian air support, PYD strives to make gains in NW Syria
U.S. Urges Turkey to Seal Border
Turkey deploys military reinforcements to Syria border
Turkey gives the cold shoulder to US proposal to seal Syria border
North Korea/Dalai Lama-ISIS:
South Korean lawmakers accuse North of helping Islamic State
Turkey has proof of Russian involvement in Daesh oil, President Erdoğan says
Assad’s Secret: Evidence Points to Syrian Push for Nuclear Weapons
A Chinese official said the Dalai Lama supports the Islamic State. Ridiculous and telling
New Media Project:
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Music:
From SpyCulture:
This much more dramatic episode of Homeland was the basis for a fun review discussion this week, touching on the hints towards the deep state, the portrayal of the Laura Poitras character, the implausibility of the CIA’s handling of the Russian double agent problem and Pearse’s hatred of Allison. We also discuss the mysterious origins of ‘terrorist videos’, particularly those coming to us via the SITE intelligence group, and how this is reflected in Homeland, and discuss why this episode made an explicit reference to the recent attacks in Paris. We round off talking about Pearse’s enjoyment of the Carrie-Astrid relationship in the show, any my love of post-industrial architecture as the setting for both a jihadi terrorist cell and the CIA’s discovery of that gang.
Download ClandesTime episode 065
Show Notes:
On this episode of our Homeland series Tom and I spent the first half of the episode dissecting the falsehoods that this particular episode as put forth in terms of the legality of spying. Suddenly aware of the rule of law and constitutional rights we see all the major characters in this episode pushing this agenda of doing everything by the book. Tom and I discuss how this is an obvious ploy to reassure the watchers that the CIA and other foreign intelligence agencies are now longer breaking the law when they spy on you. While all the characters are trying to gather legal evidence of Alison’s Russian mole status, Tom and I break down how the CIA would never go through the trouble of getting this sort of information let alone entertain the idea of going to a federal trial. We also touch on the series attempts to demonize the character of Alison; this time using her own sexuality as negative characteristic.
Later we move onto a topic that both Homeland and ourselves have mentioned time and time again: the gas attack in Ghouta, Syria. We discuss how Homeland has continually used the Ghouta massacre as a plot device and the meaning behind it. We talk about how the show is now advancing the narrative that not only is Assad using chemical weapons but also ISIS and other terrorist organizations. We break down how Homeland is trying to convince us that everyone in Syria is a “bad guy” and thus drastic action in Syria must be carried out. Tom and I also talk about the difficulty in actually producing and delivering Sarin, and talk about the Aum Shinrikyo attack in Tokyo as an example of a Sarin attack by a non-state actor. We talk about how this theme may be one of the overarching narratives that Homeland is pushing. Tom and I also talk about how Homeland’s ISIS cell wants UN recognition and the ridiculousness of it. We also talk about how the Islamic State already exists and has UN recognition in the form of Saudi Arabia. We round out the conversation by touching on our recent podcast with the Homeland Hackers and provide some more thoughts on why we believe they are in fact genuine.
Show Notes:
Homeland Season 5 episode 9 The Litvinov Rule
PPR episode 42 The Homeland Hackers
Music:
Today Tom and I spoke to the now world famous “Homeland Hackers.” Heba Amin, Don Karl, and Caram Kapp sat down with us to discuss how they got the opportunity to work on the show and how they subverted it by filling the set with Arabic graffiti saying, among other things, “Homeland is racist” “Homeland is not a show” and of course our personal favorite, “Homeland is a watermelon.” We began the conversation by discussing how in fact they were chosen by the set designer to work on episode 2 of season 5. The artists described how the production did little to no research into what would be in a Syrian refugee camp in Lebanon, and essentially left them to their own devices once on set. Later we explored the show it self and how the propaganda with in Homeland has reached new levels of manipulation and racism. All three artists talked about how Arab’s and Arabic are used as mere window dressing and one dimensional plot devices for the show’s propaganda. Later we discussed the aftermath of the hack, and the typical media response; Muslim artist activists show the softer side of Islam. We also talk about how Laura Poitras and The Intercept got involved after the hack. As we wrapped up the discussion we got the seal of approval from Heba, Caram, and Don when we asked them about our podcast. In the outro section I talk about how Tom and I do not believe the rather crazy claims that this is some sort of CIA disinfo/ psy-op.
I have to say this was one of the most enjoyable and fascinating interviews I have conducted. Homeland is a Watermelon.
Show Notes:
“Arabian Street Artists” Bomb Homeland: Why we hacked an award-winning series
Music:
From SpyCulture:
This was not the most interesting instalment of Homeland so Pearse and I talked about topics related to the episode including the history of Kosovo and NATO’s use of jihadis in the entire Balkans region, the arrest this week of a mysterious unnamed Montenegrin arms trafficker on his way to Paris, and why it is that the US Marine Corps Entertainment Liaison Office reports do not make any mention of Homeland. Pearse hypothesises that the USMC and Homeland had some kind of deniable outside-the-loop relationship and that suggests a much larger degree of co-operation than usual.
Show Notes:
Homeland Season 5 Episode 8 – An Intelligence Expert Weighs In
On this episode of our Homeland review series,Tom and I try to decipher this puzzle-piece of an episode. In contrast to last week’s fairly simple episode, this week’s was complex and intriguing. We explore the character of Alison and her trajectory from CIA station chief to Russian double agent. We discuss how the show is turning her into the ultimate villain, who is not only a master manipulator, but a cold and calculating egoist. We touch on the fact that Alison seems to be driven not by money or ideology, but by her ego and her desire to be seen as the smartest person in the room. Later we move onto to Carrie and the noticeable change her characterization has gone through. Previously the character we loved to hate, Carrie is now becoming the only character worth watching and caring about. Tom and I explore how this is a deliberate attempt to bring the audience back around to loving the CIA. We also touch on the character of Numan, how not only is he working for the CIA, but how his hack is ultimately a good thing for the CIA. Tom and I also touch what Otto Durring’s hidden motives may be. Next we discuss Saul’s “defection” to the Israelis and what this may mean for the future of Homeland. Tom and I round out the conversation by discussing the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and our overall response and feeling towards this awful event.
Show notes:
Homeland Season 5 episode 7 Oriole
WSJ Speakeasy – An Intelligence Expert Weighs In
Music:
Porkins Policy Review 