Well, I enjoyed having two weeks off, but I'm glad to get back to podcasting. So here's the starting lineup for the new season. Friday, January 16, my guest is Martin Fletcher of The Times of London (not to be confused with Martin Fletcher of NBC news). Martin is a roving reporter without portfolio and previously the Times' foreign editor, their Washington Bureau Chief, and a foreign correspondent. He talks to me from Israel. The Friday following, January 23, my guest is Dr. James Petras, who's got a lot to say about Zionism in America. After that, I'm not sure -- a couple interviews are pending, on arms control and on the economy. So we'll see... And as I say, I'm glad to be back!

January 16, 2009
Barbarism in Gaza (and Zimbabwe)

Come To Palestine antique posterOne wonders whether, if it weren't for the excessive delay between election and inauguration, Israel would still have attacked Gaza. In any case, Israel's assault being less a war than a hunt for naked prey, it's difficult, particularly here in the U.S., to get a feeling for what's happening. So I was fortunate in being able to turn to Martin Walker of The Times, who spoke to me from Jerusalem. We also talk about Zimbabwe, where Martin has spent much of the past year. And Somalia. I highly value Martin's insights and experience and I'm grateful for his making himself available. Hopefully we can talk again. Total runtime an hour and seven minutes. Where's the humanitarian intervention for Gaza?

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December 19, 2008
The Art of Interrogation

It's fair to say that nobody knowledgeable about interrogations has ever produced a single example of torture working -- either in the historical record or in contemporary experience -- quite apart from consideration of the ethical implications. But proponents of torture find it all too easy to claim secret successes. So it's extremely helpful to hear once again the bright line admonition, never torture, from a seasoned interrogator who led the interrogation team in pursuit of Abu Musab Al Zarqawi, at the time perhaps the deadliest man in Iraq. In his just published book, How To Break A Terrorist, written under the pseudonym of "Matthew Alexander," he describes the chase that culminates in Zarqawi's targeted killing. It's a lively read (I couldn't put it down) and most worthwhile. While I come at the issues with some different perspectives I salute "Matthew" for his unflinching determination to treat all detainees humanely and to interrogate them with kindness. And for his willingness to leave active duty and speak up for his beliefs. It was a pleasure and an honor to talk with "Matthew" and I hope his message gets heard. Total runtime an hour and eleven minutes. Think like a detective.

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