Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, Dan Kovalik, Joan Russow November 29, 2023

Welcome to Gorilla Radio, recorded November 29th, 2023

Following fifty days of Israel’s scorched earth attacks against Gaza a four day “pause” was brokered into being. As much as allowing humanitarian relief to the people of Gaza, the temporary respite in aerial and artillery bombing is meant too to interrupt the growing and increasingly adamant demonstrations of outrage around the World – most importantly within Western countries still unanimously supporting Israel despite the carnage.
Meanwhile, in an unmistakable sign of cynicism, Israel’s military is taking as many new prisoner hostages in West Bank home raids as it releases in exchange for its citizens captured October 7th.

Dan Kovalik is a lawyer, educator, labour, peace, and justice activist, democracy defender, journalist, author, and filmmaker. His book titles include: ‘Cancel This Book: The Progressive Case Against Cancel Culture’ the “Plot to” series on American efforts to undermine the governments and economies of Iran, Venezuela, and Russia, ‘No More War: How the West Violates International Law by Using ‘Humanitarian’ Intervention to Advance Economic and Strategic Interest’, ‘Nicaragua: A History of US Intervention & Resistance’, and his latest, ‘The Case for Palestine: Why It Matters and Why You Should Care‘.

Dan Kovalik in the first half.

And; The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC, or COP 28 is ready to get underway tomorrow, November 30th. The two-week confab conference is hosted this year in Dubai, one of the Arab Gulf States’ fossil-fuel superpowers. That fact is not lost on critics, who already charge plans to allow oil companies into the meetings effectively makes The COPs less an environmental emergency meeting than oil dealers’ bazaar.

Dr. Joan Russow is former leader of the Green Party of Canada who since stepping down from the Greens has spent her time keeping the United Nations’ feet to fire as a reporter, and filmmaker recording past climate change conferences. She’s also producer of the film, ‘Cooperatives: Counterpoint to Capitalism’, and has served as the editor and driving force behind Peace Earth and Justice News, aka PEJNews.

Joan Russow and is COP 28 the Conference of the Parties’ shark-jumping moment in the second half.

But first, Dan Kovalik making the Case for Palestine.

Song: Humanitarian Pause

Artist: David Rovics

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: https://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/

Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, John Helmer (extended) October 29, 2023

Welcome to Gorilla Radio, recorded October 29th, 2023

Is there method in this madness? Was the ruthless destruction of decency and the foundational principles of the West, and presumably Israel, the intention of the current onslaught in Gaza, (and increasingly underscored by the marauding bands of murderous “settlers” in the West Bank)? Or has it all just gotten away from the perennial felon, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, originally hoping perhaps just for a distraction from the determined – and massive – demonstrations against his government? Whither Israel then, and where does the disaster it has wrought for Palestine’s people lead it now?

John Helmer is a journalist and author who’s spent decades living in and reporting from Russia. Principle behind the web news site, Dances with Bears, Helmer has too been a professor of political science, sociology, and journalism, and served as advisor to governments at the highest levels.
Among his many book titles are: ‘Skripal in Prison,’ ‘The Man Who Knows Too Much About Russia,’ ‘The Jackals’ Wedding: American Power, Arab Revolt’, ‘The Lie That Shot Down MH-17’, and his latest, ‘SOVCOMPLOT: How Pirates Tried to Capture the Treasure of the Russian Seas, and Were Caught Out’.

John’s latest article at Dances with Bears examines the question of what becomes of “the only democracy in the Middle East” now that its long-promised war is begun.

John Helmer and ‘THE GODS ARE GOING AGAINST THE CHOSEN PEOPLE — MAMMON AGAINST ISRAEL, MARS AGAINST THE PENTAGON‘.

 

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: https://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/

Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, Jeremy Kuzmarov, Dimitri Lascaris September 20, 2023

Welcome to Gorilla Radio, recorded September 20th, 2023.

Yesterday, the American president took the podium at the United Nations to perform his annual liturgical duty, repeating the lies and hypocrisies defining his nation. Yes, the United States is – as it wreaks havoc across the planet – really keen for a World where “…our children do not go hungry and everyone has access [to] quality healthcare, where workers are empowered and our environment is protected… where conflicts are resolved peacefully and countries can chart their own course.”

If that doesn’t bring the bile to your mouth, you need to know more about what America does to countries who try charting their own course. Especially if that course includes feeding the hungry, providing healthcare to the sick, and empowering workers.

There are many examples to choose from, including Nicaragua; a nation that has felt the Yankee boot on its neck for very nearly two centuries.
Jeremy Kuzmarov is a journalist and author who also serves as Managing Editor at CovertActionMagazine.com. His book titles include, ‘Obama’s Unending Wars’, and ‘The Russians Are Coming, Again’, written with John Marciano. His latest article at CAM, ‘Biden Has Relaunched Reagan’s Murderous War Against Nicaraguan Democracy–How Many Is He Willing to Kill to Win?‘ examines America’s ongoing campaign against the country that still will not bend a knee to Empire.

Jeremy Kuzmarov in the first half.

And; America’s persistent historical interference in Nicaragua and its more recent machinations in Ukraine differ only in scale. And though the ruination being made out of the latter is fast becoming total, still the NATO alliance and its international collaborators say, “push on”.

Dimitri Lascaris is a Montreal-based activist, journalist, and lawyer. He served as Justice Critic in the Shadow Cabinet of the Green Party of Canada and likewise for the Green Party of Quebec. Dimitri’s interviews for TRNN are at TheRealNews.com. Dimitri’s articles appear at various sites online and at his website, DimitriLascaris.org, where I found his latest piece, ‘Ukraine’s Worst Enemies Are Those Who Demand Russia’s Strategic Defeat‘.

Dimitri Lascaris and Ukraine’s ‘friends like these’ in the second half.

But first, Jeremy Kuzmarov and Biden ridin’ the legacy of Reagan in Nicaragua.

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: https://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/

Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, John Helmer July 26, 2023

Welcome to Gorilla Radio, recorded July 26th, 2023.

The escalation of the Ukraine war is quickly morphing, becoming more international in character. Over the weekend, Russia’s President Putin warned Poland against sending troops into western Ukraine, informing the UN’s Security Council he was aware of “plans to establish some sort of so-called Polish-Lithuanian-Ukrainian unit.”

Poland reacted by denouncing Putin’s speech as a threat, and summoning the Russian ambassador in protest. As both Poland and Lithuania are NATO member countries, the greatest fear must be of this heightened belligerence leading to military engagement that could trigger NATO’s Article 5 mutual defense clause.

John Helmer is a journalist and author who’s spent decades living in and reporting from Russia. Principle behind the web news site, Dances with Bears, Helmer has too been a professor of political science, sociology, and journalism, and served as advisor to governments at the highest levels.
Among his many book titles are: ‘Skripal in Prison,’ ‘The Man Who Knows Too Much About Russia,’ ‘The Jackals’ Wedding: American Power, Arab Revolt’, ‘The Lie That Shot Down MH-17’ and his latest, ‘Australian Fascism: How It Destroyed the Courts’.

John’s latest article at Dances with Bears, ‘The Polish Response to Putin’s Challenge‘ reveals Washington’s manipulation of both Polish political jingoism and the country’s upcoming Autumn election.

Today, John Helmer getting to the heart of America’s Ukraine war aims.

 

Song: Rong Radio

Artist: Benjamin Zephania

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: https://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/

Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, John Stauber, John Helmer June 28, 2023

Welcome to Gorilla Radio, recorded June 28th, 2023

Does the news of the day seem more to you like a Hollywood movie than a real picture of the state of the World? Could Bondian billionaire villains, really be vying for not only control of the planet’s governments and resources, but also for the very hearts, minds, and souls of We the People? And how could this all be happening before our eyes while the majority of us are unaware that everything we’ve known is slipping away?

John Stauber is an independent writer, activist and author. His books include: ‘Toxic Sludge Is Good for You’, ‘Trust Us, We’re Experts’, and ‘Weapons of Mass Deception’. He’s also been a long-time political and media activist who spent a career exposing corporate, political, and media propaganda campaigns.

John Stauber in the first half.

And; last week witnessed a media circus hardly equaled in this century. It’s all surrounding the march on Moscow of the contract mercenary Wagner Group, and even now pundits and Russia experts are struggling to make sense of what – were he running a midway food truck today – Churchill might describe as a riddle-wrapped mystery meat sandwich, served up in a hot enigma sauce.

John Helmer is a journalist and author who’s spent decades living in and reporting from Russia. Principle behind the web news site, Dances with Bears, Helmer has too been a professor of political science, sociology, and journalism, and served as advisor to governments at the highest levels. Among his many book titles are: ‘Skripal in Prison,’ ‘The Man Who Knows Too Much About Russia,’ ‘The Jackals’ Wedding: American Power, Arab Revolt’, ‘The Lie That Shot Down MH-17’ and his latest, ‘Australian Fascism: How It Destroyed the Courts’.

John’s been following the astonishing events within Russia over the last week, and provides some context in the second half.

But first, John Stauber and revealing America’s hardly visible oligarchy.

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: https://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/

Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, Jeremy Kuzmarov April 26th, 2023

Welcome to Gorilla Radio, recorded April 26th, 2023.

Long before CIA whistle-blowers Jeffrey Sterling, John Kiriakou, or Philip Agee revealed the crimes of “The Agency” and warned of the dangers it posed to democracy – and decency – everywhere, there was David W. Conde. The first self-described “CIA Watcher” is the subject of an extensive article just out at CovertAction Magazine.

Jeremy Kuzmarov is a journalist and author who also serves as Managing Editor at CAM. His book titles include, ‘Obama’s Unending Wars’, and ‘The Russians Are Coming, Again’, written with John Marciano. Jeremy’s recent piece at CovertAction – one of a raft of great articles he’s put up this month -‘Meet a Forgotten CIA Critic Who Presciently Characterized The Agency as a Cancer in 1970 Book‘ is a fascinating profile of David Conde and his career spent exposing the criminal enterprise that is America’s most famous intelligence organization.

Also, CovertActionMagazine’s Spring fund drive is on. It’s the chance you have to support the kind of fearless journalism everyone says they want to support, if only they knew how!

Today, Jeremy Kuzmarov on David W. Conde’s the CIA – Core of the Cancer, and more.

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: http://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/

Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, Helen Caldicott, Nils Melzer (redux) April 2nd/5th, 2023

Welcome to Gorilla Radio, recorded April 2nd and 5th, 2023.

Just thirty years since the fall of the USSR and end of the Cold War, the atomic Mexican stand-off between East and West is hotter than its ever been. At this moment, nervous fingers hover above buttons and toggles that once triggered mean the end of everything we know. Worse, with the advent of AI, human agency is no longer required; its messy, indecisive moral acid removed from the Earth-ending equation.

Dr. Helen Caldicott is a physician, author, and lecturer who has for more than forty years studied, written, and campaigned against the proliferation of nuclear weapons and their derivatives, delivering impassioned speeches and making imprecations to both the politicians and power-brokers overseeing the precarious atomic tinderbox, and more importantly, imploring the people step up to stop the madness.

Helen Caldicott’s book titles include: ‘If You Love This Planet,’ ‘Nuclear Power Is Not the Answer,’The New Nuclear Danger,’ ‘Depleted Uranium: Metal of Dishonour,’ ‘If You Love This Planet: A Plan to Heal the Earth,’ and her most recent, ‘Sleepwalking to Armageddon’ in which she assembles contributions from the world’s leading nuclear scientists and thought leaders to “assess the political and scientific dimensions of the threat of nuclear war today.”

Helen Caldicott in the first half

And; Reporters Without Borders was to pay a visit to Julian Assange, the journalist wasting in Belmarsh Prison, London this week but in yet another example of arbitrary cruelty at the last moment authorities refused the RSF visit, barring too for good measure Assange’s wife, Stella.

April 11th marks the four year anniversary of Julian’s incarceration, under the harshest measures the British penal system can mete out. He’s held not for any crime committed in Britain, or against Britain, but because an American warrant seeking his extradition is “in process”.

June 6, 2019, I recorded an interview with Nils Melzer, then the United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Melzer visited Assange in May of that year and subsequently issued a public call for Assange’s immediate release, along with a searing rebuke of both his current jailors in Britain and those in America who would be if their extradition petition is executed.

Nils Melzer and the continued call for Julian Assange’s release in the second half.

Song: Behind These Prison Walls

Artist: David Rovics

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: http://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/

Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, Yves Engler, Pitasanna Shanmugathas March 29th/April 2nd, 2023

Welcome to Gorilla Radio, recorded March 29th and April 2nd, 2023.

And welcome to the Spring of discontent! While leaders In the capitals of Europe and America promise to carry on the Ukraine proxy war no matter the price, the People are already in the streets protesting the real and rising costs of that belligerence. For Canadians, whose government is already full-throatedly behind: the bellicose stance against Russia, prospects of an expanded war against China and Iran, battles by sanction in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and elsewhere, there is too Haiti.

Last week, the Trudeau Liberals blithely announced another $100 million dollars to be delivered to the tiny island nation’s military and police effort to keep the restive population under heel. This on top of millions already delivered. It’s almost as if Ottawa believes the fatted tax goose’s golden eggs will never flag.

Yves Engler is an independent, Montreal-based journalist and author. He’s written twelve books on Canadian foreign policy, including ‘Canada in Haiti: Waging War on the Poor Majority’, co-authored with Anthony Fenton. His recent article, ‘Canadian government prioritizes war over climate crisis‘ is a troubling portrait of a country few here in our home and native land would recognize.

Yves Engler in the first half.

And; just what is Canada’s place in the world? Generations of us have been taught we are global agents of good; fair-minded, and justice-seeking. You know, “Wherever they’s a fight so hungry people can eat, we’ll be there. Wherever they’s a cop beatin’ up a guy“, etc., etc.

It’d be a great story, if only it were true.

Pitasanna Shanmugathas completed an advanced degree at one of Canada’s world-class Universities but found, beyond Canada’s “two solitudes” another bifurcation – one not in the curriculum – separating the real from an imagined nation. And so, he says, he set out on an epic three year journey of discovery, from coast to coast to coast, and across the tractless prairies. He documented his Canadian quest in the film series, ‘Truth to the Powerless: An Investigation into Canada’s Foreign Policy‘.

Pitasanna Shanmugathas and the hunt for Canada’s elusive identity in the second half.

But first, Yves Engler and Trudeau of the Tropics, taking Haiti.

Song: The Panic Is On

Artist: David Rovics

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: http://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/

Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, Yves Engler (extended) March 29, 2023

Welcome to Gorilla Radio, recorded March 29th and April 2nd, 2023.

And welcome to the Spring of discontent! While leaders In the capitals of Europe and America promise to carry on the Ukraine proxy war no matter the price, the People are already in the streets protesting the real and rising costs of that belligerence.

For Canadians, whose government is already full-throatedly behind: the bellicose stance against Russia, prospects of an expanded war against China and Iran, battles by sanction in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and elsewhere, there is too Haiti.

Last week, the Trudeau Liberals blithely announced another $100 million dollars to be delivered to the tiny island nation’s military and police effort to keep the restive population under heel. This on top of millions already delivered. It’s almost as if Ottawa believes the fatted tax goose’s golden eggs will never flag.

Yves Engler is an independent, Montreal-based journalist and author. He’s written twelve books on Canadian foreign policy, including ‘Canada in Haiti: Waging War on the Poor Majority’, co-authored with Anthony Fenton.

His recent article, ‘Canadian government prioritizes war over climate crisis‘ is a troubling portrait of a country few here in our home and native land would recognize.

Yves Engler and Trudeau of the Tropics, taking Haiti.

Song: The Panic Is On

Artist: David Rovics

 

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: https://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/

Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, Ken Stone (extended) March 8th, 2023

Welcome to Gorilla Radio recorded March 8th, 2023.

March 20th marks the twentieth anniversary of America’s second invasion of Iraq. Despite the tens of millions of people across the globe coming into the streets to hold at bay the dogs of George Bush’s “generational war” Operation Iraqi Freedom’s “shock and awe” – called “blitzkrieg” in another era – was launched.

We all know what happened, and the failure of the People to stop the slaughter then and in Afghanistan in 2001 seemed to be the end of hope for the Peace Movement; but the flame for a World without War didn’t die, and has in fact recently been spotted flickering in the capitals of Europe, Canada, and even in Washington, D.C.

Ken Stone is an executive member of both the Syria Support Movement International and Hamilton Coalition to Stop the Wars.

Today, Ken Stone and the smouldering desire for peace.

Song: Work for Peace

Artist: Gil Scott-Heron

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: https://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/

Correction: The U.S. House APPROVED a resolution to MAINTAIN the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act (2019) by an “overwhelming” margin (414-2), and not DEFEAT a motion to LIFT sanctions as reported. See: https://scheerpost.com/2023/03/02/house-overwhelmingly-approves-resolution-to-maintain-syria-sanctions-after-earthquake/

Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, Ken Stone, Dan Kovalik March 8, 2023

Welcome to Gorilla Radio recorded March 8th, 2023.

March 20th marks the twentieth anniversary of America’s second invasion of Iraq. Despite the tens of millions of people across the globe coming into the streets to hold at bay the dogs of George Bush’s “generational war” Operation Iraqi Freedom’s “shock and awe” – called “blitzkrieg” in another era – was launched.

We all know what happened, and the failure of the People to stop the slaughter then and in Afghanistan in 2001 seemed to be the end of hope for the Peace Movement; but the flame for a World without War didn’t die, and has in fact recently been spotted flickering in the capitals of Europe, Canada, and even in Washington, D.C.

Ken Stone is an executive member of both the Syria Support Movement International and Hamilton Coalition to Stop the War.

Ken Stone in the first half.

And; far from fulfilling its mandate to first be an agent opposing war in the World the United Nations’ repeated failures in that seminal mission are now manifest in its endeavoring the opposite, the promotion of economic sanctions and military intervention. At least the recently released ‘Group of Experts on Human Rights on Nicaragua’ report leaves little else to conclude.

Dan Kovalik is a lawyer, educator, labour, peace, and justice activist, democracy defender, journalist, author, and filmmaker. His book titles include: ‘Cancel This Book: The Progressive Case Against Cancel Culture,’ the “Plot to” series on American efforts to undermine the governments and economies of Iran, Venezuela, Russia, (and the World generally) and ‘No More War: How the West Violates International Law by Using ‘Humanitarian’ Intervention to Advance Economic and Strategic Interest.’

His latest is the recently released, ‘Nicaragua: A History of US Intervention & Resistance‘, which “explores the pernicious nature of US engagement with Nicaragua from the mid-19th century to the present in pursuit of control and domination rather than in defense of democracy“.

Dan Kovalik and the latest chapter in the hybrid war* against Nicaragua in the second half.

But first, Ken Stone and the smouldering desire for peace.

Song: Work for Peace

Artist: Gil Scott-Heron

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: https://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/

Correction: The U.S. House APPROVED a resolution to MAINTAIN the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act (2019) by an “overwhelming” margin (414-2), and not DEFEAT a motion to LIFT sanctions as reported. See: https://scheerpost.com/2023/03/02/house-overwhelmingly-approves-resolution-to-maintain-syria-sanctions-after-earthquake/

Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, Robert Freeman March 1st, 2023

Welcome to Gorilla Radio, recorded March 1st, 2023.

Welcome back to GR, etc. Much has been made of the first anniversary of Russia’s so-called “Special Operation” in Ukraine by the western press. Countless hours of television, and oceans of ink have been spilt to convince citizens of NATO nations of the righteousness of Kyiv’s cause, and more importantly, our noble motives in supplying its army with billions of dollars and an incomprehensible amount of high-tech weaponry. In fact, Washington et al has invested so much in the successful outcome of the war – for now – officially accepting the effort has been a tragic folly is all but impossible; but, just off-camera, the reality chorus is growing more voluble.

Robert Freeman is Founder and Executive Director of The Global Uplift Project. He’s a past educator, and author of ‘The Best One Hour History‘ series of books, covering history from ‘The Renaissance’ and ‘The Scientific Revolution’, to ‘The Protestant Reformation’, ‘French Revolution’, and the great wars of the last century.

Robert’s recent article, published at CommonDreams.org, ‘Ukraine and the Tunnel at the End of the Light‘ is a hard-eyed assessment of both the disaster that is the Ukraine/Russia war, and the doomed political and economic dynamics behind the conflict.

Today, Robert Freeman and shedding the rosy aura around Ukraine’s war prospects.

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: http://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/

Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, John Helmer February 19th, 2023

Welcome to Gorilla Radio, recorded February 19th, 2023.

On February 8th of this year, Dutch police presented new evidence to the District Court of The Hague regarding the July 17th, 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.

Upon entering their evidence, the Dutch government and an Australian investigator on the case admitted to having held American military satellite images from the court, the press, and defence lawyers throughout the two-year trial for the wrongful deaths of the two hundred and ninety-eight people who perished aboard that ill-fated flight.

John Helmer is a journalist and author who’s spent decades living in and reporting from Russia. The principle behind the web news site, Dances with Bears, Helmer has too been a professor of political science, sociology and journalism, and served as advisor to governments at the highest levels. Among his many book titles are: ‘Skripal in Prison,’ ‘The Man Who Knows Too Much About Russia,’ ‘The Jackals’ Wedding: American Power, Arab Revolt’, his latest, ‘Australian Fascism: How It Destroyed the Courts,’ and ‘The Lie That Shot Down MH-17’.

His recent article on the latest from The Hague and the MH-17 disaster is, ‘US SATELLITE PHOTOS REVEALED AT LAST – NOW THEY INCRIMINATE THE DUTCH POLICE, PROSECUTORS, AND JUDGES IN THE MH17 SHOW TRIAL‘.

Today, John Helmer and the JIT’s latest shot in the West’s war against Russia.

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: https://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/

Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, Diana Johnstone, James Bissett December 17th, 2022

Welcome to Gorilla Radio, recorded December 17th, 2022.

Looking at Europe’s tattered union today it would be easy to mistake just who the target of America’s proxy war in Ukraine is. Germany, the continent’s economic engine, has sputtered through the last half year, its industrial base shuttered by gas shortages and soaring electricity costs. And yet, Germany’s political leaders are backing the broadening of a war ostensibly meant to send Russia back to its agrarian age roots; no matter the cost to its own citizenry. How to make sense of it?

Diana Johnstone is an author and journalist. Her book titles include ‘ From MAD to Madness: Inside Pentagon Nuclear War Planning,’ ‘Circle in the Darkness: Memoirs of a World Watcher,’ and ‘Fools’ Crusade: Yugoslavia, NATO and Western Delusion.’ Diana’s articles can be found at ConsortiumNews.com, where her recent piece, ‘The Specter of Germany is Rising‘ appears.


Diana Johnstone in the first half.

And; a major part of Germany and the EU’s expansion plans lay in the small and impoverished Western Balkan countries. Last month, European Union big wigs met in Albania for the ‘EU-Western Balkans Summit’. European Commission head, Ursula von der Leyen used the platform to express the EU’s “strong partnership” with the Balkans, saying, “…we are taking every opportunity to bring our regions and our people closer together.

But, togetherness is the last thing desired for Western Balkans neighbours Serbia and Kosovo – the latter hived out of Serbia during NATO’s war there in the nineties, and later recognized – in some quarters – as an independent state.

James Bissett is a former Canadian Ambassador whose tenure in Yugoslavia coincided with its 1991 dissolution. At century’s end, he was one of the very few government insiders to oppose NATO’s 78 day bombardment of Serbia in the name of “humanitarian intervention.”


James Bissett and flaws in the EU’s recipe for Balkan integration in the second half.

But first, Diana Johnstone and what Germany’s eastward attentions mean for Europe’s future.

Song: How Much is a Life Worth?

Artists: The Four Fathers

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: https://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/

Gorilla Radio with Finian Cunningham Extended November 12, 2022

Welcome to Gorilla Radio, recorded November 12th, 2022.

Ten days ago, delegates from both sides of the two years-long war in Ethiopia convened in South Africa and signed a truce ending hostilities. The western press is declaring it a victory for the federal government of Abiy Ahmed, but is an end to the bloodshed without a reckoning for the crimes committed really peace – or merely a sowing of dragon’s teeth for future conflict?

Finian Cunningham is a prolific journalist and two-time Serena Shim Award for Uncompromising Integrity in Journalism recipient. He spent the better part of a decade living in and reporting from the Tigray region of Ethiopia, and his recent article, ‘Ethiopia Peace Deal is Cover for Western Destruction of a Strong, Independent African State’ questions the underlying motives behind both the war and its recently declared cessation.

Today, an extended interview with Finian Cunningham on Ethiopia’s Civil War aftermath in the making.

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: http://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/