Phyllis Bennis: Ending Afghan War; Ian Fletcher: Free Trade Doesn’t Work. Bennis is a fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies in D.C, and co-author of the new “primer”: Ending the US War in Afghanistan. She explains that the war is illegal, not supported by most Americans, and appears unwinnable. We talk about Obama’s weak arguments for adding US troops, why this is not the “good war” that’s advertised, and Dennis Kucinich’s recent efforts to debate withdrawal. Bennis also comments on recent developments in the MidEast, as Israel has provoked an angry round of exchanges with the administration over proposed new settlements. Fletcher’s new book is Free Trade Doesn’t Work: What Should Replace it and Why. He is good at explaining complex economic concepts, and is strong and clear in his opposition to free trade. He proposes a 25% tariff on all imports, explains our trade deficit, and also talks about recent economic crises in Greece and Haiti.
Both books can be purchased here.
