EP28 - The David Hunter Perspective

Welcome to Rhett Palmer with  David Hunter in “The David Hunter Perspective” - Retired US Diplomat David Hunter shares his knowledge, passion, interest and experience.

Retired US Diplomat, David Hunter served in South Korea (1992-96), India (1996-99), Ukraine (1999-2000), Pakistan (2001-02) and Spain (2003-04).  In 1983 he was a Visiting Fellow at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS),  Johns Hopkins University.  He published a book in 1991, Western Trade Pressure on the Soviet Union. He holds a Masters Degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics , an MBA from the Crummer School, and a BA from Emory University. 

Today’s Agenda…


1)  China:  The NY Times on Monday wrote a story saying they are 'sneering at the USA'.  It reports that under Pres. Xi, China is becoming super confident.  They think our US failure to handle the COVID crisis is proof that we are no longer a competent country.  That their communist dictatorship has proven a more capable system.  Are they right?  And what should be our response ?

2)  Turkey:  Trump has announced Monday new sanctions against NATO ally Turkey for its purchase of the S400 anti-missile system from Russia.  The US has also suspended sales of F35 jet fighters---our superstealth-type fighter aircraft---to Turkey.  Turkey's foreign minister condemned the sanctions and said Turkey would  take "Necessary Steps against this decision."  Russia said this is just another example of America's 'arrogant attitude' towards international law.  What do you think will happen?

3) US Elections:  Lt. Gen. Retired Thomas McInerney has called for Trump to invoke Martial Law  to stop the inauguration of Joe Biden.  He claims that Trump has the authority under the Constitution to defend our election system, and that the US government, courts and election officials are all conspiring to steal the election.  Gen. Mike Flynn is also making this claim.  What do you think?

4) Russia: Russia's intelligence service, the SVR, has reportedly hacked a large number of US Gov. agencies, perhaps even US Treasury and Dept of Commerce.  It could be worse.  FIreeye, a cybersecurity company, reports that the Russians stole info from the National Security Agency and used it to hack other branches of government.   Is it true? What should the US Gov. do in response? 

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