The David Hunter Perspective - 2022-07-20

Read on for today's agenda below prepared by David (thank you very much). - Retired US Diplomat to 5 different nations  David Hunter shares his knowledge, passion, interest, and experience.1)  Is Putin Ordering Russian Troops to Commit Rape and Murder of  Ukrainian Civilians?:  We have seen Russian missile strikes on civilian shopping centers and apartment buildings.  Just last week a Russian submarine fired Kalibr rockets from Black Sea that struck an apartment building and killed over 40 civilians.  But what about Russian troops committing mass rapes, executions, and other atrocities? It it just a descent into brutality by poorly-trained conscripts, or is it Putin's war policy?    2) Should Russia be Declared a State Sponsor of Terrorism?   US Sen. Graham and others have proposed that Secretary of State Anthony  Blinken add Russia to the short US list of 'State Sponsors of Terrorism'.  What would be the result of such a designation, and shouldn't Russia be included along with Cuba, Iran, Syria and North Korea on this 'banned' list?3) Is Brittney Griner an Example of  The Growing Hostage-Taking of Americans?:   Ms. Griner was 'arrested' in Russia for possession of small amount of 'hash oil' in a vaping tube.  But now she is 99% certain to be convicted as a 'criminal' and then offered  in a 'prisoner exchange' for the  hardened international arms trafficker Victor Bout.  Is this actually a 'hostage taking' event rather than just a 'criminal' prisoner swap? Is it part of a trend?  What's going on?  4)   Why Did Joe Biden Meets Face to Face with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman?:   Although Biden said while running for President that he would treat MBS as a 'pariah' for the Crown Prince's role in brutally assassinating journalist Jamal Kashoggi, last Friday Biden flew on Air Force One to Saudi Arabia from Israel and had a bi-lateral meeting with the Crown Prince.   He claimed human rights is always on his agenda, but that a bigger matter was driving him to meet the Crown Prince.   What was it?Support the show