YouTube

2019: In an interview with Ian Trottier, Mel discusses his book, “Whistleblower at the CIA”, as well as the Trump presidency.

5/11/2018: At University Bookstore in Seattle, Mel discusses his book “Whistleblower at the CIA”.

4/16/2018: On Heroes and Patriots, Mel discusses the bombing of Syria, Trump’s pardon of Scooter Libby, and the revolving door between CIA and Pentagon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4b-jxrPi0s

2017: On Report from Santa Fe, Mel discusses his book “Whistleblower at the CIA”.

2017: In a conversation with Truthdig editor-in-chief Robert Scheer, Mel discusses the topics of his book “Whistleblower at the CIA”.

2017: In an interview with Cat April Watters, Mel discusses his role writing situation reports for the CIA during the 1967 Six-Day War, and how the Israelis lied about attacking the U.S.S. Liberty.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSokkosxxpk

2016: For OurFuture.org, Mel provides a brief assessment of the 2016 Democratic candidates and American militarism.

2015: At the Brennan Center for Justice, Mel gives a wide-ranging interview around the topics of his book “Failure of Intelligence: the Decline and Fall of the CIA”. (7 videos)

2015: Interviewed by John Sakowicz, Mel discusses his concerns about CIA Director John Brennan

2014: Interview on RT’s “Conversations With Great Minds”.

Part one: Mel discusses the politicization of intelligence and militarism.

2014: In part 2 of his interview with RT’s “Conversations With Great Minds”, Mel discusses Eisenhower’s farewell warning, and the failures of successive administrations.

2014: At the National Archives in Kansas City, Mel discusses the history of the CIA through the lens of its relationship with presidents from Truman to Obama

2013: Mel speaks about his book “National Insecurity: the Cost of American Militarism”

March 26, 2013: Mel speaks at the Time to Reset Defense conference

2013: Interviewed by Armstrong Williams, Mel discusses how reducing military spending will help stabilize the economy and support long-term national security.

2013: At the Commonwealth Club of California, Mel speaks about his book “National Insecurity: the Cost of American Militarism”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-3scMN3YzM

12/03/2010: On Antiwar Radio, Mel discusses some of the implications of Wikileaks’ Cablegate data-dump.

10/08/2009: On Antiwar Radio, Mel discusses U.S. involvement in Afghanistan from the 1980s to the present

9/29/2009: On Antiwar Radio, Mel discusses the US occupation of Iraq, the torture investigations, and the Washington Post’s complicity.

11/17/2008: On Democracy Now, Mel discusses the appointments of John Brennan & Jami Miscik to Obama’s transition team.

“Where are we with regards to ‘Change’? This sounds like more continuity.”

6/23/2008: On Antiwar Radio, Mel discusses the politicization of intelligence under Robert Gates, and the inevitable failure of the war in Iraq.

2007: In an interview for Talking Stick TV, Mel discusses a wide range of topics around U.S. foreign policy and intelligence from the 1960s-2000s, including Vietnam; Israel & the U.S.S. Liberty; the Soviet Union; arms control; and CIA directors Helms, Casey & Gates

2007: At Franklin & Marshall College, Mel discusses the history of the CIA and politicization of intelligence leading to the invasion of Iraq (8 videos)

Recent News and Latest Book

The Atlantic Joins the Chorus of Fear

One of the lessons of the Cold War should have been the danger of exaggerating the threat or key adversaries in order to avoid the great cost of unnecessary military buildups.  We spent unnecessarily against a Soviet “threat” that was hyped beyond reality.  Politicians and pundits alike are failing to actually assess the the threat or the adversary, which is contributing to budget deficits and heightened fears.  More time should be devoted to the study of diplomatic history in order to examine precedents for improving bilateral relations.  Fear is driving us toward arms races; diplomacy could drive us to arms control and disarmament as well as a more stable international environment.

Two Wars, Five Losing Nations

The United States, complicit in Israel’s genocidal actions and sending conflicting signals regarding Ukraine and Gaza, is also losing in terms of influence and standing.  The international community understands the hypocrisy of the Biden administration that condemns the terrorism of Russia but allows the terrorism of Israel.  The United States has been Israel’s political shield on the global stage for the past 75 years.  A New York Times editorial on Monday continued to support Biden’s most recent veto of a Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.

Containing the National Security State

Containing the National Security State