Podcast Title: Candace
Host/Author: Candace Owens
Episode: Syria Falls And No It’s Not A Good Thing | Candace Ep 116
Release Date: December 9, 2024
Introduction
In Episode 116 of Candace, host Candace Owens delves deep into the complexities surrounding the fall of Syria, critiquing mainstream media narratives and the influence of neoconservatives on U.S. foreign policy. Joined by Scott Horton, an expert in Middle Eastern politics and author of Provoked, the episode unpacks the historical and ongoing involvement of the United States and Israel in Middle Eastern conflicts, particularly focusing on Syria's recent turmoil.
Key Topics Discussed
- Historical Context of U.S. Involvement in the Middle East
- The Role of Neoconservatives and the Likud Party
- Impact of U.S. and Israeli Policies on Syria and Christian Populations
- Manipulation of Media Narratives and Information Suppression
- Contemporary Implications and Future Outlook
Detailed Summary
1. Historical Context of U.S. Involvement in the Middle East
Candace Owens begins by expressing frustration with mainstream narratives about Syria's fall, asserting that the American public lacks a comprehensive understanding of Middle Eastern geopolitics. She highlights how post-9/11 propaganda has skewed public perception, fostering fear and misinformation about terrorism and Islam.
[00:00] Candace Owens: "I'm tired of the mainstream media lying about what's going on there."
She prompts Scott Horton to break down U.S. involvement in the region for listeners unfamiliar with the history. Horton recounts the U.S.'s shifting alliances, starting with the 1979 Iranian Revolution. He explains how the Carter administration initially engaged with Ayatollah Khomeini but unintentionally fueled anti-American sentiments by inviting the ailing Shah back to the U.S. for medical treatment, leading to the infamous hostage crisis.
[02:10] Scott Horton: "The Carter government asked the French to put him on the plane and send him back to Iran..."
2. The Role of Neoconservatives and the Likud Party
Owens criticizes neoconservatives, linking their agendas closely with Israel's Likud Party. She asserts that neocons prioritize Israeli interests over American welfare, influencing U.S. foreign policies that lead to regional instability.
[00:49] Scott Horton: "This was one of the major things that helped to destroy the Soviet Union."
Horton discusses the Carter Doctrine, which aimed to secure the Persian Gulf against Soviet threats, inadvertently empowering Saddam Hussein to invade Iran with U.S. backing. This conflict, coupled with the Soviet-Afghan War where the U.S. supported the Mujahideen, sowed seeds for future extremist groups.
3. Impact of U.S. and Israeli Policies on Syria and Christian Populations
The conversation shifts to the aftermath of the Iran-Iraq war and the U.S.'s backing of Saddam Hussein as a counterbalance to Iranian influence. Horton explains how the U.S. later supported Shiite uprisings against Saddam, leading to increased sanctions and no-fly zones that further destabilized the region.
[11:44] Candace Owens: "We're again signaling, hey, you're our ally. Do what you have to do."
Owens emphasizes the tragic consequences of these policies, notably the massacre of Iraqi Shiites and the rise of terrorist groups like Al Qaeda, which resulted from U.S. and Israeli support for various militant factions.
[20:35] Candace Owens: "It's just a proxy war with Russia."
They discuss the culmination of these policies in the fall of Assad's regime in Syria, arguing that the U.S. and Israel deliberately armed extremist groups, leading to widespread violence against Christian communities.
[73:50] Scott Horton: "They completely destroyed the Christian communities of Iraq..."
4. Manipulation of Media Narratives and Information Suppression
Owens and Horton critique the media's role in perpetuating biased narratives that demonize groups like Hezbollah and Al Qaeda while absolving Israel of its culpability in regional conflicts. They argue that media outlets are complicit in spreading misinformation, often suppressing evidence that contradicts the dominant pro-Israel perspective.
[34:20] C: "Israel has indeed been supplying weapons and funding to Syrian rebel groups..."
Owens points out specific instances where Israeli officials admitted to arming rebels, challenging the humanitarian aid narrative pushed by the media.
[68:03] Candace Owens: "We have the Likud party press in America, which is constantly trying to tell you that it's terrorism that we're fighting."
5. Contemporary Implications and Future Outlook
In the latter part of the episode, Owens expresses concern over the ongoing violence in Syria and the potential for further Christian massacres. She calls for Americans to recognize the detrimental effects of being aligned with Israeli policies, urging a reevaluation of support for entities that contribute to regional instability.
[116:57] Candace Owens: "If you're going to continually support BB Netanyahu and every single war that he has demanded and got in the Middle East, it has created the refugees crisis..."
Horton echoes these sentiments, highlighting the cultural and political entanglements that make independent critique challenging. He underscores the need for transparency and accountability in U.S. foreign policy decisions influenced by neoconservative agendas.
[119:08] Candace Owens: "Biggest threat to our safety is completely being married to Israeli policy."
Notable Quotes
- Candace Owens [00:00]: "I'm tired of the mainstream media lying about what's going on there."
- Scott Horton [02:10]: "Most people say, your father's generation, for example, all they remember is the Iranians saying Great Satan and burning American flags."
- Candace Owens [05:53]: "No, this used to be an ally. All of these people that you're hearing are dictators."
- Scott Horton [20:35]: "This was one of the major things that helped to destroy the Soviet Union."
- Candace Owens [73:50]: "They're constantly trying to run the Holocaust narrative."
- Scott Horton [77:14]: "The National Security Agency shares raw intelligence, including America's data, with Israel."
- Candace Owens [86:10]: "We're talking about Israel and We're talking specifically about the Likud Party, right?"
Conclusions
Candace Owens and Scott Horton conclude that the fall of Syria is not a positive development but rather a consequence of decades-long U.S. and Israeli policies driven by neoconservative agendas. They argue that these actions have led to increased instability, the rise of extremist groups, and the ongoing persecution of Christian populations in the Middle East. The episode serves as a call to American listeners to critically examine the narratives presented by mainstream media and to reassess their allegiances in foreign policy matters to prioritize American interests and humanitarian concerns.
Recommendations
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Readings:
- Provoked by Scott Horton
- Reclaiming the American Right by Justin Raimondo
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Supporting Independent Media:
- Listeners are encouraged to support independent work and verify information through diverse sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of Middle Eastern conflicts.
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Prayer and Advocacy:
- Owens urges listeners to pray for persecuted Christians and advocate for policies that protect vulnerable populations in conflict zones.
Note: This summary aims to capture the essence of the podcast episode based on the provided transcript. It reflects the viewpoints expressed by Candace Owens and Scott Horton without endorsing or refuting the claims made therein.
