# Arab Winter

> A collapse in British support and rising defense stocks frame the White House push for Syrian intervention as the media narrative shifts toward a new Arab Winter.

- **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md)
- **Episode:** 544
- **Published:** 2013-09-01
- **Length:** 2h 38m
- **Topics:** Syria intervention, [Raytheon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/raytheon.md), Prince Bandar, [John Kerry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-kerry.md), [Asma al-Assad](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/asma-al-assad.md), [War Powers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/war-powers.md), [23andMe](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/23andme.md)
- **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter

## About this episode

Senator John McCain and President Barack Obama are pushing for military intervention in Syria following a chemical weapons attack in Ghouta, despite a stunning rejection of force by the British Parliament. While the administration frames the strike as a defense of global prohibition norms, leaked reports from Mint Press News suggest Syrian rebels may have mishandled Saudi-provided ordnance. The geopolitical tension has sent Raytheon stock soaring as the cost of Tomahawk missiles and defense contractor profits take center stage.

Secretary of State John Kerry and State Department spokesperson Marie Harf face intense scrutiny over the unclassified intelligence used to justify a 'rubble strategy' in the Middle East. Prince Bandar of Saudi Arabia reportedly attempted to bribe Vladimir Putin into abandoning Bashar al-Assad, while media outlets pivot to demonizing Asma al-Assad with Marie Antoinette comparisons. Domestic policy shifts under Vice President Joe Biden and new California revenge porn legislation further complicate the national landscape as the public remains largely apathetic to foreign entanglements.

This episode features a formal knighting ceremony for Sir Roy of Ancona and Dame Sam, alongside a deep dive into the 'war on sysadmins' and the legacy of Edward Snowden. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak reflect on the nostalgic aroma of Testers Dope paint from childhood model kits and the technical superiority of the Mutt command-line email client. The show concludes with a critical look at George Clooney’s satellite spying and the subconscious linguistic slips of the political elite.

## Chapters

Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/transcript.md.

### 1. Model Airplanes, Dope Paint, Remote Control Hobby Evolution (0:00–3:52)

The hosts reminisce about building plastic model airplane kits during childhood, specifically recalling the distinct aroma of Testers Dope paint and alcohol-based engine fuel. They contrast the physical tethered-string flying models of the past with modern remote-controlled versions that require less mechanical maintenance. The discussion touches on the health effects of inhaling aromatics like toluene found in model glue.

Keywords: testers dope, model airplanes, toluene, [remote control](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/remote-control.md), hobby shop

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/1.md)

### 2. Syria Chemical Attack, Mint Press News, Saudi Arabia Allegations (3:52–5:23)

A report from Press TV cites freelance journalist Dale Govlak and Mint Press News regarding the chemical weapons attack in the Damascus suburb of Ghouta. The report alleges that Syrian rebels admitted to receiving chemical ordnance from Saudi Arabia and that casualties resulted from the mishandling of these weapons due to a lack of training. The hosts express skepticism toward the mainstream narrative that the Syrian government would gas its own people during an active war.

Keywords: [syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md), ghouta, dale govlak, mint press news, [saudi arabia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/saudi-arabia.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/2.md)

### 3. John McCain, Piers Morgan, Syria Intervention Rhetoric (5:23–12:46)

Senator John McCain appeared on the Piers Morgan show to advocate for military intervention in Syria, citing a humanitarian tragedy and the use of chemical weapons. During the interview, McCain dismissed the possibility of a rebel "false flag" operation as "pigs fly" logic. The hosts analyze McCain's performance, noting a moment where he referred to the situation as a "facade" and questioning his certainty regarding the evidence of stacked bodies.

Keywords: [john mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md), [piers morgan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/piers-morgan.md), [bashar al-assad](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bashar-al-assad.md), [chemical weapons](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chemical-weapons.md), [red line](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/red-line.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/3.md)

### 4. Raytheon Stock, Tomahawk Missiles, Congressional Insider Trading (12:46–17:36)

Raytheon (RTN) stock has seen a significant increase, rising from approximately $40 to $75 in 2013, amid talk of missile strikes in Syria. Each Tomahawk missile costs roughly $1.4 million, leading to concerns that military action is being driven by defense contractor profits. The hosts discuss the difficulty of tracking congressional stock trades and suggest that the timing of the conflict coincides conveniently with budget sequester pressures.

Keywords: [raytheon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/raytheon.md), [tomahawk missiles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tomahawk-missiles.md), [stock market](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stock-market.md), [congress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congress.md), [sequester](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sequester.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/4.md)

### 5. British Parliament Vote, David Cameron, UN Neutrality (17:37–21:39)

The British Parliament voted against joining military action in Syria, a move that surprised Prime Minister David Cameron. This legislative rejection has left the United States without its primary military ally for the proposed strikes. Meanwhile, Senator John McCain criticized the United Nations for its neutrality and refusal to apportion blame for the chemical attacks, while also suggesting the UK is no longer a top-tier world power.

Keywords: [david cameron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-cameron.md), [british parliament](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/british-parliament.md), [united nations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-nations.md), world power, syria vote

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/5.md)

### 6. Barack Obama, Rose Garden Speech, Global Prohibition Norms (21:40–23:25)

President Barack Obama delivered a speech in the Rose Garden asserting that the use of chemical weapons in Syria is an assault on human dignity and a threat to U.S. national security. He introduced the term "global prohibition" to describe the international norms against such weapons. The President argued that failure to act would risk the proliferation of these weapons to terrorist groups and endanger regional allies like Israel and Jordan.

Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [rose garden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rose-garden.md), [national security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/national-security.md), [chemical weapons](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chemical-weapons.md), global prohibition

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/6.md)

### 7. Asma al-Assad, Vogue Magazine, Marie Antoinette Comparisons (23:25–26:32)

Media outlets like USA Today are running segments comparing Asma al-Assad, the British-born wife of the Syrian President, to Marie Antoinette. Despite her previous portrayal as a "fashion icon" in Vogue magazine and her associations with Western celebrities, the current media narrative frames her as the "gentle face of a brutal regime." The hosts analyze this shift in propaganda intended to demonize the Syrian leadership.

Keywords: [asma al-assad](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/asma-al-assad.md), [vogue magazine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vogue-magazine.md), [erica hill](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/erica-hill.md), [marie antoinette](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marie-antoinette.md), [syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/7.md)

### 8. War Powers Resolution, Congressional Authorization, Executive Power (26:33–32:35)

President Obama announced he will seek authorization from Congress for the use of military force in Syria, despite maintaining that he has the unilateral authority to act. The hosts discuss the legal distinction between the War Powers Resolution and a formal declaration of war. They argue that seeking this vote is a strategic move to ratify expanded presidential military powers for future administrations.

Keywords: [war powers resolution](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/war-powers-resolution.md), [congress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congress.md), [constitution](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/constitution.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), authorization of force

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/8.md)

### 9. Town Hall Meetings, Public Apathy, Anti-War Sentiment (32:35–35:13)

The hosts debate whether the American public is effectively pressuring Congress to vote against Syrian intervention. While some believe congressmen are getting an "earful" from constituents during their summer break, others argue that public concern is focused more on the economy and the sequester than on foreign military entanglements. They note a lack of visible anti-war protesting compared to previous eras.

Keywords: [congress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congress.md), [town hall](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/town-hall.md), [anti-war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anti-war.md), pacifists, [public opinion](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-opinion.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/9.md)

### 10. Libya Intervention Retrospective, Muammar Gaddafi, Policy Failure (35:14–37:03)

The discussion revisits the 2011 military intervention in Libya, recalling the administration's promise that the transition would take "days, not weeks." Two years after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, the hosts characterize the current state of Libya as a chaotic mess filled with weapons and instability. They use this as a cautionary example for the proposed intervention in Syria.

Keywords: [libya](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/libya.md), [muammar gaddafi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/muammar-gaddafi.md), [pan am 103](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pan-am-103.md), [regime change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/regime-change.md), [foreign policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/foreign-policy.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/10.md)

### 11. No Agenda Art, Executive Producer Donations, Karma Generator App (37:04–42:29)

The hosts thank the "Value for Value" producers and artists, specifically highlighting Joshua Predigrew's artwork for recent episodes. Major donations are acknowledged from Sir Roy of Ancona and Donald Silva. Additionally, a new "No Agenda Karma Generator" app created by listener Ron Boyd is promoted as a tool for the community to engage with show memes.

Keywords: joshua predigrew, [roy pierce](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/roy-pierce.md), [no agenda art](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda-art.md), karma generator, [donation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donation.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/11.md)

### 12. Listener Networking, Movie Scripts, Thomas Ballard (42:29–44:40)

Executive Producer Thomas Ballard from Kentucky requests assistance from the No Agenda community to get his movie scripts read by Hollywood connections. He offers to donate 5% of any potential earnings back to the show. The hosts discuss the difficulty of breaking into the film industry and suggest he update his LinkedIn profile with his producer credit.

Keywords: [hollywood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hollywood.md), movie scripts, [networking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/networking.md), thomas ballard, [kentucky](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kentucky.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/12.md)

### 13. Homeschooling, Corporate Slavery, Red Fox Digitization (44:41–47:49)

Producer Kevin Anderson shares his experience working 90 hours a week as a "corporate slave" while his family operates a small farm and homeschools their children in Michigan. Other donations are acknowledged from Jeff Yerke and Chuck Kohler, the latter of whom mentions a project to digitize the comedy material of Red Fox.

Keywords: [homeschooling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/homeschooling.md), corporate work, [red fox](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/red-fox.md), milford michigan, [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/13.md)

### 14. Tokyo Meetup, Viscountess of Tokyo, Travel Plans (47:49–51:04)

Misty Tallman and "Daymastered" (the Viscountess of Tokyo) contribute to the show, with the latter offering to host a No Agenda meetup in Tokyo in March. One host expresses a strong dislike for Tokyo, citing small food portions and the difficulty of using chopsticks, while the other encourages the international community building.

Keywords: [tokyo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tokyo.md), [japan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/japan.md), [meetup](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/meetup.md), daymastered, [travel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/travel.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/14.md)

### 15. Samsung TV App, Gmail How-To, Demolition Derby (51:05–54:27)

The show announces a new Samsung TV and Blu-ray app for accessing archived episodes. A guide for managing Gmail's "Promotions" tab is shared to help listeners find the newsletter. Additionally, photos of Dallas Spongberg's "No Agenda 33" demolition derby car are featured on the show's blog, sparking a discussion on the best vehicles for derby competition, such as a 1977 Lincoln.

Keywords: [samsung tv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/samsung-tv.md), [gmail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gmail.md), [demolition derby](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/demolition-derby.md), [dallas spongberg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dallas-spongberg.md), blog curry

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/15.md)

### 16. Freedom Controller Beta, Social Media Alternatives (54:28–56:21)

A beta test for the "Freedom Controller" is announced, intended as a way for users to migrate away from mainstream social media platforms like Facebook and Google+. Live listeners are given a secret phrase to sign up on the Cart Curry website. The project is described as a non-monetized effort to promote digital independence.

Keywords: [freedom controller](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/freedom-controller.md), [facebook](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/facebook.md), [google plus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google-plus.md), [beta test](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/beta-test.md), cart curry

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/16.md)

### 17. Presidential Proclamations, September Awareness Months, Preparedness (56:22–59:37)

President Obama issued several proclamations for September 2013, designating it as National Preparedness Month, National Wilderness Month, and awareness months for various cancers and childhood obesity. The hosts mock the inclusion of "shootings" and "cyber incidents" in the preparedness rhetoric. Adam Curry also notes his upcoming 49th birthday on September 3rd.

Keywords: [labor day](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/labor-day.md), [ovarian cancer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ovarian-cancer.md), [childhood obesity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/childhood-obesity.md), [national preparedness month](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/national-preparedness-month.md), [birthday](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/birthday.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/17.md)

### 18. British Parliament Voting Procedures, John Kerry's "Tell" (59:38–1:02:51)

The hosts examine the unique voting procedures of the British Parliament, including the "unlocking" of doors for division lobbies. They also discuss a perceived "tell" in Secretary of State John Kerry's body language, claiming he sticks his tongue out after telling a lie, which they find "freaky" and "reptilian."

Keywords: [british parliament](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/british-parliament.md), [voting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/voting.md), [john kerry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-kerry.md), [body language](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/body-language.md), lizard tongue

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/18.md)

### 19. John Kerry, Syria Evidence, Drone Strike Comparison (1:02:51–1:06:51)

Secretary of State John Kerry delivered a speech urging the public to read unclassified intelligence regarding the chemical attacks in Damascus. The hosts play a remixed version of the speech that overlays Kerry's humanitarian concerns with reports of civilian casualties from U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan. They highlight the perceived hypocrisy of condemning Syrian violence while conducting a drone campaign.

Keywords: [john kerry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-kerry.md), [syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md), [intelligence community](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/intelligence-community.md), [drone strikes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drone-strikes.md), [pakistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pakistan.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/19.md)

### 20. Kevin Rudd, Australia Election, WMD Slip (1:06:52–1:08:20)

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is featured in a clip where he appears to stumble over his words regarding weapons of mass destruction. The hosts discuss the difficulty of obtaining high-quality clips from Australian media during their current election cycle and transition to analyzing American media commentary.

Keywords: [kevin rudd](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kevin-rudd.md), [australia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/australia.md), [weapons of mass destruction](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/weapons-of-mass-destruction.md), [election](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/election.md), [pbs news hour](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pbs-news-hour.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/20.md)

### 21. David Brooks, Mark Shields, International Law Debate (1:08:21–1:16:15)

On PBS NewsHour, commentators David Brooks and Mark Shields debated the merits of striking Syria. Brooks, appearing nervous, argued that the U.S. must act to maintain the "non-proliferation regime," while Shields pointed out the lack of a coalition and the "poisoning of the well" from the Iraq War. The hosts criticize Brooks for ignoring that a strike without UN approval would violate international law.

Keywords: [david brooks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-brooks.md), [mark shields](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mark-shields.md), [pbs news hour](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pbs-news-hour.md), [international law](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/international-law.md), mustard gas

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/21.md)

### 22. Geopolitics of Energy, Saudi Arms Sale, Gun Import Restrictions (1:16:15–1:20:14)

The hosts argue that the Syrian conflict is actually a struggle over the "free flow of energy," involving Israel's Leviathan gas field and competition with Russian gas. They note a $1.2 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia and a new executive action by Vice President Joe Biden that prevents the re-importation of military-grade firearms into the U.S., which they interpret as a scheme to boost domestic gun sales.

Keywords: [leviathan field](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/leviathan-field.md), [fracking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fracking.md), [saudi arabia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/saudi-arabia.md), [joe biden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-biden.md), [gun control](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gun-control.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/22.md)

### 23. Prince Bandar, Vladimir Putin, Global Gas Pricing (1:20:14–1:23:32)

Prince Bandar bin Sultan of Saudi Arabia reportedly met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to offer a deal: if Russia abandons its support for Syria, Saudi Arabia would cooperate on global gas pricing to benefit Russia. Putin reportedly rejected the offer. Putin also publicly challenged the Obama administration to present its "classified" evidence of chemical weapon use to the UN.

Keywords: prince bandar, [vladimir putin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vladimir-putin.md), [saudi arabia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/saudi-arabia.md), [russia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russia.md), [natural gas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/natural-gas.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/23.md)

### 24. Obama-Bots, Apathy, Marijuana Policy (1:23:34–1:27:47)

During a dinner with "Obama-bot" friends, one host observed a total apathy toward the Syrian conflict. Instead, the group focused on the Department of Justice's decision not to challenge marijuana legalization in Washington and Colorado. The host argues that this "inward draw" and refusal to discuss foreign policy indicates a breakdown in the ability of supporters to process the administration's actions.

Keywords: [obama-bots](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/obama-bots.md), [apathy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apathy.md), [marijuana](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marijuana.md), [tenth amendment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tenth-amendment.md), [eric holder](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eric-holder.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/24.md)

### 25. 23andMe, Genetic Testing, Transhumanism (1:27:48–1:31:41)

The conversation at a social gathering turned to 23andMe, the genetic testing company founded by Anne Wojcicki (ex-wife of Google's Sergei Brin). The hosts critique the "quantified self" movement and the transhumanist agenda, mocking the idea that "it's just math" and that genetic data will allow people to live to 150. They view this obsession with personal health data as a distraction from political reality.

Keywords: [23andme](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/23andme.md), [dna](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dna.md), sergei brin, [transhumanism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/transhumanism.md), [quantified self](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/quantified-self.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/25.md)

### 26. Political Identity, Sub-Personalities, Method Acting (1:31:41–1:37:01)

The hosts discuss a theory that political figures like Barack Obama utilize "sub-personalities" to appeal to different audiences, comparing it to method acting. They suggest that supporters are "shorted out" by the contradictions in the President's actions (e.g., being a constitutional lawyer who maintains a "kill list"). The discussion touches on the social pressure to identify with a specific political party.

Keywords: [method acting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/method-acting.md), [schizophrenia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/schizophrenia.md), sub-personality, [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [political party](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/political-party.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/26.md)

### 27. Watermelon Gazpacho, Lamb Chops, Culinary Anecdotes (1:37:02–1:42:57)

A detailed account of a dinner party menu is provided, featuring watermelon gazpacho with coconut milk and marinated lamb chops. The host admits to overcooking the lamb and forgetting to serve the mango chutney. The segment concludes with a reflection on the differences in political outlook between couples with children and those without.

Keywords: watermelon gazpacho, lamb chops, mango chutney, [cooking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cooking.md), [dinner party](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dinner-party.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/27.md)

### 28. Skype Connection Issues, USB Drivers, Bitcoin (1:42:58–1:45:49)

The hosts address ongoing technical issues with Skype, speculating that USB drivers or hardware cables may be causing audio dropouts. They acknowledge donations from Taipei City and a listener in Georgia who funded his contribution using $2.01 in Bitcoin profits. Health karma is sent to a producer in the Netherlands facing heart problems.

Keywords: [skype](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skype.md), usb driver, [bitcoin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bitcoin.md), [port angeles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/port-angeles.md), [eindhoven](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eindhoven.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/28.md)

### 29. Birthday Shoutouts, 6666 Donors, Health Karma (1:45:50–1:53:33)

A large segment of the show is dedicated to reading names of donors who contributed $66.66 to celebrate the show's sixth anniversary. Birthday wishes are sent to Wendy in Chicago, who is facing a layoff, and several other listeners. The hosts also send "F-cancer" karma to a listener in Saskatoon named Max who was recently diagnosed with advanced cancer.

Keywords: wendy packard, 6666, [health karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/health-karma.md), [saskatoon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/saskatoon.md), [birthday](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/birthday.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/29.md)

### 30. Knighting Ceremony, Value for Value, Command Line Email (1:53:34–1:57:21)

The hosts conduct a formal knighting ceremony for Roy Pierce, Donald Silva, and Samantha (Dame Sam). Following the ceremony, they discuss the merits of using "Mutt," a command-line email client, for its speed and efficiency compared to graphical user interfaces.

Keywords: [knighting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighting.md), [mutt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mutt.md), [imap](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/imap.md), [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [dame](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dame.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/30.md)

### 31. War on Sysadmins, Edward Snowden, Cyber Security (1:57:22–2:02:14)

The media narrative surrounding Edward Snowden has shifted to a "war on sysadmins," portraying those with "super-user" privileges as potential threats. The hosts argue that attempting to automate these roles or requiring "two-key" authentication for system tasks is a mistake that will lead to technical failures. They also mention General Keith Alexander's $18 billion budget for a "cyber army."

Keywords: [sysadmin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sysadmin.md), [edward snowden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/edward-snowden.md), [nsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nsa.md), [glenn greenwald](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/glenn-greenwald.md), [cyber war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cyber-war.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/31.md)

### 32. Iran's Stance on Syria, Israel's Role, Rubble Strategy (2:02:15–2:07:27)

The hosts analyze a statement from an Iranian cleric regarding U.S. military failure in Syria. They debate whether the U.S. is acting on behalf of Israeli interests or if the goal is simply a "rubble strategy"—turning Middle Eastern countries into ruins so they resemble the current state of Lebanon or Detroit.

Keywords: [iran](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iran.md), [israel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/israel.md), [lebanon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lebanon.md), [detroit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/detroit.md), [syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/32.md)

### 33. Climate Change Hurricane Naming, Political Satire, Austin Weather (2:07:30–2:11:05)

A satirical campaign proposes naming hurricanes after politicians who deny climate change, such as "Hurricane Marco Rubio" or "Hurricane Michelle Bachman." The hosts find the newscaster-style videos hilarious but note that the current hurricane season has been relatively mild. They also comment on the 105-degree temperatures in Austin, Texas.

Keywords: [marco rubio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marco-rubio.md), [michelle bachman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michelle-bachman.md), [rick perry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rick-perry.md), [climate change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-change.md), [hurricanes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hurricanes.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/33.md)

### 34. Linguistic Slips, "Doing it TO the American People", Media Analysis (2:11:06–2:14:49)

The hosts highlight a clip of a Democratic congressman who accidentally stated that President Obama would explain "what he's doing TO the American people" regarding Syria, rather than "FOR" or "TO" them about the conflict. They compare this to John McCain's earlier "facade" slip as a subconscious admission of the true nature of the policy.

Keywords: linguistic slip, [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [john kerry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-kerry.md), [syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md), american people

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/34.md)

### 35. George Clooney, Satellite Spying, Method Acting Theory (2:14:50–2:19:38)

A BBC report mentions that actor George Clooney pays for a satellite to spy on Sudan. This leads to a discussion on Clooney's potential role as a "spy" or intelligence asset. The hosts also revisit the theory of "sub-personalities" in acting and how it applies to political figures who seem to change personas based on their current agenda.

Keywords: [george clooney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-clooney.md), [sudan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sudan.md), [satellite](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/satellite.md), [method acting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/method-acting.md), sub-personalities

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/35.md)

### 36. Revenge Porn Legislation, California Law, Nudity vs Pornography (2:19:39–2:26:25)

California is introducing legislation to criminalize "revenge porn," the act of posting intimate photos of an ex-partner without consent. The hosts analyze an interview with activist Holly Jacobs, suggesting the law might be a "front" to prevent the leak of politically damaging photos (similar to Abu Ghraib). They argue that the term "domestic violence" is being overextended to cover non-violent digital acts.

Keywords: [revenge porn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/revenge-porn.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), holly jacobs, [domestic violence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/domestic-violence.md), [abu ghraib](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/abu-ghraib.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/36.md)

### 37. Marie Harf, State Department Briefings, CIA Background (2:26:25–2:32:02)

Marie Harf, a spokesperson for the State Department with a background in the CIA, is criticized for her performance in press briefings. The hosts play clips of her struggling to answer basic questions about international law and the UN investigation in Syria. They note that she appears to be a "hot shot" who is being ridiculed by the veteran press corps.

Keywords: [marie harf](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marie-harf.md), [state department](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/state-department.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [press conference](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/press-conference.md), [syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/37.md)

### 38. September 11th Cycle, Hiroshima Comparison, Show Outro (2:32:04–2:38:51)

As the show concludes, the hosts note that the upcoming September 11th anniversary falls within a "six-week cycle" of potential global action. A final produced clip compares the administration's condemnation of chemical weapons to the historical U.S. use of nuclear weapons in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the current drone campaign's civilian toll. The show signs off with a reminder to support the "Value for Value" model.

Keywords: [september 11](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/september-11.md), [hiroshima](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hiroshima.md), [nagasaki](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nagasaki.md), [drone strikes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drone-strikes.md), [international law](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/international-law.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/544-arab-winter/chapter/38.md)

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