The McLaughlin Group - April 23rd - CBS-NY + PBS Nationwide

Full episode

My time linked comments:

Passing Dr. McLaughlin's challenge on my knowledge of Afghanistan! Suggesting US strategy going forwards should focus on helping Afghan government establish control of major highways + cities

Pat says Afghanistan was stable under Taliban, I note Al Qaeda haven under Taliban

Eleanor says Iraq invasion was great strategic mistake, I note that President Obama's 2011 withdrawal was also a grave error. (Note: SOFA extension could have been reached)

Noting that Vice President Biden's artificial caps on troop deployments are unhelpful - we must be able to effectively train, advise and assist

Schools in rural areas are no longer the priority in Afghanistan - realism demands we re-focus on securing cities and defeating irreconcilables

How Putin is playing the US for a fool in Syria

Putin becomes more dangerous now that Russia's economy is in crisis (I smile because Pat doesn't agree with me that Russia is a US foe - I respect his opinion, I just disagree)

Off camera - Challenging Pat about the Baltic states as worthwhile - NATO

Why Assad staying in power directly threatens US - fuels Daesh - attacks Brussels...

Responding to Dr. M's question as to whether Putin is at risk of a Coup d'etat

Israeli settlement construction feeds BS narratives of Hamas as a 'Che Guevara' cool resistance. Thus degrading Israel's rightful moral legitimacy in international public opinion

Exit Question: A) Two-State Solution is in suspended animation

President Obama's executive action on immigration is hypocritical and against the tradition of American governance

Congress either has a role in American life or it doesn't, if President Obama can wave laws as he wishes on a whim, why don't we get rid of Congress?

Predicting that Trump and Clinton will win all 5 states on Tuesday