Photo, left: 
 
JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW
Co-host: Thaddeus McCotter, WJR, The Great Voice of the Great Lakes
 
Hour One
Monday 31 October 2016 / Hour 1, Blo  ck A: Tom Joscelyn, Long War Journal senior editor & FDD,  and Bill Roggio, Long War Journal senior editor  & FDD, in re: al Nusrah rebranded in late July; in Aug, they launched an offensive in Aleppo vs Russian and Iranian proxies. Sine 28 Oct, the same jihadi coalition has launched  new offensive to break the siege of Aleppo .
Rebel side is organized, Jaish al-Fath – army of conquest (incl Syrian Taliban); other: Aleppo Conquest Coalition.
Two major Aleppo apt complexes w heavy guerrilla fighting: oversee mil installations & mil academy.  Deeply embedded in these two complexes to repel to jihadis.  See Long War Journal martyr bombing – they fly small commercial droves overheard to film. Two of the suicide bombers were Turks, and one from Western China, drove into the 3000 Apt and the 1070 Apartment Project. 
Turkestan Islamic Party (al Q’s Uyghur contingent) has been prominent in there. 
“retired IRGC commanders volunteer to fight in Syria; they try to marshal resources to prevent jihadis from breaking the siege.
Too many sides to count. 
Monday 31 October 2016 / Hour 1, Block B: Tom Joscelyn, Long War Journal senior editor & FDD,  and Bill Roggio, Long War Journal senior editor  & FDD, in re:  Kunar Province: al Q still threatens the West.  Farouk al Qatani from Qatar set up al Q safe havens in Afgh in eastern provinces more than six year ago. From remote areas in Afgh he still threatened the West.  US airstrikes taking out personnel are a drop in the bucket.  Targets? Were intent on hitting the US, have had plans in place for a long time.  Laying plans for a major operation in the West ; Zawahiri has actually issued stand-down orders pending finishing more local ops.
Raqqah, IS HQ: will IS be able to strike the West?  CT [countertrorism] field failed by saying it had no intent to – just before the massive assault on Paris last year.  However, it’s bldg up an external operations arm.   Where?  They all gun for New York; probably thinking of trains. Easy to launch a Mumbai-style attack to cause havoc.  They want to make s pay for what’s going on in Raqqah and Mosul.
How long before Russia takes everything down?   . . .  A long fight, indeed.
Why Iran supported Houthi attacks against the US Navy  Indicators suggest that Tehran supports the Houthi anti-ship missile attack against the US Navy this past week. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps held the US directly responsible for the devastating Saudi-led coalition bombing last week in Sanaa, Yemen . The IRGC sought to pressure the US in order to push the Saudis to deescalate the war, calculating that the US wants to avoid more involvement in the war in Yemen.
Islamic State recognizes oath of allegiance from jihadists in Mali  The Islamic State has officially recognized a loyalty oath sworn by Abu Walid al Sahrawi, a jihadist based in West Africa. Sahrawi first swore his fealty to Abu Bakr al Baghdadi in May 2015. It is not clear why it took so long for the so-called caliphate to recognize him as one of its representatives.
Jihadists and other rebels launch new offensive in Aleppo  Al Qaeda's rebranded guerrilla army in Syria is fighting alongside other jihadists, Islamists and Free Syrian Army-branded rebels in an offensive intended to break the Assad regime's siege of Aleppo. Most of the participating groups belong to two coalitions: Jaysh al Fath ("Army of Conquest") and Fatah Halab ("Aleppo Conquest"). These same two alliances tried and failed to break the siege earlier this year.
IRGC commander killed on eve of Aleppo battle   A major battle has commenced in Aleppo between the array of pro-government and opposition forces that include Sunni and Shiite jihadists. Another high-ranking former IRGC commander has been killed in Syria. Iranian media claim he died while undertaking "advisory mission," but Guard commanders are engaged in direct combat operations, as well.
Hezbollah Brigades hurries troops to Mosul fight   At least 11 rocket launchers, four howitzers (including two US-made M198 howitzers), one American-made M1 Abrams, and one US M88 Recovery Vehicle were spotted in a Hezbollah Brigades convoy moving towards Mosul.
Islamic State fighters withdraw from captured Somali port town  The Islamic State-loyal forces withdrew just a day after capturing Qandala. However, the small branch did demonstrate it has the capabilities to even temporarily take over and hold ground.
Qassem Soleimani visits families of Iranians killed in Syria  Qods Force Commander Major General Qassem Soleimani was in Tehran today visiting the families of Iranians who lost members in Syria, after a confirmed sighting in Iraqi Kurdistan on Oct. 23.
Taliban overruns military base in Uruzgan   A Taliban spokesman released a video of an interview of fighters from the base. Like the recent ambush in Helmand's capital, the Taliban fighters clearly are not concerned about either a counterattack or airstrikes.
US military kills 5 AQAP fighters in central Yemen   There have been at least 31 airstrikes against AQAP in Yemen in 2016, according to data compiled by The Long War Journal.
US targeted 2 senior al Qaeda leaders in eastern Afghanistan   The US targeted Faruq al Qatani and Bilal al Utabi in an airstrike in Kunar Province, Afghanistan on Oct. 23. Both of them have been involved in al Qaeda's anti-Western plotting, according to the Pentagon. Qatani was identified as a key al Qaeda commander in Osama bin Laden's files. READ
Islamic State continues to plot against the West, US military warns   Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend said today that the Islamic State is planning attacks against the West ("external operations") from its headquarters in Raqqa, Syria. Townsend didn't provide any specifics, but the group has used its safe havens to orchestrate multiple plots in the past. READ
Islamic State in Somalia claims capture of port town  This marks the first time the fledgling Islamic State branch has claimed control over a town in Somalia.
Monday 31 October 2016 / Hour 1, Block C:  Gordon G. Chang, Daily Beast & Forbes.com, in re: Significant change in the Communist Party; the Plenum: Xi Jinping is the CORE; everyone must unite, rally around and support the CORE. He’s broken protocols in place for decades and which will lead to a bit of instability. In the CCP, “Core” has historical resonance: Deng and Mao both were called that; Jiang was called Core but Hu Jintao was never officially given that moniker. (This is a Chinese title; not brought in from kreml Bolshies . . .) Next year, only two members of the Standing Committee are to stay; however, Xi wants to keep his allies there, and he wants a third term for himself.  Lot at stake.  Senior cadres resisting, so Xi’s arrogation of power is a sign of weakness as well as of strength. Are the younger cadres disappointed?  Almost everyone doesn't like it except Xi’s buddies; another reason for the ocean of cash escaping China right now.  Xi is de-institutionalizing the Party.  In the Mao era, if you lost a political struggle you could die; that was changed for everyone’s safety ad survival, but Xi is reverting to the earlier, highly dangerous style is moving in.
China told Dueterte, “By our graciousness we let Filipinos fish at Scarborough Shoal” – but I;s Filipino territory! This obtains also in Senkaku Islands, and China is talking about taking over Okinawa. Something will break A confrontation will spiral out of control.
Berlin won't let China buy up everything: putting on hold the acquisition of a German chip-maker and asked EU to block Chinese purchases Washington: will ask Congress to give Committee on US investment s right to block all purchases by Chinese state-owned investments in the US.
Everyone wants reciprocity, which China refuses.
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Chinese Communist Party expands Xi Jinping's political power . . .  A communique released on Thursday after the end of the Central Committee's four-day sixth plenum in Beijing also said the party's national . . .
Asia Pacific|China's Communist Party Declares Xi Jinping 'Core . . .
China | How the media read the tea leaves from China's Party plenum  The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed Oct. 31 that Beijing has decided to allow Philippine fishermen access to the disputed Scarborough Shoal, AP reported. According to a spokesman, Beijing decided to make “proper arrangements on the issue based on the friendship between China and the Philippines” after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte raised the issue. China has been blockading the rich fishing grounds since seizing the shoal, located around 120 miles from Luzon well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, after a two-month standoff in 2012. Eight groups of Philippine fishermen reportedly entered the shoal without interference from the Chinese coast guard on Oct. 26. Though Beijing and Manila seem to have set aside their dispute in the South China Sea for now, they have not laid it to rest. 
The West, demanding reciprocity, is starting to block Chinese investment with new rules. 
The higher status gives Xi greater influence over reshuffles of the top ranks at the gathering.
A communique released on Thursday after the end of the Central Committee’s four-day sixth plenum in Beijing also said the party’s national congress would be held “in the second half of 2017 in Beijing”, marking the start of the formal preparations for the meeting.
In addition, the plenum adopted two new sets of regulations governing the conduct of senior cadres – guiding principles for political life within the party “under new circumstances”, and revisions to trial regulations on party internal supervision.
The communique said the party called on all members to “closely unite around [its] Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core,” state-run Xinhua reported. http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonchang/2016/10/30/u-s-eu-say-no-to-china-buying-the-world/#19fb653722b8
Monday 31 October 2016 / Hour 1, Block D: Michel Ledeen, FDD and PJMedia, in re:  Does Russia have Electoral College votes?  US intell agencies say that Russia is ”meddling” in the US elections. For whom?  If I were Putin, I'd root for Hillary because I’d think I'd be in a stronger position to influence US policy. Russians close to Putin have put over $100 million into the Clinton Fdn, and gobbled up 20% of US uranium; they're very cooperative, a proven partner. With Trump, no one knows what he’ll say or do next. Conventional wisdom is that Putin favors Trump, but Gen Flynn, Trump’s policy advisor on Russia,  brands Russia as trying to destroy the US.  Russia hacking American e – Podesta, Clinton, etc.—even though we’re told that Trump has been briefed to the effect that it's Russia doing the hacking. 
From Putin’s standpoint, Clinton is in the bag: gave Russia US uranium and Russia gave her $100 million.  There are Russian agents in both campaigns.   Everybody’s being hacked.  https://pjmedia.com/michaelledeen/2016/10/30/whos-putin-for/
 
Hour Two
Monday 31 October 2016 / Hour 2, Block A:   David M Drucker, Washington Examiner Senior Congressional correspondent; John Fund, NRO, in re:  168 hours from now begins the voting.  No one was prepared for the Comey announcement, leastwise the Clinton campaign. Whenever you have “FBI” in a headline, it screams and never is good. Either you take it on and convey that it's a nothingburger; or you go on the attack.   Best thing in this environment is to be bold and combative. Comey was their hero in July; not now.   Too early to see how it's turning out; polling so far is mixed.   Neither side wants to be in the spotlight; only  a week out, you need to go on the attack. 
FBI vs IRS?   Trump’s taxes are [a yuge problem]; we'll see a race to the gutter.  Times broke news on the homebrew email server.  If the NYT has underlying info that the Clinton Fdn is running some kind of criminal enterprise, then the journo’s job is to seek out people who can clarify.
•     Comey’s Bombshell Changes Little in Race
•     Clinton and Trump Viewed Equally Unfavorably
•     Abedin Surprised Emails Were on Husband’s Laptop
Trump’s Tax Dodge Stretched Law ‘Beyond Recognition’  Donald J. Trump avoided reporting hundreds of millions in taxable income with a maneuver so legally dubious that his lawyers said an I.R.S. audit would most likely find it improper. Tax experts who reviewed documents for The Times said Mr. Trump trampled a core tax policy tenet by receiving tax benefits for losing vast amounts of other people’s money.
Monday 31 October 2016 / Hour 2, Block B: David M Drucker, Washington Examiner Senior Congressional correspondent; John Fund, NRO, in re: Mr Trump is hopscotching through different states; not doing anything for the downballot.  Downballot GOP is less fraught than a week ago because the max number of Dem pickups in the House will be 15 (still have a majority) and the Senate looks less worse: tough races in Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina; and an outside threat to Roy Blount in Missouri.   Indiana.  Key wil be turnout: where ill people be so unwilling to make a choice that they either don't vote or vote GOP just for a check against Hillary Clintn Seven to eight per cent in the middle.
GOP using that argument in TV ads.   Wikileaks. I’m told here’s more out there on Trump. Wikileaks has released 38,000 emails, none actually from Hillary but one, which was not damaging: a notice to Clinton that “we have your email.”
Trump seen as a black swan, not a normal nominee; ties to GOP are frayed. 
Monday 31 October 2016 / Hour 2, Block C: Malcolm Hoenlein, Conference of Presidents, in re: Lebanese election: ended two years of gridlock by electing a new president.    Gen Aoun, a Maronite Christian leader of Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), was a US ally who suddenly turned, left Lebanon and returned as an ally of Hezbollah.  He assumes he’ll be prime minister; once opposed Taif Accords. After he came back from France he was blocked from office till he signed an agreement with Hezbollah. March 18 Accord. Sunni are 35% of population; coalition seen as hostile toward Sunnis.   Aoun is senior and unpredictable.  No guarantee that Hariri fils will go along with this. US welcomed Aoun’s election but called on govt to follow UN Res. 1559 and __01;  Lebanon has been devastated by both internal and Syrian fighting. 
Another aged patriarch: Palestinian Authority. Moe an d more infighting (Fatah of Pa) and A’s security forces, and armed groups from the camps, and young people who see no suitable candidate.  Abbas: I won’t anoint a successor while I’m still alive – creating unrest.   Dahlan won’t run but will back Barghouti (in prison for five life sentences for murder).   Depressing, but the most homicidal lunatic hasn't risen t the top No Gandhi or Mandela in the PA’s future: none was allowed to rise, having been shot down, or just shot.   PA consistently wastes resources, never builds a future, and anyone who criticizes it is isolated, at best.
John Kerry condemns the UNESCO (which voted to say that Jerusalem and the Temple Mount are not Jewish; may be referred to only by its Moslem name!)  vote:  the Human Rights Council.  Tanzania, Czech republic and others have now decided to reverse their vote; Dominican Republic recalls ambassador to demand why he voted in favor of the UNESCO insanity?
Monday 31 October 2016 / Hour 2, Block D: Malcolm Hoenlein, Conference of Presidents, in re: UNESCO is turning into a laughingstock; it denies not Jews but 3,800 years of Judeo-Christian history — Josephus and everyone. The UNESCO resolution is so extreme: scores of additions go into great detail denying well-known history and at he same time we have new discoveries, ncl Islamic material on the existence of Jews in the Holy Land. The Dome of the Rock, and Arabized version of exactly the Hebrew words.   Masses of evidence to sow the influence Jews had on the region, incl Eighth-century Arab coins with menorahs. A new archaeological campus in Jerusalem now has 2 million artifacts.  Houthis fired Chinese-made missiles into the Red Sea at US ships, which could not have been fired without Iranian assistance. Missile s provide by Iran 0- coastal defense missiles. US has intercepted five weapons shipments to Iran, incl TOW anti-tank missiles. 
 
Hour Three
Monday 31 October 2016 / Hour 3, Block A:   Mary Kissel, Wall Street Journal Editorial Board & host of Opinion Journal on WSJ Video; in re:  Hillary email; politically overcast; the view with a week to go; Wall Street Journal overview.
Monday 31 October 2016 / Hour 3, Block B:   Mary Kissel, Wall Street Journal Editorial Board & host of Opinion Journal on WSJ Video; in re: An algo determines political popularity n the US.  Kim Strassel: The Intimidation Game, how the left intimidates political speech. Kim made a video on it for Praeger University; why it matters to our political process,  etc. A few hours after she put it on the site, YouTube restricted it so universities couldn’t see it.  Explanation:  an algorithm.
1. The algo has to be written by a human  2. YouTube didn’t apologize at all; rather, blamed the arithmetic process. To boot, it was censored a second time.
This matters because most young people are not being exposed to any sort of conservative views; and you don't know what you don't know
See: The Big Book of Jack the Ripper. Monday 31 October 2016 / Hour 3, Block C:  Richard A Epstein, Hoover Institution, Chicago Law, NYU Law, in re: Yale brags about its free speech.  Hang on; not so.
Yale’s new inclusion and diversity policies will have grave consequences for the future of freedom of speech on campus. The direct effect will be Yale’s continued discrimination against, or exclusion of, people whose views are found to not fit within its faux-inclusive community. Yale’s diversity-focused policies of recruitment, promotion, and retention will continue to drive the university further to the left now that no one in the administration is prepared to defend the traditional values of academic excellence and freedom of speech against the demands of diversity and inclusion. As a Yale Law School alumnus, I fear Peter Salovey’s misguided agenda will cause Yale to descend into moral dogmatism and intellectual mediocrity . . . http://www.hoover.org/research/yale-beyond-pale ( of 2)
Monday 31 October 2016 / Hour 3, Block D: Richard A Epstein, Hoover Institution, Chicago Law, NYU Law, in re: Yale’s new inclusion and diversity policies will have grave consequences for the future of freedom of speech on campus. The direct effect will be Yale’s continued discrimination against, or exclusion of, people whose views are found to not fit within its faux-inclusive community. Yale’s diversity-focused policies of recruitment, promotion, and retention will continue to drive the university further to the left now that no one in the administration is prepared to defend the traditional values of academic excellence and freedom of speech against the demands of diversity and inclusion. As a Yale Law School alumnus, I fear Peter Salovey’s misguided agenda will cause Yale to descend into moral dogmatism and intellectual mediocrity . . . http://www.hoover.org/research/yale-beyond-pale ( of 2)
 
Hour Four
Monday 31 October 2016 / Hour 4, Block A:  To Make Men Free: A History of the Republican Party, by Heather Cox Richardson  (1 of 4)
Monday 31 October 2016 / Hour 4, Block B:  To Make Men Free: A History of the Republican Party, by Heather Cox Richardson  (2 of 4)
Monday 31 October 2016 / Hour 4, Block C:  To Make Men Free: A History of the Republican Party, by Heather Cox Richardson  (3 of 4)
Monday 31 October 2016 / Hour 4, Block D:  To Make Men Free: A History of the Republican Party, by Heather Cox Richardson  (4 of 4)
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