Ray McGovern discusses the volatile situation in the Middle East and the potential consequences of Israeli actions against Palestinian and Shia groups.

He reflects on the assassination of Hamas spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmed Yasin and the formation of violent retaliations, as well as the planned Israeli military action against Hezbollah in Lebanon and the potential for a devastating war.

McGovern also criticizes the US for its lack of accountability towards Israel's disregard for international resolutions and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He expresses concern over the potential for regional war and the involvement of external powers like Russia and China in the conflict. Additionally, McGovern discusses the tense situation between the US and Russia in Ukraine and the potential for a dangerous escalation.

He discusses various geopolitical issues, including the potential for a nuclear conflict between Russia and the US in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. McGovern expresses doubt that US decision-makers will heed warnings of a humiliating defeat in Ukraine leading to nuclear weapons use.

He mentions Russia's increasing military presence and alliances, particularly with China, and the implications for the US. McGovern criticizes the media for manufacturing threats against China and Russia and argues that there is no real threat from China to the US.

Overall, McGovern expresses hope for avoiding conflict and expresses frustration with the lack of transparency and spreading of false information.

Ray McGovern came to Washington from his native Bronx in the early Sixties as an Army infantry/intelligence officer and then served as a CIA analyst for 27 years, from the administration of John F. Kennedy to that of George H. W. Bush. Ray’s duties included chairing National Intelligence Estimates and preparing the President’s Daily Brief, which he briefed one-on-one to President Ronald Reagan’s five most senior national security advisers from 1981 to 1985 [ Full Bio ].