7 chapters across the catalog
The United Nations and 21 countries have condemned Israel's plan to build 3,000 new homes in the West Bank, specifically the E1 project. Critics argue the expansion effectively blocks the possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state by dividing the northern and southern West Bank. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is identified as the primary driver behind the annexation efforts.
Wall Street Settlement Money Pocketed by Government
A Wall Street Journal investigation revealed that of the $110 billion paid by major banks to settle mortgage fraud charges, over $50 billion was pocketed by the federal government rather than being distributed to struggling homeowners. There has been almost no public disclosure regarding how the government spent the settlement funds.
The hosts examine a "BRICS map" that visualizes the geopolitical divide between the IMF/Bank of International Settlements system and the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa). They discuss Argentina's default and the growing economic influence of China in Africa, which is framed as a more favorable relationship for infrastructure development compared to Western exploitation.
Big Bank Foreclosure Settlement, Fannie Mae Mortgage Transfers
The $26 billion "Big Bank" foreclosure settlement announced in February is scrutinized for delays in filing official paperwork. Claims are made that banks used the two-month delay to transfer mortgages to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which are exempt from the principal reduction requirements. The hosts criticize the mainstream media for failing to investigate the loophole.
Obama Mortgage Settlement and National Mortgage Settlement Website
The Obama administration's $26 billion mortgage settlement is analyzed as a potential scam. The hosts point out that no deal has actually been signed and that the requirements for relief—such as never having missed a payment—exclude the vast majority of struggling homeowners.
Central Banker Meeting, Australia, Strong Dollar Policy
Global central bankers, including Tim Geithner and Ben Bernanke, are meeting in Australia with the Bank of International Settlements to discuss the Euro crisis. The hosts debate the merits of a strong dollar policy versus the government's preference for a weak dollar to boost exports like Boeing jets.
Bank for International Settlements, Tony Blair Medal Controversy
Central bankers and regulators are meeting in Basel, Switzerland, under the auspices of the Bank for International Settlements to discuss new financial frameworks. Meanwhile, George W. Bush's decision to award Tony Blair the Presidential Medal of Freedom has sparked significant criticism and satire in the United Kingdom.
