Topic: Russian Spies

A review of the film *Salt* highlights its parallels to the real-life arrest of Russian spy Anna Chapman. The hosts criticize the movie's casting and lack of "sexiness," specifically noting the role of Gary Sinise. They argue the film was a "flop" that failed to capitalize on the intrigue of sleeper cell narratives.

The discussion continues regarding Rahm Emanuel's interview, specifically his evasive answers about the 2010 Russian spy swap. Emanuel tells interviewer Jim Lehrer that "the less said the better" and suggests the President was only "briefed appropriately" rather than being the primary decision-maker. The hosts interpret this as a strategy to shield the President from potential fallout while condescending to the press.

The arrest of Russian sleeper agents in the United States is discussed as a potential distraction or promotional tie-in for the Angelina Jolie film "Salt." The appearance of the spies, particularly the redhead Anna Chapman, is noted alongside a critique of Fox News' "News Watch" program and its handling of media analysis.

A BBC report on the Russian spy ring is mocked for its dramatic description of "clandestine techniques" such as invisible ink and wireless networks. The hosts suggest these methods are antiquated or exaggerated, further supporting the theory that the spy story is a "military-entertainment-industry complex" production.

The FBI's arrest of a Russian "deep cover" spy ring coincided with Bill Clinton's visit to Moscow to meet with Vladimir Putin. The timing of the arrests is viewed as a potential diplomatic embarrassment for Clinton or a sign of internal friction between the Clinton and Obama political camps.

Reports indicate that the recently arrested Russian spies used steganography to hide messages within public website images. Details from the criminal complaint describe secret drop points in Arlington, Virginia, and the use of aliases by intelligence operatives to recruit US government contacts.