Topic: Waziristan

U.S. drone strikes in North Waziristan are characterized as "pipeline protection." Meanwhile, a study in *PLOS Medicine* reveals that 70% of the DSM-5 task force members have financial ties to pharmaceutical companies, leading to a prediction that "sleep disorders" will be the next major profit center for drug manufacturers.

Suicide bombers attacked two churches in a Christian community in Lahore, Pakistan, resulting in at least 14 deaths. The discussion shifts to the "Durand Line," the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which remains a source of regional conflict and terrorism. The hosts suggest that U.S. drone strikes in the area are primarily intended to protect energy pipelines and maintain control over the volatile border region.

Former CIA Director Michael Hayden's media appearances are analyzed, specifically his call to "take the wood to ISIS." The hosts argue that the real strategy is to treat ISIS territory like Waziristan to protect regional pipeline interests. The goal is to block Iranian-Iraqi pipelines through Syria while enabling those from Saudi Arabia and Qatar into Turkey.

The BRICS nations announce a joint initiative to eliminate drug production in Afghanistan, which the hosts interpret as a challenge to CIA-managed poppy interests. The discussion also covers the TAPI pipeline and the strategic necessity of "rubbleizing" regions like Waziristan to ensure pipeline security.

What began as a local protest against the redevelopment of Gezi Park in Istanbul has evolved into a nationwide movement demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Analysts suggest the unrest may be influenced by external intelligence agencies to destabilize Turkey due to its role as a hub for Russian gas pipelines. The disruption of these energy corridors benefits competitors in the Mediterranean and Baku regions.

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake on the Iran-Pakistan border is discussed in the context of the "Peace Pipeline" (IP Pipeline). The hosts suggest the earthquake might not be natural, noting its proximity to a pipeline project that the United States opposes in favor of the TAPI pipeline. They speculate on the use of advanced technology to trigger seismic events for geopolitical leverage.

A U.S. drone strike killed militant commander Mullah Nazir in South Waziristan. The strike is linked to the proposed Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline, suggesting military action is used to clear the path for energy infrastructure.

A BBC report on drone warfare in Waziristan is analyzed by the hosts. They argue that the mainstream media ignores the primary motivation for the strikes: protecting the strategic oil and gas pipelines that cross through that region of Pakistan.

John C. Dvorak discusses his PC Magazine column regarding the improbability of "mud hut" terrorists in Waziristan launching sophisticated cyber attacks. The hosts point out the contradiction in government claims about Iran's cyber capabilities versus their internal internet restrictions.

U.S. drone strikes kill 24 people in Waziristan shortly after the resumption of NATO supply lines through Pakistan. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta speaks at the Institute of Peace about investing in "unmanned systems" and special operations. A New York Times report titled "The Drone Zone" describes Air Force officers in Nevada using civilian cars on public highways to practice tracking targets.

Recent drone strikes in Yemen's Sabawa province and Pakistan's North Waziristan region resulted in the deaths of several suspected Al-Qaeda members and civilians. The hosts track these events via the "Kill List" website, noting the frequency of strikes during the Obama presidency. They highlight the strategic location of these strikes near planned pipeline routes in the Shawwal Valley.

At the G20 summit in Chicago, President Obama reportedly snubbed the President of Pakistan over drone strike tensions. Meanwhile, Turkmenistan signed a deal for the TAPI pipeline to run through Afghanistan to India and Pakistan. The hosts note that drone strikes in Waziristan continued immediately following the diplomatic friction.

A U.S. drone strike in North Waziristan killed eight suspected militants. The hosts argue that drone operations in Pakistan and the continued military presence in Afghanistan are primarily intended to protect future pipeline routes and poppy fields rather than to combat Al Qaeda.

A US drone strike in South Waziristan, Pakistan, is linked to the protection of pipeline routes. The hosts discuss the transition from manned helicopter surveillance to drone patrols for gas and oil infrastructure, specifically mentioning the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) pipeline project.

Details of U.S. drone strikes in North Waziristan that killed 14 people are discussed, highlighting the tension between India and Pakistan. The hosts debate the effectiveness of "Shock and Awe" military tactics versus long-term occupations.