Russia Launches Military Operation in Ukraine; Oil Breaches $105 as European Conflict Intensifies

Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations security analyst, joins us to discuss the military operation in Ukraine. After a Thursday night speech, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave the green light for an extensive military operation to "disarm and de-nazify" Ukraine. Putin argued that the lack of diplomatic movement and the Ukrainian threat of acquiring nuclear weapons left him with no choice. Scott Ritter, former UN weapon inspector in Iraq, joins us to discuss potential economic fallout from the Ukraine crisis. Oil prices have already begun to rise, and many analysts expect prices and inflation trouble ahead for many nations. Also, will the US empire levy sanctions against Russia that would likely backfire?Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst and co-founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, joins us to discuss the potential of a new world order as a result of this week's military operation in Ukraine. Russia and China oppose the enlargement of NATO, and we discuss how Russia's military operation in Ukraine will change the dynamics of power between the three great powers on Earth. James Carey, writer, activist, and podcaster, joins us to discuss Iran. There are signs that the US is nearing an agreement to rejoin the JCPOA with Iran. If so, how will an energy superpower reappearing in the world's oil market affect prices, trade, and inflation? Iran has recently announced that they are optimistic about a deal.Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, joins us to discuss the Middle East. Israel has launched several missile attacks on Syria. Also, Iraq's political instability has still been unable to produce a president. The Iraqi Parliament has announced a list of 33 presidential candidates. KJ Noh, activist, writer, and teacher, joins us to discuss China. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with his Russian counterpart yesterday regarding the situation in Ukraine. China advocates that dialogue and negotiations should be used to form a sustainable European security mechanism.Leo Flores, Latin America coordinator for Code Pink, joins us to discuss Venezuela. Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro has announced his support for the Russian recognition of the breakaway republics of Donetsk and Lugansk. He has, as of yet, not spoken about the hostilities in Ukraine.Carlos Castaneda, immigration lawyer, joins us to discuss immigration. The Supreme Court is reviewing whether the Biden administration had the authority to get rid of a Trump-era policy that made it harder for immigrants to obtain green cards.