The Global Liberty Alliance Podcast with Jason Poblete

Bill Gent with Divine Mercy Radio on Florida's Space Coast welcomes Jason Poblete, president and co-founder of The Global Liberty Alliance, to discuss his work representing Americans unlawfully detained in other nations. Divine Mercy Radio's mission is to proclaim, through radio, the Good News of Jesus Christ and to communicate His truths, as found in Sacred Scripture and Tradition and in the magisterial teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Divine Mercy Radio commenced broadcasting on Divine Mercy Sunday 2008, bringing the message of the love and mercy of God to people of all faiths and no faith, the reality of Jesus' presence to those seeking meaning in their lives, and the promises of Jesus to those oppressed by sin, guilt, anxieties, and addictions. Learn more by following this link. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/support

We received a lot of good feedback from several listeners about the show with my good friend, Caleb McCarry. I also listened to a podcast recommended by a friend who follows these issues and recorded with former Congressman Joe Garcia (D-Fla.) about some related Cuba issues (here is the link). In summary, when considering US/Cuba relations, without justice and accountability, we can never really move the needle in a meaningful way. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/support

In this thought-provoking episode, Jason Poblete, president of the Global Liberty Alliance, sits down with Mr. Caleb McCarry, a distinguished foreign policy expert currently advising at Pax Sapiens. Together, they delve into the nuances of policymaking, conflict resolution, and the complex challenges of foreign policy, mainly focusing on hot-button issues in the Western Hemisphere, like Venezuela and Cuba. Drawing on Caleb's extensive background in international relations, this conversation offers unique insights into the strategies and considerations involved in navigating global diplomacy and promoting democracy. You can tune in to gain a deeper understanding of these critical issues from two seasoned experts in the field. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/support

In this compelling episode of the Global Liberty Alliance Podcast, host Jason Poblete is joined by Dr. Kylie Moore-Gilbert, the Australian academic who endured a harrowing experience as a hostage in Iran. Now released and reclaiming her freedom, Dr. Moore-Gilbert shares her profound insights and the details of her ordeal. Her book, The Uncaged Sky, 804 Days In an Iranian Prison, is available on Amazon. This conversation delves deep into her newly published book, where she vividly recounts her experiences and the mental, emotional, and physical challenges she faced during her captivity. Dr. Moore-Gilbert opens up about the darkest moments of her imprisonment and the resilience she mustered to survive. Listeners will also get a glimpse into her life post-release. Dr. Moore-Gilbert discusses her current endeavors, her advocacy for other unjustly detained individuals, and how her experience has reshaped her perspective on life and liberty. Kylie's story is not just a story of survival; it's a testament to the human spirit's indomitable will to overcome the most daunting circumstances. Join us for a journey of courage, hope, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. Tune in to the Global Liberty Alliance Podcast for this inspiring and eye-opening episode with Dr. Kylie Moore-Gilbert. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/support

Mark your calendars for #TuneInTuesday next week (January 30, 2024)! 📅 Join our latest #podcast to discover the recent works of former Iran hostage Dr. Kylie Moore-Gilbert. Learn how you can contribute to the fight against #EndHostageDiplomacy. 🎙️🌍 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/support

In the latest episode of the Global Liberty Alliance Podcast, airing on January 16, 2024, host Jason Poblete welcomes back a special guest, Katherine Swidan, to continue the conversation about her son, Mark Swidan, an American wrongfully imprisoned in China. The case update, released just two days after Mark's 49th birthday, offers an in-depth update on his situation, highlighting recent developments and the ongoing efforts of his family to secure his freedom. Katherine's return to the show underscores the personal and emotional aspects, providing listeners with a unique and heartfelt perspective on the struggles and resilience of those fighting for justice in challenging international legal environments. This episode is essential for anyone interested in human rights, international relations, and the continued advocacy for Mark Swidan's release. Further Reading GoFundMeCongressional Resolution --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/support

In the upcoming episode of the Global Liberty Alliance (GLA) podcast with Jason Poblete, we confront a significant discrepancy in the Biden administration's announcement last year. The administration declared the release of all Americans detained in Iran, implying a complete return of all Americans and U.S. nationals held hostage in Iran. This statement, however, was not entirely accurate - in fact, it was incorrect. GLA has asked Congress to conduct oversight on this matter. The release excluded several Americans and U.S. nationals, including Jimmy Sharmahd from California and Shahab Dalili from Virginia. The Global Liberty Alliance (GLA) has identified additional cases of unjust imprisonment or hostage situations in Iran, underscoring the gravity of the issue. In this episode, we feature a discussion with Jimmy’s daughter, Gazelle. Jason and Gazelle delve into efforts to facilitate Jimmy's release. This conversation raises pressing questions: Why was Jimmy Sharmahd, among others, left behind? Are more Americans and U.S. nationals detained abroad facing similar neglect? We also ponder on how America can improve its response to such situations. Additionally, the broader implications of these cases on all Americans are explored. Tune in as we strive to uncover truths, navigate the intricacies of these international diplomatic challenges, and discuss actionable steps you can take to make a difference. Join us in this enlightening journey for answers and awareness. Additional Reading GLA Sharmahd Matter --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/support

(SPANISH EPISODE) In this compelling episode of the Global Liberty Alliance podcast, host Jason Poblete and special guest Uruguayan lawyer Sabrina Pelaez dive into one of GLA's high-profile cases: the trafficking of Cuban healthcare professionals in Uruguay. They discuss these individuals' disturbing realities and broader implications for global health and human rights. Poblete and Pelaez provide insight into the complex legal, human rights, and ethical issues at play while also detailing how the Global Liberty Alliance's relentless efforts exposed the illegal network behind this trafficking. Utilizing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) laws in Uruguay and engaging in administrative and criminal legal procedures, GLA has brought to light the mechanisms of this exploitation, paving the way for policy changes and legal remedies. This episode highlights the plight of Cuban healthcare workers and sheds light on the power of legal advocacy in combatting human rights abuses. Listeners will leave with a deeper understanding of the challenges in this fight and the critical role organizations like GLA play in advocating for justice and human dignity, advancing US national interests one case at a time. If you want to learn about the program discussed in this episode, please follow this link to GLA's Uruguay page. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/support

This podcast episode features a dynamic discussion with Alireza Nader, an expert on Iran based in Washington D.C., and Jason Poblete, President of the Global Liberty Alliance and a specialist in national security law and international law. The focus of their conversation is the recent events of October 7, specifically the attacks on Israel by Hamas, which is understood to be a proxy of Iran. They explore the complexity of these events, discussing their implications and intricacies from a variety of perspectives. Additionally, they delve into the prospects and challenges of democracy-building efforts in Iran, considering what the future might hold in this context. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/support

On this day 44 years ago, Iranian militants seized the U.S. embassy in Tehran and took 52 Americans hostage. This event marked the beginning of the Iran hostage crisis, which lasted for 444 days until January 20, 1981. Dive into a compelling conversation between Jason Poblete, president of the Global Liberty Alliance, and Marine Corps Sgt: Rodney "Rocky" Sickman, a former Iran Hostage. Together, Rocky and Jason revisit the tumultuous events of the 1979 hostage crisis and shed light on its lasting implications. Drawing parallels with current events, this podcast offers a unique blend of historical insights and modern perspectives on global liberty and justice. Rocky is currently working with Folds of Honor, a non-profit that provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members. The organization was founded by Major Dan Rooney in 2007, following his return from his second tour in Iraq as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force. Please consider supporting this worthwhile cause. Follow this link! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/support

Last month the Miami Herald published an interesting story by Nora Gámez Torres, "How Miami companies are secretly fueling the dramatic growth of Cuba’s private businesses." A link is posted below. In this podcast, Jason discusses how this is nothing new and how politicians and activists continue to peddle the fiction that Cuba has a private sector. Further Reading Jun. 23, 2023Nov. 2022 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/support

Jason Poblete is joined by our friend in Central America, businesswoman, former vice presidential candidate, and fellow liberty warrior Betty Marroquin to discuss a wide range of issues, including Communist China meddling in the region, the upcoming Guatemala elections and the sanctioning of the Guatemala Attorney General by the Biden administration (GLA interviewed Guatemala Attorney Porras on a prior podcast that you can listen to by following this link). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/support

Nicaragua remains under the control and authoritarian rule of Daniel Ortega and his party, the Sandinista National Liberation Front. The government has a long and well-documented record of violating fundamental human rights, censoring free speech, and suppressing political opposition. A staunch ally of Russia and Communist China, Nicaragua, with Cuba's assistance, continues to undermine U.S. national and security interests in the region quietly. Religious freedom is an essential indicator of democracy because it reflects the principles of individual liberty and equality before the law, which are fundamental to democratic societies. When individuals are free to practice their religion or belief system without fear of persecution or discrimination, it is a sign that the government is respecting their fundamental human rights and upholding the rule of law. In August 2020, we ⁠recorded a podcast⁠ with a Nicaragua priest about religious persecution in Nicaragua, especially toward Catholics and other Christians. Close to three years later, the situation is not surprisingly any better; it's worse. Biden administration officials recently announced the release of over 200 political prisoners in Nicaragua. A well-known Nicaraguan Catholic Bishop was also released, but he decided to stay in jail. Why? This podcast explores and discusses these issues with Roberto Bendaña from Texas. A Nicaraguan American, Roberto is persona non grata in Nicaragua and is not allowed to visit his ancestral homeland because of his staunch defense of liberty and fundamental rights. Roberto, a businessman and political activist, seeks solutions to help both nations chart a new way forward without Sandinista rule. Further Reading Human Rights Practices: NicaraguaApr. 2, 2022Dec. 21, 2017 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/support

In a November 15, 2022, podcast with the Fakhoury Foundation, the Fakhoury family from New Hampshire shared how they set out over two years ago to find out what happened to Amer Fakhoury, who died as a result of injuries that he sustained while in the custody of Lebanon's corrupt security services or Lebanon's equivalent of our CIA and FBI wrapped up in one. Be sure to listen to that show! In this episode, two of Amer's daughters, Guila and Zoya, provide an update and discuss current events with GLA's Jason Poblete beyond the story and how events in Lebanon may be impacting their accountability efforts. Further Reading Jan. 27, 2023Jan. 26, 2023Jun. 23, 2022 Go Deeper AmazonAmazon --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/support

A retired Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) special agent, Mr. Pete Lapp served over two decades in the FBI and is highly experienced in counterintelligence, espionage, economic espionage, and trade secret theft. In this podcast, GLA's Jason Poblete talks with Mr. Lapp about one of his more high-profile cases, the espionage investigation of Ana Belen Montes, who was arrested ten days after 9/11/2001. Montes was sentenced to 25 years for spying for the Cuban Intelligence Service while she worked at the Defense Intelligence Agency. On January 6, 2023, Montes was in the headlines again because she had been released and had reportedly returned to Puerto Rico to live with her sister. Mr. Lapp has worked on many other national security cases. In October 2021, Pete founded PJ Lapp Consulting, LLC, where he now focuses his vast knowledge and experience in counterintelligence and insider risk (IR); He is a widely recognized expert and thought leader in the area of IR. You can learn more about his practice by visiting his website. Further Reading Oct. 2023FBIJun. 16, 2005 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/support

The Biden administration and Congress have discussed accountability efforts in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. But is the international system ready to hold all parties accountable, or will the process set back the course of international justice efforts? In this episode, Jason Poblete talks with Michela Wrong, an award-winning British journalist and author who has had a rich career that has taken her from the fashion runways of Paris and later as a foreign correspondent in Africa for Reuters, the BBC, and the Financial Times. She was awarded the 2010 James Cameron prize for journalism “that combined moral vision and professional integrity.” As she details on her website, her fifth book, “Do Not Disturb,” published in 2021, is a damning portrait of the Rwandan Patriotic Front, from its days as a united band of rebel fighters to today’s era, in which killer squads are dispatched across the world to silence exiled former insiders. The book has prompted a vitriolic backlash on Rwanda’s government-controlled social media, and President Paul Kagame has denounced the author on national television as a foreign agent. Jason and Michela talk about several aspects of international justice. They also discuss the case of eight Rwandan men tried by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda; 4 were acquitted, while the other 4 served their sentences. They are now in legal limbo as they seek to be reunited with loved ones. In addition, they also talk about unfinished accountability efforts related to the Rwandan genocide. Be sure to check out her latest book on the Rwanda genocide, link below, Do Not Disturb: The Story of a Political Murder and an African Regime Gone Bad." “A withering assault on the murderous Rwandan regime of Paul Kagame, and a melancholy love song to the lost dreams of the nations of Africa’s Great Lakes. Michela Wrong proves once again that she is an intrepid and highly professional researcher of the subject she knows best. It’s a major accomplishment, very driven, very impassioned.” ―JOHN LE CARRÉ, best-selling author of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Further Reading Dec. 8. 2022March 30, 2021June 6, 2006 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/support

Virginia mom and liberty warrior Xi Van Fleet grew up in Mao Zedong's Communist China. Raised during the Cultural Revolution, after high school, Xi, along with all the urban youths, was forced to work in the fields for three years to be re-educated by the peasants. She was able to go to college only after Mao’s death. In 1986 she came to America as a student to pursue her graduate studies. For the past 30 years, she has worked in the field of Information Management and stayed out of politics or any civic activity; however, starting in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, she decided she had to speak up. Compelled by her personal experience during the Chinese Cultural Revolution and the realization that what she has experienced is taking place here in America, she has committed herself to warn the American people and help them see what is happening now in America. Further Reading International Women's Forum --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/support

In this podcast, GLA's Jason Poblete speaks with former Ambassador Martin Palouš. Martin is currently a Senior Fellow at Florida International University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) and Director of the Václav Havel Program for Human Rights and Diplomacy. Palouš was part of the movement that helped end the Soviet occupation of Eastern Europe during the Cold War. The defense of fundamental individual and human rights has been at the core of his playbook ever since. Born in Prague on October 14, 1950, Palouš studied Natural Science, Philosophy, and International Law, and he has engaged in rich academic praxis for more than 25 years. He was one of the first signatories of Charter 77 in defense of human rights and served as spokesman for the dissident human rights group. Charter 77 was an informal civic initiative in the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic from 1976 to 1992, named after the document Charter 77 from January 1977. Founding members included a wide range of civil society leaders at the time, including Martin and the future President of the Czech Republic, Václav Havel. Their work and that of other civil society leaders supported by the U.S. laid a foundation for President Ronald Reagan's push to end the Cold War. Palouš went on to have a rewarding career in international law and foreign affairs, including being elected to the Czechoslovakian Federal Assembly and a member of its Foreign Affairs Committee. Later he served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in the newly formed Czech Republic and was then asked by President Václav Havel to travel to Washington, D.C. as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to the United States from September 2002 to November 2005. Dr. Palouš was designated as Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United Nations, where he served in New York from 2006 through 2010. On November 19, 2022, Palouš said in an op-ed that ran in the Miami Herald that he disagreed with the view held by many in the Cuban diaspora that there "cannot be any dialogue with the current Cuban government as long as it pursues policies of systematic violations of human rights and imprisons and persecutes the members of Cuban democratic opposition." He also said, "I’ve always defended human rights and the bravery of those who oppose the Cuban regime, and I’ve had the mettle to act on my convictions as a dissident." What keeps these two communities apart? And why should the American taxpayer care about this? Further Reading Martin Palouš20221997When Should the U.S. Change Policy Toward Cuba --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/support

At times, we are called to do the most extraordinary things at the most challenging moments in life. That is the story of one American family in New Hampshire, the Fakhoury family. In August 2020, the Fakhoury family said goodbye to their beloved, Amer, who died as a result of injuries that he sustained while in the custody of Lebanon's corrupt security services or Lebanon's equivalent of our CIA and FBI wrapped up in one. During the course of the last two years, the family has set out to find out what happened to Amer, and start their justice journey to ensure that this never happens again to Americans or US nationals who travel abroad to Lebanon or to other nations. The Fakhoury family started a foundation, filed a lawsuit in the District Court of the District of Columbia, and has engaged in other advocacy efforts including with Congress. Last week the Global Liberty Alliance co-signed an open letter with the Fakhoury Foundation urging U.S. officials to fully enforce the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act in the matter of Amer Fakhoury. Further Reading The Fakhoury FoundationRobert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability ActNov. 10, 2022Guidance on Hostages and Wrongfully Detained U.S. Nationals Sanctions ---- If you want to help defend the fundamental rights of Americans, free enterprise, and the rule of law, consider donating to the Global Liberty Alliance. GLA is also accepting Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. Follow this link to learn more! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/support

A nation of about seven million people, Paraguay is slightly smaller than California and an important U.S. ally in South America for trade and national security issues, including terrorism, transnational crime, and related matters. Since 2019 American taxpayers have sent close to $85 million in foreign assistance to Paraguay. It may seem like a nominal amount, at least when compared to the total U.S. federal budget. And perhaps to folks in Washington, DC, it may seem like nothing when it comes to our money, but these foreign aid programs add up in tough economic times. Some of that money is invested in worthwhile programs in the US national interest, but some are not. Who is minding the store and doing oversight? It is supposed to be the Congress, yet as we learn on this podcast with a leading lawyer and civil society leader in Paraguay, Valeria Insfran, some of our tax dollars are being used in ways that she thinks to undermine the rule of law, Paraguayan sovereignty, and US interests too. Valeria has been on the front lines of a fundamental rights battle involving children and families in her country. Jason and Valeria touch on a wide range of issues, including the Sao Paolo Forum, the Inter-American Dialogue, the Princeton Pact (see link below), and more recent events, including sanctioning by the Biden administration of a former Paraguay President and his family (calling into question again, the politicization of U.S. sanctions programs in Latin America – Guatemala was the other). At the request of listeners, this particular podcast was recorded in Spanish as part of a series to reach liberty warriors in the Americas. We will record an English version of this podcast, hopefully soon. There was a lot to unpack in this program, and we have asked Valeria to return, and she has agreed. Further Reading linkState Departmentfoundation linkEl pacto de Princeton, una alianza para la miseria y el sometimientoGuatemala Attorney GeneralPresident of GuatemalaJul. 22, 2022 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-liberty-alliance/support