Eric Margolis, an award-winning, internationally syndicated columnist, discusses Ahmad Shah Massoud's role in the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan; the US's "leading from behind" strategy in Iraq; and the increasing power and independence of Kurdistan, with help from Israel.

Diana Buttu, a laywer and analyst with the Institute for Middle East Understanding, discusses the media's biased coverage of Israel; the Shin Bet's torture of Palestinian children; and how US financial and political support allows Israel to get away with murder.

Max Blumenthal, author of Goliath: Life and Loathing in Greater Israel, discusses his Electronic Intifada article "Netanyahu government knew teens were dead as it whipped up racist frenzy" and the Israelis taking vengeance on Palestinian teens.

Debra Sweet, Director of World Can't Wait, discusses the preparation of protests to stop yet another US intervention in Iraq.

Dan Sanchez, director of the Mises Academy, discusses economics professor Tyler Cowen's argument that war is the health of the economy.

Philip Weiss, founder and co-editor of Mondoweiss.net, discusses the imminent Israeli assault on Gaza following the murder of three Israeli teenagers; John Kerry's failed peace process; and prospects for a two, one, or no-state solution.

Attorney and political activist Kevin Zeese discusses why Edward Snowden would be a fool to take John Kerry's taunting advice to "man up" and come home to face trial.

Blogger Marcy Wheeler discusses the Washington Post's exposé on NSA-intercepted data that shows non-targeted Americans are far more likely to have their communications intercepted than legally targeted foreigners.

Mitchell Prothero, a journalist with McClatchy DC, discusses the major developments in the new Islamic State and the transformation of ISIS from "school shooter" fanatics to a formidable military force.

Patrick Cockburn, an award-winning journalist with The Independent, discusses ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's public call for all Muslims to join his cause; how institutional corruption has destroyed the Iraqi army's effectiveness; and why the US can't conduct drone strikes in Iraq without serious risk of counterattack - either in the Middle East or back home.