RST: Egyptian military leader trained at Carlisle Barracks; Abolishing the Turnpike Commission

Radio Smart Talk for Tuesday, July 16:

Every year, dozens of military officers from countries around the world are invited to participate in classes at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle. The idea is to build personal relationships with the military leaders of nations friendly to the United States.

Some 1,200 “international fellows” as they’re called, have gone through the program since it started in 1978.

One of them was Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, Egypt’s Defense Minister, who led a military coup that ousted President Mohammed Morsi earlier this month.

On Tuesday’s Radio Smart Talk, we’ll learn more about Gen. Al-Sisi’s time at the Carlisle Barracks and the international program.

Also, Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion) will appear on the program to discuss her proposal to abolish the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.

Former Turnpike Commission CEO Joseph Brimmeier, former State Senator Robert Mellow and six others have been charged in an alleged scheme that involved bribes and political contributions in return for Turnpike contracts.

Rep. Oberlander’s bill would fold the Turnpike Commission’s duties into a new office controlled by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

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