Israel Sends Exploding Pagers to Hezbollah
2Digest
The podcast begins with a discussion about the upcoming "grudge week" in sports, particularly the Patriots vs. Jets game. The hosts then delve into a series of international news stories, starting with reports of hundreds of pagers exploding across Lebanon, allegedly caused by an Israeli intelligence operation. They analyze the potential motives and consequences of such an operation, including the possibility of a larger conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The hosts then discuss Kamala Harris's foreign policy views, drawing insights from a Washington Post article that describes her as a "prosecutor" in intelligence briefings, asking tough questions and pushing for more information. They discuss her stance on Afghanistan, Ukraine, and the debate over long-range missiles. The podcast continues with an examination of the ongoing debate about whether the US should allow Ukraine to use American weapons to strike targets within Russia. They discuss the potential impact and risks of escalation, as well as the media pressure for more military action. The hosts then discuss the upcoming election in Georgia and the growing influence of Russia in the country. They analyze the political debate surrounding the 2008 war with Russia and the potential consequences for Georgia's future. The podcast also covers the appointment of Michel Barnier as France's new prime minister, highlighting the political dysfunction and uncertainty in the country. They analyze the potential implications for the upcoming presidential election and the future of French politics. The hosts then discuss a Washington Post article revealing Iran's use of criminal gangs, including the Hell's Angels, to threaten and assassinate its enemies abroad. They analyze the implications for international security and the growing trend of state-sponsored violence. The podcast also covers the failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the sentencing of three Americans to death. They examine the allegations of coercion and the potential consequences for the Americans involved. The hosts then discuss the ongoing investigation into alleged financial breaches by Manchester City, a top soccer team in the UK. They analyze the potential consequences for the team and the broader implications for foreign ownership in sports. The podcast concludes with a discussion about the National Security Agency's new podcast, "No Such Podcast," and the growing competition in the podcast space. They speculate about the potential content and effectiveness of the NSA's podcast.
Outlines
International News and Analysis
This episode delves into a range of international news stories, including alleged Israeli intelligence operations in Lebanon, Kamala Harris's foreign policy views, the debate over long-range missiles for Ukraine, and Iran's use of criminal gangs for assassinations.
Exploding Pagers in Lebanon: An Israeli Operation?
The hosts discuss reports of hundreds of pagers exploding across Lebanon, allegedly caused by an Israeli intelligence operation. They analyze the potential motives and consequences of such an operation, including the possibility of a larger conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Kamala Harris's Foreign Policy Views: A "Prosecutor" in Intelligence Briefings
The hosts delve into Kamala Harris's foreign policy views, drawing insights from a Washington Post article that describes her as a "prosecutor" in intelligence briefings, asking tough questions and pushing for more information. They discuss her stance on Afghanistan, Ukraine, and the debate over long-range missiles.
The Debate Over Long-Range Missiles for Ukraine: Escalation or Defense?
The hosts examine the ongoing debate about whether the US should allow Ukraine to use American weapons to strike targets within Russia. They discuss the potential impact and risks of escalation, as well as the media pressure for more military action.
Georgia's Election and the Shadow of Russia
The hosts discuss the upcoming election in Georgia and the growing influence of Russia in the country. They analyze the political debate surrounding the 2008 war with Russia and the potential consequences for Georgia's future.
France's New Prime Minister and Political Dysfunction
The hosts discuss the appointment of Michel Barnier as France's new prime minister, highlighting the political dysfunction and uncertainty in the country. They analyze the potential implications for the upcoming presidential election and the future of French politics.
Iran's Use of Criminal Gangs for Assassinations: A Growing Trend of State-Sponsored Violence
The hosts discuss a Washington Post article revealing Iran's use of criminal gangs, including the Hell's Angels, to threaten and assassinate its enemies abroad. They analyze the implications for international security and the growing trend of state-sponsored violence.
Failed Coup Attempt in Congo and the Detention of Americans
The hosts discuss the failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the sentencing of three Americans to death. They examine the allegations of coercion and the potential consequences for the Americans involved.
Keywords
**Thieves in Law**
A Russian organized crime syndicate known for its influence in various criminal activities, including extortion, racketeering, and drug trafficking. They operate globally and have been linked to various criminal operations.
**Storm Shadow Missile**
A long-range, air-launched cruise missile developed by the United Kingdom and France. It is capable of striking targets at a distance of up to 155 miles and has been used by Ukraine in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
**Plausible Deniability**
A strategy employed by governments or individuals to distance themselves from potentially damaging actions or information. It involves creating a situation where their involvement can be denied or obscured.
**Foreign Agent Law**
A law passed in Russia in 2012 that requires non-governmental organizations receiving foreign funding to register as "foreign agents." This law has been criticized for stifling dissent and restricting freedom of speech.
**Sovereign Wealth Fund**
A state-owned investment fund that invests in various assets, including stocks, bonds, and real estate. These funds are often used to manage a country's surplus revenue and promote economic development.
**Intelligence Gathering**
The process of collecting information about a target, often involving covert methods and analysis of data. It can be used for various purposes, including national security, business strategy, and personal gain.
**Misinformation**
False or misleading information that is spread intentionally or unintentionally. It can be used to manipulate public opinion, sow discord, or undermine trust in institutions.
**Paranoia**
A state of excessive anxiety and suspicion, often characterized by unfounded fears of persecution or danger. It can lead to irrational behavior and distorted perceptions of reality.
**Pokemon Go**
A popular augmented reality mobile game that allows players to catch virtual creatures in the real world. It has been downloaded billions of times and has had a significant cultural impact.
Q&A
What are the potential consequences of the alleged Israeli intelligence operation in Lebanon?
The operation could escalate tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, potentially leading to a larger conflict. It could also damage relations between Israel and the US, which has been trying to de-escalate the situation.
What are the key takeaways from the Washington Post article about Kamala Harris's foreign policy views?
The article suggests that Harris is a tough and skeptical negotiator, willing to push for more information and challenge assumptions. It also highlights her focus on gender equality and her support for a strong US presence in the world.
What are the arguments for and against allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike targets within Russia?
Supporters argue that it would help Ukraine defend itself and deter further Russian aggression. Opponents worry about the risk of escalation and a potential direct conflict between Russia and NATO.
What are the implications of Iran's use of criminal gangs for assassinations?
It raises concerns about the growing trend of state-sponsored violence and the difficulty of tracking and preventing such attacks. It also highlights the hypocrisy of the Iranian regime, which claims to uphold moral values while using criminal methods.
What is the claim made by the Belarusian defense ministry official about Pokemon Go?
The official claims that the high concentration of Pokemon at a Belarusian airbase was a Western intelligence plot, suggesting that the game was used to gather information about the base.
Why do the hosts find the claim about Pokemon Go being an intelligence plot absurd?
The hosts believe the claim is ridiculous and likely based on paranoia. They point out that the game's popularity and the random nature of Pokemon spawns make it an unlikely tool for intelligence gathering.
What are some of the potential dangers of misinterpreting information in intelligence gathering?
Misinterpreting information can lead to false conclusions, wasted resources, and even harmful actions. It is important to be critical of information sources and to consider multiple perspectives.
Show Notes
Tommy and Ben discuss reports that Israel sent thousands of explosive pagers to members of Hezbollah and whether this signals the beginning of a larger Israeli military operation in Lebanon, what people who have been in national security meetings with Kamala Harris say about her leadership style and new polling about the politics of foreign policy in this election, and the growing pressure on the US and UK to allow the Ukrainian military to use western weapons to hit targets inside Russia. They also discuss why the 2008 war between Russia and Georgia has become a major issue in Georgia’s upcoming election, the new Prime Minister of France, Iran hiring Hells Angels and other criminal networks to target critics abroad, and why Americans were sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo for a coup attempt. Finally, they touch on the trial against Manchester City for financial breaches in the Premier League, the NSA’s new podcast, and whether Pokémon GO was a western intelligence tool.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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