Putin’s ‘Merchant of Death’ Is Selling Arms to the Houthis
Digest
The podcast begins by discussing the dangers of distracted driving, transitioning to a discussion of global events. Russian arms dealer Victor Bout is reportedly attempting to broker a sale of small arms to the Houthis in Yemen, potentially escalating Russia's involvement in the region. In Gaza, Israel has launched a new offensive in northern Gaza, a year after the Hamas attack, calling for the evacuation of residents to a humanitarian zone in the south. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with many displaced and facing challenges like hunger and lack of sanitation. Despite previous opposition, major oil companies are now urging Donald Trump not to dismantle the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides funding for low-carbon energy projects. This shift in stance reflects the industry's interest in benefiting from the law's provisions. Activist investor Starboard Value has acquired a significant stake in Pfizer and plans to push for improved performance. They have approached former Pfizer executives to assist in their efforts. Rio Tinto is in talks to acquire Arcadium Lithium, a New York-listed lithium producer. This move reflects Rio's ambition to enter the growing lithium market, a key component for electric vehicles. Hurricane Helene and the impending arrival of another storm are exacerbating the challenges faced by homeowners in Florida. The real estate market is softening, with more sellers than buyers, and insurance premiums are skyrocketing.
Outlines
Global Events and Their Impact
This podcast discusses a range of global events, including Russia's potential involvement in Yemen, the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and the impact of Hurricane Helene on Florida's real estate market.
Victor Bout's Arms Deal and Russia's Involvement in Yemen
Russian arms dealer Victor Bout is reportedly attempting to broker a sale of small arms to the Houthis in Yemen, potentially escalating Russia's involvement in the region.
The Situation in Gaza and Israel's Offensive
Israel has launched a new offensive in northern Gaza, a year after the Hamas attack, calling for the evacuation of residents to a humanitarian zone in the south. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with many displaced and facing challenges like hunger and lack of sanitation.
Oil Companies and the Inflation Reduction Act
Major oil companies are now urging Donald Trump not to dismantle the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides funding for low-carbon energy projects, reflecting their interest in benefiting from its provisions.
Keywords
Victor Bout
Victor Bout is a Russian arms dealer known for his involvement in international arms trafficking. He was released from a US jail in 2021 in a prisoner exchange with Moscow.
Houthis
The Houthis are a Shia Muslim group in Yemen that has been engaged in a long-running conflict with the Yemeni government. They are backed by Iran.
Inflation Reduction Act
The Inflation Reduction Act is a US law passed in 2022 that aims to address climate change and reduce inflation. It includes provisions for funding low-carbon energy projects.
Starboard Value
Starboard Value is an activist investor known for taking stakes in companies and pushing for changes to improve their performance.
Lithium
Lithium is a critical mineral used in the production of batteries, particularly for electric vehicles. It is a key component of the growing electric vehicle industry.
Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene was a major hurricane that struck Florida in 2023, causing significant damage and flooding. It has exacerbated the challenges faced by homeowners in the state.
Gaza
Gaza is a Palestinian territory that has been the subject of ongoing conflict with Israel. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with many displaced and facing challenges like hunger and lack of sanitation.
Florida Real Estate
The Florida real estate market is softening, with more sellers than buyers, and insurance premiums are skyrocketing. This is driving some homeowners out of the area, particularly those who cannot afford the rising costs.
Q&A
What is the latest development regarding Russian arms dealer Victor Bout?
Victor Bout is reportedly trying to broker a sale of small arms to the Houthis in Yemen, potentially escalating Russia's involvement in the region.
How is the situation in Gaza one year after the Hamas attack?
The situation remains dire, with many displaced and facing challenges like hunger and lack of sanitation. Israel has launched a new offensive in northern Gaza, calling for the evacuation of residents.
How are oil companies reacting to the Inflation Reduction Act?
Major oil companies are now urging Donald Trump not to dismantle the law, which provides funding for low-carbon energy projects, reflecting their interest in benefiting from its provisions.
What is the impact of Hurricane Helene on the Florida real estate market?
The market is softening, with more sellers than buyers, and insurance premiums are skyrocketing. This is driving some homeowners out of the area, particularly those who cannot afford the rising costs.
Show Notes
A.M. Edition for Oct. 7. Russian weapons dealer Viktor Bout is trying to broker the sale of small arms to Yemen’s Houthi militants, just two years after he was released from a U.S. jail in a trade with Moscow for American basketball star Brittney Griner. Plus, the WSJ’s Anat Peled brings us an update on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, one year on from Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel. And, with a new hurricane headed toward Florida, the WSJ’s Deborah Acosta explains the effects of extreme weather on the real-estate market. Azhar Sukri hosts.
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