Republicans Blame Kamala Harris for Afghanistan Collapse
5Digest
This podcast delves into a range of global security challenges, featuring interviews with Colin Call, a defense policy expert, and Vera Bergengruin, a reporter covering Latin America. The first part focuses on the ISIS threat in Iraq, the war in Ukraine, the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the growing threat of Islamic extremist groups in the Sahel. The discussion highlights the complexities of these conflicts, the challenges of counterterrorism efforts, and the role of the US in shaping global security. The second part examines the rise of right-wing populism in Latin America, focusing on the appeal of leaders like Javier Milei in Argentina and Nayib Bukele in El Salvador. The podcast explores the economic and social factors driving their popularity, their contrasting styles and approaches, and the potential consequences of their policies. The podcast also discusses Russian influence operations in US media, highlighting the recent indictment of two employees of RT for covertly funding right-wing media personalities. The discussion explores the effectiveness of these operations, the amount of money involved, and the potential impact on US politics.
Outlines
Global Security Challenges and Right-Wing Populism
This podcast explores global security challenges, including the ISIS threat in Iraq, the war in Ukraine, the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the growing threat of Islamic extremist groups in the Sahel. It also examines the rise of right-wing populism in Latin America, focusing on the appeal of leaders like Javier Milei in Argentina and Nayib Bukele in El Salvador.
The ISIS Threat in Iraq and US Troop Withdrawal
This chapter discusses the current ISIS threat in Iraq and the US withdrawal plans. Colin Call emphasizes that ISIS is weakened but not eliminated, with a presence in both Iraq and Syria. He discusses the political pressure in Iraq to remove US troops and predicts a gradual withdrawal, with a continued advisory role for US forces.
The War in Ukraine: Stalemate and Escalation Risks
This chapter discusses the ongoing war in Ukraine, highlighting the lack of significant shifts in the conflict despite recent developments. Colin emphasizes the difficulty for Ukraine to regain lost territory and the increasing use of long-range weapons and drone technology. They delve into the debates surrounding escalation risks and the US's role in providing weapons systems.
The US Withdrawal from Afghanistan and Republican Criticism
This chapter discusses the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Republican-led report criticizing the Biden administration's handling of the evacuation. Colin argues that the report unfairly targets Vice President Harris and highlights the Trump administration's role in setting the stage for the withdrawal. He emphasizes the complexity of the situation and the challenges of planning for a rapid collapse.
The Growing Threat of Islamic Extremist Groups in the Sahel
This chapter discusses the increasing threat from Islamic extremist groups in the Sahel region of Africa, highlighting the impact of political instability and coups on counterterrorism efforts. Colin expresses concern about the growing influence of the Wagner group and the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the region's challenges.
The Situation in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank
This chapter discusses the escalating violence in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank, including the killing of an American woman by an IDF sniper and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Colin analyzes the complexities of the hostage situation and the challenges of reaching a ceasefire agreement. He criticizes Netanyahu's maximalist goals and the lack of political will for a two-state solution.
The Rise of Right-Wing Populism in Latin America
This chapter interviews Vera Bergengruin about her recent interviews with Javier Milei, the president of Argentina, and Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador. They discuss the appeal of right-wing populism in the region, highlighting the economic and social factors driving these leaders' popularity. Vera analyzes the contrasting styles and approaches of Milei and Bukele, emphasizing the importance of understanding the local context.
Right-Wing Populism in Central America and its Impact on US Politics
This chapter discusses the recent rise of right-wing populist leaders in Central America, specifically focusing on Nayib Bukele in El Salvador and Manuel Mile in Guatemala. The discussion highlights their popularity among voters, their extreme policies, and their appeal to right-wing audiences in the US.
Russian Influence Operations in US Media
This chapter delves into the recent indictment of two employees of RT, a Russian government-funded network, for covertly funding right-wing media personalities in the US. The discussion explores the effectiveness of these influence operations, the amount of money involved, and the potential impact on US politics.
Keywords
Right-wing populism
A political ideology that combines right-wing policies with populist rhetoric, often appealing to nationalist sentiments, anti-establishment anger, and cultural anxieties.
ISIS
A militant group that has carried out terrorist attacks in Iraq and Syria, known for its extreme ideology and brutal tactics.
War in Ukraine
An ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, sparked by Russia's invasion in February 2022, with significant international implications.
US withdrawal from Afghanistan
The chaotic and controversial withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in 2021, following the collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban's takeover.
Sahel
A semi-arid region in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert, characterized by political instability, poverty, and the presence of extremist groups.
Wagner Group
A Russian private military company known for its involvement in conflicts around the world, often accused of human rights abuses and operating with little accountability.
Israel-Palestine conflict
A long-standing and complex conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, involving territorial disputes, political disagreements, and violence.
Latin America
A region in the Americas that includes countries in Central and South America, known for its diverse cultures, economies, and political systems.
Russian influence operations
Covert or overt efforts by Russia to manipulate public opinion or political processes in other countries, often involving propaganda, disinformation, and other tactics.
RT (Russia Today)
A state-funded Russian television network that broadcasts news and current affairs programming. RT has been accused of spreading disinformation and propaganda.
Q&A
What are the biggest security challenges facing the US and its allies around the globe?
The podcast discusses several major security challenges, including the ISIS threat in Iraq and Syria, the war in Ukraine, the growing influence of extremist groups in the Sahel, and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
How has the rise of right-wing populism impacted the political landscape in Latin America?
The podcast explores the appeal of right-wing populist leaders like Javier Milei in Argentina and Nayib Bukele in El Salvador, highlighting the economic and social factors driving their popularity. They discuss the potential consequences of their policies and the challenges of addressing the region's complex problems.
What are the key factors contributing to the instability in the Sahel region?
The podcast examines the political instability, poverty, and the presence of extremist groups in the Sahel, highlighting the impact of coups and the withdrawal of Western counterterrorism forces. They discuss the growing influence of the Wagner group and the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the region's challenges.
What are the main obstacles to a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas?
The podcast analyzes the complexities of the hostage situation and the challenges of reaching a ceasefire agreement, highlighting the maximalist goals of Netanyahu and the lack of political will for a two-state solution. They discuss the potential consequences of a prolonged conflict and the need for a more sustainable peace process.
What are the key characteristics of the right-wing populist leaders in Central America, and why are they appealing to voters?
These leaders often appeal to voters who feel disenfranchised and frustrated with the status quo. They promise radical change, often through authoritarian measures, and tap into nationalist sentiment.
How are these Central American leaders being used as a model by right-wing groups in the US?
Right-wing groups in the US are using these leaders as examples of how to implement their own extreme policies. They admire their willingness to tear down existing institutions and implement radical changes.
What is the significance of the recent indictment of RT employees for funding right-wing media personalities in the US?
This indictment highlights the extent of Russian influence operations in the US and raises concerns about the potential impact on US politics. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of these operations and the role of social media in spreading disinformation.
What are the potential consequences of Russian influence operations in the US?
These operations can undermine trust in institutions, sow discord, and influence public opinion. They can also contribute to the spread of disinformation and make it more difficult for people to discern truth from falsehood.
Show Notes
Tommy is joined by Colin Kahl, Biden’s former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, to discuss multiple conflicts and hot spots around the world including the ongoing efforts against ISIS in Iraq, the hard lessons being learned in the war in Ukraine, Republican attempts to blame Kamala Harris for the Afghanistan withdrawal, extremist attacks in western Africa, and the futility of trying to defeat Hamas militarily in Gaza. Then, Tommy is joined by Vera Bergengruen, Senior correspondent for TIME Magazine, to discuss her cover stories on President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador and President Javier Milei of Argentina, why they’re popular at home and with Republicans in the US, the DOJ indictment that disclosed the Russian government paid huge sums to American right-wing influencers, and why Russian influence operations work best in smaller countries.
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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