The podcast discusses aid to Gaza, Israeli invasion concerns, Biden vs. Netanyahu, Viktor Orban's Mar-a-Lago visit, Trump's classified briefings, TikTok ban debate, election news in Portugal and Turkey, Nigerian kidnapping, failed Ireland amendment vote, Kate Middleton scandal, and Haiti's gang crisis.
Far-right parties are gaining strength in Europe, exemplified by Portugal's Chaaga party securing 18% of the vote.
Erdogan's announcement of not running for presidency in Turkey signals potential political change but raises skepticism.
Mass abductions of Nigerian children for ransom highlight escalating security challenges posed by criminal gangs in the region.
Gangs forming alliances in Haiti post-assassination of President Moise pose a dire threat to stability and governance in the country.
Deep dives
Far-right party gains traction in Portugal as Chaaga party secures 18% of the vote in snap elections
In Portugal's recent snap elections, the far-right Chaaga party, also known as the Enough party, garnered 18% of the vote, despite being formed in 2019. The party focused on platforms related to immigration and corruption. Though unable to form a government, this result signals a growing strength of far-right parties in Europe.
President Erdogan declares upcoming Turkish election to be his last
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced to Reuters that the upcoming election on March 31st will be his last. Erdogan, serving as president since 2014 after being prime minister for a decade, suggests a potential seismic shift in Turkish politics. However, given Erdogan's track record of political maneuvering, skepticism remains about the veracity of his statement.
Mass abductions of children in Nigeria by criminal gangs spark international concern
Recent weeks have seen disturbing incidents of mass abductions of children aged 8 to 15 in Nigeria by criminal gangs. This ongoing issue in Nigeria has seen a reported 1,400 child abductions in the past decade. Unlike previous incidents involving groups like Boko Haram, these abductions are primarily for ransom, highlighting the growing challenges of combating these criminal activities in the region.
Concerns over security in Nigeria as criminal gangs kidnap hundreds of school children
In a troubling trend, criminal gangs in Nigeria have targeted schools, abducting hundreds of children aged 8 to 15. These incidents of mass kidnappings for ransom have been a recurring issue in Nigeria, adding to the prevalent security concerns in the country. While authorities have expressed intent to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice, the challenges posed by these criminal activities continue to strain security efforts in Nigeria.
Gangs Form Alliance Against the State in Haiti
The gangs in Haiti have transitioned from fighting each other to forming an alliance against the state, especially in light of recent developments. Following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, the gangs, historically linked to political and commercial elites, have gained more territorial control and power due to a breakdown of law and order. With an emerging coalition named Viv Antim, these gangs are now focused on extorting private entities and kidnapping to compensate for lost revenues. This shift poses a significant threat to stability and governance in Haiti, raising concerns about the impact on the civilian population.
Humanitarian Crisis Amid Gang Control
The situation in Haiti has escalated into a dire humanitarian crisis, adversely affecting the daily lives of ordinary citizens. With gangs exerting control and imposing restrictions on movement, people need permission to leave their neighborhoods, leading to challenges in accessing essential services and necessities like food, water, and healthcare. The prevalence of sexual violence and the absence of functional state services have exacerbated the plight of Haitians, forcing many to stay indoors and face dire shortages of essential resources. This crisis demands urgent attention and intervention to alleviate the suffering of the population.
Recommendations for Addressing the Crisis in Haiti
In response to the escalating crisis in Haiti, recommendations have been made to address the multifaceted challenges posed by gang dominance and the ensuing humanitarian emergency. A critical aspect involves bolstering a multinational security mission, which requires swift support and effective coordination to stabilize the situation and pave the way for humanitarian aid delivery. Furthermore, maintaining open channels of communication with the gangs and exploring diplomatic solutions to de-escalate violence and protect civilians are paramount. Urgent actions, including disrupting the influx of weapons into Haiti and fostering a transition government structure through broad consultations, are essential to navigating the complex crisis and restoring stability in the country.
Tommy and Ben discuss plans for delivering aid to Gaza through a maritime route and floating pier, US “red lines” over an Israeli invasion of Rafah and the public war of words between Biden and Netanyahu in weekend interviews. They they talk about Viktor Orban’s visit to Mar-a-Lago, concerns from the intelligence community about giving Trump classified briefings during the election, the debate over banning TikTok, election news in Portugal and Turkey, a mass kidnaping in Nigeria, a failed constitutional amendment vote in Ireland, and the photoshop scandal that is fueling even more rumors about the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton. Then Ben does a deep dive on the deteriorating situation in Haiti, which has become overrun by gangs, with Renata Segura, Deputy Program Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at the International Crisis Group.
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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