The President's Daily Brief
PDB Situation Report | February 22, 2025: Is A Shooting War Coming In Mexico? & Peace Talks Over Ukraine Begin
Feb 22, 2025
Todd Bensman, a Senior National Security Fellow, dives into Mexico's aggressive military response to drug cartels amid fears of a shooting war. He critiques U.S. immigration policies and their impacts on deportees. Steve Yates, an expert on international relations, shares insights from U.S.-Russian peace talks over Ukraine, exploring the possibility of meaningful diplomatic breakthroughs. They discuss the complexities of U.S. defense policy, the fentanyl crisis, and the impact of geopolitics on global stability.
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Quick takeaways
- Mexico's deployment of 10,000 troops signals a pivotal shift in its drug cartel strategy, amid fears of escalating violence.
- Recent U.S.-Russia talks on Ukraine, sans Ukrainian input, reveal complex dynamics and potential shifts in U.S. support for Ukraine.
Deep dives
Mexico's Drug Cartel Operations
Mexico's long-standing approach known as the 'hugs-not-bullets' policy towards drug cartels is undergoing significant changes, as President Claudia Sheinbaum responds to pressure from the Trump administration. The deployment of 10,000 troops to combat cartel activities, especially along the northern border, marks a drastic shift towards a more aggressive stance against these criminal organizations. This effort aims to tackle transnational crime and curb fentanyl production, reversing years of policies primarily focused on immigration. However, the potential for increased violence from cartels suggests that Mexico may be stepping into a precarious situation, possibly on the brink of an all-out war.
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