Former CIA officer Sue Mi Terry discusses the documentary 'Beyond Utopia' which depicts life in North Korea and the struggles people face to escape. The podcast also covers the declining support for Ukraine funding, General Millie's comments on military loyalty, and Trump's disrespect towards veterans.
The United Nations Security Council has approved a multinational security mission in Haiti to address the growing security crisis, with concerns about foreign intervention and the need for ongoing oversight to protect human rights.
India's response to Canada's allegations of an assassination at the hands of Indian agents raises concerns about the deterioration of civil liberties and political treatment in India, emphasizing the importance of addressing these human rights violations by other countries.
American zoos will no longer have panda exhibits as the Chinese government has ended the loan contracts for pandas, sparking a reflection on the ethics of keeping animals in captivity and the impact of panda diplomacy.
Deep dives
UN approves security mission in Haiti led by Kenya
The United Nations Security Council has approved a multinational security mission in Haiti to tackle the growing security crisis in the country. The mission, led by Kenya, will guard critical infrastructure and conduct operations against gangs alongside the Haitian police. The US has pledged $200 million in support of the mission, and other countries have expressed their willingness to join. While this is a positive step, concerns remain about the history of foreign intervention in Haiti and the need for ongoing oversight to prevent human rights abuses.
India refuses to accept Canada's allegations of assassination
India has responded to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations that Indian agents carried out an assassination on Canadian soil by ordering Canada to withdraw around 40 diplomats and imposing a visa ban on Canadians. The Indian government has also made derogatory comments about the murdered individual, denying any involvement in the crime. This raises concerns about India's worsening treatment of political opponents and civil liberties, as well as the need for other countries to address these human rights violations.
US to become panda-free next year
Next year, American zoos will no longer have panda exhibits as the Chinese government has refused to extend the loan contracts for the animals. This marks the end of a 50-year period during which American zoos have housed pandas as a result of panda diplomacy. While some may lament the absence of pandas in American zoos, others may see this as an opportunity to reflect on the ethics of keeping animals in captivity.
Kenya leads multinational UN mission in Haiti
Kenya is set to lead a multinational security mission in Haiti to address the escalating security crisis in the country. The United Nations Security Council has approved the mission, which aims to guard critical infrastructure and support the Haitian police in their operations against gangs. The US has pledged $200 million in support, and other countries have expressed their willingness to contribute. While this is a positive step, there are concerns about foreign intervention and the need for ongoing monitoring to ensure respect for human rights.
Documentary on Life in North Korea and the Risks of Escaping
The documentary Beyond Utopia sheds light on the hardships faced by the people of North Korea and the incredible risks they take to escape the country. The film follows South Korean pastor Pastor Kim, who has helped rescue over 1,000 defectors. To escape North Korea, defectors must cross the border with China, navigate treacherous terrain, and avoid being caught by authorities. The documentary reveals the indoctrination and propaganda the North Korean people are subjected to, showcasing the challenges they face even after escaping. Beyond Utopia highlights the need for long-term solutions focused on the North Korean people and the importance of raising awareness about the regime's oppressive tactics and the outside world.
Sanctions on North Korea and the Need for a New Approach
Sanctions have not been effective in halting North Korea's nuclear program, and there is a need for a new approach. While sanctions hurt the regime, it is ultimately the North Korean people who suffer the most. It is crucial to find ways to get information into North Korea in order to counter the regime's propaganda and raise awareness about the outside world. A long-term solution that focuses on empowering the North Korean people and influencing the regime's elites is necessary. However, it is important to note that achieving denuclearization in North Korea is highly unlikely, and a new approach should not involve unilaterally easing sanctions without clear objectives.
Tommy and Ben talk about the waning support for financing the war in Ukraine, both in the US Congress and in Europe, Elon Musk’s visit to the southern border, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Mark Milley responds to Trump’s threats, Trump’s former Chief of Staff John Kelly tells CNN about Trump’s disrespect towards veterans, the UN authorizes a mission to Haiti, Canada and India continue their war of words, and the end of “Panda Diplomacy.” Then Tommy speaks with Sue Mi Terry, a former CIA officer and producer of the documentary “Beyond Utopia” that profiles the harrowing reality of life in North Korea and the lengths people will go to escape it. The documentary will be in theaters at the end of October.
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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