Biden’s memory, Pakistan’s next government and human ashes on the moon
Feb 9, 2024
auto_awesome
President Biden responds to special counsel's report on his memory. White House views on Pakistan's election. Legal frontiers of privately-funded missions to the moon. Ukraine replaces army chief. Trump's potential victory at Supreme Court. Super Bowl ticket mania.
President Biden faces political damage due to his poor memory and mishandling of classified documents, despite not facing criminal charges.
The Pakistani general election and potential re-engagement between the White House and Nawaz Sharif hold strategic importance for the US in the region.
Deep dives
Biden Cleared of Criminal Charges in Classified Documents Mishandling
President Joe Biden will not face criminal charges after an inquiry into his mishandling of classified documents concluded. The special counsel Robert Hur stated that Biden, despite being an elderly man with a poor memory, had cooperated and would be difficult to convict. However, the report has politically damaged the 81-year-old president as he seeks re-election, especially after several mix-ups and memory lapses during recent events.
Pakistan Election Implications for US Strategy in the Middle East and Asia
The general election in Pakistan, marred by violence and mobile phone service suspensions, has caught the attention of President Biden. With former Prime Minister Imran Khan jailed and barred from running, there is potential for a re-engagement between the White House and the Pakistani leadership. As the US de-emphasizes its relationship with Pakistan post-Afghanistan, Biden may aim to deepen ties with Nawaz Sharif. This is important as Pakistan is strategically positioned, sharing borders with India and China, while also having ties with Iran.
The Uncertainty of Laws and Oversight for Lunar Activities
With an increasing number of privately funded plans to land on the moon or exploit its resources, the question of legal oversight arises. There are currently no laws governing behavior on the moon, leading to ethical and legal concerns. Recent moon missions by private companies, such as Astrobotik's Peregrine lander carrying human ashes and a sports drink, highlight the need for legislation to address commercial activities on the moon. While discussions are ongoing, there is no clear legislative fix yet.
President Biden has hit back against a special counsel’s report which described him as a “well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory”. As counting continues after Pakistan’s general election, we look at how the White House views its relationship with the country. Can you send human ashes to the moon? We look at the legal frontiers being tested by privately-funded missions to the moon. Plus, Ukraine replaces its popular army chief, Trump appears headed for victory at the Supreme Court and Super Bowl ticket mania.
Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices.
You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising.