Uncover Saddam Hussein's deception and intelligence failures, including his nuclear bluff that led to his downfall. Explore Mexico's 'Hugs Not Bullets' policy. Discuss the significance of uncommitted votes in Michigan's primary and its potential impact on Joe Biden's candidacy.
Saddam's personal recordings provided crucial insight into his nuclear bluff strategy, leading to his downfall.
Mexico's 'Hugs Not Bullets' policy has inadvertently empowered drug cartels, resulting in increased violence and control.
Deep dives
Mexico's Hug's Not Bullet Crime Policy
Mexico's Hug's Not Bullet crime policy aimed at reducing gang violence by emphasizing public aid over policing has led to increased control of towns and families by drug cartels. Under President Lopez Obrador, there have been fewer cartel arrests and interdictions, resulting in a rise in murder rates, including government officials. The cartels' expansion despite fewer arrests raises concerns over the policy's success.
Expansion of Organized Crime in Mexico
Organized crime groups now operate in 29% of Mexico's municipalities, up from 16% in 2017 when President Lopez Obrador took office. Despite an 87% decrease in arrests of cartel members during his tenure, the murder of government officials has increased by 73%. The policy's impact on enhancing cartel operations is evident, with fewer inter-cartel conflicts.
Challenges with Mexico's Crime Policies
The 'Hugs Not Bullets' policy by President Lopez Obrador has faced criticism for its approach to combating cartel violence. The policy's slogan, 'Abrazos no balazos,' which translates to 'Hugs not bullets,' has been deemed ineffective due to the significant increase in cartel activity and violence. Public policies rooted in catchy slogans rather than effective strategies are highlighted as problematic.
US Intelligence Failures and Invasion of Iraq
The podcast delves into the US intelligence failures surrounding the invasion of Iraq, emphasizing the misinformation about Saddam Hussein's possession of weapons of mass destruction. Insights from Steve Coll's book 'The Achilles Trap' shed light on the CIA's bungled intelligence operations and attempts to remove Saddam Hussein through covert actions. The book explores Saddam's complex personality, relationships with his family, and the US's flawed intelligence assessments that led to the invasion.
Steve Coll, author of The Achilles Trap: Saddam Hussein, the C.I.A., and the Origins of America's Invasion of Iraq, worked to declassify the personal recordings of Sadam Hussein. They proved to be an important piece of insight into the dictator, whose nuclear bluff was so good it got him killed. Plus, "Hugs Not Bullets" in Mexico. And in the Spiel, what percentage of the vote in the Michigan Primary for "uncommitted" should worry Joe Biden?