Javier Milei, a right-wing firebrand, fell short in the polls to the ruling Peronist administration in Argentina. Cross-border assassinations are on the rise and states are getting bolder. The podcast also remembers Ofir Libstein, an Israeli mayor killed by Hamas.
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Quick takeaways
In Argentina's presidential race, the left-wing candidate surpassed the front-runner, a libertarian economist, introducing more uncertainty to the political landscape.
There is a growing trend of states becoming bolder in carrying out assassinations abroad, eroding the norm against assassination and setting a dangerous precedent.
Deep dives
Argentina's Presidential Race: A Surprising Outcome
In Argentina's presidential race, Sergio Massa, the left-wing candidate, came out on top with 37% of the vote, surpassing the leading candidate, Javier Millet. Millet, a libertarian economist, had been seen as the front-runner with radical plans to cut through the state. The close result means a run-off election between Massa and Millet in four weeks' time, introducing more uncertainty to an already turbulent political landscape.
The Erosion of the Norm Against Assassination
There is a growing trend of states becoming bolder in carrying out assassinations abroad. Recent incidents, such as the murder of a Canadian Sikh activist and high-profile political killings by Russia and Saudi Arabia, suggest a erosion of the norm against assassination. Factors contributing to this trend include easier travel and advancements in drone technology. While countries like the United States attempt to justify such actions through legal frameworks, critics argue that this sets a dangerous precedent and can encourage other states to engage in similar actions.
Ophir Ljubstein: A Dream of Peace on the Gaza Border
Ophir Ljubstein, the mayor of Shahar Hanegev in Israel, had a vision of bringing prosperity and peace to his region near the Gaza Strip. Despite the constant threats from rocket bombardments and violence, he remained devoted to his community. Ljubstein founded an anemone festival to change the negative perception of the area and attract tourists and businesses. His ultimate dream was to create an industrial zone near the border, employing both Israelis and Gazans and promoting coexistence. Tragically, he was killed in a recent Hamas attack while defending his kibbutz and his dreams of peace.
After dominating the polls for months, Javier Miliei, a right-wing firebrand, was outshone by the candidate from the ruling Peronist administration. We examine why Mr Milei fell so short and the run-off to come. Cross-border assassinations may be rising—and states seem to be more daring in carrying them out (11:46). And remembering Ofir Libstein, an Israeli mayor killed by Hamas (19:30)
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