Fault Lines

Today, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss Ecuador’s recent decision to send police officers into the Mexican Embassy in Quito to arrest former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who has been convicted on corruption and bribery charges. The raid has been with met international condemnation and Mexico has severed diplomatic ties with Ecuador.Why did Mexico grant political asylum to Jorge Glas? Are there any long-term implications for Ecuador’s violation of the Vienna Convention? Was Ecuador in the right to raid the embassy? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.eurasiareview.com/08042024-biden-administration-should-demand-ecuador-immediately-release-political-opponent-illegally-kidnapped-from-mexicos-embassy-oped/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/07/world/americas/ecuador-mexico-embassy-noboa.htmlhttps://apnews.com/article/7276b35e8d5944e7b5ca280ab0390b26https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/07/ecuador-mexico-embassy-raid-glas-noboa-diplomacy/eb838672-f50c-11ee-9506-c8544e5c9d86_story.htmlhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/05/mexico-ecuador-crisis-diplomatica/a9d8ba10-f3c9-11ee-a4c9-88e569a98b58_story.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/07/latin-american-governments-condemn-ecuador-after-police-raid-mexican-embassy Follow our experts on Twitter: @jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@morganlroachLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/zI8rRImFEy0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s second trip to China, where she will advocate for fair treatment of American workers and businesses, press Chinese counterparts on unfair trade practices, and warn of the consequences of Chinese industrial overcapacity. This trip follows a domestic tour by Secretary Yellen to key swing states selling President Biden’s economic and industrial policies to the American Public.What is the Biden administration’s strategy when it comes to China? What does Secretary Yellen’s visit seek to accomplish? Will this visit affect any policy changes within China?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2218https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/04/heres-who-treasury-secretary-janet-yellen-is-going-to-meet-in-china.html https://www.voanews.com/a/treasury-secretary-yellen-to-visit-china-for-high-level-talks/7555456.html Follow our experts on Twitter: @NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@morganlroachLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/kJHFlJVF9Es Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss a recent joint investigation by 60 Minutes, The Insider, and Der Spiegel on Havana syndrome – a mysterious illness causing a variety of debilitating symptoms often seen in American diplomats and intelligence officials – that points the finger at Russia. This report contracts the U.S. Intelligence Community’s formal assessment from a year ago that found it was “very unlikely” that symptoms were caused by enemy operatives.How credible is this joint investigation report? Is this a case of the politicization of U.S. intelligence? Is the U.S. intelligence community covering up Russia’s involvement to prevent escalation?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.cbsnews.com/news/havana-syndrome-culprit-investigation-new-evidence-60-minutes-transcript/ https://time.com/6962399/havana-syndrome-russia-u-s/https://apnews.com/article/havana-syndrome-russia-cuba-vilnius-4839ec0e3ce0db76670832235d602a16https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/04/01/investigate-havana-syndrome-russia/https://www.nationalreview.com/2024/04/a-havana-syndrome-cover-up/https://www.voanews.com/a/us-not-moved-by-report-blaming-russia-for-havana-syndrome/7552401.html Follow our experts on Twitter: @NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@morganlroachLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/KTvmCpHA9D4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jamil, Les, Bishop, and Martha discuss the civil war in Sudan which is entering its second year with a UN report stating that Sudan needs 'immediate action' on hunger to avert widespread death due to famine. Amidst the hunger and conflict, Sudan has seen the outbreak of several deadly diseases including a Cholera outbreak which has impacted thousands. How can the United States help resolve the humanitarian crisis in Sudan? Does Iran and Russia’s backing opposing sides of the civil war indicate that the collaboration of global repressors is more limited? How do other conflict zones around the globe impact the crisis in Sudan?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/01/sudan-hunger-war/https://www.forbes.com/sites/janicegassam/2024/03/31/the-war-in-sudan-that-no-one-is-talking-about/?sh=6db820d9457ehttps://www.salon.com/2024/03/03/irans-troubling-move-into-africa--and-the-you-havent-noticed/ https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/sudan-needs-immediate-action-hunger-avert-widespread-death-un-backed-report-says-2024-03-29/ https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/29/sudan-slips-into-famine-as-warring-sides-starve-civilians Follow our experts on Twitter: @jamil_n_jaffer@lestermunson@BishopGarrison@marthamillerdc Like what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/Z3cWc3T8J7o Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jamil, Les, Bishop, and Andy discuss the recent confrontation between two Chinese Coast Guard ships and a Philippine Navy vessel near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands that resulted in injuries to several Philippine sailors after the use of high-pressure water cannons. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to counter what he called “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks” by China’s coast guard and said that the Philippines would not be “cowed into silence” about Chinese aggression.Will the tensions in the West Philippine Sea continue to escalate? Would any conflict between China and the Philippines drag the United States into direct conflict? Is China trying to test U.S. commitments in the region?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/28/philippiness-marcos-promises-measures-after-chinas-dangerous-attackshttps://www.foxnews.com/world/china-warned-as-philippine-president-proposes-countermeasures-against-beijings-aggressionhttps://time.com/6960916/us-military-intervention-south-china-sea-philippines-china/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/mar/27/inside-ring-water-cannon-attack-raises-odds-of-us-/https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/03/28/philippines-countermeasures-coast-guard-attacks-south-china-sea-marcos/ Follow our experts on Twitter: @jamil_n_jaffer@lestermunson@BishopGarrison@AndyKeiserLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/NxuUz3AZGPM Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Les, Morgan, and John discuss the recent passing of a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. The United States angered Israel by abstaining from the vote, the fifth attempt to pass the resolution, which it previously vetoed leading to Israel canceling a visit to Washington by a high-level delegation. Is the Biden administration truly breaking with Israel in policy? Will the U.N. Security Council resolution impact the situation on the ground in Gaza? Does an apparent hostile U.S. benefit Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu domestically?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://apnews.com/article/un-gaza-ceasefire-resolution-vote-ramadan-b7985fede65e5477aba2c8d2e62a6632https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-abstains-united-nations-security-council-vote-israel-hamas-ceasefire-biden-6dd91dee?mod=editorials_article_pos2 Follow our experts on Twitter: @NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@morganlroach@JohnCLipseyLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/93ZVbpvvaKw Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Les, Morgan, and John discuss last week’s terror attack in Moscow at the Crocus City complex, which killed more than 130 people. ISIS-K, an Afghanistan-based offshoot of ISIS, claimed responsibility for the deadliest terror attack in Russia in decades, and Russia formally charged four men on Sunday for committing terrorism.What does this terror attack do to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s strongman image? Does ongoing the war in Ukraine leave Russia more vulnerable to terrorism? Does this attack indicate a renewed ISIS threat of global terrorism?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-mourns-victims-deadly-concert-hall-attack-2024-03-24/ https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/23/europe/moscow-attack-what-we-know-intl/index.html https://apnews.com/article/russia-attack-concert-hall-putin-islamic-state-f6f89c4c39965da6c11c3c111053f0e2 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/25/us/politics/moscow-attack-isis.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/24/world/moscow-russia-attack-news Follow our experts on Twitter: @NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@morganlroach@JohnCLipseyLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/iixOGRDkz4A Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, John, and Morgan discuss the recent deal brokered by Russia and China with the Houthi rebels in Yemen for the safe passage of their ships through the Red Sea amidst their continuous attacks on commercial shipping in the region.How effective have U.S. and allied strikes against the Houthis been at deterring attacks on shipping? What are the implications of the Houthi attacks on the freedom of navigation? What role does the UN Security Council play in this conflict?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-21/china-russia-reach-agreement-with-yemen-s-houthis-on-red-sea-ships https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesfarrell/2024/03/21/houthis-reportedly-strike-deal-with-russia-china-for-safe-passage/?sh=40c9d48c4a6b https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2024/03/houthis-granting-china-russia-safe-passage-red-sea-centcom-says/395143/ https://www.politico.eu/article/russia-china-struck-deal-yemen-houthi-rebels-ship-safety/ https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasource/houthi-attacks-egypt-red-sea-economy/ Follow our experts on Twitter: @lestermunson@morganlroach@JohnCLipseyLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/bVGQdo84tVA  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, John, Bishop, and Morgan discuss Turkey’s upcoming local elections on March 31st, where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP) seek to regain the key cities lost in 2019 of Istanbul and Ankara. If the AKP regains control, President Erdogan has pledged further constitutional reform. How will these local elections impact Turkish foreign policy? What is the Biden Administration’s role in working with transactional powers such as Turkey? What are the impacts of conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and the war in Gaza on these local elections?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/03/13/turkey-erdogan-elections-istanbul-ankara-local-akp/https://nationalinterest.org/feature/will-us-turkey-relations-survive-wars-gaza-and-ukraine-210040https://www.timesofisrael.com/erdogan-says-turkey-firmly-backs-terror-group-hamas-compares-netanyahu-to-hitler/ https://www.politico.eu/article/turkey-president-erdogan-upcoming-local-election-last/ Follow our experts on Twitter: @BishopGarrison@morganlroach@NotTVJessJones@JohnCLipseyLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/1bnn5y9P9Ig Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, John, and Morgan discuss this weekend’s announcement by Niger’s junta that it was suspending military cooperation with Washington and ordering U.S. troops to leave the country.  This comes upon the heels of a coup last summer in Niger, the resulting restrictions on U.S. aid to the country, and recent stories that U.S. and Western intelligence show that Niger is exploring a deal to allow Iran access to its uranium reserves.What did last week’s visit to Niger by U.S. officials seek to accomplish? How can the United States refresh its approach to foreign policy with African states? Do the events in Niger indicate a diminishing influence of the United States in the region?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.wsj.com/world/africa/niger-once-key-u-s-counterterrorism-ally-ends-military-ties-7db66dbe https://apnews.com/article/niger-junta-us-military-base-b70bfba835a567d5f3439a32c9c82836https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/17/world/africa/niger-orders-american-troops-out.htmlhttps://www.voanews.com/a/niger-says-announces-end-to-military-cooperation-with-us/7530719.htmlhttps://www.voanews.com/a/iran-says-it-is-willing-to-help-niger-overcome-sanctions/7455787.html https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/west-african-ecowas-bloc-mulls-new-strategy-towards-junta-states-2024-02-24/ Follow our experts on Twitter: @lestermunson@morganlroach@NotTVJessJones@JohnCLipseyLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, watch today's episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVN5gzkIKiw  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.