PDB Afternoon Bulletin | February 23rd, 2024: Cartel Ties To Mexico's President & Navalny's Death Triggers Sweeping Sanctions On Russia

Podcast Summary

• History often repeats itself in politics: Despite tensions between US and Mexico, and new Russian sanctions, it's important to stay informed and remember historical patterns in politics

  Despite the current stressful political climate, it's important to remember that history often repeats itself. This was emphasized by Mike Slater from the Politics by Faith podcast. Meanwhile, in the news, tensions are rising between the US and Mexico following a New York Times report alleging that Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and his associates had ties to drug cartels. The US had reportedly been investigating these allegations for years but dropped the investigation to avoid damaging relations. Elsewhere, the Biden administration imposed new sanctions on over 500 Russian individuals and entities in response to the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Amidst these developments, it's crucial to stay informed and maintain a historical perspective.

• US Drops Probe into AMLO's Cartel Ties Due to Diplomatic Pressure: US officials halted an investigation into Mexican President AMLO's aides' suspected ties to drug cartels due to diplomatic pressure, despite concerns from informants about meetings and large payments.

  The investigation into allegations of Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's (AMLO) top aides having ties to drug cartels was closed due to US officials having "little appetite" to pursue the matter against a key US ally. While no direct evidence was found linking AMLO to criminal elements, some informant claims raised significant concerns, including meetings between aides and cartel leaders, and large payments following AMLO's election. AMLO vehemently denied all allegations, and the situation did not seem to affect US-Mexico relations. However, this is the second time this year AMLO has faced accusations of cartel corruption, dating back to his 2006 presidential bid. More disturbingly, before the report's publication, AMLO publicly disclosed the name, cell phone number, and address of the New York Times journalist involved in the story at a press conference. This incident highlights the seriousness of the situation.

• Mexican President Reveals Reporter's Contact Info, Raising Concerns for Press Freedom: The Mexican president's revelation of a reporter's personal information and Mexico's low ranking on the Press Freedom Index, coupled with the murder of journalists and foreign leaders' alleged associations with criminal elements, highlight the need to protect press freedom and combat foreign influence.

  During a press conference, the Mexican president publicly revealed a reporter's personal contact information, sparking concerns about press freedom and safety. This incident comes as Mexico ranks low on the Press Freedom Index and has seen the murder of several journalists since the current president took office. The uncorroborated allegations against Mexican and other foreign leaders of associating with or protecting criminal elements and drug cartels are concerning, especially in the context of increasing threats against journalists. Additionally, the Chinese Communist Party's influence on Hollywood, including altering film scenes, withholding funding, and banning actors, raises questions about censorship and the impact on American values. These incidents underscore the importance of upholding press freedom and combating foreign influence in various sectors.

• New Biden Sanctions Against Russia: Biden administration imposed comprehensive sanctions against Russia, targeting over 500 individuals and entities, but doubts remain about their effectiveness due to past experiences with sanctions.

  The No Spin News, hosted by Bill O'Reilly, is a fact-based analysis news program advocating for a stronger America and a more just society, available to watch live on Samsung TV Plus each weeknight at 8 PM. The Biden administration recently imposed comprehensive sanctions against Russia in response to the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, but skepticism surrounds their effectiveness due to past experiences with sanctions. These new sanctions target over 500 individuals and entities, affecting major financial institutions, energy producers, manufacturers, and Russia's military industrial sector. Specific individuals linked to Navalny's death are also targeted. Despite these efforts, doubts remain about their impact on the Putin regime.

• New US-led sanctions target Russia's economy and defense sector: The US and allies imposed new sanctions on Russia to strained their economy and defense sector, aiming to make Putin pay for aggression. However, Russia's economy has shown resilience, with Moscow focusing on exports and new buyers for crude oil.

  The latest round of sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies against Russia is intended to strain their economy and defense sector, making it harder for the Putin regime to sustain their war efforts against Ukraine. According to President Biden, these actions will ensure Putin pays a steep price for his aggression, both abroad and at home. The sanctions, which come from the Treasury, State, and Commerce Departments, build on those issued last year against over 200 individuals and entities. While the Russian economy has shown signs of weakness due to previous sanctions, it has also proven resilient, with Moscow focusing on exports to sustain their $2.2 trillion economy. The US and European sanctions have disrupted Russia's ability to move money internationally and made it more difficult for their military to restock supplies. However, Russia's cash reserves have reportedly increased, and they have found new buyers for their crude oil, such as India, who purchased $30 billion worth over the past year. Despite the rhetoric, some experts argue that the sanctions ultimately amount to a symbolic slap on the wrist for Russia and highlight the limited diplomatic options available to the US to counter Russian aggression in Europe.

• Russia's Oil Sales Mitigate Impact of Western Sanctions: Western sanctions on Russia's oil sales face challenges due to buyers like India and the potential for rising US gas prices, leaving the effectiveness of such measures in question.

  Russia's ability to sell oil has been crucial in mitigating the impact of western sanctions, with countries like India stepping in to purchase and refine Russian oil, which eventually reaches the US and EU markets. The EU and UK have also imposed sanctions on Russia, targeting individuals and businesses supporting the war effort. The question remains as to why the west waited to impose these sanctions until after Navalny's death, with the argument being that more aggressive measures, such as reducing Russia's oil revenues, would be necessary to significantly impact their economy and curb Putin's military adventurism. However, there are challenges in implementing such measures, including the lack of leverage over countries like China, Iran, and India, and the potential for rising gas prices in the US, which could negatively impact the Biden administration's domestic political standing. The discussion raises concerns about the influence of domestic politics on foreign policy decisions.

• Bill O'Reilly's No Spin News now live on Samsung TV Plus: Viewers can now watch Bill O'Reilly's No Spin News live on Samsung TVs, Galaxy devices, and the Samsung TV Plus mobile app every weeknight at 8 PM for breaking news, honest analysis, and the best election coverage in America.

  Bill O'Reilly's No Spin News is now available to watch live on Samsung TV Plus. This means viewers can tune in each weeknight at 8 PM for breaking news, honest analysis, and the best election coverage in America. The announcement was made during the show's mailbag segment, where they read and answer questions from listeners. The show is available not only on Samsung TVs but also on Galaxy devices and the Samsung TV Plus mobile app. So, stay informed, stay safe, and stay cool while enjoying No Spin News on your preferred device. Don't miss out, join Bill O'Reilly every weeknight at 8 PM on Samsung TV plus.