12/9/24: Jeremy Scahill On Fall Of Assad In Syria, CEO Killer Backpack Found With Monopoly Money, Bill Burr Goes Off On CEO, Bird Flu Scare
Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar
Deep Dive
Why did the Assad regime collapse in Syria?
The Assad regime collapsed due to rapid rebel advances, particularly by HTS, seizing key cities like Aleppo and Damascus. This was facilitated by the withdrawal of foreign support from Russia and Iran, which had previously propped up the regime.
What role did Israel play in the Syrian civil war's outcome?
Israel exploited the situation by expanding its territory into Syria, citing security concerns. Netanyahu claimed Israel's actions against Hezbollah and Iran contributed to Assad's downfall, allowing Israel to seize strategic positions along the Syrian border.
How did the United States react to the fall of Assad?
The United States, under President Biden, celebrated Assad's fall as a victory, despite concerns about the rise of HTS, an al-Qaeda offshoot, taking control. Biden's statement highlighted the end of over half a century of authoritarian rule by the Assad family.
What evidence was found in the CEO killer's backpack?
The backpack contained the killer's jacket and Monopoly money, suggesting a deliberate message rather than a practical escape plan. This was found in Central Park, taking authorities three days to locate.
How did the public and media react to the CEO's murder?
The public and media widely condemned the CEO's murder, with comedian Bill Burr describing the CEO as a 'gangster' involved in unethical practices. Corporate reactions included taking down executive bio pages and increasing interest in executive protection services.
What new measures were announced by the USDA regarding bird flu?
The USDA ordered a sweeping testing regime for the nation's milk supply to identify and quarantine infected herds. This was prompted by the spread of bird flu among dairy cow herds, particularly in California, and concerns about potential human infection.
Why was there skepticism about the bird flu outbreak?
Skepticism arose from the delayed response by the USDA, influenced by the dairy industry's profit interests, and the lack of immediate human-to-human transmission evidence. Critics argue the government should have acted sooner to prevent the spread.
- Collapse of Assad's government in Syria
- Rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an al-Qaeda offshoot
- Israel's annexation of Syrian territory
- Concerns about regional instability and potential for further violence
- Mixed reactions from the US government and analysts
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