DESENSITIZED.

“Daily Brief”

Good Morning! It’s Monday, October 16th and you’re probably thinking “Micco, where the h*** have you been?”. Well, the short answer is… work, weddings, baby showers, and all the fun stuff, but I’ve missed you guys so I’m back with the weekly NWSLTR. First time reading? Sign up HERE.

Let’s look at the top stories over the last week:

• Israel-Hamas War Escalation

• Putin’s Visit To Beijing

• RFK Jr. & Cornel West Independent Bids

• SBF-Alameda Research $150M Bribe of Chinese Officials

• + So much more you need to know.

Israel-Hamas War

Humanitarian Crisis Escalates in Gaza as Israel Prepares Ground Invasion

In an attempt to address the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, plans are underway to reopen a border crossing under Egyptian control that provides access to the Hamas-governed enclave.

What’s happening?

This region has been enduring relentless Israeli airstrikes since a recent rampage by Hamas, which tragically claimed the lives of 1,300 people on October 7 near the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War.

Tensions have been brewing in the region for decades due to apartheid-like conditions in Gaza where 2.2 million people live in a 25-mile-long by 6-mile-wide enclave lacking regular access to running water, electricity, sanitation, healthcare, technology, and education.

At the time of the Hamas attack, over 200 Palestinians in the West Bank and 30 Israelis had already died this year, which was the most since 2005.

Israel’s Siege of Gaza

These recent attacks by Hamas have prompted Israel to declare an all-out war, impose a stringent blockade, and prepare for a potential ground invasion, which will lead to thousands of more civilian deaths in Gaza.

Seven days ago, Israel imposed a total blockade of the Gaza Strip preventing the entry of food, water, medicine, fuel, or electricity.

This substantial amount of aid, weighing hundreds of metric tons and originating from various countries, has remained stranded in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.

The release of this aid, earmarked for Gaza, hinges on the negotiation of a safe delivery route and the evacuation of foreign passport holders via the Rafah border crossing.

The intensity of the bombardment, particularly severe in Gaza City, has stretched the local healthcare facilities to their limits. With fuel reserves expected to deplete within approximately 24 hours, the lives of thousands of patients hang in the balance, according to reports from the United Nations humanitarian office.

With over 2,670 casualties already reported, including a significant number of children, and nearly 10,000 individuals wounded, the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate.

Where does the U.S. stand?

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has affirmed the forthcoming reopening of Rafah but refrained from specifying a precise timeline.

While Lindsey Graham is salivating over an opportunity to engage in armed conflict with Iran via Hezbollah's potential involvement in the conflict, President Joe Biden has issued a plea to Israel, urging them to adhere to international laws of warfare in their response to Hamas attacks, while emphasizing the plight of innocent Palestinians.

In practice, the neoconservatives (Graham) and neoliberals (Biden) both have supported Israel’s disproportionate attacks against Gaza, its blockade against humanitarian aid, and its pending ground invasion.

Though Biden’s rhetoric is more palatable than his peers, he has not called for a ceasefire, and will likely not condemn any of Israel’s attacks even if the death toll in Gaza eventually surpasses 10,000+ civilians.

Over 30 Americans have died, while more likely remain among the 150 hostages kidnapped by Hamas.

The State Department has warned Americans against traveling to Gaza, West Bank, or Israel during this time.

What about Israel’s neighbors?

As tensions escalate in the region, particularly with Lebanon, and Iran sounds the alarm about potential further escalation, diplomatic efforts are actively underway to de-escalate the crisis.

Egypt

• Egypt's state-run media reported that President el-Sissi told Secretary of State Blinken that Israel's Gaza operation has gone beyond "self-defense" and has become "collective punishment."

• This criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza came as Blinken traveled in the Middle East to prevent the conflict with Hamas from sparking a broader regional crisis.

• Throughout this conflict, Egypt will play an instrumental role in allowing humanitarian aid to funnel into Gaza.

Saudi Arabia

• The Saudi Arabian government, a significant player in the Middle East, has chosen to suspend its intentions to establish normalized ties with Israel.

• On Sunday, Blinken met with Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS), the Saudi Prince, to discuss the conflict. MBS emphasized the urgency of halting military actions that have resulted in the loss of innocent lives, alluding to Israel's offensive.

• He also called for the removal of the blockade on Gaza, which has left the Palestinian region devoid of essential resources such as water, electricity, and fuel.

Iran

• Iran's foreign minister issued a warning from Beirut, urging Israel to cease its Gaza attacks. He cautioned that if Hezbollah were to enter the conflict, it could potentially trigger a broader regional war, resulting in a significant upheaval for Israel.

• Hossein Amirabdollahian stressed that Lebanon's Hezbollah has thoroughly examined various war scenarios and urged Israel to swiftly cease its offensive in Gaza.

• Israel considers Hezbollah its most imminent and serious concern, assessing the group's formidable arsenal of around 150,000 rockets and missiles. Among these are precision-guided projectiles capable of striking any part of Israel.

• Additionally, Hezbollah maintains a substantial cadre of battle-tested fighters who have participated in the 12-year conflict in Syria, and they possess a diverse range of military drones.

Global Affairs

Putin's China Visit Highlights Tight Moscow-Beijing Bond Amid Global Challenges

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet with Chinese leaders in Beijing this week, emphasizing China's economic and diplomatic backing during the Ukraine conflict. This visit reflects their evolving relationship and its impact on the world stage.

The informal alliance between Russia and China, formed in opposition to the United States and other democratic nations, faces complexities due to the Israel-Hamas war.

China’s diplomacy

China is navigating a diplomatic balancing act, as it forges economic relations with Iran and Syria, which are staunchly supported by Russia, while maintaining ties with Israel.

Putin's visit is not only a gesture of support for Chinese leader Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at expanding global infrastructure and overseas influence but also a significant occasion.

It coincides with the 10th anniversary of Xi's policy announcement, which has brought considerable debt to countries like Zambia and Sri Lanka. These nations signed contracts with Chinese companies for infrastructure projects they couldn't otherwise afford.

New Sino-Russian world order?

While China's influence in the region is growing, Putin downplayed its impact, highlighting the synergy between the two nations and the desire to connect Belt and Road projects with an economic alliance comprising former Soviet Union nations primarily located in Central Asia.

During Putin's visit, discussions are expected to encompass financial relations, the promotion of payments in national currencies, high-tech sectors, and the energy industry.

While a full-fledged military alliance is unlikely, defense cooperation is projected to intensify, increasing interoperability and collaboration in projecting force, including in areas like the Arctic.

This close partnership between Russia and China, once Cold War rivals, has far-reaching implications for global politics and security.

U.S. Politics

Rise of Independent Candidates Sparks Concern for Democrats and Republicans

The surge in support for independent candidates is raising alarms among Democrats and Republicans, reflecting growing disillusionment with the two-party system.

In recent weeks, high-profile candidates, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West announced their transition to independent status.

Uncle Bobby & Cousin Cornel

Kennedy, an environmental lawyer, has been a prominent figure on the right, attracting attention to medical freedom policies and critiques of the political establishment.

His move to independent status came after struggling to gain Democratic support in the shadow primary against President Biden due to DNC suppression. Some Republicans have championed him, elevating his status within their party.

West, a well-known advocate for racial equality, has shifted from the Green Party to independent, preempting Kennedy. However, West's candidacy has faced criticism from Democrats who fear his impact on the race.

Anxiety Sets In The Establishment

These shifts are creating concerns for both major parties, with Kennedy's newfound appeal to Republicans and West's message resonating with progressives. Their bids may influence the 2024 election, particularly among working-class voters.

While these candidates have criticized the DNC and highlighted the need for more competitive primaries, they are also seen as reflections of voter dissatisfaction with President Biden's leadership.

This growing trend raises questions about the two-party system's stability and the desire for alternative political choices.

As these independent candidates gain traction, they challenge the dominance of the Democratic and Republican parties, setting the stage for a dynamic and potentially unpredictable political landscape in the upcoming elections.

On The Radar

• Alameda Research Accused of Paying Chinese Officials $150M to Recover $1B Exchange Accounts. Explosive testimony in the Sam Bankman-Fried trial reveals allegations of substantial payments to Chinese authorities for unlocking trading accounts on OKX and Huobi.

• OpenAI Contemplates Venture into AI Chip Manufacturing. OpenAI explores various strategies to advance its AI chip goals, including potential acquisitions of chip manufacturers or in-house chip design initiatives.

• Atlassian Announces $975M Acquisition of Former Unicorn Loom. Atlassian's acquisition of Loom, previously valued at $1.53 billion, signals a significant development in the video messaging service industry.

• Jets Shock Eagles: NFL's Last Unbeaten Team Suffers First Loss. In a historic upset, the New York Jets secured a late interception and Breece Hall's touchdown to end the Eagles' undefeated streak against the franchise.

• UAW Prepares for Extended Strike as Hollywood Actors Remain Without Deal. While Kaiser Permanente workers reach a tentative contract agreement, the United Auto Workers union readies for an expanded strike against major automakers, and Hollywood actors face unresolved negotiations with studios. Elise Preston provides the latest updates.

Global News By The #’s

• 35. Age of Ecuador’s new president. Daniel Noboa Emerges Victorious in Ecuador's Presidential Election, Promising National Rebuilding. Ecuador's new president, Daniel Noboa, vows to address economic challenges and rising crime while embarking on a mission to reconstruct the nation.

• 120,000. Estimate of Armenians who fled Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia and Azerbaijan Clash at World Court Over Nagorno-Karabakh "Ethnic Cleansing" Accusations. The ongoing feud between Armenia and Azerbaijan reaches the United Nations' top court, with Yerevan accusing Baku of "ethnic cleansing" in Nagorno-Karabakh, resulting in vehement denials.

• 9000. Lives lost in Sudan’s civil war. UN Reports 9,000 Casualties in Sudan's Six-Month War, Highlighting Ongoing Chaos. Sudan's internal strife, escalating since April, has left thousands dead, with tensions between military leaders Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan and Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo at the core of the conflict.

• 1. Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, urged Israel to slow down in a call with Saudi counterpart. China Criticizes Israel's Gaza Actions as US Races to Prevent Regional Escalation. China calls on Israel to halt actions deemed excessive in Gaza, while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's whirlwind Middle East tour aims to prevent a wider conflict in the region.

• 2. Aircraft carriers sent to the Middle East to support Israel against Hamas. U.S. Aircraft Carriers: Reinforcing Presence in the Middle East Amid Israel's Challenges. In response to events in Israel, the Pentagon deployed two aircraft carriers and their supporting fleets to the eastern Mediterranean, bolstering the region's security to prevent further escalation.

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