PNUT GALLERY
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IN A NUTSHELL: MUST READ
Obama: I Swear, The Strategy, It Works
Obama defended the US’ strategy against ISIS yesterday, claiming that the US is “hitting them harder than ever.” The President went on to rattle off a long list of names of top ISIS commanders killed during US airstrikes.
But what exactly is the US doing to fight ISIS?
The US uses airstrikes and “military advisors” (who most definitely don’t wear boots) on the ground to assist proxy forces root out ISIS. The US carries out its campaign in concert with a number of other countries (France, UK) and alongside other countries that don’t share the same goals (Russia, Turkey). The idea is to weaken ISIS from the air, providing cover for local forces to capture territory and avoid a US ground forces deployment.
Is it working?
Yes and no. Some US allies have proven adept at rolling back ISIS, particularly the Kurds. Others less so (e.g. the Iraqi army — recipient of billions of dollars in US aid and training). Also, the US doesn’t have a reliable Sunni-Arab ally doing any of the ground fighting so it isn’t clear how they will push ISIS out of Sunni cities like Mosul and Raqqa (two big strongholds). ISIS has also consolidated territory in Yemen and Libya (among others). Perhaps this new Islamic anti-terror coalition should help.
Anything else?
Apparently you can blame ISIS for just about anything nowadays. A French school teacher who had hurt himself while playing with a box cutter claimed he was attacked by an ISIS member, sparking a manhunt in a Parisian suburb… idiot.
NUTS AND BOLTS: SHOULD READ
Merkel: Let Me Show You Little Boys How It Is Done Mutti Merkel, Financial Time’s Person of the Year (paywall), continued demonstrating exemplary leadership yesterday declaring the refugee crisis a “historic test” for Europe. Merkel vowed to reduce the number of refugees entering the country but remained steadfast to integrate those who arrived this year. Merkel hopes to avoid France and Belgium’s failed attempts at “multiculturalism” aiming to make refugees part of German society. She received a nine-minute standing ovation, which she interrupted with that legendary German wit, saying “thanks, but we’ve got work to do.”
Season Two Of ‘Serial’ Comes To Life
US Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, former Taliban prisoner and main character of the second season of Serial, faces a court-martial for allegedly abandoning his post while serving in Afghanistan six years ago. Bergdahl was captured by the Taliban shortly after walking away from his campsite and held prisoner for five years. A prisoner exchange agreement saw him released in return for five Taliban leaders captured by the US, prompting Republican criticism and podcast fame.
Oil Prices Falling Faster Than Things That Fall Really Fast
Markets look to end the year on a pessimistic note as oil prices continued to slide. Crude oil dipped below $35 a barrel for the first time since the financial crisis, taking junk bonds and oil backed currencies (particularly the Kazakh Tenge) down with it. Things are particularly jittery as markets prepare to see the Federal Reserve raise interest rates for the first time in a decade at its meeting this week. This means nothing for us since we don’t really have savings, but interesting nonetheless.
#pnut4prez: Another Day, Anther Republican Debate
Today marks the fifth debate for the Republican presidential nomination. The Republican debates have so far displayed the multiple strands of conservatism in America from John Kasich’s center-right approach to governance (wildly popular in his swing state of Ohio) to Donald Trump’s right wing populism (he’s in great health). Will Jeb Bush speak up this time? Will Ben Carson open his eyes the whole way? Who will Donald Trump insult first? Find out all of this and more tonight at 8:30 PM Eastern Time on CNN.
Keeping Our Eye On…
- Argentina: A burst tire forced a bus carrying Argentinian border police to fall off a bridge, killing 43 policemen on board. Tough first week for new President Macri.
- Cosby: The entertainer (and alleged, serial sexual-assaulter) is suing some of the 40 women accusing him of sexual assault. The 78-year-old claims that some of the women lied for monetary gain.
- Serena: The tennis champ dons the cover of Sports Illustrated (and it isn’t for the swimsuit edition). Serena is the first woman of the year honored on her own in over 30 years!
- Morbid Pnut: In a bizarre attempt to improve employee morale, some South Korean managers have resorted to making employees endure their own fake funerals. Apparently the ritual is intended to make employees “value life.” You thought your boss was bad?
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