Friends: Sorry I am sending out our recording and show notes later than usual - I’ve been traveling the last few days.
Last week Trump finally discovered the sanctions button. After months of playing footsie with Putin while Europe nervously chain-smoked cigarettes in the corner, Trump concluded that “good conversations that don’t go anywhere” was in fact Putin’s way of blowing off his efforts to end the war. Russia helpfully announced they are “immune” to the sanctions. But India is reportedly ready to dump Russian oil. The Kremlin responded by hitting a Ukrainian kindergarten.
In Israel, leave it to Netanyahu’s coalition to vote on West Bank annexation while Vice President J.D. Vance was literally in the country – kind of the diplomatic equivalent to setting your neighbor’s lawn on fire while they’re standing in your driveway. Vance called it “a very stupid political stunt” and said he was “personally insulted.” Which, let’s be honest, could be the most relatable thing Vance has ever said.
And just when you thought the week couldn’t get more dystopian, the Pentagon decided to Marie Kondo the press corps, keeping only the outlets that “spark joy” by signing a pledge to serve as Hegseth’s propaganda, which apparently means Gateway Pundit and Mike Lindell’s fever dream streaming service. Fox News? Too mainstream. But LindellTV? That’s journalistic integrity, baby.
Dany and I discuss all this and more. As always, let us know what you think - and send us suggestions for Thursday’s episode. Hope to see you then!
SHOW NOTES:
What’s the significance of US sanctions on Russian oil? (BBC, October 22, 2025)
U.S. to Provide Ukraine With Intelligence for Missile Strikes Deep Inside Russia (Wall Street Journal, October 1, 2025)
Dany’s piece and podcast with Jack Keane – #WTH How to Destroy Hamas (Substack, Oct 28, 2026)
Elise’s interview with Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib: The Palestinian voice you need to hear (Substack, Oct 23, 2025)
Why J. D. Vance Just Called an Israeli Parliament Vote ‘Stupid’ and an ‘Insult’ (The Atlantic, October 24, 2025)
Pentagon touts ‘next generation’ press corps of mostly right-wing outlets (The Hill, October 22, 2025)
After U.S. bailout, Argentine voters give Milei a friendlier Congress (Washington Post, October 27, 2025)
Trump Pardons Founder of the Crypto Exchange Binance (New York Times, October 23, 2025)
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