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cover of episode The Drug Fueling War, Crime and All-Night Parties in the Middle East

The Drug Fueling War, Crime and All-Night Parties in the Middle East

2024/10/28
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WSJ What’s News

Key Insights

Why is the Captagon drug a security threat to America's Middle East allies?

Captagon profits support Assad's regime and Hezbollah, and drug smuggling networks could also traffic weapons, destabilizing Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

Why is the U.S. concerned about the shortage of air-defense missiles?

The U.S. has pledged to defend Israel and other allies, but the rapid depletion of missile stocks due to high demand and slow production rates raises readiness concerns.

Why is the race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump still neck-and-neck?

The election map remains wide open with all swing states still in play, making it difficult to predict the outcome.

Why are early voter trends being closely watched?

Early voters are typically the most energized, and shifts in early voting patterns among Republicans and Democrats can signal party enthusiasm or strategic changes.

Why does the Captagon drug play a role in the current Middle East conflict?

Hezbollah, a key militia in Lebanon, protects Captagon facilities and traffics the drug, using profits to fuel their war efforts.

Why is the Crystal Ball Trading Game significant for understanding markets?

The game shows that even with perfect information, market behavior and investor emotions can lead to unpredictable outcomes, highlighting the complexity of investing.

Chapters

With just over a week left, the race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris remains essentially tied. Both candidates are making their final pitches to voters, with Harris focusing on democracy and Trump criticizing Harris's liberal stance.
  • More than 43 million Americans have already voted.
  • Harris is focusing on democracy and the economy.
  • Trump criticizes Harris as too liberal and ineffective.

Shownotes Transcript

P.M. Edition for Oct. 28. WSJ security correspondent Sune Rasmussen) on why captagon—an amphetamine-like drug)—represents a security threat to America’s Mideast allies. And the U.S. has a shortage of air-defense missiles. Nancy Youssef), a national security correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, explains why. Plus, Journal politics editor Ben Pershing) on how Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are trying to pull ahead in a neck-and-neck race. And would a time machine make you a great investor?) Tracie Hunte hosts.

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