cover of episode Trump Foreign Policy, Abu Ghraib Ruling, Cop 29 Climate Summit

Trump Foreign Policy, Abu Ghraib Ruling, Cop 29 Climate Summit

2024/11/13
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Up First

Key Insights

Why are President-elect Donald Trump's unconventional picks for his second-term team significant for U.S. foreign policy?

Trump's choices reflect a focus on loyalty and a shift towards a more nationalistic and transactional foreign policy, prioritizing strong opposition to China, support for Israel, and skepticism towards Ukraine.

How did the jury justify awarding $42 million to three Iraqi men tortured at Abu Ghraib?

The jury found the private U.S. military contractor, CACI, guilty of conspiring with U.S. soldiers to torture and mistreat detainees, including instructing military police officers to 'soften up' the detainees.

What is the United Kingdom's ambitious plan to combat global warming?

The UK plans to cut climate pollution by at least 81% compared to 1990 levels by 2035, investing in wind, solar, and nuclear energy, and framing climate action in economic terms.

What challenges do victims of U.S. military abuse face in seeking compensation?

Victims face significant obstacles, including multiple attempts to dismiss their cases and a lack of established mechanisms for compensation, as highlighted by the Abu Ghraib case.

How might the Trump administration's environmental policy impact climate action?

The administration's focus on regulatory rollback and the appointment of climate change skeptics could jeopardize existing EPA rules and hinder progress on climate pollution reduction.

Chapters

President-elect Donald Trump is assembling a second-term team with unconventional picks, signaling a shift in U.S. foreign policy towards a more nationalistic and transactional approach.
  • Trump's picks reflect his focus on trust and loyalty.
  • Expected strong opposition to China, support for Israel, and skepticism towards Ukraine.
  • Some picks, like Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary, lack traditional qualifications.

Shownotes Transcript

President-elect Donald Trump's unconventional picks for his second-term team signal a shift in U.S. foreign policy. A jury awarded $42 million to three Iraqi men tortured at Abu Ghraib, holding a military contractor accountable for its role in their abuse. And, as the Trump administration signals rollbacks on climate action, the UK is stepping up with ambitious plans to combat global warming. *Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter).*Today's episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, Lauren Migaki, Neela Banerjee, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams and Julie Depenbrock.We get engineering support from Robert Rodriguez. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)