Stories We’re Watching

Let Them Eat Cake: Macron to Respond to Grievances of Yellow Vest Protestors

On Saturday, thousands of French drivers demonstrated in Paris along the Champs-Élysées to protest soaring fuel taxes and economic pressures. According to France’s interior ministry, 106,000 people participated in Saturday’s protests. With taxes representing over 45% of GDP, France is among the most highly taxed states in the EU. In a cabinet meeting earlier today, French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the government must respond to the protests since they threatened to tarnish France’s image abroad. In Europe President Macron has increasingly come under fire for his response to the protests and the recent Brexit deal, which has been approved by the EU.

• The Spectator: How Macron became the modern day Marie Antoinette
• The Guardian: Macron to respond to grievances of low-paid in France after protests
• France 24: Macron to address nation in wake of violent protests
• Financial Times: French protesters hit out at ‘distant’ Emmanuel Macron

Russia Seizes Three Ukrainian Naval Ships, UN Security Council to Meet

Yesterday Russia’s border patrol boats seized three Ukrainian naval ships after opening fire on them in the Kerch Strait off the coast of Russia-annexed Crimea. The incident reflects escalating tensions between the Kremlin and Kiev around the Sea of Azov, which both countries use for shipping. Russia has accused Ukraine of staging the incident and has requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. Security experts warn that the Russian aggression risks igniting a dangerous new crisis between the two countries.

• BBC: Tension escalates after Russia seizes Ukraine naval ships
• Reuters: Russia fires on and seizes Ukrainian ships near annexed Crimea
• The National Interest: Meet Russia’s 5 Weapons of War that Could Terrorize NATO
• Defense One: Russia-Ukraine ‘crisis’ in the Sea of Azov

EU Has Approved a Brexit Deal with Britain, May Struggles for Commons Approval

After 19 months of negotiations, the European Union has approved the terms of British Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit withdrawal agreement. PM May still faces a struggle to persuade MPs in the British Commons to accept the agreement. Analysts have warned that terms over the hard border in Ireland (the ‘backstop’) and fishing rights could derail the deal.

• Telegraph: Brexit latest news: Theresa May warns Tory MPs ‘without a backstop
• Market Watch: Brexit’s overlooked warnings to the rest of the world
• Forbes: The EU Has Approved Theresa May’s Brexit Deal. Now What?
• Financial Times: Why Theresa May’s Brexit deal deserves support
• The Guardian: Labour argues for article 50 extension if Brexit deal voted down
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New Data Shows China’s Economic Growth Slowing

A new study released over the weekend predicts slowing economic growth in China. The report warns that China’s economy is expected to slow in 2019 due to increasing trade pressure from the US, lower export growth, and currency depreciation. Despite the slowdown, China’s imports are expected to climb 16% in 2019–up from 6% in 2018. US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has warned that the continued weakening of overseas economies poses a major risk to US.

• Forbes: The Scariest Economic Chart In The World Right Now May Come From China
• South China Morning Post: China’s growth will slow to 6.3 per cent next year, economists say
• Project Syndicate: Why a US-China Tariff Ceasefire Is Coming Soon
• South China Morning Post: Clock ticks for Chinese provinces struggling to hit their 2018 growth targets

Tensions Flare at the US-Mexico Border

Yesterday US authorities closed portions of the southern US border and US border patrol agents fired teargas at members of the migrant caravan who had protested the long processing time for US asylum seekers. Today authorities from Mexico and the US have pledged to prosecute violent protesters, and President Trump has threatened to permanently close the southern US border with Mexico.

• Voice of America: US, Mexico Pledge Tough Security After Group of Migrants Tried to Cross Border
• The Guardian: Mexico to deport up to 500 migrants who tried to cross US border
• The Independent: Agents fire tear gas at migrants seeking to breach US-Mexico border
• Chicago Tribune: Deal with Mexico would make asylum-seekers wait outside US border

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Launches Arab Tour ahead of G20 Summit

Over the weekend Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman embarked on an Arab tour, his first trip abroad since facing a global backlash over the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. His first stop was Thursday in Abu Dhabi, and he was received by Bahrain yesterday.  MBS is expected to visit Tunisia before attending the G20 summit later this week in Buenos Aires. In the US, Senator Lindsey Graham has vowed to have MBS sanctioned if the CIA confirms that MBS ordered the murder of Khashoggi.

• Axios: Defying Trump, key GOP senator to sharpen focus on Saudi prince
• Middle East Eye: Tunisian activists call for protests over Mohammed bin Salman visit
• Channel News Asia: Saudi crown prince begins second leg of Arab tour
• Middle East Monitor: Saudi crown prince to visit Bahrain today

From Deep State Radio

ICYMI: DEEP STATE RADIO LIVE AT THE COMEDY CELLAR ELECTION NIGHT SPECIAL

Deep State Radio was Live at the Comedy Cellar on Election Night, 2018. The panel included David Rothkopf, Max Boot, Rosa Brooks and Comedians Seaton Smith, Jessica Kirson, and Mehran Khagani.  Watch as the Democrats take back the house!  Tune in!