December 17th, 2024:

Summary

Podcast Summary: The President's Daily Brief
Episode: December 17th, 2024
Host: Mike Baker
Release Date: December 17, 2024

---

Introduction

In the December 17th episode of The President's Daily Brief, host Mike Baker delves into a series of critical and timely issues impacting national and international security. From journalistic missteps in conflict zones to evolving military threats and domestic immigration policies, Baker provides listeners with a comprehensive overview of the most pressing matters of the day.

---

1. CNN's Controversial Incident in Syria

Mike Baker opens the episode with an examination of a significant journalistic error by CNN in Syria. The network reported the rescue of a man from a secret Syrian prison, which was later revealed to be a member of the Assad regime's military with a history of human rights abuses.

• Details of the Incident:

  • CNN's team visited the Syrian Air Force intelligence headquarters in Damascus searching for a missing U.S. journalist.
  • They encountered a prisoner named Adol Gurbol, who claimed to have been held without basic necessities for three months.
  • The segment, initially hailed as a journalistic triumph, was widely shared and praised.

• Uncovering the Truth:

  • A Syrian fact-checking organization revealed that the prisoner was actually Salama Mohammad Salama, a first lieutenant in Syrian Air Force intelligence implicated in various war crimes.
  • Discrepancies in Salama's appearance and behavior raised suspicions, leading to further investigation.

• Quote:

  “CNN had ended up with egg on their face... the trip to the prison was unplanned, and the decision to release the prisoner was made by one of the rebel guards.”
  — Mike Baker at 04:50

• Network's Response:

  • CNN acknowledged the mistake, attributing it to being deceived by a false identity.
  • The network emphasized that the release decision was not under their direct control and committed to investigating further.

2. Israeli Military Operations in Syria

Baker transitions to discuss Israel’s ongoing military campaigns within Syria, highlighting their strategic efforts to neutralize threats from the remnants of the Assad regime.

• Key Developments:

  • The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a significant airstrike near Tardis, northwestern Syria, targeting a missile depot.
  • This strike involved the use of an "earthquake bomb," which resulted in a massive explosion measured at 3.1 magnitude by seismic sensors.
  • Analysts believe the bombing triggered a large-scale detonation of stored armaments.

• Strategic Impact:

  • Israel aims to prevent extremist factions from acquiring Assad's weaponry.
  • As of the latest reports, the IDF claims to have destroyed approximately 70-80% of Assad’s strategic military capabilities.

• Quote:

  “Israel has vowed to do everything in their power to safeguard Israeli security and ensure extremist elements inside Syria don't use Assad's weapons to threaten the Jewish state.”
  — Mike Baker at 06:15

3. China's Electronic Warfare Threats to the U.S. Navy

The discussion shifts to emerging threats from China, focusing on their strategic plans to undermine U.S. naval operations through advanced electronic warfare.

• China's Kill List:

  • The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has developed a "kill list" targeting U.S. Aircraft Carrier Strike Groups in the South China Sea.
  • The list includes critical radar systems, sensors, and communication networks essential for naval coordination.

• Tactics and Capabilities:

  • The PLA intends to use sophisticated electronic warfare weapons to disable the Navy’s wireless communication, citing it as a key vulnerability.
  • Specific targets mentioned include vessels equipped with the Aegis Combat System and the E2C Hawkeye early warning aircraft.

• Implications:

  • Disabling these systems would severely impair the U.S. Navy's ability to detect and respond to threats, leaving the fleet vulnerable.

• Quote:

  “If those radar systems are successfully knocked out, the US Navy would be left without their eyes and ears, unable to coordinate with the broader US fleet.”
  — Mike Baker at 09:45

• Geopolitical Context:

  • China's recent maritime drills near Taiwan, involving extensive naval and aerial operations, underscore their heightened military readiness ahead of potential confrontations.

4. North Korean Casualties in the Ukraine-Russia Conflict

Baker provides an update on the expanding dynamics of the Ukraine-Russia war, noting the first reported casualties among North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces.

• Conflict Update:

  • Reports indicate that at least 30 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded in combat near Russia's Kursk region.
  • Ukraine's military intelligence agency (GUR) announced these losses via Telegram, later corroborated by the Pentagon.

• North Korea's Involvement:

  • North Korea has deployed approximately 10,000 troops to support Russian operations, adhering to a mutual defense pact signed last summer.
  • However, operational challenges such as language barriers and poor coordination have hindered the effectiveness of these allied forces.

• Quote:

  “The criminals need to be taken off the street to protect our communities, and children need to be found safe from sex trafficking and forced labor.”
  — Mike Baker referencing Tom Homan's statements at 12:10

• Analysis:

  • Military analysts express concerns over the strained alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang, suggesting that cultural and operational discrepancies may lead to further setbacks for Russian military strategies.

5. Immigration Policy and Deportation Strategy

In the final segment, Baker discusses the Trump administration's revamped deportation policy as unveiled by incoming border czar Tom Homan.

• Policy Overview:

  • The administration aims for a highly targeted deportation approach, focusing on individuals who pose significant threats to public safety.
  • This strategy is a departure from broad, sweeping immigration enforcement measures previously anticipated by various media outlets.

• Meeting with NYC Mayor Eric Adams:

  • Tom Homan met with Mayor Adams, aligning their commitment to eliminating violent individuals from communities.
  • Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of not allowing dangerous individuals to find refuge in cities like New York.

• Quote:

  “This isn't going to be neighborhood sweeps and military vehicles going through the city... this is going to be a targeted enforcement operation.”
  — Tom Homan at 16:05

• Broader Objectives:

  • The deportation plan also aims to combat human trafficking and protect children from exploitation.
  • Homan highlighted the precision of the operation, ensuring that the focus remains on high-risk individuals rather than mass deportations.

• Implications:

  • This strategic shift is expected to address concerns from urban centers overwhelmed by undocumented migrants, emphasizing public safety and effective resource allocation.

---

Conclusion

Mike Baker’s December 17th episode of The President's Daily Brief offers a thorough analysis of pivotal issues ranging from media accountability in conflict zones to emerging military threats and domestic policy reforms. By weaving together insights on international relations, military strategies, and immigration enforcement, Baker equips listeners with a nuanced understanding of the factors shaping national and global security landscapes.

For more detailed updates, listeners are encouraged to engage with future episodes of the President's Daily Brief.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "[...] the trip to the prison was unplanned, and the decision to release the prisoner was made by one of the rebel guards."
  — Mike Baker at 04:50

• "Israel has vowed to do everything in their power to safeguard Israeli security and ensure extremist elements inside Syria don't use Assad's weapons to threaten the Jewish state."
  — Mike Baker at 06:15

• "If those radar systems are successfully knocked out, the US Navy would be left without their eyes and ears, unable to coordinate with the broader US fleet."
  — Mike Baker at 09:45

• "The criminals need to be taken off the street to protect our communities, and children need to be found safe from sex trafficking and forced labor."
  — Mike Baker referencing Tom Homan's statements at 12:10

• "This isn't going to be neighborhood sweeps and military vehicles going through the city... this is going to be a targeted enforcement operation."
  — Tom Homan at 16:05

---

Disclaimer: This summary excludes all advertisement, introductory, and concluding segments to focus solely on the content discussed in the episode.

Transcript

[Amazon Advertiser]

This episode is brought to you by Amazon. The holidays are here and you know what that means. It's time to get your friends and family the gifts they deserve. Take the stress out of shopping with Amazon's great deals and low prices on a huge range of items from toys to tech and much more. Whoever you're gifting for, Amazon has great prices on everything you need this holiday season. Shop last minute deals now.

[Mike Baker]

This episode is brought to you by Patriot Gold Group. Protect your retirement assets and safeguard your future. Speak with the Patriots over at Patriot Gold Now. As you may have heard, they've been the top rated gold IRA dealer for seven years in a row. That is a lot of years in a row. Go to patriotgoldgroup.com or call 1-888-621-3856. For a free investor. It's Tuesday, the 17th of December. Welcome to the President's Daily Brief. I'm Mike Baker, your eyes and ears on the world stage. All right, let's get briefed. We'll start things off today with an unusual story and a tale of the importance of due diligence out of Syria, where CNN is facing tough questions about a man they showed being rescued from a Syrian jail. New reports claim, well, he may have been more than just a prisoner. Allegedly, he was a member of deposed dictator Assad's military and possibly a torturer of political prisoners. Oops. Seems like some fact checking might have been in order. Later in the show, we'll discuss a revelation out of China. The People's Liberation army has reportedly released an electronic warfare kill list targeting US Naval assets. Plus an update from the front lines of the Ukraine, Russia war. Ukraine's military and the Pentagon report that North Korean soldiers have been killed in combat for the first time during clashes in Russia's Kursk region. And in today's back of the brief, incoming border czar Tom Homan shared details about the Trump administration's deportation plans during a meeting with New York City Mayor Eric Adams. I'll have those details in the back of the brief. But first, today's PDB Spotlight. I want to begin with what appears to be an embarrassing incident out of Syria involving a CNN reporter who helped rebel forces free a man from a secret prison facility last Wednesday, only to later discover that the man was a member of the Syrian military with a long record of war crimes on behalf of the Assad regime. Now, CNN had visited the prison in question, located at the Syrian Air Force intelligence headquarters in Damascus as part of a search for a missing US Journalist as they toured the facility, the team noticed a locked door, which a rebel guard subsequently shot open. Inside was a man who gave his name as Adol Gurbol, who claimed to have been left alone without food, water or light after being taken by Assad's intelligence services from his home three months earlier. The CNN segment showing the man's release went viral last week and was described by network representatives as, quote, remarkable. When it initially aired, it was supposed to be an amazing moment caught on video, the kind that could make a journalist's career. CNN even publicly praised reporter Clarissa Ward for finding, quote, a Syrian prisoner left behind in a secret prison, alone and unaware. The Assad regime was no more, end quote. But the network soon ended up with egg on their face. In the days that followed, a Syrian fact checking organization. Ooh, they've got one. Said the jailed man used a false identity and was actually a man by the name of Salama Mohammad Salama, a first lieutenant in Syrian Air Force intelligence with a storied history of brutality against civilians. Once again, oops. The fact checkers pointed out some initial incongruities in Salama's story, noting he appeared well groomed and physically healthy, with no visible signs of torture or injury. Hardly the profile of a man who had spent 90 days in solitary confinement. They also pointed out that in the CNN video, when he steps outside after claiming to have not seen daylight for months, Salama does not even blink. After some digging, the fact checkers found no record of an Otto Goebal in the region, which eventually led them to records that revealed his true identity. Now, in his role in Syrian Air Force intelligence, Salama managed several security checkpoints in the city of Homs, where, according to local residents, he engaged in theft, extortion, and coerced residents into becoming informants for Assad. He also had a history of detaining and torturing young men on false charges and had killed an unknown number of civilians while taking part in military operations for the Assad regime in 2014. Local residents in Holmes said his arrest by the regime occurred less than a month ago and actually stemmed from a dispute with a high ranking officer over how to divvy up extorted money. CNN has since addressed the situation, acknowledging they were likely duped, you think, by a man using a false identity. Ooh, that's tough to figure out. The network stressed that the trip to the prison was unplanned and that the decision to release the prisoner was made by one of the rebel guards. They added that CNN is now investigating the man's actual background. And will provide an update regarding their initial report. Well, let's hope they take the time to fact check their update. Now, before we shift from the Assad regime's collapse, another aspect of this situation that we're following closely here on the PDB is the ongoing operations by Israel inside Syria, where the IDF just dropped what observers are dubbing a earthquake bomb. Israel has been engaged in an air campaign, of course, across Syria since Assad's ouster, striking hundreds of strategic military targets to ensure Assad's weapons stockpiles don't fall into rebel hands. Late Sunday evening, the IDF launched one of their heaviest strikes in more than a decade, hitting targets in northwestern Syria near the city of Tardis, including a surface to surface missile depot. Now, one of the bombs that was dropped triggered a colossal explosion that was measured as a 3.1 magnitude earthquake by seismic sensors and left a fiery mushroom cloud in the sky. Dramatic video captured the blast, which analysts said likely set off a large volume of stored armaments. Israel has vowed to do everything in their power to safeguard Israeli security and ensure extremist elements inside Syria don't use Assad's weapons to threaten the Jewish state. As of Friday, the IDF estimated that they had already destroyed roughly 70 to 80% of the former Assad regime's strategic military capabilities. All right, coming up next, a report on China's kill list targeting US Naval assets and the latest from the Ukraine Russia war, where North Korean troops have reportedly been killed in combat for the first time. I'll have those stories when we come back.

Hey, Mike Baker here. Well, look at that. We managed to survive the election season in the U.S. now, as you might imagine, anytime you change administrations, there's always a certain level of uncertainty, right? Where is the economy headed? What will be the new policies? Well, that uncertainty, of course, can mean ups and downs and turbulence in the economy. But there are other factors at play as well. Outside influences working to create chaos. Look, the fact is the US dollar is in decline, with the US adding $100,000 in debt every second. Think about that. $100,000 in new debt every second. Meanwhile, the BRICS nations have introduced what they call the unit. It's a new global currency, pegged 40% to gold and 60% to BRICS currencies. You have to ask yourself, could this BRICS summit mark the beginning of a global monetary reset? I mean, it's a question worth asking. Another good question is what to do about it? What are the options when it comes to dealing with economic uncertainty and the ups and downs of the market. One answer that could be right for you is talking to the experts at.

The Patriot Gold Group.

Look, call the proud Americans of the Patriot Gold Group today. Mention PDB and you'll always get Best in Class service from Patriots Protecting Patriots. Patriot Gold Group has the no fee for life IRA where your IRA or 401k can be in physical gold and silver and you may be eligible for the no fee for Life IRA on qualifying rollovers. Call 1-888-870-5457 for a free investor guide. Patriot Gold Group is Consumer Affairs Top Rated Gold IRA dealer for seven years in a row.

That's a lot of years in a row.

Call 1-888-87057.

Welcome back to the PDB. I want to turn your attention to China as we learn that the Chinese regime under Xi Jinping is developing plans to cripple the capabilities of the U.S. navy in the event of a future conflict. China's People's Liberation army, or the pla, recently came out with a kill list of potential targets for a coordinated attack against US Aircraft carrier strike groups deployed in and around the South China Sea. In a wartime scenario, the targets, which include critical radar systems, sensors and communication systems, would be hit with concentrated fire from China's electronic warfare weapons. That's according to the South China Morning Post. The revelation comes from a report authored by a PLA analyst with China's Electronic Warfare Unit that recently appeared in the State Run magazine. The report includes a deep dive into the capabilities and vulnerabilities of the U.S. navy's Air Defense and early warning network, pointing out ways that the Chinese Communist Party, the ccp, and the PLA can leverage the system's flaws to mount a successful attack. Specifically, it focuses on how to use various forms of electronic interference to disrupt the Navy's wireless communications network, which they said is a key weakness, identifying specific vessels in the US Fleet equipped with advanced radar like the Aegis system that would be targeted. The report concludes that if those radar systems are successfully knocked out, the US Navy would be left without their eyes and ears, unable, of course, to coordinate with the broader US fleet. The CCP's researchers also singled out the E2C Hawkeye early warning aircraft as another potential target. The craft, which operates from US Aircraft carriers, plays a critical role in identifying enemy threats and coordinating the activities of the rest of the naval fleet. Additionally, the report discusses using cyberwarfare tactics to target US Military signal transponders, arguing that if exploited properly, the CCP could use them to gain access to US military networks where they could launch further cyber attacks. It's a rare and obviously concerning insight into how the CCP and PLA are wargaming a potential showdown with America. While President Elect Trump has touted his ability to bring America's many adversaries to the negotiating table, China has been ratcheting up tensions in the disputed waters of the South China Sea for months. As we discussed last week on the pdb, China recently mounted their largest maritime drill in nearly three decades in the waters around Taiwan. During the large scale exercise, which involved some 90 naval vessels, 23 Chinese aircraft were logged crossing into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone. Taiwanese security officials suggested that the timing of the drill is strategic, coinciding with the lead up to Trump's inauguration in January, which the president elect has reportedly invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend. No word yet if Xi has RSVP'd, although he'd better hurry if he plans on attending. Hotel space will be limited and it could be tough to book a rental car at this short notice. Okay, Shifting to Ukraine it's being reported that North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces suffered their first combat casualties of the war, with at least 30 soldiers killed or wounded during clashes in Russia's Kursk border region over the weekend. On Monday, Ukraine's military intelligence agency, known by its acronym gur, reported Pyongyang's losses against Ukrainian forces near three villages in a post on telegram. The Pentagon later corroborated those claims, with press secretary Major general Pat Ryder confirming that North Korean troops primarily serving in infantry roles, have been actively engaged in combat operations in Kursk for about a week. Despite the reports from the gur, it's important to note that Ryder declined to provide specific casualty numbers, citing ongoing assessments. According to the GUR's telegram post, three additional Pyongyang servicemen went missing near another village in the same region. They'll probably turn up in a couple of weeks in a pub in London. These are the first documented casualties since Ukraine and the US revealed that North Korea had deployed a minimum of 10,000 troops to bolster Russian forces despite previous skirmishes. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, under a mutual defense pact with Russia signed over the past summer, has pledged unwavering support for Moscow, cementing an alliance that obviously has raised alarm among global powers. But cracks in this partnership are apparently already beginning to show. According to military analysts, language barriers and poor coordination as a result have created operational hurdles, raising questions about the effectiveness of their joint efforts. On Sunday, the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington based think tank described the Moscow Pyongyang military alliance as a source of persistent friction, emphasizing integration and communication issues will likely continue to undermine Russian military strategy. Meanwhile, Russia's defense minister sought to counter the narrative of setbacks, claiming on Monday that Russian forces are making steady territorial gains in Ukraine, reportedly capturing approximately 12 square miles of territory daily. That's despite heavy losses. Ukraine, for its part, continues to defend its strategically significant enclave in the Kursk region, a territory that could serve as a potential bargaining chip in any future peace negotiations. And as a reality check, this conflict, well, it's approaching its three year mark. All right. Coming up in the back of the brief, incoming border czar Tom Holman reveals key details about the Trump administration's deportation strategy following his meeting with New York City Mayor Eric Adams. I'll be right back. Hey, Mike Baker here. Let's talk warranties. Yeah, I know that's exactly what you were hoping I'd say. But let me ask you this. Would you buy a car without a warranty? Well, no, of course not. What about your other big ticket purchases, specifically your home's appliances and critical systems? Well, again, the answer should be no. The bottom line is that every day is a good day when you're not worrying about your appliances and your home systems. And that's what you get with an American Home Shield warranty. With an American Home Shield warranty, unexpected breakdowns like a leaky faucet or a faulty water heater won't break the bank because covered repairs and replacements are taken care of just like that. And having that sort of reassurance, well, that's what you would call peace of mind. Choose a plan that works for you and your budget. And then it's simple. When a covered item in your home breaks, contact American Home Shield and their trusted and qualified pros will fix or replace it based on the coverage limits in your agreement. So when it comes to protecting your appliances and home systems, don't worry, be warrantied. Now, I don't know if warrantied is an actual word, but let's go with it. For 20% off plans, visit ahs.commike for more details. See ahs.comcontracts for coverage details, including limit amounts, fees, limitations, and exclusions.

[Tom Homan]

At a public urinal, it just feels like you're standing there too long. What used to seem like a high pressure hose filling a bucket, now it's more like a trickle. You notice a weaker flow, an urge to urinate more often. Sleep is interrupted by multiple trips to the bathroom, and it has steadily gotten worse. You didn't think about going to a doctor for it. They may call it enlarged prostate or bpo. I mean, no one talks about this. We're supposed to suck it up, right? That's what we do. But we know we need to do something or life is going to be different. But what can you do about enlarged prostate? The good news? There is a minimally invasive procedure covered by most insurance called the urolift system. Men 45 and older go to helpbphnow.com to find a Urolift System trained doctor near you. Most common side effects are temporary and can include discomfort when urinating, urgency, inability to control the urge, pelvic pain and some blood in the urine. Rare side effects, including bleeding and infection, may lead to a serious outcome and may require intervention. The Urolift system may be an alternative to medications or invasive surgery. Go to helpbphnow.com to learn more and find a UroLift system trained doctor near you.

[Mike Baker]

In today's Back of the Brief, President Elect Trump's incoming border czar Tom Homan has unveiled details of the administration's sweeping deportation agenda, framing it as a strategy far more targeted than initially perceived or described by a variety of media outlets and pundits. Lots of pundits. Last Thursday, Homan met with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who in a subsequent press conference announced that the two share a commitment to targeting individuals who pose the greatest threat to public safety. Adams emphasized their mutual focus on protecting communities, stating, quote, his goal is the same goal I have. We cannot allow dangerous individuals to commit repeated violent acts of violence in our cities across America, end quote. The New York City mayor later added, this city can't be a safe haven for violent individuals. The announcement marks a significant development as cities like New York City grapple with an influx of undocumented migrants, many of whom face accusations of violent crime. Adams has long called for federal intervention to address the strain on municipal resources over the past two years. Homan, speaking in an interview with Dr. Phil the same day, stressed the administration's targeted approach, stating, quote, this isn't going to be neighborhood sweeps and military vehicles going through the city, adding, quote, I told Adams, President Trump and myself have committed that this is going to be a targeted enforcement operation, end quote. The former ICE director underscored the broader objectives of the plan, including cracking down on human trafficking and safeguarding children from exploitation. Homan stated, quote, the criminals need to be taken off the street to protect our communities, and children need to be found safe from sex trafficking and forced labor. While President Elect Trump has pledged the largest deportation operation in US History. Homan stated that the effort will focus on precision and high risk individuals. For now, the alignment between Eric Adams and Tom Homan emphasizes a shared commitment to prioritizing public safety while navigating immigration enforcement. And that, my friends, is the President's Daily brief for Tuesday 17th December. You've got eight more shopping days till Christmas. If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to [e-mail] and of course, as you've probably heard from neighborhood gossip, to listen to the show ad free. Become a premium member of the President's Daily Brief by visiting PDB Premium. And don't forget, if you get a chance, take the time to stop by our YouTube channel. You can find that at President Residents Daily Brief. It's frankly the cat's meow. It's the bee's knees, the dog's bollocks. Check it out. I'm Mike Baker. I'll be back later today with the PDB Afternoon Bulletin. Until then, stay informed, stay safe, stay co.