Summary of "The President's Daily Brief" Podcast Episode: December 30th, 2024

Host: Mike Baker, Former CIA Operations Officer
Episode Title: Putin Apologizes for Deadly Plane Crash & ‘Human Wave’ Attacks in Russia
Release Date: December 30, 2024

Introduction

In this gripping episode of The President's Daily Brief, hosted by former CIA Operations Officer Mike Baker, listeners are presented with a comprehensive analysis of several critical global events. The episode delves into the tragic Azerbaijan Airlines crash, Vladimir Putin's controversial statement, the deployment of North Korean troops in Russia, escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Azerbaijan Airlines Crash and Putin's Response [00:42 - 05:57]

Overview: The episode opens with a detailed examination of the tragic crash of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8432 near Almaty, Kazakhstan. With preliminary investigations pointing towards Russian air defense systems as the likely cause, tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia have surged.

Key Points:

• Crash Details: The passenger plane, en route from Baku to Grozny, crashed, resulting in 38 fatalities and 29 survivors.

• Survivor Accounts: Survivors reported hearing explosions and seeing blood inside the aircraft shortly after takeoff. One Azeri crew member stated:

  "[00:55] We can say with complete clarity that the plane was shot down by Russia. We are not saying that it was done intentionally, but, but it was done." – President Ilham Aliyev [00:55]

• Azerbaijani Accusations: President Ilham Aliyev publicly accused Russia of downing the plane, citing evidence of surface-to-air missile strikes and electronic warfare interference.

  "We are not saying that it was done intentionally, but, but it was done." – Ilham Aliyev [04:15]

• Putin's Statement: Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a statement expressing regret over the incident occurring in Russian airspace but stopped short of accepting responsibility.

  "We regret that the tragedy occurred in Russian airspace." – Vladimir Putin [04:52]

• Historical Context: The episode references the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 in 2014, highlighting Russia's consistent denial of responsibility despite evidence.

Analysis: Baker underscores the improbability of Azerbaijan receiving accountability from Russia, given Moscow's history of deflecting responsibility in similar incidents. The nuanced nature of Putin's apology—expressing regret without admission—reflects a pattern of evasiveness.

2. Deployment of North Korean Troops in Russia’s Military Operations [06:23 - 09:10]

Overview: The podcast shifts focus to the harrowing reports of North Korean troops being deployed by Russia in human wave attacks against Ukrainian forces, exacerbating the conflict's brutality.

Key Points:

• Human Wave Tactics: North Korean soldiers are reportedly being used in massed, dismounted assaults with minimal protection, leading to high casualty rates.

  "They're being forced into waves of assaults against Ukrainian defenses with little concern for their survival." – John Kirby, White House National Security Council [07:05]

• Suicide Incidents: Reports indicate that some North Korean soldiers are committing suicide to avoid capture, driven by fear of reprisals against their families under Kim Jong Un's regime.

  "Some captured North Korean troops could not be resuscitated, suggesting their own people are executing them in an effort to prevent their capture." – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy [08:20]

• Casualty Estimates:

  • Ukrainian President Zelenskyy claims over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded in the past week.
  • John Kirby cites a lower figure of more than 1,000 deaths, corroborated by South Korean intelligence.

• Strategic Impact: The deployment of 11,000 North Korean troops has led to unprecedented Russian casualties, with over 45,000 Russian military losses reported in November alone.

Analysis: Baker highlights the desperation underlying Russia's military strategy, deploying highly indoctrinated and expendable troops in futile assaults. The significant casualty figures illustrate the unsustainable nature of this approach, further straining Russia's war efforts.

3. Escalation Between Afghanistan and Pakistan [09:10 - 12:41]

Overview: The conflict between Afghanistan's Taliban government and Pakistan has intensified following reciprocal military strikes, deepening regional instability.

Key Points:

• Taliban Strikes: In retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes that killed 46 people in Afghanistan's Paktika Province, the Taliban launched attacks targeting multiple points within Pakistan.

  "These strikes were aimed at dismantling hideouts and coordination centers tied to malicious elements and their supporters orchestrating attacks inside Afghanistan." – Afghan Defense Ministry spokesperson [10:15]

• Pakistan’s Defense: Islamabad defends its actions as necessary to eliminate strongholds and training facilities of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

  "They were necessary to neutralize strongholds and training facilities of the TTP." – Pakistani Military Official [10:40]

• Historical Tensions: The dispute over the Durand Line, a colonial-era border, remains a core issue, with Afghanistan refusing to recognize Pakistani territory beyond this demarcation.

  "We do not consider it to be the territory of Pakistan, therefore, we cannot confirm the territory." – Afghan Taliban spokesperson [10:55]

• Cycle of Retaliation: Both nations accuse each other of harboring terrorists, perpetuating a cycle of violence and distrust.

Analysis: Baker emphasizes the deep-rooted and complex nature of Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, exacerbated by mutual accusations and retaliatory strikes. The perpetuation of violence hampers regional stability and thwart efforts towards peace.

4. Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter [12:41 - End]

Overview: In the concluding segment, Baker pays tribute to Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, who passed away at the age of 100. He reflects on Carter's enduring legacy both during and after his presidency.

Key Points:

• Early Life and Presidency: Jimmy Carter's journey from a peanut farmer to the White House, emphasizing his commitment to integrity and compassion.

  "Vowing to lead a government as good and honest and decent and compassionate and filled with love, as are the American people." – Jimmy Carter's campaign promise [12:50]

• Major Achievements:

  • Camp David Accords: Facilitated the historic peace treaty between Israel and Egypt.
  • Diplomatic Relations with China: Formalized ties with Communist China, building on Nixon's groundwork.

• Challenges:

  • Iran Hostage Crisis: Over 444 days of captivity for 52 Americans, culminating in a failed rescue mission.
  • Economic Struggles: Faced stagflation and an energy crisis, contributing to his defeat in the 1980 election.

• Post-Presidency Contributions: Founded the Carter Center, focusing on humanitarian efforts, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, and actively participated in Habitat for Humanity projects.

• Personal Life: Celebrated a 77-year marriage with Rosalynn Carter, marking the longest presidential union in American history.

Analysis: Baker highlights Carter's transformation from a political outsider to a revered humanitarian, underscoring his significant contributions to peace and public service. Carter's legacy extends beyond his presidency, embodying unwavering dedication to global and domestic betterment.

Conclusion

Mike Baker's episode of The President's Daily Brief offers a profound and in-depth exploration of pivotal global events and historical reflections. From the contentious Azerbaijan Airlines crash and its geopolitical ramifications to the grim realities of North Korean troop deployments in Russia and the volatile Afghanistan-Pakistan relationship, the episode provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of complex international dynamics. Additionally, the heartfelt homage to Jimmy Carter encapsulates the enduring impact of his life and legacy on American and global society.

For those seeking to stay informed on pressing international issues and historical milestones, this episode serves as an invaluable resource, delivering insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of the most significant topics shaping our world.

Notable Quotes:

• Ilham Aliyev on the Plane Crash:

  "We can say with complete clarity that the plane was shot down by Russia. We are not saying that it was done intentionally, but, but it was done." [04:15]

• John Kirby on North Korean Troops:

  "They're being forced into waves of assaults against Ukrainian defenses with little concern for their survival." [07:05]

• Jimmy Carter’s Campaign Promise:

  "Vowing to lead a government as good and honest and decent and compassionate and filled with love, as are the American people." [12:50]

Stay Informed: For more detailed analyses and updates, listeners are encouraged to visit The President's Daily Brief YouTube channel or subscribe through their preferred podcast platform.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the December 30th, 2024 episode of "The President's Daily Brief" podcast, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the original episode.