February 24th, 2025: Twin Islamist Terror Attacks Strike Europe & Trump Shakes Up Military Leadership

Summary

Podcast Summary: The President's Daily Brief

Episode: February 24th, 2025: Twin Islamist Terror Attacks Strike Europe & Trump Shakes Up Military Leadership
Host: Mike Baker
Release Date: February 24, 2025

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Introduction

In the February 24th, 2025 episode of The President's Daily Brief, hosted by former CIA Operations Officer Mike Baker, listeners are presented with a comprehensive overview of pressing global and national issues. The episode delves into recent Islamist terror attacks in Europe, significant changes in U.S. military leadership spearheaded by President Trump, developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and major arrests within Mexico's Sinaloa cartel.

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Islamist Terror Attacks in Europe

Timestamp Highlights: [00:54] – [05:55]

The episode begins with alarming news of two Islamist terror attacks that rocked Europe over the weekend, signaling a disturbing uptick in violent extremism across the continent.

1. Berlin, Germany

   • Incident Details: On Friday evening, near the Brandenburg Gate at the memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe, a 19-year-old Syrian refugee attacked a 30-year-old Spanish man.
   • Victim Status: The victim sustained life-threatening injuries and was placed in an artificial coma but has since stabilized.
   • Motive: Authorities suspect a religious motive, as the attacker possessed a Quran, a prayer rug, and a note with Quranic verses and the attack date. [02:52] Co-Host remarked, "Investigators believe that the motive behind the attack was religious."

2. Mulhouse, France

   • Incident Details: The following day, a 37-year-old Algerian man launched a stabbing spree at a local market in Mulhouse, resulting in the death of a 69-year-old Portuguese man and injuries to two police officers.
   • Suspect Profile: Already on France's terror watch list, the assailant had been under house arrest after being ordered to leave the country following his release from detention in June. [03:53] Co-Host emphasized, "The suspect was already on France's terror watch list and had been under house arrest."

3. Pattern of Violence

   • Historical Context: Mike Baker highlighted a series of similar attacks in Europe over recent months, including incidents in Munich, Solingen, and Mannheim, pointing to a growing threat. [05:00] Mike Baker stated, "As we've seen in previous months, terror attacks in Europe have become increasingly frequent."

4. Political Impact in Germany

   • Election Results: The surge in violence influenced Germany's snap elections, where the conservative CDU/CSU alliance secured a 28.7% vote share, positioning Friedrich Merz as a potential next Chancellor. The far-right AfD also achieved a historic 19.8%, while the ruling Social Democrats faced their worst defeat since World War II with only 16.4%. [05:37] Mike Baker noted, "The rise in violence has fueled the growth of right-wing anti-immigration parties."

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Trump’s Military Leadership Shakeup

Timestamp Highlights: [08:20] – [21:08]

A significant portion of the episode focuses on President Trump's decision to overhaul the U.S. military leadership, reflecting his administration's priorities.

1. Removal of General Charles Q. Brown

   • Action Taken: President Trump dismissed Air Force General Charles Q. Brown, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, citing concerns over the military's focus on diversity initiatives at the expense of combat readiness. [08:22] Mike Baker reported, "Trump fired Air Force General Charles Q. Brown... as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff."
   • Background of Brown: Brown, a four-star fighter pilot and only the second Black general to command the position, had steered U.S. military strategy in critical regions like Ukraine and the Middle East. [08:43] Co-Host added, "Brown steered U.S. military strategy in pivotal theaters from the front lines of Ukraine to the volatile expanse of the Middle East."

2. Appointment of Lt. Gen. Dan Kane

   • New Leadership: Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan Kane was appointed as the new Chairman. [10:14] Co-Host questioned, "So with CQ Brown out, who is going to be the next top military officer?"
   • Controversy: Kane lacks the traditional qualifications, such as serving as a combatant commander or holding a four-star rank, potentially leading to intense scrutiny during the Senate confirmation process. [11:27] Mike Baker explained, "Trump's shakeup underscores a broader effort to reshape the military's leadership, prioritizing combat effectiveness."

3. Administration’s Rationale

   • "America First" Strategy: The administration aims to reorient the armed forces towards warfighting, moving away from what it perceives as a "woke drift" in military policy. [09:08] Co-Host summarized, "America first strategy."
   • Defense Secretary’s Support: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described Kane as embodying a "warfighter ethos," aligning with the administration’s vision. [11:29] Co-Host mentioned, "Hegseth described Kane as the embodiment of a 'warfighter ethos.'"

4. Impact and Reactions

   • Pentagon Reorganization: The shakeup includes the removal of several top Pentagon officials, signaling a significant shift in military leadership. [09:45] Co-Host stated, "Brown's exit is just one element in a cascade of high-level Pentagon removals."
   • Capitol Hill Debate: These abrupt changes are expected to ignite heated discussions among lawmakers regarding the direction of the military and its leadership criteria. [09:27] Co-Host commented, "The abrupt dismissals are likely to spark heated debate on Capitol Hill."

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Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Developments

Timestamp Highlights: [11:03] – [16:43]

The brief also covers the fragile state of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, highlighting recent tensions and setbacks.

1. Delay in Palestinian Prisoner Releases

   • Netanyahu’s Decision: Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the postponement of releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, attributing the delay to Hamas's "humiliating ceremonies" during hostage handovers. [11:27] Co-Host noted, "Israel will not proceed with additional prisoner releases until Hamas ends the propaganda spectacles."
   • Affected Prisoners: Over 600 Palestinian prisoners were set for release, including high-profile figures like Amar Zaban, a senior Hamas leader. [15:28] Co-Host specified, "Amar Zaban, a senior Hamas figure sentenced to 27 life terms."

2. Hamas’s Actions and Deceptions

   • Misinformation: Hamas delivered remains to Israel, initially claiming they were those of Shiri Beavis. Forensic analysis revealed discrepancies, leading to accusations of deceit. [13:42] Mike Baker reported, "forensic analysis revealed that the hostage remains returned as those of Shiri Bibas were not hers."
   • Global Condemnation: The International Red Cross and the UN condemned Hamas's actions, labeling them exploitative and manipulative. [14:11] Co-Host stated, "the UN and the International Red Cross... labeled them exploitative."

3. Hamas’s Response and Ongoing Negotiations

   • Hamas’s Stance: Hamas claims the ceremonies were meant to showcase humane treatment, contradicting Israeli accusations. [15:01] Co-Host relayed, "the orchestrated ceremonies were meant to demonstrate humane treatment."
   • Ceasefire Stability: Negotiations for a second phase of exchanges remain stalled, with Hamas demanding a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza—conditions Netanyahu and President Trump firmly reject. [16:03] Co-Host highlighted, "Hamas has made clear that it will not release additional captives without a permanent ceasefire."

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Crackdown on the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico

Timestamp Highlights: [18:08] – [20:57]

The final major topic addresses the U.S. and Mexico's intensified efforts against the notorious Sinaloa cartel amidst escalating pressure from the Trump administration.

1. Arrests of High-Ranking Cartel Members

   • Key Figures Detained: Mexican authorities arrested Jose Kenobio Ensunza and Kevin Alonso, two pivotal operatives within the Sinaloa cartel's Los Chapitos faction, known for drug production and smuggling operations. [18:34] Co-Host explained, "Ensunza was deeply embedded in the operational corps of Los Chapitos."
   • Charges: Ensunza faces charges related to drug trafficking and financing cartel security forces responsible for protection and violent turf wars. [19:01] Co-Host detailed, "He played a key role in drug production and smuggling networks."

2. U.S. Designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization

   • Implications: The impending designation of the Sinaloa cartel as a foreign terrorist organization would grant the U.S. enhanced legal tools to seize cartel assets and prosecute members with the same rigor as traditional terrorist groups. [19:55] Mike Baker outlined, "The designation... would give Washington new legal tools to go after cartel assets."
   • Mexican Response: President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the U.S. move as an overreach, expressing concerns over sovereignty and the potential for unilateral military intervention. [20:21] Co-Host reported, "Sheinbaum... warned that it was made without consulting her government."

3. Strategic Tensions Between U.S. and Mexico

   • Border Security: The crackdown comes amid ongoing tensions over cartel-related violence and the influx of fentanyl into the United States. [18:32] Co-Host noted, "Tensions between Washington and Mexico City have steadily escalated."
   • Future Cooperation: It remains uncertain whether these arrests will satisfy U.S. demands or if further actions will be taken to curb the cartel’s influence. [20:25] Co-Host posed, "Whether these latest arrests will be enough to appease Washington... remains an open question."

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Conclusion

The February 24th episode of The President's Daily Brief offers a detailed examination of critical security and political developments both domestically and internationally. From the unsettling rise of Islamist terror in Europe and strategic military leadership changes in the U.S., to the delicate dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire and the robust crackdown on Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, the podcast equips listeners with essential insights into the multifaceted challenges facing America and its allies.

Notable Quotes:

• [09:08] Co-Host: "America first strategy."
• [11:27] Mike Baker: "Prioritizing combat effectiveness and aligning the Pentagon's policies with his administration's vision."
• [20:21] Co-Host: "Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum... warning that it was made without consulting her government."

For in-depth analysis and daily updates on America’s most pressing challenges, The President's Daily Brief continues to be an invaluable resource.

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Stay informed, stay safe, and stay engaged.

Transcript

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[Mike Baker]

It's Monday, the 24th of February. Welcome to the President's Daily Brief. I'm Mike Baker, your eyes and ears.

[Co-Host]

On the world stage. All right, let's get briefed. We'll start today's show with a pair.

[Mike Baker]

Of deadly Islamist terror attacks in Europe this weekend. A brutal stabbing in Berlin and a.

[Co-Host]

Violent spree in France underscore the growing threat across the continent. Later in the show, President Trump shakes up his military leadership, removing Air Force General Charles Q. Brown, known as C.Q. brown, as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.

[Mike Baker]

Of Staff, and appointing retired Air Force.

[Co-Host]

Lt. Gen. Dan Kane as his top U.S. military officer. Plus, just days after Hamas delivered the remains of the wrong person to Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu has announced a delay.

[Mike Baker]

In the release of hundreds of Palestinian.

[Co-Host]

Prisoners until the terror group ends the, quote, humiliating ceremonies staged during hostage handovers. And in today's back of the brief, Mexican authorities have arrested two high ranking members of the Sinaloa cartel. Just days before the Trump administration designated it and other Mexican gangs as foreign terrorist organizations. It's almost like they've known where the cartel leaders have been all this time, but didn't have any motivation to arrest them. But perhaps that, that just makes me sound cynical. All right, first up, today's PDB Spotlight. This weekend, Europe was rocked by a pair of Islamist terror attacks that highlight.

[Mike Baker]

An alarming trend of increasing violence across the continent. The first attack occurred on Friday evening in Berlin near the Brandenburg Gate at the memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe. The victim, a 30 year old Spanish.

[Co-Host]

Man, was approached from behind by a 19 year old Syrian refugee who stabbed him in the neck.

[Mike Baker]

The victim suffered life threatening injuries and.

[Co-Host]

Doctors had to place him in an artificial coma.

[Mike Baker]

Thankfully, he's since stabilized and is no.

[Co-Host]

Longer in critical condition.

[Mike Baker]

The suspect, who arrived in Germany as.

[Co-Host]

An unaccompanied minor in 2023, was carrying a Quran, a prayer rug and a.

[Mike Baker]

Piece of paper with Quran verses and.

[Co-Host]

And the date of the attack written on it.

[Mike Baker]

Investigators believe that the motive behind the attack was religious.

[Co-Host]

Oh, you think? With authorities revealing that the suspect had.

[Mike Baker]

Been planning to kill Jews for several.

[Co-Host]

Weeks, the clues are building up.

[Mike Baker]

This was confirmed by his statements to.

[Co-Host]

The police and the choice of the memorial as his target. Just One day later on Saturday, a second attack took place in Mulhouse. That's a city in eastern France on.

[Mike Baker]

The border with Germany and Switzerland.

[Co-Host]

The attack site was a local market. It occurred around 4pm When a 37 year old Algerian man went on a stabbing spree, shouting Al Akbar multiple times. Well, yeah, that again, seems like a clue regarding motivation. The assailant killed a 69 year old.

[Mike Baker]

Portuguese man who was attempting to intervene and injured two police officers, both of.

[Co-Host]

Whom are now in serious condition. The suspect was already on France's terror.

[Mike Baker]

Watch list and had been under house.

[Co-Host]

Arrest after being ordered to leave the.

[Mike Baker]

Country following his release from a detention center in June.

[Co-Host]

Now if this sounds wacky, let me.

[Mike Baker]

Just read that to you again. The suspect was already on France's terror.

[Co-Host]

Watch list and had been under house.

[Mike Baker]

Arrest after being ordered to leave the.

[Co-Host]

Country following his release from a detention center in June. The French government is treating the attack as an act of Islamist terrorism. Oh well. Well done, Poirot. President Emmanuel Macron was quick to condemn.

[Mike Baker]

The attack, calling it without any doubt an act of Islamist terrorism. End quote.

[Co-Host]

The assailant's background and actions mirror a.

[Mike Baker]

Disturbing pattern of individuals linked to terrorist.

[Co-Host]

Activity, underlining the challenges of course authorities.

[Mike Baker]

Face in preventing such attacks. Now, if you've been listening to the.

[Co-Host]

President's daily brief, you'll know that these incidents are not isolated events. As we've seen in previous months, terror attacks in Europe have become increasingly frequent. Earlier this month, an Afghan migrant drove his car into a crowd in Munich, killing a mother and her child and injuring dozens more. Just this January, another Afghan national killed a 2 year old boy and a 41 year old man in a knife attack.

[Mike Baker]

In December, a Saudi refugee drove an SUV into a Christmas market crowd in Magdeburg, killing six and injuring hundreds. Another attack by an Islamist in Munich in September.

[Co-Host]

There was another by a Syrian asylum seeker in August in Solingen. Another by an Afghan refugee in Mannheim in May. Well, you get the point. I suppose you're beginning to see a pattern here. The timing of these attacks couldn't be more significant as they came just days before.

[Mike Baker]

Germans were set to head to the.

[Co-Host]

Polls for snap elections which were held yesterday. The rise in violence has fueled the growth of right wing anti immigration parties.

[Mike Baker]

And the results of yesterday's elections in.

[Co-Host]

Germany reflected that fact.

[Mike Baker]

The conservative CDU CSU alliance secured the largest vote share of 28.7%, positioning their leader, Friedrich Mertz, to potentially become the.

[Co-Host]

Next Chancellor, replacing Olaf Scholz.

[Mike Baker]

The far right AfD achieved a historical result with 19.8% making than the second.

[Co-Host]

Largest party, the ruling Social Democrats, SPD.

[Mike Baker]

Well, they suffered their worst defeat since.

[Co-Host]

Post World War II with only 16.4%. All right, now before we go to the break, a quick reminder. Don't forget that you can always check.

[Mike Baker]

Out the President's Daily Brief on YouTube.

[Co-Host]

At our juggernaut of a YouTube channel. You can find that at President's Daily Brief.

[Mike Baker]

Just a reminder, it's more of a.

[Co-Host]

Public service announcement really.

[Mike Baker]

Coming up next, President Trump shakes up his military leadership and Prime Minister Netanyahu delays the release of Palestinian prisoners until.

[Co-Host]

Hamas ends its, quote, humiliating ceremonies during hostage handovers. I'll be right back.

[Mike Baker]

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[Co-Host]

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[Mike Baker]

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[Co-Host]

In a shakeup at the Pentagon, President.

[Mike Baker]

Trump fired Air Force General Charles Q.

[Co-Host]

Brown, known as CQ Brown, as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Friday in a move rooted in concerns by the administration that the military was increasingly fixated on diversity initiatives at the expense of its combat readiness.

[Mike Baker]

Brown, a four star fighter pilot and.

[Co-Host]

Only the second black general ever to command the post steered U.S. military strategy in pivotal theaters from the front lines of Ukraine to the volatile expanse of.

[Mike Baker]

The Middle east over the course of the past 16 months.

[Co-Host]

During his tenure, Trump announced the decision.

[Mike Baker]

Via Truth Social, offering thanks for CQ Brown's over four decades of service, while signaling a resolute pivot towards his administration's.

[Co-Host]

Quote, america first strategy. Now. This sweeping Pentagon shakeup was orchestrated in tandem with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, also a critic of what he derides as the quote woke drift in military policy.

[Mike Baker]

Forms, the latest chapter in a broader campaign to reorient the armed forces squarely toward war fighting.

[Co-Host]

Hegseth, who has long questioned whether military.

[Mike Baker]

Leaders are selected for merit or race, previously called for Brown's removal. In his book the War on Warriors.

[Co-Host]

Heath argued that any general prioritizing DEI or diversity, equity and inclusion programs should.

[Mike Baker]

Be shown the door.

[Co-Host]

Brown's exit is just one element in a cascade of high level Pentagon removals, which also swept out Chief of Naval Operations Lisa Franketti, the Navy's first female leader, along with Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force James Slife and.

[Mike Baker]

Several top military legal advisors as well.

[Co-Host]

Just for good measure. In all, six Pentagon officials were fired in the ensuing reorganization. Admiral James Kilby was rapidly tapped as.

[Mike Baker]

Acting Chief of Naval operations.

[Co-Host]

So with CQ Brown out, who is going to be the next top military officer? Well, I'm glad you asked. Trump took to Truth Social to announce his intention to nominate retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan Kane as Brown's successor.

[Mike Baker]

Praising Kane as a, quote, real general.

[Co-Host]

Not a television general. Trump contrasted him with what he deems ineffective military leadership. And that's a sentiment he echoed just days earlier at a Miami summit where the president lamented and how often do you hear people lamenting, quote, we have the greatest military in the world, but we don't have the greatest top top leadership, end quote. Kane, who retired in December, previously earned Trump's favor during his first administration. While in Iraq, Kane was asked by the commander in chief why it would.

[Mike Baker]

Take years to end the fight against.

[Co-Host]

The Islamic State, and Kaine argued that.

[Mike Baker]

The fight could be wrapped up in.

[Co-Host]

As little as a week if executed his way. And that remark essentially is emblematic of the administration's appetite for swift, decisive action. Yet even as the administration touts Kaine's robust credentials, including his time piloting F16s similar to that of CQ Brown and.

[Mike Baker]

A stint as associate director for military.

[Co-Host]

Affairs at the CIA, his appointment is currently in controversy. Traditionally, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is expected to have served.

[Mike Baker]

As a combatant commander or service chief.

[Co-Host]

And to hold a four star rank.

[Mike Baker]

As a three star general.

[Co-Host]

Kaine does not meet these conventional requirements. And though Trump wields the authority to waive such requirements, Kaine's nomination is poised to face intense scrutiny during the Senate confirmation process. In defending the selection, Defense Secretary Hegseth described Kaine as the embodiment of a, quote, warfighter ethos and the right leader for the moment. For now, Trump's shakeup underscores a broader effort to reshape the military's leadership, prioritizing combat effectiveness and aligning the Pentagon's policies with his administration's vision. However, the abrupt dismissals are likely to spark heated debate on Capitol Hill. But to be fair, nowadays everything sparks heated debate on Capitol Hill. Okay, Turning now to the Israel Hamas ceasefire, the agreement faces new uncertainty after Israel postponed the scheduled release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners Saturday, citing concerns over what it calls, quote, humiliating ceremonies staged by Hamas during hostage handovers.

[Mike Baker]

The decision, announced early Sunday by Prime.

[Co-Host]

Minister Netanyahu's office following the return of six Israeli hostages, deepens doubt about the fragile agreement. The reversal came after more than 600.

[Mike Baker]

Palestinian prisoners had been boarded on buses at Ophir Prison preparing for release in what would have been the largest single.

[Co-Host]

Day exchange since the ceasefire began.

[Mike Baker]

Instead, Israeli authorities ordered them to disembark.

[Co-Host]

And return to their cells. According to a former commander of the Israel Prison Service Southern Division, the prisoners.

[Mike Baker]

Spent hours with waiting before learning that.

[Co-Host]

Their release had been canceled. Israel's move follows growing outrage over Hamas's handling of both living hostages and the.

[Mike Baker]

Remains of deceased captives.

[Co-Host]

Last week, as reported on the pdb, Netanyahu accused Hamas of committing a, quote, cruel and malicious violation after forensic analysis.

[Mike Baker]

Revealed that the hostage remains returned as.

[Co-Host]

Those of Shiri Bibas were not hers.

[Mike Baker]

Nor did they belong to any other.

[Co-Host]

Known hostage, while the bodies of her.

[Mike Baker]

Two young children, Ariel, aged four, and.

[Co-Host]

Kfir, just nine months old when taken.

[Mike Baker]

Were correctly identified upon their return. The deception sparked a firestorm of condemnation.

[Co-Host]

In Israel and renewed calls for a tougher stance against the Iran backed terror group.

[Mike Baker]

Adding to the anger, widely circulated footage.

[Co-Host]

From Saturday's hostage handovers showed captives paraded before cheering crowds, forced to wear military uniforms and in some cases coerced into.

[Mike Baker]

Displaying gestures of gratitude toward their captors.

[Co-Host]

Yeah, the scenes drew swift condemnation, as you might imagine, from the UN and the International Red Cross, which labeled them exploitative. Yeah, that'd be about right.

[Mike Baker]

Notably, these were the last living hostages expected to be freed under the ceasefire's first phase. Netanyahu's office stated that Israel will not proceed with additional prisoner releases until Hamas ends the propaganda spectacles and guarantees dignified treatment of hostages.

[Co-Host]

Hamas predictably responded by accusing Israel of.

[Mike Baker]

Fabricating pretexts to avoid fulfilling its obligations. A member of Hamas's political wing went.

[Co-Host]

So far as to claim that the orchestrated ceremonies were meant to demonstrate humane treatment rather than mistreatment. Oh under the original agreement, Israel was set to release 602 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday, including including 50 currently serving life sentences for deadly attacks against Israelis and.

[Mike Baker]

60 others serving lengthy terms. Nearly 100 of those slated for release were to be deported, among them Amar.

[Co-Host]

Zaban, a senior Hamas figure sentenced to 27 life terms for orchestrating multiple terror attacks while leading the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade during the second intifada.

[Mike Baker]

Meanwhile, the body of Shiri Beavis was.

[Co-Host]

Finally returned to Israel on Saturday after Hamas attempted to pass off another body as hers earlier. In a statement, the family revealed she was murdered in captivity, though they have yet to receive confirmation on just specifically how she and her children died.

[Mike Baker]

Hamas continues to deny responsibility.

[Co-Host]

Really? They captured them, took them hostage on the 7th of October. They're dead now and Hamas won't take responsibility.

[Mike Baker]

Instead, they're blaming an Israeli airstrike.

[Co-Host]

The Israel Defense Forces reject that claim.

[Mike Baker]

Maintaining that forensic evidence suggests her children.

[Co-Host]

Were brutally murdered early in their captivity. Negotiations for a second phase of exchanges, meant to include further hostage releases and.

[Mike Baker]

A long term ceasefire set to begin.

[Co-Host]

One March, have yet to commence. Despite initial talks being scheduled for early February, Hamas has made clear that it will not release additional captives without a.

[Mike Baker]

Permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

[Co-Host]

Demands that Netanyahu, with backing from President Trump, flatly rejects. As both sides remain entrenched in their positions, the ceasefire's future and the broader prospects for regional stability obviously remain highly uncertain. Alright, coming up in the back of the brief, Mexico announces the arrest of key members of the Sinaloa cartel. I'll be back with those details.

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[Co-Host]

In today's Back of the brief Just.

[Mike Baker]

Days before the Trump administration officially labels the Sinaloa cartel and other gangs as.

[Co-Host]

Foreign terrorist organizations, Mexican authorities arrested two.

[Mike Baker]

Of that cartel's top operatives in what.

[Co-Host]

Appears to be a direct response to mounting US Pressure.

[Mike Baker]

The arrests come at a pivotal moment.

[Co-Host]

Tensions between Washington and Mexico City have.

[Mike Baker]

Steadily escalated over cartel violence and the.

[Co-Host]

Relentless flood of fentanyl into the United States. On Wednesday, in the cartel's stronghold of northwest Mexico, authorities took Jose Kenobio Ensunza into custody. Now, according to the US Department of Justice, Kenobio in Suza was deeply embedded in the operational corps of Los Chapitos. That's a faction of the Sinaloa cartel.

[Mike Baker]

Run by El Chapo Guzman's sons. Prosecutors say he played a key role.

[Co-Host]

In drug production and smuggling networks, overseeing the flow of cocaine and fentanyl into the U.S. his arrest, well, didn't come out of nowhere. A Chicago grand jury indicted him in.

[Mike Baker]

November on charges of drug trafficking and.

[Co-Host]

Financing a cartel security force responsible for.

[Mike Baker]

Protecting leadership and engaging in violent turf.

[Co-Host]

Wars maintain Los Chapitos dominance in the trade. Then, in a move that emphasizes Mexico's effort to show that it's taking action.

[Mike Baker]

Authorities scored another major hit less than 24 hours later.

[Co-Host]

In the same region, they arrested Kevin.

[Mike Baker]

Alonso, figure said to be critical to.

[Co-Host]

The cartel's security apparatus, overseeing weapons procurement and managing protection for senior cartel figures.

[Mike Baker]

But it's the Trump administration's looming decision.

[Co-Host]

To classify the Sinaloa cartel as a foreign terrorist organization that may prove even more consequential.

[Mike Baker]

The designation, which places the cartel and.

[Co-Host]

Other groups, including Ms. 13 and Venezuela's TDA gang, would give Washington new legal.

[Mike Baker]

Tools to go after cartel assets and.

[Co-Host]

Members with the same sweeping authority used against international terrorist organizations. Unsurprisingly, the move sparked backlash in Mexico City. President Claudia Sheinbaum wasted no time in slamming the decision, calling it an overreach.

[Mike Baker]

And warning that it was made without consulting her government.

[Co-Host]

Her remarks underscore a deeper concern within Mexico's leadership that the US could use.

[Mike Baker]

That designation as a pretext for unilateral military intervention. Trump has openly floated that idea of.

[Co-Host]

Deploying US Forces to fight cartels, an idea that's been met with fierce resistance in Mexico. For now, Mexico is walking a. Well, let's call it a delicate tightrope, shall we?

[Mike Baker]

Seeking to demonstrate a crackdown on cartel.

[Co-Host]

Leadership without conceding to demands that could.

[Mike Baker]

Be seen domestically as an erosion of sovereignty.

[Co-Host]

Whether these latest arrests will be enough to appease Washington, or if the US Will intensify matters, well, that remains an open question. And that, my friends, is the President's.

[Mike Baker]

Daily brief for Monday 24th February.

[Co-Host]

Now, if you have any questions or.

[Mike Baker]

Comments, please reach out to me at pdb@the firsttv.com and to listen to the show ad free. Well, you know what to do. It's very simple. Become a premium member of the President's.

[Co-Host]

Daily Brief simply by visiting PDB premium.com I'm Mike Baker and I'll be back.

[Mike Baker]

Later today with the PDB Afternoon Bulletin. Until then, stay informed, stay safe, stay cool.

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