PDB Afternoon Bulletin | March 26th, 2025

Host: Mike Baker, Former CIA Operations Officer
Release Date: March 26, 2025
Podcast: The President's Daily Brief by The First TV

1. Largest Anti-Hamas Protests Erupt in Gaza

In a significant shift within the Gaza Strip, Gaza residents staged the largest public demonstration against Hamas since the onset of the current conflict. Hosted by Mike Baker, the bulletin delves into the growing public dissent and its implications on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Key Highlights:

• Massive Demonstrations: On Tuesday, thousands of Palestinians took to the streets in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, marking the largest anti-Hamas protest since the group's attacks on Israel in October 2023. Estimates from CNN confirm the unprecedented scale of these gatherings.

• Protesters' Voices: Demonstrators voiced their frustration and plea for peace, with chants such as, “For God’s sake, Hamas out. Hamas terrorists, and we want an end to the war” ([00:42]).

• Organized Calls for Action: A social media post from protest organizers urged further anti-Hamas demonstrations, stating, “Our voices must reach all the spies who sold our blood. Let them hear your voice. Let them know that Gaza is not silent and that there is a people who will not accept to be eradicated” ([00:42]).

• Suppression of Protests: Hamas responded swiftly and forcefully to suppress the dissent. Masked militants armed with guns and batons assaulted protesters, forcibly dispersing the gatherings. This crackdown highlights the group's determination to maintain control and silence opposition within Gaza.

• Declining Support for Hamas: Supporting the protests, a poll from the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research revealed a drop in Hamas's governing support from 46% in June to 36%. One protester encapsulated the sentiment by stating, “We refuse to die for anyone, for any party's agenda. Hamas must step down and listen to the voices of the grieving” ([00:42]).

• Implications for the Israel-Hamas Conflict: The demonstrations come a week after the fragile ceasefire broke down, leading to renewed Israeli military operations in Gaza. Notably, Hamas continues to hold 59 hostages, with at least 35 presumed dead.

Insights:

Mike Baker emphasizes the rarity of such protests and the potential impact on the dynamics within Gaza. The public's growing discontent with Hamas could signal a pivotal moment in the region's political landscape, potentially influencing future negotiations and stability.

2. US Intelligence Warns of Deepening Adversarial Collaborations

Mike Baker transitions to a critical assessment of global threats, spotlighting a comprehensive 30-page threat assessment by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). The report underscores the escalating collaboration among China's, Russia's, Iran's, and North Korea's regimes to undermine U.S. interests internationally.

Key Highlights:

• Primary Adversaries: China is identified as the foremost threat, leveraging economic power, military presence, and influence campaigns to challenge U.S. dominance, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The ODNI report predicts increased pressure on Taiwan in 2025 and continued territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas ([07:05]).

• Cyber Threats: China remains the most persistent cyber adversary, targeting both government and private sector networks. The nation is methodically pursuing advancements in artificial intelligence with the aim to surpass the U.S. by 2030.

• Russian Aggression: Russia poses an immediate military threat through its ongoing war in Ukraine. President Putin views the conflict as a legacy project and a defining confrontation with the West. The report suggests that leadership change in Moscow is unlikely, consolidating Putin's long-term regime stability ([07:05]).

• Iranian Nuclear Ambitions: While Iran has not restarted formal nuclear weapons development, its uranium stockpile has reached unprecedented levels for a non-nuclear state. National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard warns of rising momentum within the Iranian regime to pursue nuclear capabilities, compounded by continued research into chemical and biological weapons ([07:05]).

• North Korea's Militarization: Under Kim Jong Un, North Korea is expanding its weapons programs and arsenal with assistance from Russia, further destabilizing regional security dynamics.

• Collaborative Threats: The most alarming aspect is the deepening collaboration among these adversaries:

  • China and Russia: China supplies dual-use goods and key components to Russia, aiding in evading Western sanctions and recovering from military losses.
  • Iran and Russia: Iran has become Russia's primary drone supplier, receiving advanced military and cyber support in return.
  • North Korea and Russia: North Korea is sending munitions and combat troops to support Russia's war efforts, also gaining access to upgraded weapon systems and technology.

Notable Quotes:

• "Communist China is labeled the 'actor most capable of threatening US Interests globally,' even as it operates with more restraint than other U.S. adversaries" ([07:05]).
• "We refuse to die for anyone, for any party's agenda. Hamas must step down and listen to the voices of the grieving" ([00:42]).

Insights:

Baker highlights the strategic alliances forming among America’s primary adversaries, which pose multifaceted threats ranging from cyber warfare to direct military confrontations. The ODNI's assessment serves as a clarion call for the U.S. to recalibrate its national security strategy, addressing both existing and emergent challenges posed by these consolidating powers.

Conclusion

Mike Baker wraps up the Afternoon Bulletin by reiterating the importance of staying informed about these critical developments. He encourages listeners to engage with the content by reaching out via email and subscribing to premium offerings for an ad-free experience.

Closing Remarks:

• Stay Informed: “Stay informed. Stay safe, stay cool,” Baker advises, underscoring the podcast's mission to equip listeners with essential knowledge to navigate and address the nation's pressing challenges ([07:05]).

Contact Information:
For questions or comments, listeners can reach out to Mike Baker at pdb@thefirsttv.com.

Subscribe:
To enjoy an ad-free experience, become a premium member by visiting PDBpremium.com.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions from the March 26th, 2025 episode of The President's Daily Brief. The bulletin provides an in-depth analysis of significant geopolitical events, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the evolving challenges facing the United States and the broader international community.