Up First from NPR – November 18, 2024

NPR’s Up First delivers the three biggest stories of the day with in-depth reporting and analysis. In this episode, hosted by Leila Fadel and Steve Inskeep, the focus centers on President Biden’s recent policy shift regarding Ukraine’s missile capabilities, the dynamics of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro amidst a potential administration change, and the controversial plans proposed by President Elect Trump to combat the fentanyl crisis in the United States.

1. President Biden’s Authorization of Long-Range Missiles for Ukraine

Key Points:

• President Biden has authorized Ukraine to deploy American-made ATACMs (Army Tactical Missile Systems) with an extended range into Russian territory.
• This decision marks a significant shift in U.S. policy, traditionally cautious to avoid escalating tensions with Russia, a nuclear-armed state.
• The move is partly motivated by recent aggressive actions from Russia, including the deployment of North Korean troops aimed at reclaiming territories lost to Ukrainian forces.

Notable Discussions:

• Greg Myrie, NPR’s national security correspondent, explains the tactical advantages of ATACMs: “They should certainly help. Ukraine's argument throughout the war is that Russia can move around troops and weapons with a large degree of freedom behind the front lines on the Russian side of the border because Ukraine was unlikely to attack them from long distance. So the ATACMs will make it riskier for the Russians to operate in these areas” (04:39).

• Layla Fadel raises concerns about the timing and potential reversibility of this policy: “Could the incoming Trump administration just change this missile policy and others related to Ukraine?”

• Greg Myrie acknowledges the uncertainty: “Oh, yes, absolutely. And Trump has been saying he wants negotiations to end the war...”

Impact and Implications:

• The authorization allows Ukraine to better defend captured regions, such as the Kursk area, against Russian and allied forces.
• However, the limited number of ATACMs provided and the U.S. maintaining reserves indicate a cautious approach, balancing support for Ukraine with the risk of escalation.
• The impending administration change raises questions about the continuity of U.S. support for Ukraine, with Trump signaling a preference for negotiations over increased military aid.

2. G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro Amidst U.S. Political Transition

Key Points:

• World leaders are convening in Rio de Janeiro for the G20 Summit, with significant attention on how they will navigate policies under a potential new U.S. administration led by President Elect Trump.
• Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is advocating for progressive measures, including a global wealth tax and initiatives to combat poverty and hunger.
• The summit is set against a backdrop of global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and geopolitical tensions.

Notable Discussions:

• Tom Colicchio, NPR’s South America correspondent, provides insights into the summit’s atmosphere: “President Biden arrived here late last night... he made a stop first in the Amazon and pledged new US Funds for rainforest protection...”

• UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres emphasizes the need for accelerated action on global issues: “Race much faster, to tackle common challenges like climate change and inequality. But also, he said, strengthen global governance and institutions now” (08:14).

• Tom Colicchio highlights potential disruptions: “The wild card here will be Milei, the Argentina's president... we’ll be watching him.”

Impact and Implications:

• The summit is an opportunity for global leaders to reinforce commitments to climate action and economic reforms, even as geopolitical landscapes shift with the upcoming U.S. administration change.
• Brazil’s leadership seeks to position itself as a champion of environmental and social causes, despite domestic political challenges.
• The presence of leaders like Argentina’s Javier Milei, who aligns closely with Trump’s ideologies, introduces unpredictability into the negotiations, particularly concerning progressive proposals like the global wealth tax.

3. President Elect Trump’s Plan to Tackle the Fentanyl Crisis

Key Points:

• President Elect Trump proposes a hardline approach to the fentanyl epidemic, focusing on stringent law enforcement measures rather than the public health strategies emphasized by the Biden administration.
• His plan includes cracking down on drug traffickers and dealers, with rhetoric supporting extreme penalties, including the death penalty for major offenders.
• Experts express skepticism about the efficacy and ethical implications of these measures.

Notable Discussions:

• Brian Mann, NPR’s addiction correspondent, outlines Trump’s strategy: “Donald Trump's focus during the campaign was very different. A big pivot. He talked almost exclusively about cracking down on fentanyl traffickers and dealers, securing the border” (10:44).

• Greg Myrie reports on the proposed use of military force: “Even invoking the idea of military action in Mexico against traffickers, the worst idea anybody has ever, ever had” (11:57).

• Jonathan Culkins, a drug policy analyst at Carnegie Mellon University, criticizes the approach: “US Military strikes would do little to slow fentanyl smuggling or save American lives, but it could shatter diplomatic relations and destabilize Mexico.”

• Brandon Del Pozo, a former police chief and drug policy expert, condemns the death penalty proposal: “He called it ineffective and unethical. There are thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of Americans who are our neighbors, who are doing something that's illegal.”

Impact and Implications:

• Trump's proposed measures represent a drastic shift from the ongoing public health model, which has seen a reduction in drug-related deaths but recognizes addiction as a multifaceted issue.
• The potential defunding of programs like the Affordable Care Act under Trump raises concerns about the sustainability of progress made in addressing the crisis.
• While some segments of the population support a tougher stance, experts caution that such policies may exacerbate the problem rather than resolve it, emphasizing the need for comprehensive, long-term strategies.

Conclusion

This episode of Up First delves into critical international and domestic issues shaping the current geopolitical and social landscape. From the strategic military support for Ukraine amidst shifting U.S. policies, the complex negotiations at the G20 Summit under Brazil’s leadership, to the contentious debate over the best approach to the fentanyl crisis, listeners are provided with comprehensive insights and expert analyses. As the U.S. faces a potential administrative transition, the implications of these discussions are poised to influence both national and global trajectories in the months to come.

Notable Quotes:

• Greg Myrie on ATACMs: “They should certainly help... the ATACMs will make it riskier for the Russians to operate in these areas.” (04:39)

• Tom Colicchio on Global Challenges: “President Biden... pledged new US Funds for rainforest protection.” (07:15)

• Anthony Guterres on Global Governance: “Strengthen global governance and institutions now.” (08:14)

• Brian Mann on Trump’s Fentanyl Plan: “US Military strikes would do little to slow fentanyl smuggling or save American lives...” (11:57)

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