6 chapters across the catalog
French soldiers have begun withdrawing from Niger following orders from the military junta that took power in July. While the U.S. has formally designated the takeover as a coup and suspended aid, officials stated they have no plans to remove the 1,000 U.S. military personnel currently stationed in the country. The hosts highlight the irony of the U.S. remaining while the French are ousted.
African Coup Contagion, France 24 and Douchebag Doug Analysis
The discussion examines the recent string of military takeovers across Africa, specifically focusing on the coup in Gabon that ended the 56-year rule of the Bongo dynasty. Analysis of media coverage from France 24 features "Douchebag Doug," who attributes the regional instability to jihadist insurgencies and incompetent leadership. The hosts critique the media's framing of these events and the military's role in canceling "truncated" election results.
A clip from PBS NewsHour features a reporter pronouncing "junta" with a hard "J," which the hosts compare to British pronunciations. They mock the use of "university" without the definite article as a "Britishism" adopted by American commentators. The segment focuses on the media's coverage of the military coup in Myanmar and the linguistic shifts in news reporting.
Puerto Rico Oversight Board, "Junta" Criticism
Congressman Luis Gutierrez criticizes the federal control board for Puerto Rico, labeling it an undemocratic "junta." The hosts examine the legal language of the PROMESA Act, noting the board's subpoena power and its ability to accept "bequests" and "devises." They highlight that the U.S. government is not liable for bonds issued by the board.
Myanmar Election and Aung San Suu Kyi Corruption
The hosts discuss the political situation in Myanmar, where Aung San Suu Kyi has hand-picked Tin Kyaw to serve as president because she is constitutionally barred from the office. They argue that Western media is ignoring the inherent corruption of a system where a non-elected official openly runs the government. The segment criticizes the "gaga" media coverage of Suu Kyi as a democratic icon.
Argentina Military Junta, Pope Francis Complicity Allegations
International media reports, specifically from France 24, highlight questions regarding Pope Francis's role during Argentina's military dictatorship from 1976 to 1983. Allegations of the Catholic Church's complicity with the junta are discussed alongside a photograph of Bergoglio with dictator Jorge Videla. The hosts debate whether the new Pope represents a shift toward socialism or a continuation of fascist ties.
