Mid-Atlantic - conversations about US, UK and world politics

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown dives deep into the unfolding crisis in Haiti, a nation with a rich yet tumultuous history. From its days as the world's richest colony to becoming the first black republic and now one of the poorest countries, Haiti's journey has been marked by resilience against relentless adversity. Joining us to dissect the current civil collapse is Michael John Downey, president and director general of Downey Global Strategies, an expert in geopolitical dynamics. We'll explore the historical roots of Haiti's challenges, the rise of gang violence post the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, and the humanitarian crisis that has ensued. This episode sheds light on the complexities of Haiti's plight and discusses potential pathways to stability.Show Notes:IntroductionHost: Roifield BrownGuest: Michael John Downey, president and director general of Downey Global StrategiesTopic: The civil collapse of HaitiHistorical ContextHaiti's journey from the richest colony in the Americas to the first black republicIndependence in 1804 after a brutal struggle against French colonial ruleEconomic and political challenges post-independenceModern ChallengesThe devastating 2010 earthquake and its aftermathThe assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021The rise of gang violence and control over critical infrastructureCurrent SituationPrime Minister Ariel Henry's resignation and the leadership vacuumThe international community's response and the role of foreign interventionThe humanitarian crisis: displacement, violence, and lack of basic servicesIn-Depth AnalysisThe role of historical debts and economic policies in Haiti's current stateThe impact of natural disasters compounded by ecological damageThe necessity for international aid and the challenges in its implementationFuture ProspectsPotential solutions and the role of international organisationsThe importance of addressing both immediate needs and long-term stabilityA call for understanding Haiti's plight through its history

Description:In this episode of Mid Atlantic, join host Roifield Brown in Birmingham and guests Leah Brown in Broadstairs, and Tonye Altrade in London, as they analyse the dramatic outcomes of the UK's 2024 local elections. Labour is celebrating its noteworthy victories in the West Midlands and London, while the Conservative Party grapples with significant losses, marking its worst performance since 1996. This episode delves into the implications of these results on national politics, the emerging strength of the Green Party, and the voter backlash against Labour over its stance on Gaza. We also explore the potential strategies and challenges facing each major party as they prepare for the upcoming general election.Show Notes:Labour's Celebrations: The hosts and guests discuss Labour's strategic victories and the boost this gives them as they look towards the upcoming general election. Labour's ability to capture key regions such as the West Midlands, with Richard Parker narrowly defeating incumbent Andy Street, is highlighted as a sign of growing support.Conservative Setbacks: The episode delves into the Conservative Party's significant losses, marking their worst performance since 1996. There's an in-depth analysis of the potential long-term implications for the party and the internal scrutiny on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s leadership. The discussion includes perspectives on how the Conservatives might strategize to recover from these losses and the notion of potential internal changes within the party.Rising Green and Struggling Reform Parties: The Green Party's notable gains are discussed as indicative of a shift in voter preferences towards more environmentally-focused agendas. Meanwhile, the nascent Reform Party's difficulties in establishing a foothold in the political landscape are also examined.Political Analysis by Guests: Leah and Tonye share their insights on the election results. Leah discusses the slim possibilities for optimism within the Conservative Party, despite the overall negative results, and Tonye offers a critique of Labour's position and its disconnect with certain voter bases, especially within Muslim communities affected by Labour's stance on Gaza.Voter Sentiment and Strategic Implications: The episode also explores broader voter sentiments and strategic shifts within major parties. The hosts and guests debate the potential for Labour to adjust its policies in response to the backlash over Gaza and consider the Conservatives' strategy to delay a general election in hopes of recuperating from their losses.Future of UK Politics: The discussion extends to the potential future scenarios for UK politics, including the role of independent candidates and the implications of voter turnout and new voting requirements.

In this weeks "Mid Atlantic," host Roifield Brown and guest expert Mouin Rabbani explore Palestinian politics, with a special focus on the Palestinian Authority and Fatah under Mahmoud Abbas's leadership. They look at the historical evolution of Fatah, the pivotal roles within the Palestine Liberation Organisation, and the controversial dynamics between the Palestinian factions and Israel. The discussion also touches upon the shifting public opinions and the internal and external pressures reshaping Palestinian governance and aspirations.Show Notes:Introduction to the Topic: Overview of Palestinian politics and the key focus on Mahmoud Abbas and Fatah.Guest Introduction: Mouin Rabbani, former UN Special Envoy to Syria and a contributing editor to the Middle East Report.Historical Context: The establishment of the Palestinian Authority through the Oslo Accords and its intended role.Fatah's Role and Evolution: Analysis of Fatah's foundational principles and its impact on Palestinian politics and the PLO.The Oslo Accords and Beyond: Discussion on the implications of the accords and the subsequent developments in Palestinian governance.Current Challenges and Criticisms: Addressing the issues of legitimacy, effectiveness, and public perception of Mahmoud Abbas’s leadership.The Future of Palestinian Politics: Expert insights into potential political shifts and the role of international interventions.Audience Q&A: Engaging with listeners' questions about the future of the Palestinian state and the broader geopolitical implications.Further ReadingAl Jazeera's "Palestinian Authority President Abbas fires occupied West Bank governors" discusses President Mahmoud Abbas's decision to dismiss several governors in the West Bank, an act seen as an attempt to respond to political dissatisfaction within the region. The article provides insights into the internal political dynamics and the challenges faced by Abbas's administration​ (Al Jazeera)​.WRVO's "What Palestinians in the West Bank think about the war — and Hamas" offers perspectives from Palestinians in the West Bank on their views about Hamas and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It gives voice to the sentiments of ordinary Palestinians living under the ongoing tensions and their views on the political strategies of their leaders​ (WRVO)​.Another article from Al Jazeera titled "Abbas accused of power grab after Palestinian appointments" reports on accusations against Mahmoud Abbas of consolidating power through strategic appointments within the PLO. This article explores the reactions from various Palestinian factions and the implications for Palestinian politics​ (Al Jazeera)​.The Times of Israel's "Poll: Nearly 80% of Palestinians want Mahmoud Abbas to resign" reflects widespread discontent among Palestinians with Mahmoud Abbas’s leadership, illustrating the significant public pressure he faces amidst ongoing governance challenges​ (The Times of Israel)​.

Welcome to this episode of the MidAtlantic podcast where we look at the news and views for both sides of The Atlantic. I'm your host, Roifield Brown, and joining me today are a panel of keen observers from across the globe: Kate Smurthwaite and Tonye Altrade from London, Michael Donahue from Los Angeles, and Zee Cohen Sanchez tuning in from Nevada. Today we delve into the intricate layers of one of the most unprecedented legal and political dramas in American history. the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump, who faces charges over hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, and its implications not just on American politics but on the global stage. Also later in the show, we will also cover the never-ending career of Liz Truss and her latest endeavour, the book "10 Years to Save the West."

Host Roifield Brown is joined by Michael Kaplow from the Israel Policy Forum in Washington, D.C., to dissect recent developments in Middle Eastern geopolitics. They focus on the intense dynamics following Israel's recent military actions against an Iranian consulate in Syria and the consequential Iranian missile barrage. The episode delves into the international outcry, the debate over the legality of the actions under international law, and the potential repercussions on global diplomacy.The conversation extends to Israel's internal political tension regarding its military service policy, especially concerning the ultra-Orthodox community's long-standing draft exemptions. This internal policy debate is juxtaposed with the external military engagements, providing a comprehensive view of the multifaceted challenges Israel faces both domestically and internationally.As the episode unfolds, Kaplow provides an expert analysis of the strategic missteps and potential paths forward, examining how these might influence wider regional stability and the geopolitical landscape.Talking Points from the Podcast Recent Middle Eastern Turmoil: Discussion of the recent events involving Israel's attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria, followed by Iran's missile response.International Law and Responses: Analysis of the legality of Israel's actions under international law and the global reaction to both Israel's strike and Iran's missile response.Impact of Iranian Strikes: A closer look at the specifics of the Iranian strike, including the types and number of missiles used, and the strategic intent behind the response.Calls for Israeli Restraint: Discussion on the international calls for restraint from Israel, and the potential ramifications of these calls on Israel’s foreign policy and military strategy.Israeli Military Service Plan: Israel's contentious new military service plan, focusing on the debate around ending draft exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox community and how this issue is influencing Israeli politics and society.Shadow War Dynamics: Insights into the ongoing shadow war between Israel and Iran, especially in the context of the Syrian civil war and the presence of Iranian forces in Syria.Israeli Public Reaction: Reflections on how these developments are perceived and reacted to by the Israeli public, including their concerns and expectations for future security and political stability.Future Implications for Regional Stability: Speculation on how these events might influence future Israeli actions, Iranian strategies, and overall stability in the Middle East.Key Quotes from the Episode:Michael Kaplow: "The response with over 300 missiles was nominally proportional, but the real question remains whether Iran intended a serious escalation or a show of force meant to deter without causing substantial damage."Roifield Brown: "The strike on the Iranian consulate has undeniably escalated tensions, but it also seems to be a calculated risk to pull the U.S. into a broader conflict—a move fraught with immense geopolitical risk."Michael Kaplow: "Israel's internal debate over military service is reaching a boiling point, reflecting broader societal divisions that could impact its domestic and international policies."Roifield Brown: "As we navigate through these turbulent times, the interplay between military actions and political strategies is becoming more complex, illustrating the challenges of managing internal dissent while facing external threats."

In this episode of "Mid Atlantic," host Roifield Brown speaks with seasoned journalist and former head of the BBC in London, Jane Mote. They discuss the challenges facing the BBC, including financial pressures from its traditional license fee model and the broader decline of traditional media in the UK amidst digital transformation. Moat emphasises the necessity for the BBC to adapt to changing consumer preferences, where people favour streaming services like Netflix over traditional broadcasting due to brand loyalty.Mote also touches on the BBC's role in creating and maintaining British cultural identity in a globalised media landscape. She points out the organisation's ongoing struggle with maintaining editorial independence amidst political pressures and decreasing audiences. Furthermore, Moat highlights the need for the BBC to foster diverse and inclusive content that truly reflects its audience, critiquing its current shortcomings in diversity and inclusion.Throughout the conversation, they explore the implications of digital media on traditional broadcasting and the BBC's initiatives to stay relevant. Mote advocates for a more dynamic and commercially viable BBC that can continue to serve as a beacon of British culture and journalism.

In the first of the Midatlantic Essays, I explain the failure of privatised water and why we need to bring it back into public ownership.

The podcast episode from "Mid Atlantic" with host Roifield Brown features the topic of bail and criminal justice reform in the U.S., contrasting it with the UK's approach. The guest, Jeffrey J. Clayton, Executive Director of the American Bail Coalition, https://ambailcoalition.org provides insights into the complexities of the American bail system, its historical background, current challenges, and debates surrounding reform efforts. The episode illuminates the stark differences in how bail is approached in the U.S. and the UK, highlighting the impact on freedom, equality, and justice, particularly for marginalised communities in the U.S.Key Points:Comparison of U.S. and UK Bail Systems: The U.S. system, reliant on commercial bail bonds, starkly contrasts with the UK's preference for granting bail without such bonds, raising questions about justice and equality.Disproportionate Impact on Marginalised Communities: The financial burden of bail in the U.S. often means that wealth determines pre-trial freedom, disproportionately harming black and poor Americans.Divergence in State Policies: Some states like Illinois, New Jersey, and New Mexico are moving away from monetary bonds, while others like Georgia and New York are tightening bail requirements.Increase in Pretrial Detention Rates: From 1984 to present, the detention rate has increased from 24% to 75%, indicating a shift towards mass pretrial incarceration.Challenges with Non-Monetary Pretrial Conditions: The growing use of ankle monitors, house arrest, and other conditions has become a significant and costly part of the pretrial process.Notable Quotes:"We've substituted the evils of money bail in the federal system for a system of mass federal pretrial incarceration.""The presumption of crime...really does affect people's attitudes around monetary bail and its efficacy.""Bail challenges prosecutors to act...there's no incentive to get a conviction when you've already got pretrial detention.""Our system...it's really a test of your ties to the community. Can you find a third party to put up a financial guarantee?"Organisations Advocating for Bail Reform:The Bail Project (https://bailproject.org): A national nonprofit organization that provides bail assistance and advocates for bail reform across the U.S.American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) (https://www.aclu.org): Advocates for a fairer justice system and works on various fronts, including bail reform, to ensure equality and justice for all, particularly marginalized communities.Equal Justice Under Law (https://equaljusticeunderlaw.org): Focuses on ending wealth-based discrimination in the justice system, including challenges to the cash bail system.National Bail Fund Network (https://www.communityjusticeexchange.org/nbfn-directory): A directory of over 60 community bail and bond funds across the U.S. that work to prevent incarceration and combat racial and economic disparities in the bail system.

Roifield Brown and panel navigate through the turbulent political climates of both the United States and the UK, focusing on two major stories that have captured headlines and stirred considerable debate. The episode unfolds against the backdrop of Florida's contentious new six-week abortion law and the anticipation of a landslide victory for the Labour Party in the UK's next general election.The discussion on Florida's abortion law reveals a deep-seated concern over reproductive rights, with critics arguing that the law, which imposes mandatory in-person doctor visits and a 24-hour waiting period, acts as a de facto total ban on abortion. Panelists, including Mike Donoghue from Los Angeles and Ira Shapiro from Maryland, unpack the implications of such legislation, noting its potential to drastically alter the outcome of the November election. They delve into the political underpinnings of the law, emphasising its alignment with a broader Republican agenda to restrict abortion access across the country. The conversation also touches on the judicial dynamics at play, with Shapiro providing insight into how the Florida Supreme Court could overturn decades of precedent, hinting at a politically motivated judiciary under Governor DeSantis's influence.Transitioning to the UK, the podcast explores the significant political shift indicated by recent polls, suggesting a monumental victory for the Labour Party. Such a scenario raises questions about the potential for sweeping policy reforms under a Labour government led by Keir Starmer. Panelists, including Mike Holden from Burnley and Leah Brown from Lancashire, express a mix of optimism and caution, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Labour, particularly in addressing pressing issues like the National Health Service and climate change.Bullet Points :Florida's Six Week Abortion Law:The law's implications for women's rights and reproductive freedoms.Political motivations behind the law and its potential effects on elections.The role of the judiciary and the possibility of overturning the law through a ballot measure.UK Labour Party's Potential Victory:Predictions of a landslide victory for Labour and its implications.The potential for policy reforms in health service, climate change, and economic policy.The role of leadership and public opinion in shaping political outcomes.Key Quotes from the Podcast:On Florida's Abortion Law: "This regulation... effectively acts as a total ban, complicating abortion access dramatically as political and social opposition mounts."On Political Strategy: "It's pretty clear their real goal is a full zero... targeting IVF, rules against abortion for rape and incest survivors."On the UK's Labour Victory Prediction: "We're at a historic juncture with the Conservative Party facing what could be one of its most devastating electoral defeats in recent history."On Leadership and Decision-Making: "It comes down to a misunderstanding of what it means and looks like to be a leader... people generally don't necessarily have a willingness to learn from lessons of those who have come before them."On Public Ownership and Policy Reform: "The one thing an incumbent Labour government should do is to say water, we're going to take that back into public ownership."