Surprise! Biden announced that over the weekend the US conducted a “counterterrorism operation” (drone strike) in Afghanistan resulting in the death of senior Al-Qaeda member, Ayman al-Zawahiri. If this story sounds like half a dozen others you’ve heard before, it’s only further evidence that being considered an enemy by American leaders comes with a short life expectancy. Russian dissidents might get poisoned and Saudi critics get the bone saw, but for enemies of the American empire there is no safe haven and no due process. Al-Zawahiri was undoubtedly responsible for planning attacks that killed innocent people, so I’ll shed no tears for the Egyptian, but anytime the US flexes its willingness to kill people on the other side of the world, I reckon it’s worth paying attention.
Critics say Biden’s announcement comes at a time when his popularity is dangerously low and with midterm elections coming up, perhaps this drone strike was intended to boost public support. Right-wing talking heads are already comparing this to previous operations, similar to Obama’s announcement that Osama Bin Laden had been targeted and killed. And just as I remember hearing about Bin Laden’s death and feeling no safer, the death of al-Zawahiri doesn’t carry with it any illusion of safety.
Side Items
The first shipment of grain left Ukrainian ports as part of a negotiated deal to try and ease the growing global food crisis. 26,000 metric tons of corn are on their way to Tripoli having safely navigating the mine-filled waters of the Black Sea. Only time will tell how long this safe passage is guaranteed
The death toll in the flooding in Kentucky has risen to at least 37, with more heavy rain expected today
Madam Stonks herself, Nancy Pelosi is doing a tour of Asia, and it appears she’ll be popping by the embattled nation of Taiwan later this week for a visit. Chinese authorities have made clear that any Taiwanese visit would have major repercussions, but leave it to Ol’ Nancy to push the envelope, that’s so Nancy
Further cementing its status as the worst league on Earth, the NFL suspended Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson for six games yesterday, citing his legal issues away from the field. For the uninitiated, Watson was accused of sexual misconduct by more than two dozen (>24) women in Texas before he was made the most expensive player in league history in March
SPAM jk ily