Let's talk about Trump giving US Intel a black eye (out of five)....

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Belle of the Ranch 4 min 1 speaker 5 chapters transcribed 1 month ago

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What does “giving US Intel a black eye” mean in the context of the Five Eyes alliance?

Belle of the Ranch 0:01

Well, howdy there internet people it spell again So today we're going to talk about Trump giving US Intel a black eye. Normally, the phrase black eye in the intelligence world refers to a major failure when it comes to stopping an event from happening, or trying to make an event happen and failing. Or just a totally bad assessment, becoming the one that got relied upon. But that's because one of the eyes has never really gone dark like this before. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States belong to something called the Five Eyes. It's nowhere near as cool or as scary as it sounds, but it is incredibly important for each country's intelligence capabilities.

How does the revocation of US library‑card privileges affect intelligence sharing with the UK?

Belle of the Ranch 0:55

It amounts to an international intelligence library, where the countries share intelligence. Basically, James Bond has a library card at Langley. Or I guess Fort Mead, really. But to continue the metaphor, now reporting is saying that M has revoked some US library card privileges and that the UK will no longer be sharing intelligence with the US concerning the movement of illicit substances in the Caribbean. For Americans, it's important to understand that the British have all of those islands down there still, and that presence greatly benefits US intelligence. American exceptionalism says we do everything ourselves. In real life, our man in the Lesser Antilles is probably in Montserrat and definitely has a posh English accent.

Why do US actions in the Caribbean and Pacific raise legal concerns for British allies?

Belle of the Ranch 1:55

The other thing for Americans to do real quick is just kind of think back to all the stuff the UK has been cool with over the years. All the things that didn't lead to an information sharing stoppage. It's incredibly safe to assume that the UK believes US actions striking boats south of our borders is unlawful. More importantly, it appears like they believe it's unlawful to the point that simply maintaining intelligence sharing makes them culpable or puts them at risk of losing means and methods. So, one of our closest allies believes we're either wildly outside the law, and remember, an intelligence officer's whole job is to break the law. Or they believe we're incompetent. Or why not both, I guess.

What are the potential consequences for US service members and allied forces under Trump’s orders?

Belle of the Ranch 2:48

They aren't alone in their belief that US actions are violating the law. Democratic Representative Joaquin Castro of Texas said quote President Trump is ordering the US Navy to conduct extrajudicial killings in the Caribbean and East Pacific. and inciting a potential illegal war with Venezuela. In doing so, Trump is subjecting US service members to serious criminal liability. His actions now seem to put Allied service members, including British sailors, at risk of operating outside of British and international law. The United Kingdom has a choice on whether they want to participate in this illegal war President Trump is pulling them into.

What is the reported personnel issue between “Box five hundred” and the US, and why does it matter?

Belle of the Ranch 3:37

I sincerely hope they choose to not participate. He seems to have gotten his wish. Just for a little bit of extra intrigue, there's also word of a personnel issue raising tensions between Box five hundred and the US. It sounds like Patel might have gone back on a pledge to keep a person in place. Special relationship indeed. Anyway. It's just a thought y'all have a good day.

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