This episode of The Intelligence from The Economist covers the upcoming Israeli election, which is largely a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political future. It also examines the effectiveness of U.S.-led counterterrorism training in Africa and profiles Cape Verde's first World Cup appearance.
Summarized by Podsumo
The Israeli election will be triggered by a coalition dispute over military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox students.
Gaza and the October 7th attack will dominate the campaign, with Netanyahu refusing to set up a commission of inquiry.
U.S. counterterrorism training in West Africa, such as Operation Flintlock, has not stemmed the spread of jihadism.
Cape Verde's World Cup squad includes players recruited from the diaspora, like an Irish defender found via LinkedIn.
"You never bet against Netanyahu. He's lost before, but he's also achieved some unimaginable comebacks."
"Jihadism has continued to spread... The evidence today is that this approach has not worked quite as well as America had hoped."
"We are not underdogs. If a nation so small like Cape Verde can qualify for the World Cup, it shows other small nations that it's possible."