Chapter
The Difficulties of Pardoning Viktor Bout
15:01 - 25:35 (10:34)
US officials avoided confirming any potential pardon deal for Viktor Bout, a notorious arms dealer currently serving 25 years in US prison for conspiring to kill US citizens, stating that they don't want to incentivize bad behavior. Despite the pressure to pardon him, his controversial reputation and past dealings with terrorist organizations makes it difficult for the White House to consider a deal, potentially satisfying Putin and his history of stoke social division in the United States.
Clips
The US government is refusing to entertain requests to exchange prisoners with Iran after the wife of arms dealer Viktor Bout appealed for her husband’s freedom in exchange for the release of an Iranian held in the US.
15:01 - 21:21 (06:20)
Summary
The US government is refusing to entertain requests to exchange prisoners with Iran after the wife of arms dealer Viktor Bout appealed for her husband’s freedom in exchange for the release of an Iranian held in the US. The US argues it does not want to incentivize further bad behaviour, but Mara Karlin, a former senior Pentagon official, has questioned the stance.
ChapterThe Difficulties of Pardoning Viktor Bout
EpisodeHow Brittney Griner Became a Political Pawn
PodcastThe Daily
The difficult situation faced by the White House with respect to Brittney Griner's imprisonment in Russia and its potential exploitation by President Putin to stoke social division in the United States.
21:21 - 25:35 (04:14)
Summary
The difficult situation faced by the White House with respect to Brittney Griner's imprisonment in Russia and its potential exploitation by President Putin to stoke social division in the United States. The frustration among the supporters of Griner due to her identity is also a concern.