September 18th, 2026: China Is Being Pulled Into Saudi Arabia’s Houthi War & Russia’s Parliamentary Election
Summary
This episode examines Saudi Arabia’s appeal to China for diplomatic and military support against Houthi attacks, noting Beijing’s complex leverage over Iran. It covers Russia’s parliamentary elections, where the Kremlin excluded the anti-war Yabloko party to ensure a unified front for the war effort. The show also discusses the U.S. removing Venezuela from its drug control blacklist and hints at similar relief for Colombia. Finally, it details a major U.S. sanctions bill clearing the House, which targets Russia’s war economy and imposes tariffs on countries buying Russian energy.
Topics discussed
Show intro and daily headlines
Saudi Arabia seeks Chinese help against Houthis
Saudi missile shortages and new ballistic use
Transition to upcoming segments
Sponsor: Ultra Pouches
Russia parliamentary election and opposition crackdown
Venezuela removed from US drug blacklist
Transition to back of the brief
Sponsor: Quince clothing
Sponsor: Underdog Hemp tees
House passes major Russia sanctions bill
Outro and PDB Situation Report promo
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