The US: Red all over
Also: Israel, Palestine, Myanmar, China, Pakistan, and Mexico.
In today’s dispatch:
UNITED STATES. After a Republican landslide, it’s the centre that takes control.
ISRAEL. PALESTINE. Netanyahu sacks his defence minister, again.
MYANMAR. CHINA. The junta leader receives a cool reception in Kunming.
PAKISTAN. CHINA. Beijing is losing patience over the safety of its citizens.
MEXICO. The Supreme Court fails to quash a contentious reform.
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UNITED STATES. Red all over
After a Republican landslide, it’s the centre that takes control.
Donald Trump won the electoral college early Wednesday and was well ahead in the popular vote. The Senate flipped and the GOP was projected to at least retain its majority in the House. Republicans won eight of 11 gubernatorial races.
INTELLIGENCE. Exit polls suggested most votes were about the economy and migration, issues Trump dominated throughout the campaign. And in hindsight, it seems obvious why the Democrats lost. Less expected was the size of the swing, in what was universally tipped to be a tight race. Almost half the country is disappointed, but markets are ebullient. With likely control of most branches of government, Trump now faces high expectations to fix things.
FOR BUSINESS. Trump’s policies, as they stand, won’t necessarily make life better. His promises of tariffs are risky, to say the least, and not just to trade partners. And even with control of Congress, political logic suggests moderates – particularly from ranked-choice states like Alaska and Maine – will be incentivised to vote with the minority on contentious issues. Republican centrists, once thought endangered, could thus become the real winners of the race.
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ISRAEL. PALESTINE. Going twice
Netanyahu sacks his defence minister, again.
Benjamin Netanyahu replaced Yoav Gallant with Israel Katz as defence minister Tuesday, citing a "crisis of trust". Katz was in turn replaced as foreign minister by Gideon Saar, who rejoined the cabinet in September after quitting in March.
INTELLIGENCE. Gallant and Netanyahu are long-time rivals, despite both belonging to the Likud Party. Netanyahu's opponents have