Robert Pape discusses Hamas' resilience despite Israel's attacks in Gaza. Wanda Bertram talks about high US incarceration rates. They delve into strategic mistakes in the Vietnam War, Israel's military tactics, and goals in the Gaza conflict. The podcast also compares US states' incarceration rates to global data and addresses rising crime rates, migrant panic, and housing solutions.
Hamas' resilience post-Israeli bombings stems from deep embedding within Palestinian population, crucial for replenishment and support.
Successful military tactics by Israeli Defense Forces do not guarantee strategic success, requiring broader impact consideration for goals.
Hamas' integration within Palestinian society mirrors Mao's strategy, strengthening group support and resilience despite external pressures.
Israel's intense military actions in Gaza fuel Palestinian support for Hamas, highlighting the unintended consequences of heavy bombardment strategies.
US states exhibit high incarceration rates, particularly Louisiana, reflecting punitive policies hindering international comparisons and parole opportunities.
Criminalization of homelessness and mental health issues perpetuates societal challenges, emphasizing the need for public health-focused solutions over punitive measures.
Deep dives
Israel's Ineffective Actions Against Hamas
Israel's extensive bombing in Gaza has not significantly weakened Hamas, as indicated by the consistent support for Hamas among Palestinians even after months of conflict. Despite casualty numbers, including claimed Hamas fighter losses, such a body count approach does not guarantee success against Hamas, whose replenishment ability is crucial.
Tactical Proficiency of the Israeli Defense Forces
The Israeli Defense Forces demonstrate remarkable tactical proficiency, notably in airstrikes and reconnaissance. However, this prowess does not ensure strategic success, as success depends on more than just accurate targeting and extends to the broader impact of military actions on achieving long-term goals.
Hamas Integration within Palestinian Society
Hamas strategically embeds itself within the Palestinian population, akin to Mao's metaphor of 'fish swimming among the people.' This deep integration fosters support and replenishment capabilities for Hamas, strengthening its position despite external pressures.
Impact of Israel's Military Operations on Gaza
Israel's sustained military operations, including heavy bombardment, have escalated tensions and increased civilian casualties. However, rather than weakening Hamas, such actions fuel Palestinian support for the group, contributing to Hamas' growing strength and resilience.
US Incarceration Rates in Comparison to Other Countries
US states exhibit higher incarceration rates than many countries worldwide, highlighting the punitive nature of the US criminal justice system. States like Louisiana show regressive trends with policies eliminating parole opportunities, contributing to high incarceration rates despite international comparisons.
Criminalization of Homelessness and Mental Health Issues
The criminalization of homelessness and mental health challenges exacerbates societal issues, reflecting a failure to invest in public health-oriented solutions. States like Pennsylvania restricting safe injection sites perpetuate harmful approaches over community-focused interventions.
Political Response to Crime Wave Narratives
Political narratives attributing rising crime rates to law enforcement defunding post-George Floyd lack factual basis, as there were no substantial police defunding measures. Despite crime concerns, effective solutions require holistic approaches like investing in public health and affordable housing.
Role of Reformist DAs in Criminal Justice Reform
Reformist District Attorneys face pushback from law enforcement and unions seeking to maintain punitive systems. Despite opposition, progressive DAs like Larry Krasner exemplify successful reform efforts by prioritizing community well-being over carceral approaches.
Solutions to Criminal Justice Challenges
Addressing criminal justice challenges necessitates comprehensive strategies such as accessible permanent supportive housing for vulnerable populations. Approaches like housing first programs offer effective solutions to reduce criminalization and promote social stability.
Tactical Proficiency vs. Strategic Success
Distinguishing between tactical proficiency and strategic effectiveness underscores the limits of military prowess in achieving overarching objectives. While tactical excellence is valuable, it must align with sustainable strategies to attain long-term success.
Impact of Air Campaigns on Civilian Morale
Studies on historic air campaigns reveal that punitive measures against civilian populations heighten resistance and strengthen resolve. The reliance on mass bombing as a strategy often reinforces opposition and deepens societal resistance against external forces.
Robert Pape, author of a recent piece in Foreign Affairs, talks about how, despite Israel’s murderous onslaught on Gaza, Hamas is winning. Wanda Bertram discusses how US incarceration rates stack up against the rest of the world (massively) and other news on crime and punishment. See the Prison Policy Initiative's 2024 report: https://www.prisonpolicy.org/global/2024.html
Behind the News, hosted by Doug Henwood, covers the worlds of economics and politics and their complex interactions, from the local to the global. Find the archive online: https://www.leftbusinessobserver.com/radio.html
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