The Intelligence from The Economist A farewell to arms? Hamas considers its options
18 snips
Aug 15, 2025 
Nicholas Pelham, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, offers insights into the evolving dynamics surrounding Hamas. He discusses how shifting international and local sentiments might pressure Hamas to consider disarmament in exchange for Palestinian concessions. The podcast also dives into the psychological factors behind market movements, particularly the role of fear of missing out. Additionally, it reflects on Japan's WWII surrender and the emotional impact of peace declarations, giving listeners a deep historical and contemporary perspective.
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Journalist Killed Reporting Gaza
- Anas Al Sharif reported on extreme hunger in Gaza and broke down during a report before being killed in an airstrike.
- The podcast notes he and four team members were killed, contributing to 186 Palestinian journalists' deaths since the fighting began.
Hamas Offered Complete Decommissioning
- Hamas faces multilateral pressure to abandon its armed wing and political control in Gaza under a Cairo proposal.
- The proposal trades weapons and power for Israeli withdrawal, an interim technocratic administration, and an international force.
Leadership And Backers Shape Hamas's Choice
- Khalil al-Hayr, head of Hamas's Gaza wing, is pivotal in deciding whether Hamas yields to pressure.
- External backers like Iran, Hezbollah, Qatar and Turkey are weakened or losing patience, shrinking Hamas's survival options.
